Best Formula Dispensers

If you’ve decided to feed your baby formula, you’ll likely be buying large containers of your go-to brand. These are somewhat cumbersome, do not readily fit into a diaper bag and do not travel well. In fact, no one really wants to open one up and scoop out formula for a bottle when out and about.

That’s where formula dispensers come in. Typically, these are containers that allow you to pre-portion out formula powder, so all you have to do is pour it into a bottle, add water, and voila — happy, fed baby. Many of them easily fit into a diaper bag and can go with you wherever you are.

In recent years, some companies have made formula a luxury coffeehouse experience for the infant set, creating machines that warm up bottles to a precise, customized temp or ones that will dispense at the push of a button on your phone during those middle-of-the-night feeds.

Buying the best formula dispenser for your needs

When searching for the one that suits your needs best, here the qualities to look for and consider:

• Compartment size. How many ounces is baby taking during each feed? Make sure that the reservoir can hold enough powder comfortably to make baby their bottle.
• Accuracy. You’re going to take the time to measure the powder into the container, so the dispenser should dole out exactly what you ask for. Either the dispenser should pour out the powder cleanly (without leaving a ton behind), or you should be able to trust the accuracy of any automatic pumps.
• Style. If you’re going for a manual dispenser (versus an automatic one), are you comfortable with a cup or more of a tripod style? Do you mind having to turn the cup over to shake out the formula, or would you feel more comfortable with one that lets gravity do its thing?
• Extras. Are you good with a back-to-basics approach with a dispenser that holds the powder, or do you want something more, such as a machine that mixes the formula with the water for you or a bottle warmer duo?
• Price. Cost always factors in, but with these formula dispensers, you can pay less than $10 to a couple of hundred dollars.

Read on to discover the best six formula dispensers that prioritize convenience and less mess — some can even be converted into handy snack containers for the toddler years.