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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

Cost of formula / essentials

12 replies

Rebekah77 · 16/02/2023 20:19

Trying to get prepared and workout what is actually needed

how much does formula feeding cost you currently per week ?

what essentials do you need for formula feeding ? Jug or prep machine are they just hype or useful ?

Thanks In advance

OP posts:

tealandteal · 16/02/2023 20:26

I mix feed and pump so can’t comment on weekly cost but I wouldn’t buy too much in advance in case baby is not keen on that bottle. A good steriliser that you have room for in your kitchen is a must, I have a microwave one which suits us. Think about how you will feed out and about as well, I use ready made as it’s not often and I have the bf option as well but you may need to think about taking hot water and cool water out and about.

NatMoz · 16/02/2023 20:30

My baby is 14 months and has only just been weaned off formula.

We would buy one tub of formula a week. I have a microwave steriliser and i used the prep machine constantly.

A prep machine isn't compulsory but i loved mine.

100% formula fed.

Original poster

Rebekah77 · 16/02/2023 20:43

Thanks that’s super helpful

One tub a week does not sound too bad , thank you

don’t use a microwave so just thinking what might be useful , thank you

breastfeeding isn’t possible so trying to feel out a bit what is really needed .

Thanks so much 💜

OP posts:

Lilbunnyfufu · 16/02/2023 20:46

No prep machine here we just make bottles the old fashioned way and cool down in a jug of water.

I can't be bothered with a prep machine having to change filter etc cost more than the old fashioned way.

We use a tub of formula a week.

We use mam bottle so don't need a sterilisers has they can be done in the microwave.

WorryMcGee · 16/02/2023 20:47

Nuby Rapidcools are amazing! Quite often on offer via Amazon.

Gamechanger2019 · 16/02/2023 20:51

Tub of formula a week, and when newborn I’d go through 10 nappies a day but I might have been extreme because I wanted to avoid nappy rash. Stock up on wipes, and cheaper ones for when weaning. Good luck!!

Tangfastic91 · 16/02/2023 20:52

If you don't have a microwave then definitely Milton cold water sterilising is the way to go. You buy the tablets and a big container and away you go. Don't need to rinse the bottles either!

Formula wise we went through about 3 tubs every 2 weeks before weaning kicked in and we tapered off a bit. You'll also use less for a newborn than a 5 month old.

OgdensGoneNutFlake · 16/02/2023 20:56

Aldi and lidl formula is much cheaper.
We had a perfect prep machine that I got off marketplace for a tenner and was a godsend. Think I bought the filter off ebay for similar price.

Bells3032 · 16/02/2023 20:57

I used one tub about every 6 days though it lasted a bit longer at the start. It's 13.50 a tub for aptamil but I know the aldi is a bit cheaper. They're all kind of the same so go for whatever is easiest.

We used the prep machine and loved it. I did the old fashioned way on holiday and absolutely hated it. Just make sure you clean it regularly and itll be fine.

You also need a steriliser (though mam bottles you just add water to and stick in the microwave). I liked a Milton bucket cold water sterilisers (about £15) with milton tablets - thry were £2.50 for 40 days supply, bottle brushes and washing up liquid.

WhatHappenedToYoyos · 16/02/2023 20:58

Tangfastic91 · 16/02/2023 20:52

If you don't have a microwave then definitely Milton cold water sterilising is the way to go. You buy the tablets and a big container and away you go. Don't need to rinse the bottles either!

Formula wise we went through about 3 tubs every 2 weeks before weaning kicked in and we tapered off a bit. You'll also use less for a newborn than a 5 month old.

Exactly this.

A good option is the ready made 200ml formula bottles for feeding on the go. So much easier than a hot water flask etc.

First DC we had a perfect prep machine so made bottles on demand but for second DC we just premade bottles from the kettle for the day. You'll soon realise if your DC is fussy for warm milk or not!

tealandteal · 16/02/2023 21:01

Oh and when you chose your brand check what they sell in your local shop. Our big Tesco has lots of brands but that’s not where I would be going if I had run out and the local that I can walk to has only two brands.

mummummy2 · 15/10/2025 08:34

Rebekah77 · 16/02/2023 20:19

Trying to get prepared and workout what is actually needed

how much does formula feeding cost you currently per week ?

what essentials do you need for formula feeding ? Jug or prep machine are they just hype or useful ?

Thanks In advance

Just saw this thread while scrolling! When we were fully formula feeding, we went through roughly one tin a week, sometimes a bit more depending on how much baby was drinking. It worked out to about £10–£15 a week using standard formula, though it can be more if you go for the pricier brands.

As for essentials, we found the baby brezza formula pro advanced really handy. It’s not a must-have, but it’s made things so much easier for us. It mixes bottles at the right temperature in seconds, which is brilliant when you’re half asleep at 3am. We also keep a few extra bottles, a bottle brush, and a drying rack. That’s pretty much all we’ve needed.

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