5 Best Formula Dispensers That You Can Safely Stash in Your Diaper Bag

This Avent formula dispenser is one of the best basic dispensers available. It’s one of the highest-rated picks on many retail sites and was an absolute diaper bag staple with my own babies. In fact, I had three — one that I kept on the kitchen counter for middle-of-the-night feedings, one that I kept in the diaper bag and one that lived at grandma’s house. After my kids outgrew the formula stage, the dispensers held up great through years of toddler and preschooler snacking. 

The only small complaint some parents noted is that the rotating cap on top can be difficult to turn at times, but this was not my experience. When it’s time to clean, just remove the interior compartment and put it in the dishwasher. For sterilizing and snacking, it’s also microwave-safe. Overall, it’s easy to refill, use on the go and clean, making it an all-around workhorse of a baby accessory with no frills or special skills required.

These individual formula dispensers are designed to be stored inside of the 9-ounce Tommee Tippee bottles, which makes them super convenient for traveling. When it’s time to feed, just unscrew the top, pour the formula through the no-mess funneled top and add water. Even if you aren’t using Tommee Tippee brand bottles, the convenience of having one small container of pre-measured formula on hand makes these a top pick for traveling parents to have on hand. Sold in a set of six, you may need to throw more than one in your diaper bag if you are out and about for a while, but they’re small and don’t take up much space.

This stackable formula dispenser had an overwhelming number of positive reviews from parents on the What to Expect community. They love how easy this convenient item is to use, thanks to the funnel-shaped top on each level. Sold in packs of two, each dispenser has three stacked levels for storing one bottle’s worth of formula powder. Best of all, they make fantastic snack containers for holding puffs, cereal and other small items on the go once baby starts on solids. As for potential drawbacks, some parents say that the powder can gunk up the interlocking areas, making them stick together on occasion. However, it wasn’t a widely-reported problem, and thorough cleaning after each use should help.

Whether you’re taking a day trip, going on a long-haul flight or you simply want to have plenty of formula on-hand at all times in case of emergencies, this large-capacity formula dispenser is a great option. It has a sleek design with a flat top, plus an interior silicone ring and locking buckle closure so that powder won’t spill out inside your diaper bag. The internal reservoir holds enough powdered formula to make six 8-ounce bottles. Though it’s not sectioned off like other formula dispensers, there is a spot inside the lid to hold a scoop. However, some parents note that the included scoop does not match the size of the one that comes with their baby’s formula, so that’s something to be aware of if you decide to purchase.

For another type of dispenser that many parents love, you can try this Boon tripod option. Instead of tipping the container over, you simply line up one of the legs and let the contents pour out right into a bottle. Many parents report that the shape makes it easy to get all of the formula powder out, and there are no crevices for it to get stuck in. Although the shape is sort of awkward, many report that it’s easy to toss in your bag and takes up little room. And despite some parents’ worries that the caps will come loose in their diaper bag, they make a snap sound when locked in place so you know that they’re on correctly.