The first few months of a baby’s life can seem like a blur of feeding, burping, changing, settling and repeating.

Some days, you don’t even manage to shower until noon and you keep wondering whether it’s Monday or Wednesday. It’s a good thing those precious newborn cuddles make it all worthwhile.

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding or a bit of both, having the feeding essentials and advice at your fingertips can make your life easier and prevent you from turning into a frazzled mess. There’s nothing worse than searching for a clean baby bottle at 3 a.m. when your little one is screaming for milk!

In this article, we’ll go over:

• The importance of choosing non-toxic feeding products
• Products that make nursing and bottle-feeding your baby easier
• Our non-toxic nursing and bottle-feeding product picks

Scroll down to learn more!

 

The importance of choosing non-toxic feeding products

At The Tot, we never use or recommend anything that hasn’t passed The Tot Safety Test. This means we’ve looked deep into third-party testing, examined ingredients lists and asked in-depth questions about a product’s composition.

When it comes to nursing and bottle-feeding products, this is particularly important because things like bottles and breastmilk storage bags are coming in direct contact with your baby’s breastmilk or formula. While you may look out for products that say BPA-free, it’s crucial to know if they have replaced the BPA with another type of bisphenol like BPS.

While there are some safe plastic options, we like to opt for materials like:

• Silicone
• Glass
• Stainless steel

Free from known toxic-chemicals, these plastic alternatives offer a much safer feeding experience for both you and your baby.

Here is our list of chemicals we always avoid in baby products and why:

PVC

PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl, is an incredibly toxic chemical that is harmful to our bodies and to the environment right from the production phase through to disposal. It contains additives like phthalates, lead, cadmium, organotin that are quite toxic and have been linked to asthma, allergies, reproductive problems and cancer.

 

Harmful phthalates

Many phthalates are known endocrine disruptors associated with asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.

 

BPA + BPS (bisphenols)

Bisphenols mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to prostate cancer, breast cancer, female infertility, and obesity. BPA is an especially dangerous endocrine disruptor since even small amounts of this chemical have been shown to cause serious reproductive damage, especially when the exposure occurs in utero.

 

Click here to read the full list of ingredients we avoid across every category.

 

Products that make nursing and bottle-feeding easier

As a mix of parents who’ve exclusively breastfed our babies, bottle-fed our babies and formula-fed our babies or did a mixture of all of them, we’ve had a lot of experience when it comes to what types of products you will want to have by your side.

Here are our top picks for feeding essentials that will help you keep your baby fed and happy:

• Expert breastfeeding advice + nursing essentials
• Nursing/maternity pillow
• Organic cotton burp cloths + swaddle
• Breast pump
• Silicone baby bottles
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle sterilizer
• Nipple balm

Scroll down to see our product picks for each!

 

Non-toxic nursing & feeding essentials

 

Expert Breastfeeding Advice + Nursing Essentials

 

 

While breastfeeding may come easily for some, it can be an arduous uphill battle for many.

That’s why we worked with a registered lactation consultant to create a booklet filled with her expert advice, tips and tricks. She also hand-selected the best non-toxic nursing essentials.

Exclusively available at The Tot, this nursing set includes:

• Expert breastfeeding advice
• Organic cotton breast pads
• Organic nursing balm
• Organic cotton nursing cover
• Silicone breastmilk storage bags + tray

 

Nursing & Infant Lounger Pillow

 

 

Feeding (or simply holding) a baby can take a huge toll on your neck, back and shoulders.

This is where a solid nursing pillow comes in! Designed to help provide the support your baby needs to thoroughly latch, the Nook Niche Organic Feeding will be your absolute best friend.

The best part: you can also use it for belly support when pregnant, as an infant lounger, to help your baby sit up and more!

 

Burp Cloth + Swaddle

 

 

 

A lot of babies are supremely skilled at spitting up, which is why you can never have too many burp cloths and swaddles.

We really like the organic cotton burp cloths from HART + LAND because they’re the perfect size for wiping little cheeks (which helps protect them from milk rash) while also protecting our shoulders from the dreaded milk layer.

The Pehr Love Bug Swaddle is also a must because the larger surface area means you can drape it over your shoulder/ baby to help keep them from getting distracted while feeding.

Both free from chemicals like pesticides and formaldehyde, you’ll be amazed with how soft they are!

 

Breast Pump

 

 

Thinking about pumping? Well, it’s a good thing you’re alive in this day and age because brands like Willow have made it an absolute breeze!

Their hands-free pump slides discreetly into your bra to catch your milk. Talk about mama superpowers!

 

Non-toxic Baby Bottles

 

 

If you’re going to be bottle-feeding your baby, then you’re going to want just the right bottles for your feeding journey..

Olababy’s Gentle Bottle’s off centred nipple are made to mimic a natural breast, which encourages baby to latch and avoid bottle rejection. It is made from medical grade silicone and has an integrated dual-venting anti-colic system. While one bottle doesn’t fit all, we have yet to meet a baby that doesn’t love this option!

 

Baby Bottle & Food Warmer

 

 

Ever wondered why you’re not supposed to microwave a baby’s milk? It’s because it can create ‘hot spots’ and potentially burn your baby’s mouth.

A safer option is something like the Boon Orb Warmer. The best part: this tiny but mighty guy will warm baby food too!

 

Bottle Sterilizer

 

 

First introduced in Korea in 2008, Upang creates state of the art and eco-friendly baby bottle sterilizers that work with UV light rays and are proven to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria including the H1N1A flu virus and candida.

Registered with the FDA as a medical device, this machine can sterilize more than just bottles! With this all-in-one sterilizer, you can dry, sterilize, and remove odors from just about anything at the touch of a button.

 

Organic Nursing Balm

Just like when buying bottles and burp cloths, you need to be mindful of what could be potentially lurking in your personal care products!

Certified organic and free from parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates (and every other ingredient we avoid), Erbaviva’s Nursing Balm can help prevent and sooth sore, cracked nipples!

 

 

Need to make your baby registry? 

Get yours ready today with the Tot Baby Registry!