No, you don't always need baby bottles.
Whether or not you need baby bottles largely depends on how you are feeding your baby. According to information regarding feeding methods and costs:
Bottle Necessity Based on Feeding Method
The need for baby bottles, nipples, and associated supplies is directly linked to how breast milk or formula is delivered to the baby.
- Direct Breastfeeding: When feeding a baby directly from the breast, the need for bottles and nipples is eliminated. This method avoids the purchase of these items. As highlighted in the reference, "And unless you're pumping breast milk and giving it to your baby, there's no need for bottles, nipples, and other supplies that can be costly."
- Feeding Pumped Breast Milk or Formula: If you are expressing breast milk using a pump or preparing formula, you will require bottles and nipples to feed your baby. These supplies represent an additional cost compared to direct breastfeeding.
In summary, if you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby directly, you typically won't need bottles. However, if your feeding plan includes pumped milk or formula, bottles are essential.
