Review of Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher
Posted on April 15th, 2009 in Baby
We purchased Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher from amazon.com in March 2009 for $18.99. Here’s our review.
Before we had this pitcher, we would mix and store formula in 8 oz bottles. We’d fill up a bottle to about the 6 oz mark, add the appropriate number of powder scoops, screw on a cap and shake it like crazy to get out the clumps. Needless to say, it wasn’t ideal. We continued to have clumps, the formula would turn ‘frothy’ because it had so many bubbles (and it’s this air in the formula that can agitate babies during and after feedings), and the 8 oz bottles didn’t make for convenient storage containers.
So when we learned there was such a thing as a ‘formula mixing pitcher’, we decided to give it a try. We’re very glad we have done so.
When the pitcher first arrived, it was surprising to learn that it is smaller than typical pitchers. When you see images of this project on the web, it’s usually by itself, so there’s no sense of scale. For that reason, I took the following photograph.
The size of the pitcher hasn’t been much of a hindrance, though. We’re generally just putting about 4 oz of formula per bottle, so I can mix almost a day’s worth of feeding in one pitcher. Also, because it’s a little shorter than other pitchers I can store it on my favorite shelf in the fridge. Still, I think one of these days I’ll be wishing that the pitcher is bigger.
What’s so special about this pitcher?
I’ll paraphrase the product description: The pitcher has a built-in mixing blade that quickly dissolves formula with no clumping, and an adjustable stopper that prohibits the mixing blade from lifting above the surface of the liquid as to keep air introduction to a minimum. (The stopper works well, but I no longer use it – more on this in later). The compact size, locking lid, soft grip handle and ribbed pitcher spout offer comfort and convenience when pouring. it disassembles without difficulty for easy cleaning, it’s dishwasher safe, and it’s BPA-free.
I thought it would be helpful to see the spinning blade in action. In the following video, you’ll see the blade lift above the formula level just to give an indication of how much it twirls while pumping.
The stopper
The idea behind the stopper is to limit the height of the mixing blade so that it doesn’t extend above the formula level. Otherwise, air might be introduced into the formula while mixing.
Though the stopper works well for keeping the mixing blade from rising above a designated height, I no longer use it. The reason is that as you pour formula from the pitcher throughout the day, the formula level changes, and in order to adjust the height of the stopper, you have to take the lid off and push the stopper (which is wet with formula) by hand. I’ve found it much easier to set the stopper at the maximum height, and I just keep an eye on how high I’m pulling the blade as I’m mixing the formula.
Whether you use Dr. Brown’s bottles or not, this pitcher is great for mixing formula. On occasion our family will use liquid formula instead of powder, which still needs to be stirred well, and the pitcher works great for that, too.
Bottom line
Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher mixes formula much better and faster than any other method I can think of, and is capable of doing so without introducing air into the formula. So clumping and bubbles are minimal if not non-existant. It’s also a convenient way to store formula in the fridge, and the formula pours from the spout in a nice clean stream. Whether you use Dr. Brown’s bottles or not, Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher is worth having if you have a formula-fed baby.
Our family likes Dr. Brown’s Formula Mixing Pitcher.