There are many reasons why mothers choose to express their breastmilk.
Whatever your reason, you’ll want breastmilk storage bags you can rely on. You need high-quality breastmilk storing bags that are easy to use, and safe for your baby.
In this article, we’ll share with you some of the best breastmilk storage bags on the market today, so you can make an informed choice.
Do I need breastmilk storage bags?
Breastmilk storage bags are a necessity for any parents who plan to express their breastmilk.
They free up space in your freezer and allow you to store as much breastmilk as your freezer will allow.
Most importantly, breastmilk bags are specially designed to be safe for your baby and are FDA-approved for storing breastmilk.
What to look for when buying breastmilk storage bags
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and all-round breastfeeding expert, Renee Kam says:
“When it comes to storing expressed breastmilk, breastmilk storage bags are a great option. They fit easily into your fridge or freezer and can be easily labeled. Look for bags which are made of a food-grade, BPA free plastic”.
Price
The most important thing to consider is your budget. You could spend a small fortune on breastmilk storage bags, but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to look for money-saving breastmilk storage options.
Size
Breastmilk storage bags come in various sizes so it’s important to get the right size bags for your milk. If you have a strong supply, you might want to fork out for bigger storage bags to allow you to keep more of your expressed milk.
Ease of use
Look for bags that are easy to use and hassle-free. You might be using them in the early hours of the morning, and you don’t want to worry about spilled milk or fiddly bags. Choose bags that make things easier for you.
Compatibility
If you want bags you can pump directly into, you’ll need to check they are compatible with your pump. If the storage bags aren’t compatible, there might be an attachment you can buy to rectify this. Pumping directly into the breastmilk storage bags reduces the amount of clean up required after you pump.
Special features
Most bags have special features that make them attractive to pumping moms.
We’ve listed the special features of the milk bags below, so you can decide which ones are important to you. Whether you want to reduce your impact on the planet or save room in your freezer, there will be bags designed with your needs in mind.
Best Storage Bag: Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
Best-selling Lansinoh storage bags are well-designed, easy to use and high quality, so we’ve awarded them Best Storage Bag.
The bags are pre-sterilized, which will save you time, and have a double zipper seal to prevent leaks (and save you crying over spilled milk).
The pour spout allows you to transfer your milk without hassle.
The bags are BPA and BPS-free and are designed to lie flat, which speeds up the freezing and thawing processes and also protects the vitamins and nutrients in your milk. Bags that lie flat are also much easier to store in your freezer, even if space is tight.
Pumping directly into these bags is convenient and means less bottle washing for you. If you have a Lanisoh pump, the bags attach directly to the pump. If you have a different brand of pump, Lanisoh sells an adaptor, which means you can still pump directly into the bags.
Pros:
- Features a handy pour spout
- You can pump directly into the bag
Cons:
- Some users complain about leaks during the thawing process
Best Budget Buy: Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags
Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags are pre-sealed and ready to use. The bags are made from a thick, BPA-free food-grade material and feature a double-zipper to prevent leaks. The breastmilk bags are designed to store your milk safely in the fridge, freezer, and during transportation.
The bags are cleverly designed to be self-standing, which makes them easier to use. They can be stored flat to allow for space-saving in your freezer. It is worth noting, though, that the self-standing design means these bags do not lie completely flat in the freezer, and so take up more space than other milk storage bags.
The Medela bags feature a large write-on area so you can keep track of the date and any other vital information. The milk storage bags come with a free resealable transport pouch, which takes the stress out of transporting your liquid gold.
Pros:
- Includes free resealable transport pouch
- Self-standing design
Cons:
- Some users report leaks during the thawing process
Best Design: Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags
If you want clever design and minimal hassle, look no further than the Kiinde Twist Pouch. This ingenious product combines the tough 100% leak-proof design of a bottle with the convenience of a disposable breastmilk storage bag. With Kiinde, you can collect, store, prepare and feed using a single pouch. Clever, right? This all-in-one product eliminates the need to transfer your milk, so there’s no risk of spillage.
The product works with pumps from all major manufacturers, but you will need to buy the appropriate adaptor separately. This allows you to pump directly into the pouch. The secure cap prevents leakage and the bags can be stored flat in your freezer.
The pouch can be attached to the Kiinde Squeeze Natural Feeding bottle to allow you to feed your baby without having to transfer your milk into a bottle. This will save you time and hassle. The storage bags are recyclable so you don’t need to worry about dirty dishes.
Pros:
- Clever design
- Eliminates milk transference and risk of spillage
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Space-Saving Bags: Nanobébé Breastmilk Storage Bags
Nanobébé Breastmilk Storage Bags are designed to save you time and space. The clever design allows you to store plenty of breastmilk in your freezer without losing valuable food space. The bags stack easily so you can fit lots of them into a tight space. These are the go-to bags for parents with limited freezer space.
The shape of the bags not only saves you freezer space but also saves you time. These bags thaw and warm up twice as fast as regular freezer bags. The nursing bags are made from extra-thick, double zipper, BPA-free material that won’t leak.
Although the unusual shape allows for easy storage, there is a downside to this. The bags do not self-stand, which means you have to hold them while pouring the milk in. It can be tricky to do this without spillage.
Pros:
- Clever design allows for easy storage
- Defrost faster than other bags
Cons:
- Do not self-stand
Best Reusable Option: Zip Top Reusable Breast Milk Storage Bags
If you’re passionate about the environment and looking for ways to reduce your impact on the planet, take a look at Zip Top Reusable Breast Milk Storage. Made with 100% platinum silicone, these storage bags won’t leach harmful chemicals into your milk. The Zip Top containers are free from BPA, lead, PVC and phthalates.
Designed with the planet in mind, a single Zip Top can replace over 5000 disposable bags! This product can be used time and time again, making them the go-to bag for eco-conscious parents looking to avoid landfills.
The bags stand up, stay open, and zip shut. They are easy to use and very sturdy, so you don’t need to worry about leaks. Zip Tops are freezer and dishwasher safe and easy to sterilize.
As is often the case, reusable products are more expensive than disposable alternatives. If you are hoping to build a big stash of breastmilk in your freezer, it could get quite costly if you opt for reusable bags. If, however, you are planning to use and replace the milk regularly, these bags are a great option.
Pros:
- Environmentally-friendly
- Free from harmful chemicals
Cons:
- More expensive than disposable bags
Frequently asked questions about storage bags
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about breastmilk storage bags.
What are the best breastmilk storage bags?
The brands listed above are considered to be some of the best breastmilk storage bags. You will have individual requirements, based on your unique circumstances, and so you’ll find some breastmilk bags better than others. Experiment with different brands until you find the breastmilk bags you consider to be the best for you. The list above is a great starting point, but there are other brands to try too.
Does it matter which breastmilk storage bags I use?
No, it does not matter which breastmilk storage bags you use. As long as the breastmilk bags you choose are FDA-approved, they should be safe to use. However, you might find some bags are better than others.
Different designs of storage bags have different strengths and weaknesses, and it’s worth trying out a range of bags until you find one you are happy with. As a new mom, you’ll want to find a brand you can trust to make life easier for you and your baby.
Can I store breastmilk in Ziploc bags?
No, it is not safe to store breastmilk in Ziploc bags. Expressed breastmilk storage bags are FDA-approved, specifically for the storage of expressed breastmilk. Regular plastic bags have not been tested for the safe storage of human milk.
Can I store breastmilk in sandwich bags?
No, you cannot store breastmilk in sandwich bags. Breastmilk storage bags are specially designed products that have been deemed safe for the storage of breastmilk. The bags are BPA-free and much thicker than regular sandwich bags. Make sure you store your expressed breastmilk in FDA-approved storage bags and always follow breastmilk storage guidelines.
If you’re new to expressing and storing breastmilk, take a look at this informative article, full of top tips for breastmilk storage.
