What accessories are useful when feeding a baby?
Breastfeeding itself doesn't require many accessories, but in everyday situations, certain solutions can increase a mother's comfort and facilitate feeding management. They make it easier for the mother to manage the milk supply, store expressed milk, and even feed the baby from a bottle – occasionally, during mixed feeding or KPI (different breastfeeding).
To see how these solutions perform in everyday use, moms from the #MamyRecenzują club tested three Canpol babies products: nursing pads, breast milk storage bags, and the Natural Shape bottle . How did they fare in everyday use?
Milk in stock, peace of mind later - accessories for breastfeeding mothers for storing and feeding milk
Leaving home without a baby for the first time can be a daunting experience for many mothers. Even if the baby is left in the care of a father, grandmother, or another trusted person, questions arise: will the baby eat enough? Will it be possible to soothe it? Will it not seek the breast? According to the recommendations of the WHO and the Institute of Mother and Child, babies should be breastfed on demand, at the first signs of hunger.
That's why a pre-prepared supply of expressed breast milk can give mothers greater peace and freedom . The baby will receive breast milk, while the mother can take her time to run an errand, meet a friend, or simply relax. At such times, during mixed feeding or KPI, two accessories are especially useful for breastfeeding mothers: a well-chosen bottle and breast milk storage bags.
How to store and freeze milk supplies?
Accessories for storing milk while breastfeeding include reusable containers and disposable bags.
- Containers they are durable and can be used many times, but they require thorough washing and preparation before each use and usually take up more space in the freezer.
- Food bags However, they are sterile and ready to fill immediately after unpacking, so they are perfect for mothers who want to quickly prepare, label and freeze individual portions of food.
In another article you will find a complete guide to storing, freezing and thawing breast milk , prepared in cooperation with Barbara Niezgoda - Certified Lactation Consultant (CDL), psychologist and midwife at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Institute of Mother and Child
Breast milk storage bags – leak-proof and durable, something moms can trust
No mother wants to wonder if milk stored in the freezer or transported outside the home will unexpectedly spill. Leak-proof bags are especially important when each pumped portion costs the mother significant time and effort.
In tests by the #MomsReviews club, 100% of moms confirmed that Canpol babies 150ml breast milk storage bags gave them a sense of well-protected milk, and 99% of participants did not notice any leaks or ruptures during use, even in changing temperature conditions. Breast milk storage bags take up little space in the freezer , making this solution particularly appreciated by moms who want to conveniently organize their supplies.
"The bags are very durable, they don't break when frozen or thawed, and most importantly, they give me the peace of mind that my milk is 100% safe and sealed. Their shape also makes it easy to freeze them flat in the freezer, which saves me a lot of space." – Angelika, mother of a 2-3-month-old baby.
In everyday use, however, it's not just about leak-proofing. Canpol babies breast milk storage bags feature a self-standing base for easy filling and a contoured spout for easier pouring of milk into the bottle. This feature was rated as helpful by a whopping 96% of mothers ! The bag also features a clear space for writing down the date and amount of milk, helping you organize your supplies and reach for previously prepared portions first.
See the full test results of Canpol babies 150 ml breast milk storage bags in the #MamyRecenzują club:
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Based on tests with the participation of 92 parents as part of the #MomsRecenzują club
Feeding bottle – which one to choose when a mother wants to combine breastfeeding with expressing milk?
Giving expressed milk from a bottle raises concerns for many mothers: will the baby get used to the faster flow and still want to nurse? That's why choosing these types of breastfeeding accessories should be carefully considered.
In the #MamyRecenzują club , they tested how the Canpol babies Natural Shape 150 ml bottle performed in everyday use – from acceptance by babies, through the rate of milk flow, to comfort for the mother.
A pacifier that supports the natural sucking rhythm
One of the elements assessed by mothers during bottle testing was the nipple. It should support a sucking pattern close to natural, allow the baby to maintain their own feeding rhythm, and have a flow adapted to their capabilities.
As many as 95% of mothers rated the innovative, two-zone teat with DuoFlex technology, which has a shape very similar to the shape of the female breast, very well or well.
The stable base of the nipple is designed to support the correct positioning and outward turning of the baby's lips, commonly referred to as "fish lips." The nipple's design allows for a smooth sucking rhythm and may reduce the risk of swallowing excessive air. This solution is designed to support combined breastfeeding and bottle feeding and support the baby during transitions between these feeding methods.
Easily return to breastfeeding after using a bottle
One of the most common issues that mothers who combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding pay attention to is the ability of the baby to easily return to the breast.
The test results in the #MamyRecenzują club showed that 91% of mothers rated their child's return to breastfeeding after using the Canpol babies Natural Shape 150 ml bottle as very easy or rather easy.
This result is particularly significant given concerns about combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding. It shows that the vast majority of children experienced no significant difficulties returning to the breast after using the Canpol babies Natural Shape bottle.
"I'm a breastfeeding mom, and giving a bottle always makes me nervous, worried that the baby will get lazy and won't want to come back to the breast. I didn't have that feeling with the bottle I tested," Kinga , mother of a 4-6-month-old baby.
Quick acceptance of the bottle if the baby has previously been breastfed
Every baby has their own preferences, so when introducing a new bottle, the time it takes to accept it can vary. With the Canpol babies Natural Shape bottle, 98% of babies accepted the bottle during testing , with 86% of babies becoming comfortable with the bottle during the first feeding or after 2-3 attempts, and 12% of babies accepting the bottle after a few days.
“The bottle imitates the breast very well, the baby has no problem switching from one bottle to another” – Martyna, mother of a child aged 4–6 months.
Check out how the Canpol babies Natural Shape 150 ml bottle fared during tests at the #MamyRecenzują club:
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Based on tests with the participation of 92 parents as part of the #MomsRecenzują club
Parental comfort is important at every feeding
A bottle should be comfortable not only for the baby but also for the person holding, filling, unscrewing, and washing it, often several times a day, including at night. In tests of the Natural Shape bottle, 100% of mothers positively assessed its ergonomics and ease of holding, and awarded the highest rating for the legibility of the measuring cup.
“ A big advantage is the ease of cleaning, the wide neck and simple assembly, which makes daily preparation for feeding less time” – Aleksandra, mother of a 2-3-month-old child.
As tests of the Canpol babies Natural Shape 150 ml bottle in the #MamyRecenzują club have shown, a well-chosen bottle doesn't have to mean giving up breastfeeding . It can give the mother greater flexibility and allow the baby to receive her milk even when direct breastfeeding is not possible.
Nursing pads – discreet support and comfort for moms every day
Unexpected leakage from the breasts can surprise a mother while walking, shopping, or visiting friends, but wet stains on a blouse are also a nuisance at home. This is when nursing pads prove to be one of the most practical breastfeeding accessories . They absorb leaking milk, protect clothing , and help keep the skin of the breasts dry . This allows a mother to calmly focus on her baby and her own affairs, without constantly wondering if there's a milk stain on her blouse.
And if you're wondering which nursing bra to choose 👈 we encourage you to read our article.
Breastfeeding accessories: reusable and disposable nursing pads. Which are best for you?
Both reusable and disposable pads are available on the market . Reusable pads, most often made of cotton, bamboo, or wool , help reduce waste and can be reused multiple times. However, they require washing after each use and thorough drying before reuse , which in practice means you'll need a fairly large set of pads. It's also worth checking their thickness, absorbency, and contouring, as some models may be visible under clothing or offer less leak protection.
Disposable breast pads
Disposable nursing pads are a convenient alternative for mothers who don't want to worry about washing and drying reusable pads daily . Disposable nursing pads vary in size, thickness, construction, and absorbency – thinner and therefore more discreet models may be better for daytime use, while more absorbent ones may be better for nighttime use, during a heavy milk supply, or when leaving the house for extended periods.
- REMEMBER: Even the most absorbent pads shouldn't be worn for long hours. For hygiene reasons, they should be replaced whenever they become damp, not when they become completely soaked. Changing nursing pads regularly helps maintain dryness and reduces the risk of irritation to the delicate skin of the breasts.
Do nursing pads really stay dry and discreet? Moms have tested this!
These are the features moms tested during the #MamyRecenzują (#MomsRecenzuja) test of the breathable, ultra-absorbent Canpol babies 3D nursing pads . Participants assessed features such as absorbency, how the pads stay in place, how they fit the breasts, and how visible they are under clothing.
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Based on tests with the participation of 92 parents as part of the #MomsRecenzują club
100% of mothers who tested Canpol babies nursing pads confirmed that they kept them feeling dry, and 98% rated their absorbency as very good or good. 90% of mothers indicated that the two adhesive strips helped keep the pads in place, reducing slippage.
The fit was also important . The anatomical 3D shape was positively rated by 99% of test participants . A full 98% of mothers found the pads discreet under clothing , which is especially important when leaving the house, when a woman wants to feel truly comfortable.
The best way to explain how using Canpol babies nursing pads translates into everyday comfort is from mothers themselves:
"My overall impressions are very positive. The pads have given me great peace of mind – they absorb everything instantly, leaving my skin feeling dry. They don't irritate and are incredibly soft. The 3D shape is a real hit for me. You just put them on and forget you're wearing them. Mothers can finally feel feminine." – Angelika, mother of a 2-3 month old baby
"I really like them for their softness, they are thin, so they don't get in the way, they are invisible under clothes, and at the same time they are very absorbent - they retain moisture and help keep you dry for a longer time" - Beata, mother of a child aged 4-6 months
Mothers' opinions show that well-fitting pads can increase the comfort and sense of freedom of a breastfeeding mother , both outside the home and while feeding, resting or caring for her baby at night.
This article was created in collaboration with Canpol babies. It presents the results of tests on nursing pads, breast milk storage bags, and the 150ml Natural Shape bottle , which were tested by 92 mothers of children aged 0 to 6 months in the #MamyRecenzują club.
