From Survival Games to Survival Mode: The Feeding Guide to Baby Essentials
I used to spend my free time playing survival games, optimizing processes, building camps, and figuring out how to thrive with limited resources.
When I became a mom, I realized I had entered the ultimate survival level. Suddenly, the questions were: How do I survive without sleep? How can I make this process better? How do I handle the overwhelming "stuff" surrounding a baby?
Becoming a mother brought more uncertainty than anything else in my life. I had this "perfect" Pinterest idea of a cute nursery, effortless breastfeeding, and plenty of "me time." Then, reality hit. If you’ve found your way to Breeze and Bloom, welcome. This is a beautiful, messy survival journey. All the "must-haves" you see online are just ideas, I'm here to help you choose the ones that actually provide comfort and simplicity.
As a graphic designer, I’m picky about patterns and colors, but as a mom, I’ve learned that utility is king. Before you buy anything, ask: How long will it last? How expensive are the replacement parts? How easy is it to clean?
1. The Feeding Station: Planning for the "Just In Case"
I dreamed that breastfeeding would be simple and I’d never need a bottle. I was wrong. My advice? Be ready for everything. Even if you plan to nurse, have your bottle supplies washed, sanitized, and ready. You don't want to be scrubbing nipples for the first time while a baby is screaming at 2:00 AM.
The Game-Changer: Get a bottle washing machine (the kind that washes, sanitizes, and dries). It is a treat to yourself that saves hours. It’s not just for bottles; it’s for toys, spoons, and syringes too.
Bottle Choice: We settled on Philips Avent. They are easy to hold, easy to clean, and the nipple sets are easy to find.
Pro Tip on Nipples: If your baby suddenly starts drinking less around 3 months, check your nipple flow! Moving from a Level 0 to a faster flow is often the answer.
Material Matters: Silicone bottles look lovely, but they take the longest to heat up. If you use a bottle warmer, keep that timing in mind.
My Baby Essentials
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Supplies for the products listed above
Other Bottles We Tried
We didn't just stop at one brand; we went through plenty of trial and error to find what worked for our "survival camp." I actually liked these bottles, but because of the material, they didn't heat up fast enough for us. However, depending on your routine, they might work perfectly for you!
A few things to watch out for:
Philips Avent Glass: These have a slightly different nipple design. Sometimes you'll notice the milk isn't flowing or the nipple starts to collapse (sink in). This is usually due to air pressure; it's a sign that the valve needs to be released or cleaned.
Dr. Brown’s: Have more pieces to clean. It can be a good option if your baby have colic.
Comotomo: I ran into the same pressure issue with these. To keep the milk flowing, always be aware of the small air vent hole on the side of the nipple. If that gets clogged or stuck, it creates a vacuum that makes it hard for the baby to drink. I will add here the price point, not bad but still something.
2. The Pump Hustle: Portability vs. Power
The hospital will likely help you get a pump, but do your homework. Check the price of replacement parts (valves and membranes) because you’ll need to swap them every month.
My Top Pick: Pumpables. It’s quiet, has a great battery, have a variety of sizes so you don’t need to use inserts, and the parts are affordable. They send you by email invoices for you got reimbursement from your insurance. Other benefit, if you choose the Philips Avent Anti-Colic bottle, the parts are compatible, so you can pump direct in the bottle if you want. I can’t recommend this pump enough.
The Truth About Wearables: I tried Medela wearables, and while they are great for travel or public spaces, they weren't my primary pump. You can’t move as much as you think without the pump shifting or losing milk. For your main "letdown," you need to relax. Build yourself a "pumping station" at home where you can actually sit back. If you need on the go my choice today will be Willow 360.
Bra: this is about pump but I need to squeeze here the Kindred Bravely pump bra. I have large breasts and this bra was a warrior, very comfy, endure multiple washes, you can sleep with them, and they hold. I recommend, the quality is great.
Here some of my picks for pumps:
Hi there! Some of the image links contain affiliate links and will direct you to Amazon. Some links are not affiliate and will direct you to Pumpables and Willow.
3. To Buy or To Skip?
Nursing Pillows: This might be an unpopular opinion, but you can skip the fancy pillow. At the hospital, I found regular pillows worked better. I ended up using my nursing pillow more for "propping" the baby up once he was learning to sit.
Bibs: Avoid Velcro! It wears out in the dryer and loses its stick. Stick with fabric bibs with buttons/snaps for the first 6 months. Silicone bibs for the food phase.
The High Chair: Once you hit the 6-month mark and start solids, life gets messy. Choose a chair that is easy to wipe down.
My Baby Essentials
4. Starting Solids: The Silicone Secret
Once solid food starts, you'll miss the "only milk" phase! We use silicone sets because they are dishwasher safe.
A Note on Taste: Sometimes silicone can retain a soapy taste from dishwasher tablets (like Cascade). If your baby is rejecting food, sniff the plate! I recommend using a baby-specific soap like Dapple Baby to ensure their food doesn't taste like chemicals.
The Survival Mindset
Don't worry about the perfect outfit before a meal—it’s going to get messy. Use cheap wet wipes for the initial cleanup and keep things moving.
At Breeze and Bloom, I want to help you find that coastal, minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing the practical tools you need to stay sane. Survival is easier when your "camp" is organized and your tools actually work.
Don’t forget to check Solid Starts, some of the tips here come from there. And I will tell you to get the app, it’s good have some north to go.
