Meet the Winners of the 2023 What to Expect Feeding Awards

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.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

“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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.