What’s A Formula Dispenser & How Does It Help You?
A formula dispenser is a container or device that lets you dispense pre-measured portions of infant formula.
It reduces the time you need to measure and put the baby formula in a bottle.
The portable version of this baby product, the travel formula dispenser, easily fits in your diaper bag for feeding on the go or leaving with them at daycare or preschool.
These handy formula containers can also be used at home and are particularly useful during night feedings.
You simply pick up the formula dispenser (with pre-measured formula), open the cap, pour the formula into your baby’s bottle (with pre-filled water), shake it, check the temperature, and give it to your baby.
Other products can automatically dispense the formula you need, so you don’t have to pre-measure and put them in formula containers.
Is A Formula Dispenser Necessary?
A formula dispenser isn’t a requirement, but it’s nice to have because it can make bottle feeding much easier.
With an automatic formula dispenser, you wouldn’t have to worry about whether you put enough formula in the bottle. However, because they’re costly, you can also stick to the traditional formula containers, which cost lower.
We prepared this review to provide you with more information about these formula dispensers so you can decide whether to pick the traditional or automatic dispensers.
Our Top Picks For The 7 Best Formula Dispensers
Formula Dispenser Machines
- Baby Brezza Formula Pro-Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser – WiFi-ready, automatic formula maker that you can control with your phone
- Baby Exo Formula Dispenser Machine – Automatic baby formula maker that can prepare warm bottles in 10 seconds
Portable & Travel Formula Dispensers
- Dr. Brown’s Formula Dispenser (one container) – BPA-free plastic formula dispenser with an easy-pour spout that fits narrow and wide bottles
- Munchkin Formula Dispenser Combo Pack (two containers) – Offers an option for a single dispenser or one with three compartments
- Philips Avent Powder Formula DispenserSnack Cup (one container) – Removable plastic divider to convert the formula dispenser into a food storage container
2-in-1 Formula Bottle & Dispensers
- Tommee Tippee Formula Dispenser (six containers per pack) – Space-saving design, with each formula dispenser fitting inside a 9-oz Tommee Tippee baby bottle
- PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Mixer & Dispenser Baby Bottles (one pack with a 9 oz bottle and formula dispenser) – A 2-in-1 bottle and formula dispenser designed for one-hand formula preparation (no need to remove the dispenser to prepare the formula)
Formula Mixers & Pitchers
These products can also be useful for preparing large batches of baby formula
- Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher
- LivingEZ Smart Formula Mixer
- Baby Brezza Formula Mixer
- Munchkin Smart Blend Formula Mixing Pitcher
- Rubbermaid Mixing Pitcher
Continue reading about each baby formula dispenser below.
Baby Brezza Formula Pro-Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser
What Makes It Special?
- WiFi-ready, automatic formula maker
- More consistent, accurate, hygienic, and faster than hand scooping
- Features patented mixing technology to prepare your baby’s bottle with consistency
- Works with all formula brands (including specialty formulas like Similac Alimentum) and bottle types
- Can automatically make a warm bottle instantly with just a few clicks on your phone (using the free Baby Brezza app available for iOS and android)
- Preset settings for bottle type or size, temperature, formula scoops, and water volume
- Options available for dispensing formula or water only
- Airtight powder container
- Sends alerts on your phone for certain situations (e.g., bottle ready, low formula, low water, or no bottle present)
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Safety Features: BPA-free (doesn’t contain BPA or bisphenol-A, a toxic chemical used to make plastics)
- Special Features: Automatic formula mixer that you can also control using your phone
- Compartments: Not applicable
- Stackability: Not applicable
- Dimensions: 16.9 x 14.2 x 9.7 inches
- Dishwasher Safe: No, the funnel and funnel cover should only be hand washed
Other Specifications
- Capacity: Total capacity isn’t indicated, but this machine is capable of dispensing 1 oz from a minimum of 2 oz to a maximum of 10 oz
- Warranty: 18-month warranty
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- It’s an expensive baby formula mixer.
- Some parents complain about the product not dispensing the correct amount of water or formula, leading to watered down or concentrated milk.
Baby Exo Formula Dispenser Machine
What Makes It Special?
- Automatic baby formula maker
- Can prepare warm bottles in 10 seconds
- Setting options for water volume and temperature
- High-temperature cleaning technology helps effectively remove residues in the funnel
- Airtight, moisture-proof formula container
- Adjustable bottle tray to accommodate all kinds of water bottles
- Large water tank capacity (60 oz or 7.6 cups)
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Safety Features: BPA-free
- Special Features: Automatic formula mixer
- Compartments: Not applicable
- Stackability: Not applicable
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 5.8 x 14.4 inches
- Dishwasher Safe: Not indicated
Other Specifications
- Capacity: 60 oz tank capacity; 10.6 oz formula box capacity
- Warranty: One year
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Although it costs less than the Baby Brezza dispenser, it’s still several times more expensive than portable formula dispensers.
Dr. Brown’s Formula Dispenser
What Makes It Special?
- BPA-free plastic formula dispenser
- Easy-pour spout that fits narrow and wide bottles
- Secure-snap lid to keep infant formula secured in the container (to avoid spills)
- Three separate compartments that can hold enough formula to prepare a 9-oz bottle (per section)
- Converts into a snack container when your baby is ready for solid foods
- Sterilizer and dishwasher safe (top rack)
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Safety Features: BPA-free
- Special Features: Converts into a snack container
- Compartments: Three
- Stackability: Not stackable
- Dimensions: 4.30 x 4.30 x 5.80 inches
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack only
Other Specifications
- Capacity: Three compartments, with each one able to hold enough formula to prepare a 9-oz bottle
- Warranty: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain about experiencing difficulty in turning the lid to switch chambers.
Munchkin Formula Dispenser Combo Pack
What Makes It Special?
- Snapping lid designed to keep your baby’s formula from leaking
- Has a total of four compartments
- Offers an option for a single dispenser or one with three compartments
Key Features & Product Details
- Material: Plastic
- Safety Features: Free from latex and BPA
- Special Features: Two different container styles in one pack
- Compartments: One (single-serve) or three compartments
- Stackability: Not stackable
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 4 inches
- Dishwasher safe: Yes, top-rack only
Other Specifications
- Capacity: Each chamber can hold enough formula for an 8-oz bottle
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality & Safety Certifications: CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- They can’t be steam-sterilized, boiled, or microwaved because they can melt or warp.
Philips Avent Powder Formula Dispenser & Snack Cup
What Makes It Special?
- Three storage compartments that can store enough formula to prepare a 9-ounce bottle (per section)
- Flip-top, easy-pour spout with a cap to prevent mess and ensure accuracy when pouring
- Removable plastic divider keeps the formula separate from other compartments but can be removed to convert the formula dispenser into a food storage container
- Sterilizer, microwave, and dishwasher safe (top rack)
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Safety Features: BPA-free
- Special Features: Converts into a snack container
- Compartments: Three compartments that can hold enough formula to prepare 9-ounce bottles
- Stackability: Not stackable
- Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 5 inches
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack only
Other Specifications
- Capacity: Each chamber can hold enough formula for a 9-oz bottle
- Warranty: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain about formula spilling over to other compartments.
- Other customers complain that this product can be difficult to use.
Tommee Tippee Formula Dispenser
What Makes It Special?
- Space-saving design (each formula container fits inside a 9-oz Tommee Tippee baby bottle)
- Individual containers (no compartments), with each able to hold up to eight scoops of baby formula
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Safety Features: Free from phthalates and BPA
- Special Features: In-bottle formula dispenser
- Compartments: One compartment each
- Stackability: Not stackable but still saves space in your diaper bag because they’re designed to fit inside the baby bottles
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Other Specifications
- Capacity: Enough formula to prepare a 9-oz bottle
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the formula containers were too small to fit enough formula as advertised.
- The containers aren’t stackable (but can be put inside the bottles).
- You need to take out the dispenser, pour the formula into the bottle, and shake it before giving it to your baby. After your baby has consumed the bottle, you can return the dispenser inside it.
PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Mixer & Dispenser Baby Bottles
What Makes It Special?
- 2-in-1 bottle and formula dispenser
- One-hand formula preparation
- Simply press the buttons, then shake the bottle a few times to prepare your baby’s bottle
- Formula dispenser stores enough formula to prepare each bottle (5 oz or 9 oz)
- Bottle holds both water and formula, but keeps them separate until needed
- Funnel stops formula from falling into the water chamber
- Bottle can also be used to store breast milk
- Anything stored in the bottle section remains isolated from the anti-colic vent and nipple until the buttons are pressed to release the agitator.
- PopYum bottles and dispensers can be sterilized using the same methods as regular baby bottles (boiling water, steam cleaning, or sterilizing tablets).
Key Features
- Material: Medical-grade silicone and premium PP (polypropylene) material
- Safety Features: Free from BPA, phthalates, lead (heavy metal), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), latex, BPS (bisphenol-S), and PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
- Special Features: 2-in-1 bottle and formula dispenser
- Compartments: One compartment per bottle
- Stackability: Not stackable, but the formula dispenser is inside your baby’s bottle
- Dimensions: 5.8 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack only
Other Specifications
- Capacity: Enough formula to prepare 5 oz or 9 oz (depending on the bottle size)
- Warranty: Not indicated
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents notice that the formula can slowly leak into the bottom section when the bottle is constantly shaken in the diaper bag.
Summary & Recommendations
These baby formula dispensers can be used for different purposes and have their own pros & cons. Below are our recommendations to help you choose, based on their categories.
Formula Dispenser Machines
Choose Baby Brezza Formula Pro-Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser if:
- You prefer a WiFi-ready, automatic formula maker that you can control with your phone
- You like one that sends alerts for certain situations (e.g., bottle ready, no bottle present, low formula, or low water)
- You don’t mind the high price tag
Choose Baby Exo Formula Dispenser Machine if:
- You want an automatic baby formula maker that can prepare warm bottles in 10 seconds
- You prefer the less expensive option (compared with the Baby Brezza)
- You don’t mind the high price tag (compared with the portable formula dispensers)
Portable & Travel Formula Dispensers
Choose Dr. Brown’s Formula Dispenser(one container) if:
- You prefer a BPA-free plastic formula dispenser with an easy-pour spout that fits narrow and wide bottles
- You want a formula dispenser that converts into a food storage container
Choose Munchkin Formula Dispenser Combo Pack(two containers) if:
- You want to have an option for a single dispenser or one with three compartments
Choose Philips Avent Powder Formula Dispenser Snack Cup (one container) if:
- You want a formula dispenser that converts into a food storage container
- You prefer an easy-to-clean formula dispenser (it’s sterilizer, microwave, and dishwasher safe)
2-in-1 Formula Bottle & Dispensers
Choose Tommee Tippee Formula Dispenser (six containers per pack) if:
- You like its space-saving design for less bulk in your diaper bag
- You prefer a budget-friendly formula container
- You don’t mind having to remove the dispenser from the bottle to prepare the formula (compared to the PopYum Anti-Colic Formula Mixer that prepares the bottle without taking the dispenser out)
- You prefer a 2-in-1 bottle and formula dispenser designed for one-hand formula preparation (no need to remove the dispenser to prepare the formula)
FAQs For Baby Formula Dispensers
How Do You Store Baby Formula On The Go?
Travel formula dispensers can be a handy option for storing baby formula on the go. These can make it easy for you to prepare a bottle even while traveling.
How Long Does Baby Formula Last In A Formula Dispenser?
Powdered formulas can last for several days in a formula dispenser as long as they’re kept away from moisture and potential contaminants. However, to avoid the increased risk of contamination, it’s best to use the formula within 2-3 days.
Can Formula Dispensers Affect The Formula’s Shelf-Life?
If prepared and stored correctly, the formula’s shelf life can remain the same (one month after opening the main container). However, as already mentioned above, it’s still best to use formulas transferred to dispensers within 2-3 days.
Discard any formula that shows any form of discoloration, moisture, or other issues to avoid health risks.
Can I Make Formula Bottles Up In Advance?
Yes. Pre-made formula bottles can last up to 24 hours in the fridge as long as they’re placed inside immediately after preparation. (1)
Discard prepared formula bottles if kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Do You Have To Boil Water For Formula?
You don’t need to boil distilled or purified water. (2)
But if you’re using tap water, boil for 1 minute (start counting when it’s already boiling) and cool before preparing your baby’s bottle. (2)
Can I Use The Hot Water On A Water Dispenser For Baby Formula?
Yes, as long as it’s distilled or purified water.
Is It Necessary To Sterilize Powder Dispensers?
Yes. These baby products come in contact with your baby’s formula, so they should always be clean. Sterilizing helps reduce health risks.
Read the packaging for cleaning and sterilizing instructions.
How Many Scoops Fit In A Formula Container?
It depends on the container and the formula brand. Most containers can fit enough formula to prepare 8-9 oz bottles per compartment.
Types Of Baby Formula Dispensers
- Formula dispenser machines
- Portable & travel formula dispensers
- Stackable formula dispensers
- Milk powder box
- Baby bottle & formula dispenser combo
- Formula dispenser and warmer
Factors To Consider When Buying Formula Dispensers
- Safety
- Compartment size
- Accuracy
- Versatility & extras
- Style
- Ease of use
- Price
What Other Feeding Accessories Do You Need?
Aside from formula dispensers, you might also consider getting the following to help make bottle-feeding easier:
- Baby bottles
- Formula pitchers
- Formula mixers
- Bottle warmers
- Bottle sterilizers
- Pacifiers (they can help improve your baby’s sucking reflexes)
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/formula-feeding/infant-formula-preparation-and-storage.html
(2) https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/bottle-feeding-formula-preparation
