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Here are some products to make baby feeding time easier for parents – we have tried to divide them into essentials and non essentials for baby’s feeding time.

Feeding time can bring lots of joy and fun, but it can also be a stressful time for new parents. We have an in-built need to nurture our young, so if it is not going well we can feel that we are failing in some way.

Essentials for feeding time

Breast Pads

6 Washable  – $10 for a packet
OR
Disposable breast pads $20 for box of 50
Washable breast pads have a definite advantage in the comfort stakes and are easy to wash with your normal washing. However, some people find disposable pads more convenient.

6 Bibs

$4 – 12
Make sure they are BIG and easy to get on and off. Velcro do-ups are excellent.

Highchair or Booster Seat

$100 – 300
Baby won’t need a highchair until they are sitting up to feed – this is usually at about 6 months of age. There are lots of things to consider when buying a high chair. Read our Highchairs article to find out what you need to look out for. If you are choosing to buy a highchair second hand, you should check out our safety list in this article first.

‘Nice to Haves’ Equipment for feeding time

Feeding Pillow

$50 – 100
While you get the hang of breastfeeding a feeding pillow can be useful, however a comfy pillow off your bed works just as well.

Breast Pump

$90 – 300

Expressing milk gives you the freedom to leave baby with a caregiver while you are still breastfeeding and it also helps to stimulate milk flow if baby is not suckling properly in the early days. There are various pumps available, so talk to your midwife or Plunket nurse about the different options available.

Visit our Kiwi Families article Expressing Your Milk by mum and midwife, Paula Skelton, for more information on breast pumps.

2 – 6 Bottles

$6 – 15 each
If you are planning to bottle feed your baby right from the start, then you will need to buy these prior to the birth. If you are planning to breastfeed then do not introduce a teat to the baby while you are establishing breastfeeding as the sucking action is very different between breast and a bottle teat.

Sterilization Unit

$50 – 150
If you are bottle feeding you will need a sterilizer or sterilization unit. To find out more about the different options, check out our Sterilizers article.

Spill Mat

$10 – 20

Handy for having under the highchair, especially if there is carpet underneath. Make sure the mat sits flat around the edges (so people don’t trip over it!), and it can be easily washed. One that can be thrown in the washing machine or hosed down is perfect.

Useful Articles

To read about the things to consider when buying Highchairs click here.

There are many different types of Sterilizers on the NZ market – click here to read about your options.

For more information on Expressing Your Milk or Bottle Feeding visit our articles in this Babies section.

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Paula Skelton is a qualified NZ nurse and midwife, a midwifery & childbirth educator and the mum of three lovely girls.

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