Life
12 Baby Feeding Essentials Moms Recommend Over & Over Again
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From day one with our babies we know life revolves around three things: eating, diapers, and sleep. When I had my first baby, I knew sleep would come eventually and the endless diapers seemed to speak for themselves (rather messily, I might add). But when it came to food, I felt a little lost.
I didn’t know if I was giving her what she needed, especially as she started growing. Did she even like what I was giving her? And what was the best choice for each stage? I quickly learned the best source for information was other moms, especially when it came to recommendations for feeding essentials that actually work.
In the spirit of sharing those same recommendations with you, Romper has teamed up with Target to find out which feeding products moms just can’t get enough of. To do this, I tapped into my own network of mom friends who've helped me with product recommendations throughout my parenting journey. Whether you’re just starting out with breastmilk or formula, or you’re looking for most wholesome first foods and the yummiest snack options, these are the feeding favorites that moms just like you and me can’t stop recommending.
1Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
If you’re feeding your baby formula, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of options, but this Enfamil NeuroPro formula powder is a great place to start. Just take it from my friend Andrea: She's a mom and a foster mom whose foster baby was sent home from the hospital with this formula, and she attests that the baby handled it beautifully.
2Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula With Iron
Listen: If you find you have to try a few different formulas, don’t be discouraged! There are so many varieties that can make feeding time easier. Annie, a mom of an adorable newborn, mixes the Enfamil NeuroPro and this Similac ProAdvance to get the best blend for her baby.
3Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher
Another great formula tip is to use the Dr. Brown Formula Pitcher.
“It's a total lifesaver to be able to blend up 32 ounces first thing in the morning so that [it's] ready to just pour and heat," says Rebecca, a mom of two. "It saves precious minutes at feeding times, and I love that I only have to deal with measuring and counting scoops of formula once a day!”
4Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Newborn Starter Gift Set
Breastfeeding moms have a large number of product options as well. Meredith, a lactation consultant and supermom of two, recommends starting with bottles that have a wide base and fewer pieces for easier cleaning.
“I usually recommend starting with just one to three simple bottles and see how the baby does," she says. "Make sure that any bottle you purchase has slow flow nipples on them to help the baby go back and forth between bottle and breast.” This gift set comes from a trusted brand, and is a great way to try a few sizes and nipple types.
5HappyBaby Oatmeal Baby Cereal
Knowing what's in the food we give our kids is so important. That’s why moms love Happy Baby Oatmeal Baby Cereal.
“I love the Happy Baby baby oatmeals and cereals since the ingredients are very straightforward and they have options with grains like quinoa too, which is a nice thing to be able to offer a baby,” says Amy, a mom of three who has enough experience with baby food to make her a verified expert.
6Gerber Single Grain Rice Baby Cereal
One of the most common early foods for baby is rice cereal. Heather, a mom of one with another on the way, started her daughter with Gerber Rice Cereal with great results, and is planning on introducing the same recipe to her new little one.
7Beech-Nut Organics Just Carrots
Since Heather’s daughter moved on from rice cereal, it's been all about variety! She loves being able to give her daughter great food like Beech-Nut Just Carrots to teach her to try all different flavors from the start.
8Gerber Sitter 2nd Foods Non-GMO Baby Meals
As baby gets a little older, finding hearty baby food options is key, and mom-of-two Casey says her son loved the thicker texture of these Gerber purees, which are a great fit for babies who are further along on their journey with solids.
9HappyBaby Clearly Crafted Apples Blueberries & Oats
Beyond the bottles mentioned above, Meredith, a breastfeeding mom of two and lactation consultant, let me know that Happy Baby products support breastfeeding initiatives while also providing nutritious snacks for her kids. “I like the squeeze packs for quick on-the-go meals and snacks if we're out and about.”
10Happy Yogis Mixed Berry Organic Yogurt & Fruit Snacks
These snackable favorites are great for more than just their high quality and taste. “The drops are great for working on the pincer grasp, plus keeping the baby entertained while I’m getting lunch or dinner ready!” Meredith shares.
11Plum Organics Mighty 4 Organic Toddler Food
Sometimes we worry that our kids aren’t getting all the nutrients they need. That’s one of the things Amy, mom of three kids with very different palates, loves about pouches like Plum Organics. “My son — who is very picky — loves them, so we depend on the pouches to fill the nutritional holes by picking the veggie-heavy ones.”
12Earth's Best Organic Sunny Day Toddler Snack Bars
Finding snacks that don’t make a mess makes a mom’s life so much easier! That’s why Brianna, who's already got her hands full with three little ones, loves giving her son snacks like Earth’s Best Strawberry Cereal Bars. “He absolutely loves them and they don’t crumble apart like other bars I’ve gotten.” Happy baby, less work for mom, and a nutritious snack? That’s a win!
This post is sponsored by Target.
