Meet the Winners of the 2022 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 options, 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)  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 night-and-day difference in gas and burping their infants had after they started using Dr. Brown’s bottles. 

The shape is also thoughtfully engineered: Parents say the breast-like nipple helped transition their little ones from breast to bottle, and that the overall size is easy for tiny hands to grasp once your baby can hold things. Even better, they’re safe to clean in the top rack of your dishwasher, sterilizers or boiling water and can be recycled once your baby graduates from bottle-feeding. They’re available in several sizes, too, all the way from 2 to 8 ounces.

Several moms and dads prefer glass bottles to plastic. If that’s the case for your family, 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. 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.

These bottles will last the test of time, too. 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. The wide bottle neck makes them easy to clean, too.

One of the not-so-fun parts of feeding your little one? Sterilizing all of those tiny pump or bottle parts. Make the job easier with the Medela Quick-Clean Micro-Steam Bags. These sterilizing bags — a repeat winner from last year’s Feeding Awards — kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs. All you need are these bags, a microwave and a bit of water, and in about three minutes, your supplies are clean, sterilized and ready for the next feeding.

Parents told us they appreciate how little counter space they take up, their cost efficiency and how simple they are to use. 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.

Tons of parents promise that this bottle warmer is worth the money. Its size is small enough that it’s not a pain to store on your countertop and is 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 in minutes. Just set the milk volume and press start and the machine does the rest, detecting the milk’s initial temperature and warming it evenly to the ideal temp. It can also warm baby food containers, plus defrost frozen milk or food if you keep some stashed away in the freezer.

Parents 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 of the warmer right when it’s done to prevent it from overheating. 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, too.

A bottle drying rack can be instrumental for making sure all those tiny bottle parts dry correctly, but you may not want to add another big, bulky drying rack to your countertop. That’s where this versatile drying rack from Boon comes in. The grass design is adorable (and dare we say peaceful?) yet also practical, since the flexible “blades” can bend to support any item as it dries, no matter its shape or size. Bottles, nipples, pump parts and more stay dry as the grass holds them up, while water drips to the white tray below, which can be easily removed and cleaned. You can even buy extra accessories to free up more drying space, like little “cactuses” or “flowers” perfect for pacifiers or bottle parts. 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!

If you formula-feed your little one, a mixing pitcher helps keep you ready for feedings in a pinch. Specifically, the Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher does the job excellently. It can blend up to 32 ounces of formula at once thanks to the anti-clumping blade in the middle. That means you can blend up to four 8-ounce bottles of formula at once, which can help save time during your day. Parents notice (and appreciate) how there are less bubbles in their formula mixtures thanks to this pitcher. 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 you feed your little one formula, whether exclusively or as a supplement to breast milk, picking a brand for your baby can feel overwhelming. There are tons of brands to choose from, and each brand has tons of options as well. 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 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. What’s more, we’ve recently noticed that many Enfamil varieties are usually available (at least for purchase online), even amid the nationwide shortage.

When it comes to organic baby formulas, Bobbie takes the crown for many families. This USDA-certified organic formula 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.

Normally, parents can conveniently choose to buy individual cans of formula or opt for a subscription plan for easy formula deliveries. Currently, the brand is at capacity for new subscribers due to the nationwide formula shortage to ensure existing customers get the formula they need. That said, parents can join 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. This formula is partially hydrolyzed, meaning the milk proteins are more broken down and, thus, generally easier for little ones to digest. It provides all the nutrients your infant needs and brain-building ingredients like DHA.

The Spectra S1 is a favorite of countless parents in the What to Expect community, and it’s easy to see why. Namely, this pump is efficient. Moms say this double electric breast pump expresses a noticeably larger amount of breast milk than others, which can seriously cut back the amount of time you spend pumping. (Win.)

While this pump isn’t the smallest one on the market, it’s still incredibly portable, thanks to its handle and built-in battery (which means you don't have to be plugged into a wall while you pump). It also operates on a closed-system design, which makes the whole thing more hygienic and easier to clean. 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 three years in a row.

The Haakaa is, simply put, a game-changer. This manual breast pump is completely hands-free, doesn’t require any power source and can help you save a ton of breast milk. When you nurse your little one, attach the pump 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 the Haakaa saved her about 50 bottles worth of breast milk in the first month alone.)

Not only does this manual pump help you save a ton of milk, but 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.)

If we had to describe the Boppy in one word, it would be versatile. This durable pillow is essential whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and can also be used for so much more. For starters, this pillow provides much-needed ergonomic support when you’re feeding your baby. Once your little one is old enough, it can also be used to prop her up, for tummy time and for sitting. Some moms say they like sitting on it for extra support during the postpartum period or however you see fit. There are also tons of machine-washable covers that you can swap out so that you can get one that’s perfect for your nursery aesthetic. (Just remember that this pillow is for supervised awake time only, not for sleeping.)

Breastfeeding comes with lots of common challenges, from sore nipples to difficulty latching. That’s where nipple shields come in handy — and these from Medela are a particular favorite of What to Expect community parents. Available in three sizes (16, 20 and 24 millimeters), these thin, 100 percent silicone shields are soft and easy to put on. The smart design has a cut-out area for maximum skin-to-skin contact with your baby while they’re nursing, too. These nipple shields also come with a handy carrying case that makes for simple, hygienic transportation in your diaper bag or purse. Just remember it’s a good idea to chat with a lactation consultant before getting started.

Every single aspect of these Lansinoh breast milk storage bags is well-designed. First, they’re easy to fill — you can simply pour milk in or pump directly into the bag if you have a Lansinoh breast pump. (There’s also a pump adaptor you can buy to pump directly into the bags if you have a Medela, Evenflo or Ameda pump.) Moms say they’ve experienced little-to-no leaks when filled or thawed, thanks to the strong integrity of the bags and a double zipper seal. They also store well in the freezer since they stay relatively flat, which parents say makes them easy to stack and organize. There’s a label outside of the fill area where you can record the date, time and amount of milk expressed without worrying about any ink contamination. Finally, when it’s time to transfer milk from the bag to a bottle, a clever pour spout means you won’t have to worry about spills.

Lansinoh’s beloved lanolin nipple cream provides 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, or before showering to protect sensitive nipples, and you’re all set. There’s no need to wash off the cream before nursing again, as it’s hypoallergenic, 100 percent natural and safe for your baby.

If you prefer an organic or lanolin-free nipple cream, look no further than Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter. This soothing, buttery cream moisturizes your nipples without any stickiness. Apply it over your nipples after a feeding (or as needed), or even on breast pump flanges before pumping. (It also works wonders on lips, cheeks, heels, cuticles and elbows, by the way.) All of the ingredients are vegan, except for the ethically sourced organic beeswax, and there’s no need to wash this off before nursing, either. To top it off, parents say it smells amazing.

Target is known for its great product selection, and that includes nursing bras. Droves of What to Expect community parents told us about how much they loved their nursing bras from Auden, (Target’s intimates brand), with the seamless nursing bra being a particular favorite. The wireless design means the bra won't dig in, and it clasps shut with a six-hook back closure, which means it’ll still fit well when your breasts fluctuate in size.

The cups (which are conveniently sewn-in) unclip from the front straps for easy nursing access. Speaking of the straps, they’re adjustable and can be worn in a regular fashion or criss-crossed in a racerback style. Most importantly, users say this bra is incredibly comfortable — so comfy that you won’t want to stop wearing it long after you’re done breastfeeding. At $17, this nursing bra is much more affordable than most of its competitors, too.

Kindred Bravely is the gold standard when it comes to pumping bras. The brand’s Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra, in particular, is a game-changer. It eliminates the need to change bras in order to pump, thanks to the simple clip-down cups. All you need to do is unclasp the first cup and you can slide your pump into the second cup’s openings and you’re ready to go. (In fact, our editorial directly previously shared that this bra is what made pumping at work bearable for her.) The Sublime is also incredibly soft, comfortable, holds your pump in place and works just as well for nursing as it does pumping sessions.

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 (like this one!) to bras to T-shirts, Motherhood Maternity offers tons of actually stylish clothing at more affordable prices than several other brands. What to Expect community parents told us that the fabrics are reliably comfortable and cute — a winning combination, especially when you’re nursing. They also tout 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. They soak up an impressive amount of excess milk without feeling thick or bulky, helping you confidently stay dry for hours. Moms say 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.

You can never have too many burp cloths. These muslin cloths from Comfy Cubs are a reliable pick: They’re soft, easy to clean and (most importantly) are ultra-absorbent. 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 — but it’s worth nothing that they’re also available in four other colors if you prefer something more vibrant. You can use them as more than just burping cloths, too, whether you’re wiping up everyday messes or want a breastfeeding cover in public.

This convertible high chair truly grows with your baby, making it a trusty pick that you’ll rely on for years to come. It 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 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. 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.

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 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. 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 works well for tiny mouths, and is also gentle if it hits the roof of your baby’s mouth or gums.

The Ezpz Mini Mat is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. While it took home this year’s Best Baby Plate award, it’s more than just a plate. It’s also a placemat that suctions to the table to prevent messes and spilled food, a game-changer when your little one is learning how to feed herself. 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 that keeps the mat clean when you take it with you, and is available in eight beautiful, muted colors. We appreciate that you can also buy a mat lid to store leftover snacks or take meals to go.

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. Even better, your little one can drink from anywhere around the rim, just like you would with a regular glass. The smart design is probably why so many parents credit this cup for helping teach their little ones to sip from open cups. To top it off, it’s dishwasher safe.

It’s no secret that babies and toddlers are messy eaters. Save food and time spent cleaning by using this silicone baby bib from Mushie. The bib curves out at the bottom to catch all the food that gets dropped during meal time, and the rounded neck fastener stays secure 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. The design is flat-out beautiful, too, and comes in 31 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. The brand offers everything from single food purees to organic choices to pouches to help keep their littles ones healthily satisfied. They have countless flavors of 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. The Beech-Nut Naturals Food Jars, like this one with apples and blackberries, are a popular choice.

If you prefer to make your own baby food, you may want to invest in a baby food maker like the NutriBullet Baby. This high-power blender comes with just about everything you need to whip up some delicious purees and mashes: a motor base and blending blade, two different-sized blending bowls with lids, six handy storage cups (with a place to mark the date you made the food), a silicone freezer trap and a recipe book. While it doesn’t have a steamer function built in, you can buy the matching one separately if you need. (Both items together will still cost less than many other baby food machines that have steamers built in.) Not to mention, how cute is the smiley face design?

Many babies need a vitamin D supplement — particularly little ones who are breastfed, since breast milk won’t provide enough on its own. These vitamin D 400 IU liquid drops are the go-to for several families. They’re easy to dose out since your baby needs just one drop (which the dropper dispenses for you), eliminating any anxiety about whether or not you’re measuring the right amount. Of course, make sure to talk to your pediatrician before using these with your baby.