Baby Feeding Essentials

Baby Feeding & Nursing Essentials

Make your baby's meal time a comfortable bonding experience with feeding and nursing essentials. Pottery Barn Kids has a vast selection of items that make feeding time more efficient. Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed, or are feeding your baby solid food, these accessories can make things easier for both of you. There are feeding and nursing items for every age and stage, so you're sure to find something that suits you and your baby.

Nursing Pillows

The right nursing pillow can make all the difference when it comes to you and your baby's respective comfort levels. One of the most popular types of nursing pillows is the Boppy. It's ring-shaped for ergonomic comfort, and it contains high-quality polyester fill for soft support. This pillow lets you position your baby at the best angle for feeding; it can also be used to support your baby when learning to sit or enjoying tummy time.

Boppy pillows come in a variety of colors and prints, so you're sure to find one that coordinates beautifully with your nursery decor. You can even have them monogrammed with your baby's initials for a personalized touch. The slipcovers on these pillows can be removed and laundered in your washer and dryer for easy cleaning.

Breast Pumps

Preparing bottles of breast milk for your baby is easy with today's breast pumps. These pumps come in manual and electric varieties, so you can choose the type that suits your preferences. There are breast pump kits that include everything you need, from the pump itself to accessories like breast shields, bottles, and tubing accessories. Some kits include a carrying bag, so you can take your pump and accessories wherever you go.

Electric breast pumps are great when it comes to ease of use; however, there are times when a manual pump is needed. For example, if your electricity goes out and you need to pump milk, a manual pump will come in handy.

Baby Bottles

Bottles are a necessary item that every baby needs. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your baby's stage of development. When shopping for bottles, it's good to pick up more than you think you might need. That way, you'll always have a clean bottle at the ready. Look for BPA-free bottles crafted from breakproof materials like borosilicate glass. Some bottles have silicone covers for a comfortable, slip-free grip.

Babies between the ages of 0 and 3 months can use a 4-oz. bottle, while babies older than 3 months need an 8 or 9 oz. bottle to accommodate their growing nutritional needs. When it comes to bottle cleaning, most are dishwasher safe. You can also use dish detergent and a bottle brush to scrub them clean; just make sure to rinse well with hot water so there's no soapy residue left behind.

Food Preparation Appliances

Preparing your own baby food is a breeze with the right appliance. There are multifunctional appliances designed specifically for this purpose, such as the Beaba Cooker. This appliance steams fruits and vegetables in only 15 minutes, and it lets you blend the food into consistencies ranging from smooth to chunky to suit your baby's needs. It also defrosts and reheats, so you can warm up baby food that you've already prepared and stored.

Plates, Bowls & Utensils

Your baby's portions are small, so it's a good idea to have baby-sized plates and bowls on hand. Look for pieces crafted from durable materials like silicone or melamine, so they won't break when dropped. Most plates and bowls designed for babies are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, and some are microwave-safe for convenient warming. Dishes designed for babies come in all kinds of colors and patterns, from sweet pastels to vibrant primary hues.

Babies also need utensils designed just for them. Look for sturdy yet soft silicone utensils, which are more comfortable for your baby than metal utensils. There are sets that come with plates, bowls, and spoons, so you don't have to buy each piece separately.

High Chairs

When your baby gets big enough to sit on their own, it's time for a high chair. These chairs have a feeding tray on which the food is placed, and they're designed to wipe clean easily with a damp cloth. Some high chairs convert into big-kid chairs, so you don't have to buy a new seat for your growing child. Most high chairs are adjustable, and some even recline and have footrests for luxe comfort.

Other Feeding Accessories

You might also want to keep bibs on hand for feeding time to keep spilled food or drink from getting on your baby's clothes. Soft washcloths are another good idea; just make sure you choose a fabric that's gentle on baby's skin.

It's never been easier to feed your baby in comfort and style. With so many functional accessories to choose from, it's simple to make meal time hassle-free.