For a newborn baby, the number of bottles you need depends on feeding style, frequency, and how often you want to wash them. Here are general guidelines:
- Newborns (0-1 month) typically feed every 2-3 hours, requiring about 8 to 12 bottles to avoid constant washing and ensure smooth feeding
- If you are exclusively formula feeding, having 8-12 bottles is recommended for convenience and flexibility, especially during busy days or nighttime feeds
- For breastfeeding parents who occasionally use bottles (e.g., for expressed milk), 2-4 bottles may suffice
- From 1 to 6 months , feeding frequency decreases to every 3-4 hours, so 6 to 8 bottles are usually enough
- If your baby attends daycare full-time, about 12 bottles are recommended to cover two days without washing, as daycares often require bottles to be taken home daily for cleaning
- Bottle size matters: smaller bottles (around 4 oz/120 mL) are suitable for newborns but require more frequent refilling and cleaning, while larger bottles (8 oz/240 mL) suit older babies and reduce the number needed
In summary, starting with around 8-10 bottles for a newborn is a practical approach, adjusting the number as your baby grows and feeding patterns change