What Equipment Do I Need for Formula Feeding?

There are many different ways to prepare formula and clean your baby's bottles—so your setup will depend on what suits you and your family best. Below are the essentials, plus some optional tools that can make life easier.

Formula Feeding Essentials

These are the basic items you'll need to get started:

• Bottles and teats

• Kettle (for boiling water)

• Bottle brush and dishwashing liquid (ensure you have a dedicated bottles brush to clean bottles and teats thoroughly)

• Sterilising supplies choose a method that suits your routine)

Helpful Extras (Nice to Have)

• Thermos – handy for storing warm, pre-boiled water for feeds on-the-go.
• Formula dispenser – allows you to pre-measure powdered formula for quicker prep, especially helpful during night feeds or while travelling.
• Bottle warmer –electric or portable models can help warm bottles safely, though most still take around 10 or more minutes.
• Formula preparation machine – some parents find these convenient but they are more expensive and aren’t essential.

Choosing Bottles & Teats

Try Before You Commit

Start with one or two bottle and teat to see how your baby responds—and to make sure it fits your steriliser or warmer. If you end up exclusive formula feeding you may need 6-8 bottles per day. 

Bottle Options

Plastic 

The most common plastics used are PP (polypropylene) and PPSU (polyphenylsulfone). All plastic baby bottles sold in Australia are BPA-free, following a voluntary phase-out of polycarbonate bottles in 2010.

Pros 

• Lightweight and durable

• Widely available and affordable

• Compatible with a range of teats

Cons:

• May wear out, discolour, or become cloudy over time

• Can absorb odours or stains with prolonged use

• Not all plastics are created equal — PPSU is more heat resistant and durable than PP.
• May degrade with heat, sunlight or use in a UVC steriliser (check the manufacturer's guidelines).

Glass 

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting with proper care

• Microwave-safe

Cons:

• Heavier 

• Issues with being breakable as they can chip around the neck, crack, or even shatter. Some bottles come with a protective sleeve.

Silicone 

Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible

• Heat-resistant 

Cons:

• May degrade when used in a UVC steriliser (check the manufacturer's guidelines).

• May not hold shape as well during feeding (varies by design)

   

Stainless Steel 

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Not microwave-safe

• Usually hard to measure or see formula level inside

• Fewer options

• Heavier 

Other Bottle Features

You may want to explore:

• Wide-neck bottles – easier to clean and fill

• Anti-colic systems – designed to reduce air intake and help with gas or reflux

• Self-sterilising bottles – can be sterilised in a microwave with just water

Teats 

Check teats regularly and replace any that are cracked or worn, as these can trap bacteria and affect feeding.

Types:

• Silicone: The most common choice. Durable, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
• Latex: Softer and more flexible, but wears out faster and may cause allergies in some babies.

Flow Rate:

• Typically labelled as slow, medium, or fast.

• Newborns usually need slow-flow teats, progressing to medium and then fast flow as they grow.

• Choose a flow rate based on your baby’s age, feeding behaviour and formula thickness—not just the label.

• Watch for signs the flow isn't right:

  • Too slow – baby gets frustrated, feeds take too long, or they fall asleep before finishing

  • Too fast – baby gulps, coughs, splutters, or excessive milk spills from their mouth (note a little from the corners of the mouth is not a concern and this stops as babies get older). 

• Aim for feeds to take about 20 minutes 

When to replace teats:

• Visible wear and tear, including cracks or thinning. 

• Sticky texture or discolouration.

• Baby needs to move to a faster flow teat.

Sterilising Supplies

Keeping your bottles sterile is important, especially for babies under 3 months. Learn more in our article on cleaning and sterilising baby bottles here, including the pros and cons of each method.

Sterilisation Options:

• Antibacterial Cold Water Sterilisation: Antibacterial tablets or liquid (e.g. Milton)

• Microwave Steam Steriliser: Available as large containers or individual-use bags

• Benchtop Steam Steriliser

• UVC Steriliser

Final Tip

There’s no one-size-fits-all setup—start with the basics and build your feeding kit around what works best for your routine, budget, and lifestyle. What matters most is safety, ease of use, and your baby’s comfort.