Meet the Winners of the 2024 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 noting a 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 don’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.

Removing remnants from baby’s bottle is a lot easier when you have a bottle brush on hand. Munchkin’s Sponge Bottle Brush, which our editorial team has named the Best Baby Bottle Sponge Brush, has everything you need for a gentle and deep clean that doesn’t leave any scratches. Moms love that it features both a sponge and bristle brush, allowing you to give your bottles a thorough cleaning. Plus, the base of the brush has a discreet and detachable nipple brush to tackle smaller parts.

At such an affordable price point, many moms feel OK about replacing it frequently, and the brand recommends swapping it out every 30 to 45 days.

A bottle warmer is one of those baby products that many parents debate getting. But tons of What to Expect parents promise that the Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer is worth the money. It's small enough to keep on your countertop — crucial for those wary 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 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.

One splurge parents won't regret: the Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Advanced. 

Doubling as a sterilizer and dryer, this device saves you precious time when cleaning your bottles, pump parts and other feeding accessories. Parents note that it has a generous capacity. Between the two tiers, they can fit up to eight bottles and two sets of pump parts. Plus, everything remains sterile for up to 24 hours as long as you keep the lid closed.

Depending on how much time you have, you can sterilize products in eight minutes, and they can be dried in 30 minutes. When you’re not sterilizing, parents also recommend using the “dry only” feature to avoid air drying bulky bottles and other items that could take up countertop space.

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. What to Expect parents love that the versatile Boon drying rack takes up little space and looks 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 grass 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, like little cacti, flowers and trees that help free up more drying space for pacifiers, anti-colic valves and other small 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!

Perfect for traveling or storing at the in-laws' house, Medela Quick Clean MicroSteam Bags kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs but take up virtually no space. Just place a little water (along with your bottle or pump parts) in the bag, pop it in the microwave, and in about three minutes, your supplies will be clean, sterilized and ready for the next feeding. 

Parents told us they appreciate that the bags are cost-efficient and simple. The bags aren’t single-use either — you can use each one up to 20 times. They are also 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).

Enfamil is a trusted formula brand that countless families rely on. For a conventional cow’s milk-based formula, the NeuroPro variety is a tried-and-true formula with all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive, and lots of moms say they’ve noticed their babies digest it with ease. 

If, however, your child can’t digest cow’s milk, Enfamil offers plenty of other options; something parents say they appreciate. The NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula, for example, is ideal for babies who have excessive gas, while the Enfamil Prosobee Plant-Based Baby Formula can be given to babies with milk allergies. 

Following the 2022 shortage, it’s important to have options when it comes to your go-to formulas. Similac is a popular choice among What to Expect parents. The brand offers a variety of formulas that support different dietary needs: Similac Alimentum for babies with allergies, Similac Sensitive for babies with lactose sensitivity and Similac Advance, which is fortified with iron. Parents love that Similac formulas are easy to digest and widely available. Plus, they are covered through the WIC program.

There’s a pretty steep learning curve when it comes to breastfeeding, and it can be particularly challenging for moms with flat or inverted nipples. The answer for many? A solid pair of nipple shields, which can help with latching or protect sensitive or sore nipples during feedings. Moms in the What to Expect community and lactation consultants alike love the Medela Contact Nipple Shields, which have been named the Best Nipple Shields by our editorial team — one editor even referred to them as a “complete game changer,” and a WTE mom called them a “life saver.”

These are designed with a thin silicone material and shape to promote more skin-to-skin contact, and moms appreciate the wide range of sizes to get the most comfortable fit and latch. Each set comes with two nipple shields, which you can store in a clamshell-shaped case.

Those first few weeks of breastfeeding or pumping can come with some unpleasant pains, which is why many moms rely on Lansinoh’s Hot and Cold Breast Therapy Packs. The beauty of these packs is that, as the name suggests, they can be used hot or cold depending on your needs. Warm them up in the microwave, and they can increase circulation and open up milk ducts, helping with let-down. Toss them in the fridge or freezer, and they can reduce swelling to provide relief from engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis. 

The packs come with machine-washable covers, which provide a comfortable barrier between your breast and the extreme temperature. These covers also come with a snap to create a round, nipple-cover-like shape, making it easy to place into your bra when your breasts could use some R&R in between feedings or during pumping sessions.

Named the Best Breast Pump by What to Expect editors and moms alike, the Spectra S1 boasts plenty of impressive features. 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 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 six years in a row.

Wearable breast pumps give moms the ability to pump without being plugged into a wall, and the Momcozy S12 Pro is a fan favorite. At $140, it’s significantly more affordable than other wearables. But the low price doesn’t take away from the efficiency; one voter shared that it yields about the same amount as her standard electric pump. Another standout feature: the double-sealed flanges. Made from soft, suction-sealed materials, the flanges are extra comfortable against the breast and also prevent leaks.  

The Momcozy S12 requires about 130 minutes of charging, but then you can pump hands-free throughout the day. It’s designed for 240 minutes of use, or about seven to eight pumping sessions. Each container can collect up to 6 ounces, so you can pump up to 12 ounces total per session.

Few feeding products have 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 draws milk out into the pump, which would otherwise be lost onto a nursing pad. (One writer previously shared that using the Haakaa yielded 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 also 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 of moms 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 it 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 you can get one that’s perfect for your nursery aesthetic, and it’s easy to slide the different covers into place. 

Although Dagne Dover doesn’t technically create pump bags, their popular diaper bags can easily (and chicly) store pumps and pump parts. Made with premium neoprene, these bags are sturdy enough to hold even the heavier breast pumps. That also makes them water-resistant, which is great if you get caught in the rain. The soft fabric also makes them comfortable to carry. Each bag comes with multiple compartments, making it easy for you to organize your pumping equipment. 

Of all the options, we’re particularly drawn to the Wade Neoprene Diaper Tote. To start, it boasts two carrying options — shoulder handles and a detachable crossbody strap — so you can easily adjust it to suit your style and comfort needs. It also has a pouch for extra storage and organization. But the biggest draw is the insulated bottle holder that can be used for your own hydration needs, or to carry baby’s next bottle.

After you’ve pumped that liquid gold, you’ll need a secure bag to store it. While building up their freezer stash, countless moms rely on the Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, which are made to stack in neat and compact rows. Moms share that there’s no leakage, thanks to the double zipper and double-sealed side seams, and it has a nifty pour spout to help with the transfer from bag to bottle.

A major win for pumping moms is that you can pump directly into these storage bags. It’s a seamless process if you use a Lansinoh pump, but you can also purchase a set of bags with two pump adapters, which are compatible with most standard breast pumps.

If you’re interested in lanolin-free nipple cream options, join the many moms in the What to Expect community who have discovered (and loved) the Earth Mama Nipple Butter. The first non-GMO verified nipple cream, it’s also USDA-Certified organic and made with key ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, mango seed butter and calendula flower extract. One mom insists there’s “magic” in this product, saying it’s the reason why she’s been able to exclusively pump for more than 10 months. Not to mention, moms also use it for their lips, cheeks and other spots that could use more hydration.

Moms report that it’s super soft and non-sticky, and you can apply it directly to your breasts or smooth it onto pump flanges. Our editorial team backs it, too, and recently named it Best Organic Nipple Cream. 

Sold exclusively at Target, Auden’s nursing bras receive high marks from What to Expect community members, who praise the brand for being comfortable, durable and budget-friendly options. 

Of the items featured in the collection, the Auden Women’s Nursing Seamless Bra is a standout. The clip-down straps make it easy to pump or nurse, and the straps are adjustable and convertible so you can wear it with racerback tops. Moms also appreciate that the non-removable pads provide plenty of coverage, and the six-hook back closure will accommodate fluctuating breast sizes. Because these are sold at Target, it’s also convenient to visit your local store and try them on before taking it home or ordering it online.

Kindred Bravely has made a name for itself in the pregnancy and postpartum space, creating high-quality items in a wide range of sizes. So it’s no surprise that moms who pump highly recommend their extensive line of pumping bras. 

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 the best nursing and pumping bra 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 pumping bra, many women find they’re still able to wear them long after they’ve stopped pumping. 

Whether you plan to nurse for a few weeks, months or years, having some nursing-friendly tops or dresses will make your feedings significantly easier (a major perk when you’re trying to feed a hangry baby!). Fortunately for moms’ comfort and budgets, PinkBlush has hundreds of styles designed to accommodate your growing bump during pregnancy and allow you to nurse more conveniently after baby’s arrival. They also host sales frequently, so you can usually score a deal when you’re shopping for maternity and postpartum clothing.

A perfect example of PinkBlush’s offerings is the Mauve Draped Maternity and Nursing Dress, which features an empire waist that flatters your bump and a wrap-style top you’ll appreciate when you’re nursing or pumping. 

It’s not surprising that several award-winning products from Lansinoh appear 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 named them 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 Comfy Cubs' muslin cloths. So much so that it was voted the most reliable pick for the third 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. In the words of one mom, "THE. BEST. PERIOD."

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 the Graco Table 2 Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 Convertible High Chair, which truly grows with your baby. 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 also boasts five different heights (so that you can 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.

Before baby is ready to fully chow down, it’s important to find a solid set of utensils that will promote eating and support their tender gums from teething. Named Best Starter Spoon by our editorial team, the Num Num Pre-Spoon Gootensils include Stage 1 and Stage 2 “pre-spoons." Stage 1 has raised dimples and can help you start introducing solids, while also getting your little one more comfortable with holding a utensil. From there, the Stage 2 pre-spoon has an open channel, so baby can try out thicker blends and other solids.

Parents in the What to Expect community were wowed by the Gootensils and how their babies were able to get the hang of holding them so quickly. Because of the textures and channels, it also kept food on the utensil and off the floor ... for the most part. 

True to their name, the Munchkin Stay-Put Suction Bowls won’t leave the high chair. Parents say the suction at the base is quite impressive, and there are different sizes so you can adjust to baby’s increasing appetite. They’re also microwave and top rack dishwasher safe, making warm ups and cleaning a breeze. Durability is another pro, with not one, but two moms sharing that they’ve used their sets for the past six years.

The stay-put design also gives more independence to baby, since they’ll be able to practice self-feeding (as opposed to moving around the bowl or dropping it from the high chair).

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 named Best Sippy Cup by our editorial team.

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.

Cloud Island is another Target-exclusive brand that tops parents’ list, specifically for their silicone bibs. Dishwasher safe and durable thanks to the food-grade silicone material, this set comes with crumb catcher pockets and an adjustable neck strap. Parents also noted that the adorable patterns were a nice-to-have feature for these best-selling bibs.

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 little 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 Baby Food Pouches, like this one made with apple, mango and carrot are a popular choice.

There’s no limit to where and when you can pump when a Ceres Chill product is in tow. This brand received so much praise from parents that it soared to the top slot among all of the best new baby feeding products. There are several different breastmilk chillers made by the brand, but a popular pick according to What to Expect parents is the Demigoddess Mini Chiller. The portable design (think the size of a water bottle) is easy to take on the go, and it can chill six to 12 ounces of breastmilk for up to 16 hours.

Here’s how it all works: The device comes with a cup, cap, connector, inner chamber and outer chamber. For the 6-ounce method, add ice and a splash of cold water to the outer chamber and fill the inner chamber with breast milk. As an alternative, you can store 12 ounces by doing the opposite; fill the inner chamber with ice and pour up to 12 ounces of milk into the outer chamber. It can also keep already hot or cold beverages at its temperature for hours. You can pump directly into your chiller, or attach any standard nipple to the neck of the connector and use the cup to feed baby on the go. For even more versatility, it also works as a bottle warmer.