The Best Formula Prep Tools for Easier Bottle Making

Move over coffee machine—this is the appliance you might find yourself using daily. A ton of Babylist parents agree that the Formula Pro is a game changer for formula feeding. You can load enough water and formula to make up to 20 eight-ounce bottles, then dispense a warmed, perfectly mixed bottle at the press of a button. Choose from three temperature settings and select bottle sizes from two to 12 ounces.

For parents making multiple bottles a day (or juggling a hungry baby who doesn’t love to wait), the convenience can feel huge. “I made several bottles with the Brezza and several by hand and compared—and the Brezza makes the bottles correct every time as long as you follow the directions,” one parent shared in their review. As long as it’s set up correctly and cleaned regularly, many parents say it takes the guesswork—and a lot of the bubbles—out of bottle prep. Many parents also praise how much time it saves them, one writing in our most-loved products survey they, “cannot imagine how much time it has saved!”

Worth noting

• You’ll definitely want to give the manual a read to make sure you know how to use the machine properly. Some parents note they’ve experienced inconsistent formula-powder-to-water ratios, which could lead to nutrient deficiencies—so double-checking your settings and cleaning regularly is key. This can happen if the wrong settings are selected, the funnel is clogged or parts aren’t assembled correctly. (Check out Baby Brezza’s how-to article for troubleshooting and tips.)

• At just under $230, this machine is definitely an investment.

• Cleaning is a must to keep this machine running smoothly, and it can be a pain to do.

When you prefer to mix a full day’s worth of formula at once, a pitcher like this makes the process faster and smoother. And Babylist parents specifically called out this one from Dr. Brown’s in our most-loved products survey. ”We really were surprised by how much our formula pitcher helps us out. It makes feedings much less stressful and cuts down on overall waste,” one wrote. 

Simply pump the handle at the top and the rotating blade blends water and powder thoroughly, helping break up clumps without whipping in excess air. And if a few bubbles sneak in, letting the formula rest in the refrigerator allows everything to settle before feeding.

Batch prepping can be especially helpful for overnight bottles or when someone else is caring for your baby. It also makes quick top-offs easier if they’re still hungry and you don’t want to make a whole new bottle. Another parent raved, “This was a lifesaver! Having to shake up formula was so messy and annoying. The pitcher is SO convenient. If you’re feeding all or just part formula—get this. It’s inexpensive and amazing.”

Worth noting

• Formula has a storage limit when you batch prep—so be sure to pay attention to when you made the formula and use it within 24 hours.

• The mixing blade can be cumbersome to clean if you’re washing by hand, but it’s safe to toss the small pitcher parts on the top rack of your dishwasher for less work on your part. 

• The pitcher is dishwasher safe, but handwashing will prevent the measurements from fading over time.

A practical in-between option for formula prep is a hot water dispenser. Many parents find it handy for dispensing warm water at just the right temperature without waiting for a bottle warmer or a bowl of water to do the job. “It's been a game changer. It warms the water effectively, not just the bottle,” one Babylist parent wrote in their review. 

Unlike the previous picks, you’ll still measure and scoop formula into the water once it’s dispensed—and do the mixing yourself.  It heats water to your chosen temperature (98.6, 104, 122 and 158 degrees fahrenheit) and holds it there, so when baby’s hungry, you’re not stuck waiting for water to warm up.  

Worth noting

• The tank is on the smaller side, so you’ll need to refill it regularly. 

• Some parents mention it’s a bit noisy when heating, which may matter if baby’s sleeping nearby. 

Since you’re measuring the formula by hand, consistency still depends on careful scooping and mixing.

A few more hot water dispensers: