Meet the Winners of the 2023 What to Expect Feeding Awards

What to Expect Feeding Awards 2023
WTE Feeding Award Winners

Every family’s baby feeding journey is unique. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, pumping and bottle-feeding (or doing some combination of all three), the truth is that you often need quite a lot of stuff to help support you and your baby. And the need for the right gear only continues once you start to introduce solid foods.

But knowing where to start can be a daunting task. Which breast pump should you choose? Is a bottle warmer worth it — and if so, which one is best? Which of the million different baby bottles on the market is a reliable choice? While a lot comes down to personal preference (including what your baby responds to), it can help to learn which products have worked well for experienced parents who’ve been there.

That’s why we set out to ask the experts — parents like you! — about their tried-and-true baby feeding products for the fourth annual What to Expect Feeding Awards. The winners include beloved products trusted by the What to Expect community in 27 different categories.

One note before we dive into how the winners were selected: There are three baby formula-related categories, like the best conventional formula or the best organic formula. We know that some areas of the country are still being impacted by the formula shortage, and many families are struggling to find their go-to brands as a result. That said, we wanted to highlight some of the most-loved brands to help guide parents.

How the What to Expect Feeding Awards were chosen

First, we created a list of the items we knew were key for feeding your little one, from the best breast pumps to best baby foods. We then selected a thorough list of contenders for each category based on what we’ve seen recommended time and time again in our community of millions of parents, as well as what parents on the What to Expect editorial team have tested themselves.

From there, we polled parents in our community, asking them to vote for their absolute favorite feeding-related products in each category. This year, more than 11,300 votes were cast to help finalize the list of winning products.

Below, the winners of the 2023 What to Expect Feeding Awards.

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Plastic Baby Bottle Brand

Dr. Brown's

feeding awards dr. brown's bottles
Buying Options
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Tons (and tons) of parents told us that Dr. Brown’s bottles are the only ones their babies will take. While the brand has several great bottles, the Options+ Anti-Colic bottles are a particular favorite of parents and their babies. The bottles include a special internal vent system (which can be removed, if you find your baby doesn’t need it) that’s designed to help preserve milk nutrients and aid in smooth digestion for your baby. Most importantly, voters told us that this vent system really works, with several remarking the difference in gas, burping and spit up their infants had after they switched to Dr. Brown’s bottles. Parents also praise the brand’s slow flow nipples, which they say make it harder for babies to guzzle milk from these bottles and more closely mimic the experience of breastfeeding.

The shape of these bottles is thoughtfully engineered: Parents say the breast-like nipple helped transition their little ones from breast to bottle, and that the narrow size is easy for tiny hands to grip once your baby can hold things. The plastic, which is BPA-free, is durable but lightweight, parents say. The bottle can also be recycled once your baby graduates from bottle-feeding, and Dr. Brown’s collaborates with Plastic Bank to prevent plastic bottles from entering the ocean.

While not the easiest bottles to clean on the market — there are a number of smaller pieces to take apart and clean, such as the anti-colic vent — they’re safe to clean in the top rack of your dishwasher, sterilizers or boiling water. And many parents say that they didn’t mind the extra parts since their babies took to these bottles so well. They’re available in several sizes, too, all the way from 2 to 8 ounces.

Community Reviews
  • “I recommend [these] to everyone. Classic and the best!”

  • “The bottle is slim and lightweight enough for him to hold on his own, even though he is only 6 months old.”

  • “They are the one and only bottle I’ve used with my son. He has been bottle-fed since birth and has never been colic nor had gas issues.”

  • “I absolutely love the Dr. Brown’s bottles, they are super easy to use, my LO is able to digest her milk really well. They’re super easy to clean and easy for her to hold the bottle.”

  • “Slow flow that allows him to pace feed, which helps with his tongue tie and reflux.”

  • “[My] breastfed baby did really well with these.”

Best Glass Baby Bottle Brand

Philips Avent

feeding awards philips avent bottles
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

If you prefer glass bottles to plastic, consider this top-rated set from Philips Avent. These bottles are extremely easy-to-use, thanks to the built-in anti-colic valve system and simple, ergonomic design that’s comfortable for little ones to hold. 

The bottle nipples only release milk when your baby is actively drinking to prevent spills and lost milk or formula, and you can swap out different nipples for just the right amount of milk flow as your baby grows. Parents say that the nipples remain in place while baby drinks and don’t collapse the way some other brands’ nipples do. (And if you happen to also have the brand’s plastic bottles, know that the nipples can be used interchangeably.)

Glass bottles generally outlast their plastic counterparts, but these from Philips Avent are particularly durable. They’re made with pharmaceutical-grade, heat-resistant and thermal shock-resistant glass, which means they can be stored in the fridge, warmed, washed and sterilized without worry of them breaking or cracking. Many parents say they were able to use the same set again for additional children, just swapping out new nipples. 

Also good: The wide bottle neck and fewer small parts makes them easy to clean, too. The set pictured features 4-ounce bottles, but they’re also available in a larger 8-ounce size.

Community Reviews
  • “The nipples don’t leak at all! Baby has to be actively sucking to get anything out. He has complete control!”

  • “Baby immediately took the bottle and it didn't affect breastfeeding at all.”

  • “The nipples mimic breastfeeding well, the bottles are made of really thick glass, and they're ergonomic to hold.”

  • “Super easy to clean with minimal parts. Never had leak issues like with some of the other brands. Nipple was great for little one’s latch and responsive to his suction motion.”

  • “Great for breastfeeding baby, I loved the natural nipples!”

Best Baby Bottle Sterilizer

Medela Quick-Clean Micro-Steam Bags

feeding awards bottle sterilizer bags
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

One of the not-so-fun parts of feeding your little one? Sterilizing all of those tiny pump or bottle parts. You can sterilize these parts in a pot of boiling water (though that takes longer) or using a full-size bottle sterilizer (these appliances, while efficient, are generally big and bulky). But many parents agree that this task is infinitely easier with Medela Quick-Clean Micro-Steam Bags. 

What to Expect parents love that these sterilizing bags — a two-time winner from previous Feeding Awards — do the same thing but take up virtually no space in your kitchen. All you need are these bags, a microwave and a bit of water, and in about three minutes, your supplies are clean, sterilized (they kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs) and ready for the next feeding. 

Parents told us they appreciate how little counter space they take up, their cost efficiency and simplicity. They’re also convenient for travel, since they pack small and, again, just require a microwave and a bit of water. The bags aren’t single-use either — you can use each one up to 20 times. They are particularly useful for working moms, parents say, since you can bring a single bag into the office to conveniently sterilize pump parts (and save time from having to do it back at home).

Community Reviews
  • “These bags are so convenient to store so I don’t lose counter space. They’re also great for travel.”

  • “Quick and easy to use, only 3 minutes in the microwave and you do not have to take up additional counter space with another baby appliance.”

  • “Cheap, not bulky and convenient for travel!”

  • “It was really convenient to just use these in the microwave. It makes it an easy and affordable way to sterilize.”

  • “You don’t have an appliance taking up space, they are fast and easy to use and I can pack them with me to friend’s/families’ homes.”

Best Baby Bottle Warmer

Philips Avent Fast Bottle and Baby Food Warmer

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

A bottle warmer is one of those baby products that many parents debate registering for or buying. But tons of What to Expect parents promise that this one from Philips Avent is worth the money. It's small enough that it’s not a pain to store on your countertop — crucial for those weary of yet another baby appliance — and it’s easy to take on the go, with a warming chamber that’s big enough to fit several different types of bottles. 

The device gently warms milk to a comfortable temperature in minutes. Just set the milk volume, press start and the machine does the rest, detecting the milk’s initial temperature and warming it evenly to the ideal temp. It’s intuitive and a breeze to navigate, parents say. Also good: It can warm baby food containers, and defrost frozen milk or food if you keep some stashed away in the freezer. A number of the parents we polled said they prefer it to higher-end models they’ve tested, because it offers multiple modes of use, is so straightforward and boasts a sleek, minimalist design.

Parents also appreciate that the machine keeps the milk or food at the ideal temperature for 60 minutes before automatically turning off. That way, you don’t need to worry about grabbing the bottle or jar out right when it’s done. As one survey respondent pointed out, you can even warm a bottle shortly before your baby wakes up from nap time so that it’s ready as soon as she wants it.

Community Reviews
  • “This thing is awesome and so easy to navigate!”

  • “Easy to use and did not take up much counter space.”

  • “Simple to use and can walk away until the timer goes off.”

  • “Straightforward to use. Easy to switch between bottle types.”

Best Bottle Drying Rack

Boon Grass Countertop Baby Bottle Drying Rack

feeding awards boon rack
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love It

A bottle drying rack can be instrumental for making sure all those bottle parts dry correctly, but you may be hesitant to add yet another big, bulky item to your kitchen. Still, for the first few years of your baby’s life, you’ll use one of these constantly to air-dry everything from bottles to pump parts to pacifiers. What to Expect parents love that this versatile drying rack from Boon lets you do that while also simply looking nice on a countertop.

The grass design is adorable (and dare we say peaceful?) yet practical, since the flexible “blades” can bend to support any item as it dries, no matter its shape or size. While the gross securely holds bottles, nipples, pump parts and more, water drips to the white tray below, which can be easily removed and cleaned. 

The parents we polled also rave about the extra accessories (sold separately on Amazon) to free up more drying space, like little “cactuses” or “flowers” perfect for pacifiers or the tiniest bottle and pump parts like anti-colic valves and duckbills. Even when your little one outgrows bottles and pacifiers, tons of parents say it’s a great drying rack for regular dishware — not just baby gear!

Community Reviews
  • “Fun and cute design. Works amazing and has great accessories.”

  • “It works great with the accessory inserts for drying bottle parts. I also use it for my baby's straw cup parts, baby silverware and pacifiers.”

  • “Great for air-drying other items, too. Aesthetically pleasing, especially when having to leave it out on the countertop.”

  • “Cost is reasonable. I use it for everything, including my breast pump cups.”

  • “Used with all four kids, easy to clean, worked well.”

  • “Flexible configuration and good for other dishes after you're done with bottles.”

Best Baby Formula Mixing Pitcher

Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

While not necessarily a must-have product, if you formula- or combo-feed your little one, a mixing pitcher helps keep you ready for feedings in a pinch. And What to Expect parents say the Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher does the job excellently.

This pitcher is incredibly convenient and easy to use: It can blend up to 32 ounces of formula at once thanks to the anti-clumping blade. That means you can prepare up to four 8-ounce bottles of formula at once, which can help save time during your day. Parents also notice (and appreciate) how there are less bubbles in their formula mixtures thanks to this pitcher, with some saying that their babies had less gas as a result. 

This pitcher is available in five different colors (olive, orange, blue, black and teal), and is easy to take apart and clean (it’s top-rack dishwasher-safe!). Best of all, this time-saver (which one parent called “one of the best things I bought!”) is one of the more affordable things you’ll buy for baby at $10.

Community Reviews
  • “Simple, easy to use and clean. Holds a large volume of formula.”

  • “Blends formula very quickly and without much bubbles! My son was having some pretty bad gas issues when we had to switch to forbids and those issues were significantly reduced after we started using this. The price is great, too!”

  • “This was incredibly convenient and did a great job mixing up the formula.”

  • “The latest models are more sturdy than their predecessors, which makes them even better now! I loved the way that the pitcher thoroughly mixed the formula. This pitcher is a major time saver!”

Best Portable Formula Dispenser

Dr. Brown's Formula Dispenser

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Why We Love It

If your baby is formula-fed and you need to run a quick errand, you can usually bring a premade bottle with you. But because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says prepared infant formula should be consumed within two hours at room temperature, it can be a little harder to make a bottle when you’re out of the house. To do so, you’ll need a clean and empty bottle, water from a safe source and enough powdered formula.

Because powdered formula cans are usually large and not very portable, What to Expect parents love Dr. Brown's Formula Dispenser for on-the-go bottle preparation. Made of BPA-free plastic, this “so convenient” container has three separate compartments to store and carry powdered formula. Parents appreciate that each of the three containers holds a large amount of powdered formula (there’s room to measure enough formula for three 8-ounce bottles) and that the snap-on lid is secure. When you’re ready to feed your baby, just pour the pre-measured formula into a bottle and add water. 

As a bonus, many parents still find they can use the dispenser when their baby graduates to toddlerhood as a portable container for small snacks.

Community Reviews
  • “Each area holds a large amount of powdered formula and it’s easy to pour directly into the bottle.”

  • “Cheap and useful!”

  • “Easy to use, not messy, convenient.”

  • “Easiest to use and the simplest design.”

Best Conventional Baby Formula Brand

Enfamil

feeding awards enfamil formula
Buying Options
Amazon
Amazon
$54 for 31.4 Oz
See Now Opens a new window Target
Target
$58 for 36.4 oz.
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

If you feed your little one formula,picking a brand for your baby can feel overwhelming. Enfamil is a trusted formula brand that countless families rely on, which is why it’s no surprise that it won a Mom Must-Have Award again this year.

If you’re looking for a conventional cow’s milk-based formula, consider the brand’s NeuroPro variety. This tried-and-true formula has all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive, and lots of moms say they’ve noticed their babies digest it with ease. There are also other varieties if your baby needs a particular type of formula, whether you need a gentle formula for sensitive tummies (another Feeding Award winner listed below!) or a special hydrolyzed pick for milk protein allergies. Parents say they appreciate that the brand offers so many options so they can find one that works for their little ones.

Community Reviews
  • “Will always only feed Enfamil. It is the closest formula to breast milk.”

  • “Different options, so I found one my baby could tolerate.”

  • “My baby was able to poop using this.”

Best Organic Baby Formula Brand

Bobbie

feeding awards organic formula
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Target
Target
$26 for 14 oz.
See Now Opens a new window Bobbie
Bobbie
$26 for 14 oz.
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

When it comes to organic baby formulas, Bobbie takes the crown for many families. This USDA-certified organic formula, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, is unique in that it’s both FDA-approved and meets EU (European Union) standards when it comes to ingredients like DHA and iron, meaning it’s a great choice for families intrigued by European baby formulas. 

Tons of parents appreciate that this female-founded brand uses ingredients made without GMOs, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and uses grass-fed organic milk from small farms. And many of the What to Expect parents we polled said their babies responded well to this organic formula, and seemed to have less gas once switching to it, too.

Parents can choose to buy individual cans of formula or opt for a subscription plan for easy formula deliveries. You can customize your deliveries so you receive exactly as much formula as your baby is currently drinking, a nice feature. The brand occasionally is at capacity for new subscribers, but you can add your name to the waitlist to get updates from the brand, and it’s often available at Target as well (both online and on shelves).

Community Reviews
  • “Used for supplementing. Baby has less gas due to it!”

  • “A professional I trust repped it.”

  • “Baby actually liked this formula when I supplemented.”

Best Sensitive Baby Formula Brand

Enfamil Neuro Pro Gentlelease

feeding awards enfamil neuro pro
Buying Options
Amazon
Amazon
$55 for 30.4 oz.
See Now Opens a new window Target
Target
$52 for 27.4 oz.
See Now Opens a new window Walmart
Walmart
$52 for 27.4 oz.
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

If your pediatrician recommends a sensitive formula for your baby, Enfamil has got you covered. The brand’s NeuroPro Gentlease is a top choice for tons of families, and it’s often recommended by pediatricians for little ones with stomach issues. 

This formula is partially hydrolyzed, meaning the milk proteins are more broken down and, thus, generally easier for infants to digest. It provides all the nutrients your infant needs and brain-building ingredients like DHA. Many What to Expect parents note that the ultra-gentle formula seems to help ease excess gas or spit-up. Plus, this brand is often widely available and you can sometimes find free samples to test it first.

Community Reviews
  • ‘My baby was less gassy and fussy.”

  • “Pediatrician recommended this and [it] helps with my very gassy baby.”

  • “Both my babies took a variety of formulas really well, but stuck to the Enfamil brand regularly.”

  • “It helped my baby with his colic.”

  • “Helped tremendously with our baby's stomach issues.”

  • “It is the only formula that helps with her spit-up problem. It is gentle on her and doesn't cause gas or pain.”

Best Electric Breast Pump

Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

The Spectra S1 is a favorite of countless parents in the What to Expect community, and it’s easy to see why it was voted best electric pump for the second year in a row. For one, this hospital-grade pump is efficient. Moms say this double electric breast pump has superior suction that very effectively expresses a noticeably larger amount of breast milk than other pumps, which can help cut back the amount of time you spend pumping. A true win for time-strapped moms. 

Although this pump isn’t the smallest one on the market, it’s still surprisingly portable, thanks to its handle and built-in rechargeable battery. (Another win: You don't have to be plugged into a wall while you pump.) Moms say it’s relatively lightweight and easy to move from room to room. It also operates on a closed-system design, which makes the whole thing more hygienic and easier to clean. And it’s consistently reliable — many moms note that they simply have never had any issues using this pump and that it lasts a long time.

Also nice? The fact that you can easily change the speed without altering the rhythm for the ultimate customization. It even has a built-in night light that comes in handy during late-night pumping sessions. All of these essential features are probably why Spectra has won a Mom Must-Have Award for five years in a row.

Community Reviews
  • “If you are questioning whether you should upgrade to the S1, yes you should! It allows you to move around if needed so you aren’t stuck to the wall."

  • “Good battery life, good strength, can carry around, easy to use.”

  • “I can always depend on this product to work when using it!”

  • “It was the best one I used out of three different pumps! I especially liked being able to move about the house with it.”

  • “Efficient and strong.”

  • “I have used the Spectra S1 for two babies in a row. I like that it's portable, rechargeable and lightweight.”

Best Manual Breast Pump

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump

feeding awards haakaa pump
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Of all the feeding products we polled What to Expect parents about, few received as many rave reviews as the Haakaa. This manual pump is, simply put, a game-changer. It’s completely hands-free, doesn’t require any power source and can help you save a shocking amount of breast milk. Moms have called it “indispensable,” “the best” and “a total lifesaver.”

As you nurse your little one on one breast, attach the Haakaa to your other breast. It easily suctions on and naturally (and quietly) draws milk out into the pump, which would otherwise be lost onto a nursing pad. (One writer of ours previously shared that using the Haakaa yielded her about 50 bottles worth of breast milk in the first month alone.) As many of the moms we surveyed noted, it can easily help you build a freezer stash with little effort.

Not only does this manual pump help you save a ton of milk, but it can provide much-needed relief to engorgement pain. Made of 100 percent food-grade silicone, this pump is small in size and incredibly easy to transport. Cleaning is also simple, as it’s dishwasher-safe and can be boiled and sterilized.

At $13, tons and tons of users say it’s worth its weight in (liquid) gold. (For a higher price, you can upgrade to the second generation iteration with a suction base and silicone lid or the third generation version that lets you express directly into a detachable bottle.) And if you tend to leak throughout the day, you might also consider the brand’s breast shells, which let you capture that milk, too.

Community Reviews
  • “This was indispensable, both for catching letdown and for getting out clogs.”

  • “I have managed to create a decent freezer stash with just putting the Haakaa on the unused breast during one or two feedings a day!”

  • “Didn’t hurt when I was sensitive and got a lot out!”

  • “It is life saving. No extra work, barely have to clean it, and I collected so much milk using it!”

  • “It is the best! Gentle suction. Amazing at getting out clogs. Catches letdown from the opposite side. Easy to travel with and to clean. Comes in different sizes.”

Best Nursing Pillow

Boppy Nursing Pillow

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

If we had to describe the Boppy in one word, it would be versatile. This durable pillow is essential no matter how you are feeding your baby. While countless What to Expect parents rave about how helpful this is as a breastfeeding or bottle-feeding pillow, the Boppy really stands out for its ability to do so much more.

For starters, this pillow provides much-needed ergonomic support when you’re feeding your baby. It’s comfortable for little ones to snuggle into and offers crucial support for all parents, but especially for nursing moms — it gently lifts baby to the breast to prevent the need to hunch over. Some moms say they like sitting on it for extra support during the postpartum period, too. 

Best yet, once your little one is old enough, the Boppy can be used to prop her up for supported sitting and for tummy time. Many What to Expect parents say their toddlers still use it to lounge or play, so you could potentially use this humble pillow for multiple years. (Just remember that this pillow is for supervised awake time only, not for sleeping.)

There are tons of machine-washable covers that you can swap out so that you can get one that’s perfect for your nursery aesthetic, and it’s easy to slide the different covers into place. 

Community Reviews
  • “This pillow is perfect for snuggling baby. I used it every time I nursed and for every contact nap the first three months! I was perfectly comfortable the whole time.”

  • “I have three of these. One for my nursing chair, one for the living room and one for the car. Perfect for nursing and as baby gets older they make a great support for tummy time or when first sitting up.”

  • “We love the Boppy! Great for support of mom and baby during feedings. Can use as baby gets older for sitting and laying. My toddler still uses it when laying on the floor.”

  • “Perfect for nursing! The most practical. Even used it for my own mom naps sometimes, it’s that comfy!”

Best Breast Milk Storage Bags

Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags

feeding awards breast milk storage bags
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Easy to use, reliable and convenient are all words What to Expect parents use to describe Medela’s Breast Milk Storage Bags. These bags are hygienically pre-sealed, made from durable two-layer plastic and super secure thanks to a double zipper and extra strong seal.

Parents appreciate how easy these bags are to write on; there’s ample space at the top for the date and volume of milk. The structured shape makes it easy to fill the bags with milk, as the self-standing makes it easy to prop the bag upright on the counter while you pour. You can then stand them in the freezer or stack them flat. Crucially, unlike some other brands, many parents note that they’ve never had any issues with leaking when using these milk storage bags, even after freezing and thawing milk — so you can rest assured that you won’t lose a single drop of that liquid gold.

Community Reviews
  • “They’re really simple and easy to use, easy to store and never leak!”

  • “Large space to write, easily tears, quality bags that don't leak, and easily stackable."

  • "Very sturdy! Easy to use for first timers.

  • “No leaks ever! Can store super flat and the seal is incredibly tight! I never worry about spilling any liquid gold!”

  • “Very easy to use and convenient.”

Best Nipple Cream

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Lansinoh’s beloved lanolin nipple cream delivers much-needed relief to sore, cracked nipples, and quickly — tons of moms say they felt the soothing effects instantly. Just rub a pea-sized amount over the entire nipple area (a little goes a long way!) after each feeding, pumping session or as needed,. You can also apply before showering to protect sensitive nipples. Not only does this cream really work to ease nipple pain, but moms also appreciate how nice it is to apply (it’s thick but nongreasy and glides on easily) and that the formula has a subtle cooling effect.

There’s no need to wash off the cream before nursing either, as it’s hypoallergenic, 100 percent natural and safe for your baby. And while the formula is designed for sensitive nipples, there’s no reason why you can’t use it on other parts of your body, too: Many of the moms we polled say they also use it on their hands, cuticles and chapped lips.

Community Reviews
  • “Used it with my first [baby] five years ago. Used it this year with my second. Amazing for cracked and/or sore nipples. I am still using it for cracked lips or hands!”

  • “Felt glorious on dry, cracked nipples.”

  • “Got the job done. Not greasy either.”

  • “Soothing, great price and doubles as a great lip balm when I forget mine!”

  • “Helped tremendously with nipple pain after nursing.”

  • “Worked like a dream.”

Best Nursing Bra Brand

Kindred Bravely

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

“So comfortable” is the phrase What to Expect moms frequently use to describe Kindred Bravely nursing bras. This brand is known for its ultra soft fabric — on most styles, a blend of spandex and nylon — that feels secure, supportive and gentle against skin. And if you’ve struggled to find a perfect fit in other nursing bras, you’ll appreciate that Kindred Bravely offers some of the most inclusive sizing on the market. Most styles are available in XS to XL as well as XS Busty to XL Busty. Moms with larger breasts often say that Kindred Bravely is one of the few nursing bra brands that comfortably fit them.

You have plenty of bras to choose from (as well as a variety of maternity and nursing loungewear, pajamas and basics), but the brand’s Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is particularly excellent. This style was recently selected as one of our best nursing and pumping bras thanks to its innovative design. It’s a two-in-one nursing and pumping bra with two fabric layers, one that pulls down to reveal horizontal slits for pump flanges, and a second that opens to reveal the whole breast for nursing. For moms who both breastfeed and pump, this eliminates the need to purchase separate nursing- and pumping-specific styles.

The best part? Thanks to the supportive fit, soft seamless fabric and the fact that Kindred Bravely styles don’t necessarily look or feel like a nursing bra, many women find they’re still able to wear them long after they’ve stopped nursing. 

Community Reviews
  • “One bra for pumping and nursing. Comfy and great coverage.”

  • “Love the seamless design, very comfy and like that it came with band extenders.”

  • “I tried SO many nursing bras. The Kindred Bravely is the one bra I found comfortable enough to wear, and without it positioning my breasts in odd ways. Every other bra I tried is horrible for bustier women, but that Kindred Bravely definitely feels like it’s made for women like me.”

  • “Comfortable and fit all the way through pregnancy and now postpartum breastfeeding. Even if not breastfeeding, I still plan to wear it.”

  • “Lasting through maternity and nursing. Has been worn and washed hundreds of times. Soft yet supportive. Easy clip.”

Best Pumping Bra Brand

Momcozy

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Although it’s possible to pump with a regular nursing bra while holding your pump in place, moms who pump exclusively often prefer to have a few pumping-specific styles as well. And What to Expect moms say Momcozy’s pumping bras are game-changers for a hands-free pumping experience.

Users rave about how lightweight, comfortable and well-fitting these bras are. What to Expect moms especially appreciate how well Momcozy bras hold breast pumps in place, as well that the fabric doesn’t stretch out over time. Then there’s the fabric itself, which is a blend of bamboo or cotton and spandex on most styles. It’s soft but surprisingly durable and holds up, even after many washes. Plus: Most styles come with a bra extender to help you get the best fit.

The brand offers a number of pumping-specific styles, but you can’t go wrong with the Original Hands-Free Pumping Bra. This is a classic pumping bra with drop-down cups and an “X” structure to securely hold pump flanges in place — but it’s anything but basic, as over 34,000 five-star Amazon reviews can attest.

Given how well-made Momcozy bras are and how luxurious the fabric feels, many moms say they’re impressed by the affordable price point. Most styles range from $20 to $35, and you can often find them on sale for even less.

Community Reviews
  • “I found this bra to be really comfortable. I ended up buying multiple bras since it fit me so well. I could also easily adjust the size throughout and after my pregnancy for the size I needed using the bra extender which came with it. This allowed me to avoid buying multiple sizes as my body changed. It has also been great for nursing.”

  • “Affordable, comfortable and held up the one-plus year I’ve been breastfeeding/pumping with multiple washes!”

  • “Only bra I found that actually held my flanges in place and didn’t stretch over time.”

  • “Comfortable and held the pumps in place.”

  • “Very comfortable and holds the pumps perfectly.”

Best Nursing-Friendly Clothing Brand

Motherhood Maternity

feeding awards motherhood maternity
Buying Options
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

You probably already knew that Motherhood Maternity has an excellent selection of styles for pregnancy, but did you know the brand has tons of nursing-friendly options as well? From dresses to tanks to bras to T-shirts, Motherhood Maternity offers tons of actually stylish nursing clothing that feels high-quality. Plus, the retailer offers more affordable prices than several other brands. 

What to Expect community parents told us that Motherhood Maternity fabrics are reliably comfortable and cute — a winning combination, especially when you’re nursing. They also tout the frequent sales for even more savings.

Community Reviews
  • “Comfortable, easy and stylish.”

  • “Good quality and a very reasonable price.”

  • “Super comfortable!”

Best Nursing Pads

Lansinoh Stay Dry Nursing Pads

feeding awards lansinoh nursing pads
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

It’s not surprising that there are several award-winning products from Lansinoh on our Feeding Awards winners list. The brand’s trusted Stay Dry Nursing Pads are a tried-and-true favorite of breastfeeding parents, and our editorial team also recently selected them as the best disposable nursing pad.

These nursing pads are thin, but still manage to soak up an impressive amount of excess milk, helping you confidently stay dry for hours. (In fact, a number of the moms we surveyed said they never experienced a leak while wearing Lansinoh pads.) They never feel thick or bulky inside a bra, and you can’t see them through thin clothing. Moms appreciate the extra-sticky adhesive, which helps to hold the pads securely in place. They fit well in several different nursing and pumping bras, too. 

And despite the fact that they stay on so well, they feel super soft and gentle against your skin. The fabric is made from recycled materials and free of fragrance, BPA and BPS.

Community Reviews
  • “Not super expensive but works great! Stays in and very absorbent.”

  • “I like how these stay where I put them and they are very absorbent for when I’m out and about. I’ve never had one leak.”

  • “Sooo absorbent! Never even feel damp and discreet under thin tops.”

  • “The best nursing pads I’ve used! Even when they are full of milk, they don’t make your nipples feel wet. In my early nursing days I’d fill them up really fast, having to change them out at least twice a day. Yet my nipples were never chaffed or soaked because the milk was kept on the inside of the pad!”

  • “They hold so much! And they’re comfortable.”

  • “I needed consistent protection and they delivered. The disposable ones made it so I could change it and not have to do laundry so much.”

  • “Very, very absorbent. I would leak so much at night that my shirt would be completely soaked in the morning. These pads kept me dry all night.”

  • “These disposable pads are so convenient and easy to use, and they sell huge boxes of them.”

Best Burp Cloths

Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths

feeding awards comfy cubs burp cloths
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

You can never have too many burp cloths. And while they can seem like a not-so-exciting baby purchase, What to Expect parents love the muslin cloths from Comfy Cubs. So much so that it was voted the most reliable pick for the second year in a row.

Comfy Cubs burp cloths are soft, easy to clean and (most importantly) ultra-absorbent; What to Expect parents say they “catch everything.” The fabric is gentle against your little one’s skin while protecting you from any spit-up. These burp cloths are just the right size — not too big, not too small, and easy to pack in a diaper bag. Despite the elegant white fabric, parents say they don’t stain, though they’re also available in four other colors if you prefer something more vibrant. 

You can use them as more than just burp cloths, too, whether you’re wiping up everyday messes, want a breastfeeding cover in public or use them as a washcloth.

Community Reviews
  • “They’re perfect for tucking in your bra while you’re breastfeeding to make sure no milk gets on you or your bra. They’re soft. The size and thickness is perfect.”

  • “It has a soft material and is great for multiple uses. I use them as both burp cloths and washcloths for my baby.”

  • “They were the only burp cloths that could easily hold my son’s frequent spit up. No other burp cloth even came close to holding as much liquid!”

  • “I like the muslin burp cloths the best due to their absorbency. They cover your whole shoulder and fold up small.”

  • "Absorbent, soft, not too big, not too small, good for blankets.

Best High Chair

Graco Table 2 Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 Convertible High Chair

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

High chairs tend to be one of the more expensive new-baby purchases, and it’s frustrating that most models can only be used for a short amount of time. That’s why What to Expect parents love this convertible high chair, which truly grows with your baby so you can rely on it for years to come. The Graco Table 2 Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 Convertible High Chair features seven (!) different stages, going from an infant high chair to a dining booster seat to a big-kid table and chair. But the customization doesn’t end there: It also boasts five different heights so that you find the perfect fit for your dining table, a three-position removable footrest and a three-position recline. The materials feel high-quality, parents say, and it’s easy to clean.

When it’s time to deep-clean the seat, you can toss the seat pad in the washing machine and the tray in the dishwasher to make things easier. And if you need to stow the chair away, the wheels on the front legs and compact fold make it simple. Parents told us that this folding feature is incredibly easy to use.

Community Reviews
  • “Easy to use and convert for when they get older.”

  • “Comfortable for my baby and easy to move around.”

  • “The folding feature is great! Good value with the ability to convert to accommodate a growing baby.”

  • “It was bought for my shower. It doesn’t take up too much space and will grow well with my baby.”

Best Baby Spoon

Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons

feeding awards munchkin spoons
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

There are so many baby spoons out there, and it’s hard to know which one will be best for your little one. Tons of What to Expect parents love these Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons. They stand out from the crowd thanks to their heat-sensor tips, which turn white when food is too hot for your little one, providing some helpful peace of mind for parents who aren’t quite sure whether something is a safe temperature for baby. Even with the special sensors, they’re top-rack dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean. The colors of the spoons do double duty: They’re pleasing to the eye and help hide food stains as well. 

What’s more, the size of the spoon bowl is small enough for tiny mouths, and is also gentle if it hits the roof of your baby’s mouth or gums. In fact, many parents say their babies enjoy chewing on these spoons when they’re teething.

Community Reviews
  • “These spoons have a smooth texture that doesn’t throw off my child, and the heat detecting helps me feel some comfort and confidence that I’m not going to unintentionally burn my child’s mouth/tongue.”

  • “It changes color when it is hot — super helpful.”

  • “Shows you when a food is too hot and my baby likes to chew on them sometimes, which feels good on her gums.”

  • “The white hot feature is fantastic! As a new mom, I had no idea what too hot was. The spoon is soft, too, so it doesn’t aggravate my baby’s sore gums. And they were small enough to easily fit in a baby’s mouth.”

  • “I like the easy cleanup and the color change if it’s too hot.”

Best Baby Plates and Bowls

Ezpz Mini Mat

feeding awards ezpz mat
Buying Options
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

The Ezpz Mini Mat is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. While it took home Best Baby Plate award for the second year in a row, know that this is more than just a plate. It’s also a placemat that suctions to the table to minimize messes and catch spilled food, a game-changer when your little one is learning how to feed herself. Because it’s slightly sticky, it’s not as easy as other plates and placemats for babies to throw on the ground (a major win!). The mat fits most highchair trays (it’s 10.75 x 7.75 inches) and is made with BPA-free silicone.

There are three different compartments to keep foods separate, whether you’re serving up cereal and milk, fruit, yogurt — you name it. It comes with a handy reusable bag for traveling, and is available in eight beautiful, muted colors. What to Expect parents often mention how stylish this plate looks, which isn’t something you can say about most baby feeding gear. We appreciate that you can also buy a mat lid to store leftover snacks or take meals to go. 

Finally, the entire mat is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, so it’s easy to clean no matter how messy the meal has been.

Community Reviews
  • “[The] suction is great.”

  • “It sticks to the high chair and baby can easily grab his food out of the bowl.”

  • "Love this mat and so does my toddler. Easy to clean, stays in place, convenient carry bag.

  • “Isn’t as easy for baby to throw.”

Best Sippy Cup

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup

feeding awards munchkin cup
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

There’s a reason you probably see a million Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cups when you’re at the playground or at daycare: These cups are totally spill-proof, thanks to the lip-activated seal on the rim that opens when your toddler takes a sip and automatically closes when she's done. They’re made of a slightly grippy material with handles that are easy for little hands to hold.

Even better, your little one can drink from anywhere around the rim, just like you would with a regular glass. This smart spoutless design is one reason why this cup was recently selected by our editorial team as the overall best sippy cup.

What’s more, many parents credit this cup for helping teach their little ones to sip from open cups. A number of What to Expect parents told us that this trainer cup helped their children transition to a normal cup or glass more quickly. To top it off, it’s dishwasher safe and easy to disassemble and clean.

Community Reviews
  • “Easy to use and clean! Teaches the motion for drinking out of a “real” cup.”

  • “Baby doesn’t need to have a super strong suck to get the water out (he got frustrated by other straw cups).”

  • “Drinks like a normal cup but doesn’t slip. Super easy to get him to drink from.”

  • “The 360 cup is easy to clean and easy for my baby to use, and trains him for open cup drinking. He would teeth on the other more protruding sippy cups. He does like drinking from an open cup/water bottle and is pretty good at it!”

  • “Child can also use a normal cup or glass easier after learning with this cup.”

Best Baby Bib

Mushie Silicone Baby Bib

feeding awards mushie bib
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

It’s no secret that babies and toddlers are messy eaters. Save food and time spent cleaning your floors and baby’s clothes by using this silicone baby bib from Mushie. This bib curves out at the bottom to catch a surprising amount of food that inevitably gets dropped during mealtime, reducing food waste. Parents say the bib’s design enables their babies to pick up dropped bites back from the pocket, too.

The rounded neck fastener stays secure (many parents note that unlike other bibs, their toddlers aren’t able to rip this one off) and has four different lengths for the ideal fit. The food-grade silicone bib is BPA- and phthalate-free, resists stains and doesn’t absorb water. It’s dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, parents tell us. The design is flat-out beautiful, too, and comes in 10 different colors and prints, from minimalistic confetti to cute rocket ships to muted pastels.

Community Reviews
  • “Great material and cute designs.”

  • “Perfect for catching food so baby can eat it again and again and again.”

  • “So easy to clean and keeps food messes to a minimum!”

  • “It catches most of the food that babies spit out and they can easily grab any of the food they want to eat from it.”

  • “They stay on and little ones can’t tug them off. The pockets on them actually work too and catch quite a bit.”

  • “Not only catches food that is dropped, if you are out you can also put food into the “pouch” while they are wearing it and use it as a bowl.”

  • “The silicone bibs are so easy to clean up. The catch-tray part is awesome for keeping as little food off the baby’s clothes and body as possible.”

Best Baby Food Brand

Beech-Nut

feeding awards beech nut
Buying Options
Amazon
Amazon
$14.80 for 10 jars
See Now Opens a new window Target
Target
$1.79 for 1 jar
See Now Opens a new window Walmart
Walmart
$1.26 for 1 jar
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

When it comes to baby purees, lots of families lean on Beech-Nut — and for good reason. This brand offers everything from single food purees to organic snacks to pouches to help keep their littles ones healthily satisfied on the go. Their ingredients are non-GMO and do not contain artificial flavors. Plus, they offer countless food combinations to try with your baby, and What to Expect parents report that their kids consistently enjoy them. 

Because the brand is so popular, they’re easy to find at lots of grocery stores, too, and tend to be affordably priced — most 4-ounce jars are about $1. The Beech-Nut Naturals Food Jars, like this one with apples and blackberries, are a popular choice.

Community Reviews
  • “Cheap but healthy option. Baby enjoyed the taste. There is a big variety of flavors.”

  • “Many different varieties — I was able to introduce lots of different foods to my little one before starting solids.”

  • “The combinations and variety helped me cover many food groups and provide the needed nutrition for my little one.”

  • “Natural and minimal ingredients.”

  • “The consistency and the flavors is perfect, plus no additional sugars or fillers.”

  • “Actually tastes like food. Which is good! It should. No weird tastes. My baby loves it!”

Best Vitamin D Supplement

Ddrops Baby Vitamin D Liquid Drops

feeding awards vitamin d drops
Buying Options
Amazon
Amazon
$33 for 2 .08 fl oz.
See Now Opens a new window Target
Target
$17 for 1 .08 fl oz.
See Now Opens a new window Walmart
Walmart
$12 for .06 fl oz.
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Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Many babies need a vitamin D supplement — particularly little ones who are breastfed, since breast milk won’t provide enough on its own. If your pediatrician recommends a vitamin D supplement in droplet form, these vitamin D 400 IU liquid drops are a great choice.

A go-to for many families, this supplement is easy to dose out since your baby needs just one drop for the full 400 IUI amount (which the dropper dispenses for you), eliminating any anxiety about whether or not you’re measuring the correct dosage. Parents consistently told us that it’s easy to control the right amount with the dispenser. It’s also colorless and tasteless, and many parents noted that their babies aren’t bothered by the formula.

Community Reviews
  • “Provides [the] full 400 IU dose with one drop instead of two.”

  • “Can put a drop right on your nipple or in a bottle. Easy to use. Baby takes it with no issues.”

  • “Only brand we've tried, but I like that it has minimal and natural ingredients.”

  • “It is colorless and tasteless and doesn't disturb baby.”