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, and will eventually need replacing

• Can absorb odours or stains with prolonged use

• Not all plastics are the same — 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 

• Breakable — risk of chipping around the neck, cracking, or shattering (a protective sleeve can help prevent this)

Silicone 

Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible

• Heat-resistant 

• Microwave-safe

Cons:

• May degrade with sunlight and 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

• Heat-resistant 

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, sticky, or worn, as these can trap bacteria and affect feeding. Teats are usually made from silicone or latex.

Silicone Teats

Pros:

• Most common type, so easy to find and usually more affordable

• Strong, durable, and long-lasting — won’t lose their shape quickly

• Easy to clean and doesn’t absorb smells or colours

Best for: Families wanting a practical, sturdy teat that will last and stay hygienic.

Latex Teats

Pros:

• Very soft and flexible — feels more natural for some babies

Cons:

• Wears out faster than silicone and may need replacing more often

• Can absorb odours or stains over time

• Sensitive to heat, sunlight, and UVC sterilisers (always check the manufacturer’s instructions)

• Some babies can develop a latex allergy

Best for: Babies who reject silicone teats, or breastfed babies that need a softer feel.

Flow Rate

Teats usually come in slow, medium, or fast flow.

• Newborns generally need slow-flow teats.

• As babies grow, you may move to medium and then fast flow, depending on their feeding behaviour and the thickness of the formula.

• Aim for feeds to take about 20 minutes 
• Don’t rely only on the age label — always watch how your baby feeds.

Signs the flow may not be 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). 

When to Replace Teats

• Visible cracks, thinning, or other wear and tear

• Sticky texture or discolouration

• Baby is ready to move to a faster flow

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.