Once you’ve mastered the art of pumping, whether it’s manual or electric, the next product that you should never overlook are breast milk storage bags. The expression “don’t cry over spilled milk” will have a new meaning, especially after a tedious pumping session. It may mean to not worry about the things you cannot change. But for moms who have difficulty expressing and producing breast milk, “spilled milk” is definitely something worth trying to.
Before you get frustrated with the number of options in the market, we have gathered a list of the best storage bags for you. We also wrote a buyer’s guide complete with milk storing FAQS to get you ready. So without further ado, here are our top picks:
Best Breast Milk Storage Bags Comparison Table
Model | No. of Bags | Counts per Pack | Capacity (oz) | Uses Universal Adapter? | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tommee Tippee | 70 | 70 and 35 | 6 | Yes, sold separately | |
Kiinde Twist | 80 | 80, 40, 20, 160 | 6 or 8 | Yes, sold separately | |
Medela | 50 | 50 and 20 | 5 | Yes, included | |
Bonafide Baby | 110 | 110 | 8 | No | |
Ameda Store N Pour | 40 | 40 | 5 | Yes, sold separately | |
NUK Simply Natural | 50 | 50, 25, 100, and 200 | 8 | Yes, sold separately | |
GLAND | 100 | 100 and 200 | 8 | Yes, sold separately | |
Baby Chan | 50 x 2 | 50 | 7 | Yes, sold separately | |
Lansinoh | 100 | 100 | 6 | Yes, sold separately | |
Dr. Brown's | 100 | 100 and 50 | 6 | No | |
Milkies"No-Break, No-Leak" | 50 | 50 | 7 | No | |
Philips AVENT | 50 | 50 | 6 | No |
Best Breast Milk Storage Bags Reviews
Tommee Tippee Pump and Go – Usable for Pumping, Storing, and Feeding
Pump, Store, and Feed
The first breast milk storage bags in our review are the Pump and Go bags from Tommee Tippee. You can buy this 6-ounce bag in a set of 35 or 70 pieces. But Tommee Tippee also offers a starter set that comes with 10 bags, breast milk pouch bottle, slow flow nipple, and a breast pump adaptor set.
With the starter set, you can use the bags from pumping, storing, and then feeding using Tommee Tippee’s milk pouch bottle. We appreciate this overall flexibility because you don’t have to transfer the milk in multiple containers. Not only does this save you time and effort with washing containers, but it also minimizes the risk of spills during transfers.
Pre-Sterilized with Screw Top Lid
The Pump and Go breast milk storage bags are pre-sterilized. They use a screw-top lid for attaching onto the breast pump or breast milk pouch bottle. This is also the same mechanism when the bag attaches to the adapters, which gives it a tighter and more secure fit. Especially if you compare it to when an adapter just hangs the bag to the flange.
Universal Adapter Set
Speaking of adapters, the Pump and Go bags are so-called because you are meant to use them with your pump conveniently. If you’re not using the bags with a Tommee Tippee pump, their universal adaptor set is compatible with most brands. They include Medela, Lansinoh, Evenflo, Ameda, Philips Avent, Calypso, and Spectra.
However, it would’ve been better if Tommee Tippee has provided two adapters for pumps that allow dual pumping. We think most moms pump both breasts simultaneously anyway, and it is not economical to buy another adapter set to accommodate both breasts.
The Design Flaw
As we have mentioned previously, the Pump and Go bags use a screw-top lid. First, we should point out that this feature makes transferring onto feeding bottles easier and spill-proof.
A rubber gasket around the lid would have solved this design flaw. Nonetheless, the measurements on the bag are accurate. So long as the bags don’t fall flat and leak some of the contents out.
- Adapter set compatible with a lot of common breast pump brands
- Easy to pour
- Screws securely to breast pump and bottle
- Need to purchase another adapter set if you are dual pumping
- Can’t be stored flat
Kiinde Twist Pouch – Best Breast Milk Storage Bags for Freezer
If you have read our buyer’s guide beforehand, then you know that freezing provides the longest shelf life for breast milk. And even though all the bags here can withstand cold temperatures, our best pick for storing in the freezer are from Kiinde.
These Twist Pouch breast milk storage bags stand out with their looks compared to other colorless brands in the market. The bags are still see-through complete with measurements, but they come in a combination of blue and white.
Compatible with All Major Breast Pump Brands
Similar to the previous Tommee Tippee bags, they utilize a screw-top lid. Their grip feels sturdy and almost reminiscent of how water bottles screw into place. This locking mechanism also works as secured when you attach a pouch to a breast pump. And according to Kiinde, their universal adapter set is compatible with all the major brands of breast pump.
Recyclable Bags and Caps
We’re also glad to know that these disposable bags are recyclable. The bags themselves are low-density polyethylene, and even the caps are high-density polyethylene. The fact that breast milk storage bags are disposable can be turn-off for those who want to minimize waste in the environment. Thus, consumers will always appreciate when both bags and caps can be recycled.
Air-Free Attachment to Kiinde Squeeze Feeding Bottle
The Kiinde breast milk storage bags also allow use for feeding. You can snap the pouch directly into the Kiinde Squeeze natural feeding bottle. This way, you won’t have to risk spilling when it comes to transferring the milk into a bottle.
Direct use with feeding will also guarantee that you’re feeding your baby without excess air in the bottle. The Twist pouch will automatically collapse as your baby drinks, so you won’t need any venting mechanism when you use the bottle.
Stack Horizontally or Vertically
Storage Rack Available
In fact, Kiinde even has their own breast milk holder and organizer. This storage rack will keep your breast milk storage bags in one area neatly and compactly. However, because of their caps, the bags might require more space inside the freezer. This is also true even if you use Kiinde’s storage rack.
Milk and Bottle Warmer Available
Another piece of equipment that Kiinde offers is the Kozi. This is a patent-pending low-temperature breast milk and bottle warmer. What’s unique with Kozi is that it can thaw your breast milk storage bags directly from the freezer. Nonetheless, you can still opt to place the Twist Pouch bags in a bowl of warm water to thaw them.
Can be Used for Solid Food
Lastly, the Twist Pouches are also usable for pureed solid food. We think this is very convenient once you start baby-led weaning. Kiinde offers a Foodii System which makes use of the Twist Pouches for storing pureed food.
- Leak and fall-proof
- Can be used from pumping, storing, and feeding
- Recyclable
- Can be stacked standing or flat
- Available storage rack and warmer
- Can be used for solid food
- Takes up freezer room
Medela Pump and Save – Ready for Dual Pumping and Storage
Our third breast milk storage bag is the Pump and Save from the familiar brand, Medela. And compared to the previous bags that use screw top lids, the Pump and Save bags use a zipper top to seal the milk in.
Two-Layered Storage Bag
When it comes to safety, these breast milk storage bags use two layers of material. The outside layer is polyethylene terephthalate, while the inner layer is low-density polyethylene film. The bags are free from phthalates, and they also come pre-sterilized like all the products in this review.
Comes with Two Adapters
You can purchase these bags in a set of 50s and 20s of bags measuring 5 ounces. But what’s great with the Pump and Save is that Medela already includes two adaptors when you purchase the bags.
The bags themselves are compatible with all Medela breast pumps with the exception of Sonata. However, Medela have mentioned that they haven’t tested these bags with breast pumps from other brands. Because of this, you might be limited to using Medela products only.
The brand also offers bags that are solely meant for storing breast milk and not holding the milk during pumping.
Things to Remember
As we have mentioned earlier, the Medela storage bags use a zipper top instead of a screw cap. The seal the zipper provides is pretty effective in preventing leaks, although you have to remember one request. Medela recommends that you store their storage bags standing up. Their bottoms are meant to hold them vertically, and not doing so might lead to leaking.
Lastly, pouring the milk from the bag is not as easy as the previous products. You have to turn the bag sideways so that you won’t spill the milk out of the adapter holes. However, some mothers opt to just use these holes for pouring or use the breast shield as a funnel for the bottle.
- Comes with two adapters
- Stands on its own
- Compatible with Medela
- For exclusive use of Medela breast pumps
- Can’t store laying flatly
- Tricky to pour
Bonafide Baby – Comes with Free Non-Toxic Marker
Double Ziplock
Another breast milk storage bag that uses a zip-seal is the Bonafide Baby storage bags. Specifically, these bags use a double zip seal to prevent any leaks when you store them in whatever positions.
CPSIA Compliant
Bonafide Baby is also CPSIA compliant, which means the product is safe for use in children under 12 years old. The bags themselves are free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS, and even latex.
Recyclable with Safety Seal
Of course, they are also pre-sterilized and ready to use. But what’s unique with Bonafide Baby is they also place a safety seal on top of each bag. This gives parents an added peace of mind knowing the bags aren’t tampered before using. However, we have a comment about this feature later on. Nonetheless, we are also pleased to know that the bags are recyclable similar to Kiinde.
Comes with Non-Toxic Marker
Another original inclusion that these bags has is that they come with a non-toxic marker. Every mom knows that after filling each bag, you must label them with the date you expressed them. This way, you’ll know which bag you should thaw first.
For Storage Only
However, note that you can’t pump directly onto these bags. They don’t come with adapters, and you can only use them solely for storage. And speaking of which, these bags are safe for the cooler since they are freezer burn-resistant. You can also stock them upright or lay them horizontally depending on your available freezer/fridge space.
Notched Sides
The bags are also quite thick, so worrying about tears are a thing of the past. Each of them even has notched sides so you can pour the contents out seamlessly.
- Leak-proof
- CPSIA compliant
- Comes with marker
- Has safety seal
- Can be stored in any orientation
- Recyclable
- Flawed perforated tear-off top
Ameda Store N Pour – Best for Hands-Free Milk Transfers
The fifth breast milk storage bag in our review is the Store N Pour from Ameda. Similar to the Medela Pump and Save Breast Milk Bags earlier, this product has multiple plies for extra durability.
Resealable Zippers
The Store N Pour also use resealable zippers, and they are very smooth to open and close. As you will notice throughout this review, there are no reusable breast milk storage bags. Breast milk storage bags generally are meant to be disposed after a single use. However, having the resealable feature will allow you to add milk in the frozen bags.
Some mothers have difficulty expressing in a single session, so they may need to pump more than once throughout the day. And if you want to know more about adding milk to previously frozen bags, you can check our buyer’s guide later on.
Stands on its Own
You can use these bags from pumping to storage. Ameda offers an adapter so you can pump directly into the bags. The Store N Pour are also safe for the freezer, and you can store them standing up. You can even stack the bags flat if you need to save space. The only possible issue to this is that they are meant to stand, so their base is wide. Consequently, the resulting horizontal shape makes the layers not as flat for stacking.
The capacity of each bag is only 5 ounces. If your baby doesn’t require a large batch, then this isn’t a drawback. But if you need to create a large stash, you can’t fill the bag fully because the milk won’t have space left to expand into.
Dedicated Pouring Spout
But if you only use them for storage, you would have no problem filling them up. They are pretty stable to stand without support, which is nice, especially for moms who have to hold their baby. And when it comes to transferring the stored milk into the feeding bottle, you can use the bag’s pour spout to prevent spillage. Simply cut the extension at the side to create a dedicated pouring spout.
- Resealable zippers
- Can stand unsupported
- Has pouring spout
- Doesn’t have space for milk to expand if filled to 5-ounce line
- Uneven shape for stacking horizontally
NUK Simply Natural Seal n’ Go – Best for Horizontal Stacking
Tamper Protection
Next on our review is the Nuk Simply Natural Seal n’ Go breast milk bags. You can buy them in a variety of numbers from 25, 50, 100, and 200 pieces. Each piece also has a tamper-resistant top to give you additional peace of mind before using them.
Dedicated Label Tab and Double Zip Seal
At the top of the bag is the dedicated tab where you can write in the date, volume, and your baby’s name. And for the seal, Nuk uses a double ziplock, which we can always appreciate for better leak protection. Note that these zippers will also form the pouring spout once you open them.
Thick Seams
Other than the zip-top, we also like how thick the side seams of the bag are. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidental tears when handling and storing them. Nuk also has the Pump n Store Breast Milk Storage Kit. You can purchase this kit separately if you want a more comfortable pumping session.
The kit is compatible with all popular breast pumps and even storage bags. We think this is a pretty good purchase considering its versatility. And especially with these Seal n’ Go bags, you can eliminate the need for transfers and just pump directly into them.
Similar to the previous breast milk storage bag, NUK also stands on its own. The bags have a rounded gusset-free bottom which helps stabilize them. This design also means that there will be no leaking from the corners of the bag when you stack them. However, we have an easier time stacking the bags flat compared to letting them stand.
- Dedicated label tag
- Double zipper seal
- Thick seams
- Freezes flat
- Self-standing design is not perfect
GLAND Breastmilk Storage Bags – Best in Spill-Free Pouring

BPA, BPS, and Latex-Free
We are halfway through our review, and what we have here are the breast milk storage bags by GLAND. Similar to the previous bags from Bonafide Baby, GLAND is CPSIA compliant. They are also free from latex, which is a material that can cause allergies to some babies. And as we have mentioned throughout this review, all the bags we included have no BPA and BPS.
Sealed and Sterilized
The GLAND storage bags are pre-sterilized, which is a must in any breast milk container. They are also sealed, so you would know if the bags get tampered before using them. What we mean by sealed is that they have a perforated tear-off top to ensure that you’re using new bags each time.
Double Ziplock and Sealed Seams
When it comes to leak protection, GLAND uses double ziplock just like the bags from NUK and Bonafide Baby. Because there would be another “barrier” to keep the milk in, you don’t have to worry about spilling when you place the bag in different positions.
The plastic of the bags themselves are also thick, so we think tearing them is unlikely. Speaking of which, we all know that the seams of the bags are prone to tears after some time. That is why we are pleased that the bags have double-sealed seams to prevent such accidents.
Record Panel on Body
GLAND guarantees that the bags are freezer-safe, so high temperatures won’t damage the plastic. And to keep them organized, each bags have a record panel that includes the date, time, and volume. The panel also has a space for the name, so you can identify the bags if you brought them in a daycare center.
Milk Organizers Available
You can opt to store the bags horizontally or upright depending on your available space. They are pretty stable to stand on their own, and personally, we prefer to store them vertically because they won’t freeze flat. However, we understand that this orientation takes a lot of space. To solve this, GLAND also offers milk storage organizers for better use of space.
Tear-Off Pouring Spout
Other than storage, you can also use the bags directly with your breast pump if you have adapters. And when it comes to transferring the milk to the feeding bottle, the GLAND storage bags stand out from the rest. Each bag has a pouring spout on its left side. You will tear this part off, so you can guarantee that the milk never touches the flap. It also tears smoothly, so we don’t foresee a problem with uneven openings.
- Tear-off pouring spout
- Sturdy plastic
- Double ziplock
- Double-sealed seams
- Stands upright
- Sealed and sterilized
- CPSIA compliant
- With record panel on body
- Won’t freeze flat
Baby Chan Breast Milk Storage Bags – Editor’s Choice
Thick Plastic with Reinforced Side Seams
Our next breast milk storage bags are from Baby Chan, and these cute looking bags happen to be our top pick. The Baby Chan breast milk storage bags feel thick and sturdy, and their side seams are also reinforced to prevent any leakage. For us, their overall feel is not flimsy, which is why we chose them as our top favorite.
Chemical-Free and Eco-Friendly
Other than the sturdy material, Baby Chan has no harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS, phthalate, PVC, and lead. We have talked about these chemicals in our buyer’s guide, and how dangerous they are to the health. Therefore, it is non-negotiable that every milk storage bag should be free of them. It is also worth noting that Baby Chan labeled these bags as eco-friendly besides being chemical-free.
Tamper-Proof
Similar to our previous bags from Gland, each Baby Chan bag comes with a perforated seal. Again, this feature gives you awareness if the bag has been tampered beforehand. And for the primary seal itself, Baby Chan also uses a double zipper seal for their bags.
Stores Flat or Upright
When you store the bags, you can opt to open their bottom flare to keep them upright. Their base is effective to keep them steady, which is useful for moms who have to refill throughout the day. And on the one hand, the Baby Chan breast milk storage bags also freeze flat, so you can stack them over each other. Once you fold the dedicated pouring spout, the bags turn will turn brick-shaped, making them easier to stack.
Cut-Out Pouring Spout
As we have mentioned previously, these bags do have a slanted pouring spout. You need to cut this corner out, which is always hygienic to prevent the exterior from touching the milk.
Lastly, the only drawback we found with these bags is the accuracy of their measurements. They are quite tricky to assess. Therefore, we recommend you to open their bottom flare to get the correct reading properly.
- Sturdy plastic
- Reinforced seams
- Anti-tamper seal
- Chemical-free
- Eco-friendly
- Stores flat
- Stands upright
- Cut-out pouring spout
- Measurements can be inaccurate
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags – Adapter-Free for Lansinoh and Spectra
Sealed and Recyclable
Lansinoh is a well-known brand of breast pumps, and their breast milk storage bags are no exception. Of course, these products have no BPA and BPS. They also come sterilized, complete with a perforated edge to notify you if it has been tampered. We’re even glad to know that Lansinoh used #4 plastic, which means you can have the bags recycled after usage.
To be honest, there are not much different between Lansinoh and the other previous storage bags that we’ve tackled. And with regards to their outer appearance, their shapes are also similar.
Dedicated Label Tab and Impressive Leakage Protection
Lansinoh has a tab at the top where you can write in the date, time, volume, and name for each bag. The bags also use a double zipper seal to lock the milk inside. We think the overall leakage protection of the bag is impressive. Other than the dual seal, the new Lansinoh storage bags also seem to have wider sides and thicker seams. If the sides get folded when you store them, there is enough side extensions, so the bag won’t tear and leak.
For Storage and Pumping
Speaking of storage, the bag lay perfectly flat for storage. You can also spread out their bases to help them stand. However, do take note that if you’re using these bags solely for storage, you might need to support them when pouring the milk in.
Adapter-Free Usage
As you can assume, the Lansinoh storage bags allow usage directly with a breast pump. This is true with Lansinoh breast pumps, but you can also purchase adapters if you are using a different brand. We even found out that some moms have used their Spectra S2 directly with the bags. Simply align your flange with the bag, and you’re good to go.
- Durable built
- Impressive leak seal
- Recyclable
- Dedicated label tab
- Can be used with Lansinoh and Spectra S2 pumps without adapter
- Can’t stand upright when empty
Dr. Brown’s Breastmilk Storage Bags – Tear-Proof Margins
We can safely say that our next breast milk storage bag is among the most popular ones among household. In particular, we are talking about the Dr. Brown’s breast milk storage bags. You can buy them for as many as 100 pieces per box or as less as 50 pieces per box.
Similar to the trend that we have seen throughout this review, these bags use tamper-resistant tops. You would need to open them yourself beforehand, so you know that you’re using a new bag each time. And just like the previous Lansinoh bags, the bag’s label is at the top of the main seal.
Wide Margins
Dr. Brown’s use double zipper for the bag’s main opening. You can also visibly notice that the borders around the main compartment are pretty wide for added tear protection. And when it comes to storage, the bags have a gusseted bottom to keep them upright.
Lastly, we’re also pleased that transferring the stored milk to a feeding bottle is going to be smooth because of the bag’s pouring spout.
Do They Change for the Better?
Are there any drawbacks with these bags? If you compare the old version of Dr Brown’s storage bags to the newer ones, you will notice some differences. For example, the plastic of the newer versions seems to be not as flexible.
At the same time, the shape of the older version seems to be more compatible for stacking the bags horizontally. The new ones do not give an equal liquid distribution at the lower part of the bag, which does not flatten the frozen milk.
- Wide margins
- Tamper-proof
- Double zipper
- Stands on its own
- Pours easily
- Stiff plastic
- Awkward shape for stacking horizontally
Milkies “No-Break, No-Leak” – Storage Guidelines Right on the Bag
We are close to the final product, but before that, let us take a look at these breast milk storage bags from Milkies. The manufacturer calls these bags “No-Break, No-Leak” and assessing the overall construction of the product seems to be backing this claim.
Double-Sealed Seams and Two Zippers
You might be getting tired when we say the bags are similar to the previous ones. However, Milkies also do not stray from the trend and uses the same features with other storage bags. Their side seams are also double-sealed, and the main enclosure of the bags are two zippers as well.
The bag has a dedicated label at the top containing the name, date, and volume. You can also expect that it has a seal above this to guarantee that the bag does not get tampered. However, getting this seal off does not go as smoothly and can leave a piece after tearing.
Printed Breast Milk Storage Guidelines on the Body
You can notice that there is something unique printed at the body of the bag. Milkies printed out the breast milk storage guidelines at the front of the bag. We appreciate this feature, especially for new moms who will need to know the right temperatures and duration of storing milk. If you are leaving the bags to a caregiver, the guidelines will also be useful to instruct them with proper storage. Milkies have printed the temperature, and the shelf lives for the room, cooler, fridge, and freezer.
For Storage Only
Do take note that these bags are for storage only, and not for collecting milk from the pump. On the other hand, you can use the milk saver from Milkies to collect the milk for you. Afterward, you can use this to transfer the expressed milk into the storage bags.
Store Flat or Upright
Filling the bags is easy because the bag can stand up straight after it has acquired 1-2 ounces. You can also freeze the bags flat to save space in your fridge/freezer. However, we find that pouring the stored milk can be tricky because the opening is quite small. Consequently, the milk can spill over the zippers.
- Has printed storage guidelines at the front
- Stands upright
- Can be stored flat
- Double-sealed seams
- Dual zipper
- Sealed
- Dedicated label tab
- Perforated top does not come off smoothly
- Pouring is tricky
Philips AVENT – Spacious Label Tag and Wide Margins
The last breast milk storage bag in our list came from another popular breast pump brand which is Philips AVENT. However, do note that these bags are not meant to collect milk during pumping. They are solely for milk storage just like the previous two bags.
Tamper-Proof Seal and Double Zippers
The Philips AVENT doesn’t stray from the course of our recently reviewed products. What we mean by this is that these bags similarly use double zippers for their main enclosure. You can also find a tamper-evident seal on each bag for added sense of safety. And when you label the bag, Philips AVENT has an upper tag with cute symbols for the amount, date, time, and name.
Reinforced Seams and Wide Margins
The overall quality of the bags does not feel flimsy. Perhaps owing to the fact that they use two layers of material along with reinforced seams. The margins of the bags are also wide and thick, almost reminiscent of the previous Dr. Brown’s.
When it comes to transferring the expressed milk into the bag, the opening is wide enough to pour into. They are also self-standing, so you can pour milk without supporting their base. Once you place the bags flat, you will notice that they are not as even, and can take up space. And when it’s time to pour the stored milk out of the bags, milk tends to get into the zippers.
- Spacious label tag
- Reinforced seams
- Wide margins
- Tamper-proof seal
- Double zipper
- Stands independently
- Bulky for horizontal storage
- Pouring area is flawed
Read Also: Best Nursing Tanks
Best Breast Milk Storage Bags Buyer’s Guide
Where Can You Store Breast Milk?
Food-Grade Containers
These containers include plastic storage bottles and glass containers. Both are reusable because you can wash them and they use screw caps and lids to seal the milk. They are also the most common type of storage that mothers use for their breast milk.
However, everyone has mixed opinions with the use of plastic bottles/containers for storing breast milk. And for your baby’s safety, you have to be one step ahead to know which materials to avoid. For example, always skip plastic bottles that have the recycle symbol number 7 because the plastic used might have BPA. Some people will also argue that we should stick to clear containers to avoid the risk of dyes contaminating the milk.
Breast Milk Storage Trays
Another popular storage containers for breast milk are trays. In particular, we are referring to breast milk storage trays. Although they look like ice cube trays, these containers are specially tailored for storing breast milk safely.
Breast milk storage trays have compartments similar to ice cube trays. However, manufacturers use food-grade materials to prevent risks of chemical leaching. These trays even have their own lids to avoid getting contaminated when stored.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
The last type of container for breast milk are the ones we reviewed. Breast milk storage bags may look like ordinary plastic bags. But don’t be fooled, just like the breast milk storage trays, these bags are meant for safer storage.
Do not make the mistake of using disposable plastic bags such as sandwich bags or even bottle liners for storing milk. They are not going to be strong enough to hold the portions. Therefore, they might tear and spill the milk. And even if they can hold the milk for storage, chances are they’d rip during freezing and thawing.
Breast milk storage bags can withstand all the steps when it comes to storing breast milk. They are also going to be easier to use during collection and storing compared to ordinary bags. At the same time, they have markings to show you how much milk you’re storing in them.
Where to Store the Breast Milk Containers?
Countertop
You can store your breast milk on the countertop temporarily. As long as the container won’t get hit by direct sunlight, the chances of bacterial growth are low.
Cooler Bag
Of course, for longer shelf life, you have to put your breast milk somewhere guaranteed to stay cool. If you’re pumping while traveling, a cooler bag will do. Use ice packs to keep the inside cool and refrain from opening the cooler. Doing so will keep the internal temperature stable.
Fridge or Freezer
We will discuss fridge and freezer storage in more details later on. However, a great tip is to put your breast milk containers in the center of the fridge. Avoid putting it in the door because this area always have fluctuating temperatures from getting opened and closed.
This is also true to the freezer. Store the containers at the back to make sure that the temperature that surrounds it is consistent. Remember to arrange the bags/bottles in a way that you can easily access the oldest milk from the bunch.
How To Use Breast Milk Storage Bags
Like with any other baby product, each breast milk storage bag may come with a unique set of instructions. However, we can simplify the basic steps into the following:
First, you will need to label the bag with the date of when you’ve expressed your milk. You can also write your baby’s name if you bring the bags to a daycare center. Next, open the bag by removing its sterilizer seal. If it is compatible with your breast pump, you can immediately place the bag around the breast pump shield.
When you’re filling the bag, don’t go over its maximum capacity to avoid leaks. You should also leave an inch of space at the top of the bag, especially when you’re freezing the milk. This is to give room for the milk when it expands after freezing. And before sealing the bag, push out all the excess air from the empty space first.
You can put the bags in another container before putting it in the fridge/freezer. This way, the bags won’t come in contact with other foodstuffs such as meat. You can even use a dedicated bag storage available in the market.
Once it’s time to thaw a bag, place it in a bowl of warm water. Some parents also thaw the bag in the fridge in an upright position. But if you’ll be putting the bag in warm water, make sure that the water won’t go over the top of the bag.
What might happen is that this water can seep into the bag and contaminate the milk. If you notice that the water becomes cloudy, milk might have already leaked. Unfortunately, you have to thaw another bag because contaminated milk, even with just warm water, is no longer usable.
How Much Breast Milk Should I Store?
The amount of milk that you should store depends on how often your baby feeds. This is also correlated when you’re preparing a stash if you can’t be home to feed your baby. Babies during the first weeks and months of life may feed every 2 to 4 hours. And depending on your baby’s sleep interval, this can even get shorter.
To meet the needs of your baby, you should consider the amount of milk that he/she consumes in a single feeding. You can store as much as 4 ounces or as small as 2 ounces per bag. And then just adjust the amount, depending on your assessment of his/her consumption.
At What Temperature and How Long Should I Store Breast Milk?
The next thing that you should familiarize yourself with is the best storage temperatures for breast milk. As we have discussed earlier, you can put your storage bags in the counter, cooler, fridge, and freezer.
Breast milk can last up to 4 hours on the counter if the room temperature is 77°F or colder. And a cooler bag can keep your breast milk fresh for 24 hours. On the other hand, the fridge can keep breast milk safe for up to 4 days at 39°F. But out of these places, the freezer gives breast milk the longest shelf life, which is 6 to 12 months in −4°F.
Although 12 months is impressive, keeping breast milk frozen for this long has possible effects on the milk’s nutrients. This is particularly true as suggested by a 2001 study where they show the decline of vitamin C content in frozen breast milk.
Factors to Consider When Buying Breast Milk Storage Bags
Safety
Of course, the number one priority that every mom considers for any baby-related purchase is its safety. For storing milk, it is important that the bag has features that prevent it from getting contaminated. Breast milk storage bags should be pre-sterilized and at the same time, free from any chemicals.
Because breast milk storage bags are made from plastic, we have to be aware of what toxic chemicals to look out for. A commonly known chemical in plastics is BPA or Bisphenol-A. Some manufacturers use this chemical because it makes the plastic more durable and transparent. But sadly, it is a hormone disruptor.
Another chemical found in plastics is phthalates. Similar to BPA, they make the plastic durable and transparent. Phthalates are detrimental because they can cause reproductive malformations by being an endocrine disruptor. They are also related to reduced fertility, asthma, allergic reactions, and developmental disorders.
Leak Protection
As we have mentioned in our introduction, leakage and spills are the worst things that can happen to your hard-earned breast milk. Consider the comments about the seal and seam of the bag if they performed excellently in leak protection. Depending on the brand, the bag may use zippers or screw caps to seal the milk inside.
The overall durability of the storage bag will also keep you worry-free once you freeze and thaw the bag. Make sure that the bag will last long enough from pumping to pouring in your baby’s milk bottle.
Ease of Use
Another factor to consider is how easy it is to use the breast milk storage bag. For example, is the bag compatible with your existing breast pump? And if not, does the manufacturer offers adapters for the bag? These are important questions because if the bag fits perfectly to the pump, you won’t risk getting the milk contaminated. And also, you can save it from spilling out the pump.
Other storage bag features that add to convenience are the bag’s shape and its own pouring spout. If the bag stands on its own, you can stack the batch safely without them falling over. A pouring spout is also useful because it makes the bag-to-bottle transfer effortless and quick.
Size
Choose the size appropriate for the amount of milk that your baby requires per feeding. This way, you won’t have to throw and waste leftover milk. You can also consider how much bags come in one purchase to avoid running out of them when making a stash. And don’t forget to count in the bags that you’ll use if you happen to have an oversupply.
Read Also: Best Changing Pad
Conclusion
Breast milk storage bags are specially made to keep your breast milk safely. And by safely, we mean that they are sterilized, leak-proof, and free from any chemical contaminants. You can also buy them in bulk, which saves you the time and effort of cleaning reusable breast milk containers. The fact that you only get to use them once might be a turn-off. However, this also guarantees that you’re avoiding contamination and other hygiene-related risks.
Our top pick is the Baby Chan Breast Milk Storage Bags, while our runner-up favorite is the Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags. They are both durable and sealed, so you can be confident that your little one will get his/her daily superfood.
But at the end of the day, you should go with the product that is most convenient for you in every facet. Our buyer’s guide will also always be here to keep you informed about storing breast milk.
Got any questions? Feel free to spill them below!
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