You may have already realized by now that feeding your little one requires a few handy accessories. Whether you are a nursing mom or plan to do so once the baby arrives, chances are you will cry, maybe a little, over spilled milk. Pumping involves a lot of hard work and it can be devastating when the expressed milk goes to waste due to poor storage.
To save your tears and hard work, you need to use a breast milk storage alternative that keeps the milk fresh and wholesome for when the baby needs it. Having the best breast milk storage bags will help keep the expressed milk safe, uncontaminated and fresh. In addition, breast milk storage bags prevent spillage, ensuring that all your liquid gold goes straight to the baby's tummy.
Just like most baby products, there is an abundance of breast milk storage bags on the market. However, as you will see in the article, no storage bags can be used for breast milk. Therefore, we have rounded up the best breast milk storage bags to save you the guesswork and breast milk storage guidelines to get you started on this journey.
What is A Breast Milk Storage Bag?
A breast milk storage bag is an FDA-approved BPA-free container that allows breastfeeding Moms to store expressed breast milk and safely transport it from one place to another. Unlike any storage bags you have lying in the house, the best breast milk storage bags are thicker and specially designed to protect the breast milk from contamination during freezing, thawing, or transportation.
The best breast milk storage bags are made of BPA-free plastic to protect the expressed milk from chemicals that may seep through otherwise. These storage bags are important in freeing up the bottles and allowing you to store milk in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. In addition, most breastmilk storage bags have millimeter markings on the side, which help track the amount of milk you are storing and feeding. This is an added advantage, especially when getting into a feeding rhythm with your baby.
Now that we are familiar with what breast milk storage bags are, let us look at the best breast milk storage bags based on our research.
1. Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags
- HYGIENICALLY PRE-SEALED: The Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags have been hygienically pre-sealed with durable material and double-zipper protection to prevent leaking. These bags safely store breastmilk in the freezer, fridge, or when traveling.
- DURABLE DOUBLE-LAYER MATERIAL: These ready to use breastmilk storage bags are constructed from a durable double-layer material and built-in double zipper seal to keep your breastmilk safely stored in the fridge or freezer.
- SELF-STANDING DESIGN: Our breastmilk storage bags are self-standing and come with a large write-on area, so you can document the date and other vital information for safer storage and use.
- LAY FLAT PROFILE: The Medela Breast Milk large 6-ounce Storage Bags have been designed to lay flat for space-saving storage. This unique feature also allows quick thawing of frozen milk.The bags are made from food-grade, BPA free material
- BONUS RESEALABLE TRANSPORT POUCH: To help you keep these breastmilk storage bags clean and organized, we’ve added a bonus resealable transport pouch.
Medela breast milk storage bags are pre-sealed hygienically with a double zipper lock to prevent leaking. This makes it easy to safely store the bag in the fridge, refrigerator and even when traveling. In addition, the bags are made out of a durable double layer material that is puncture-proof also to prevent leakages.
The Medela storage bags are designed to stand on their own or lay flat to save storage space, depending on how you organize them. In addition, they have a large write-on space so you can record the date and other important information you'd like to note down. This is convenient, especially when determining the freshness of the stored milk.
Another benefit of Medela bags is that they are perfect for transporting breast milk. These bags come with a resealable transport pouch that helps to keep unused breastmilk storage bags safe and clean. In addition, this is convenient for busy moms since they can carry breastmilk with them and pump when on the go.
2. Kiindle Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags
- DIRECT-PUMP, FREEZE, HEAT AND FEED: Pump, store, and feed using the same squeeze pouch with our twist-locking adapters, Kozii Pro bottle warmer, Kiinde Squeeze Natural Feeding Bottle and Active Latch nipples
- THREADED CAPS ELIMINATE MILK LEAKS: Kiinde Twist Pouches feature threaded caps to keep your milk safe; safely transfer your milk from work to home in our cooler without worrying about leakage
- PRE-STERILIZED AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS: The Kiinde breast milk storage system allows you to pump, store, and feed all from the same milk storage bag
- MEASUREMENTS DIRECTLY ON THE POUCH: Kiinde Twist Pouches include markings so you can accurately monitor your child’s intake; available in 6 oz and 8 oz sizes
- GREAT BABY SHOWER OR NEW BABY GIFT: New parents are always looking for safe and effective products for use from infant to toddler, making Kiinde Twist and Foodii systems the perfect baby shower present
The Kiindle twist pouch storage bags are designed to fit halfway between a bottle and a bag. They are BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free to ensure that your baby's milk is free of contamination. In addition, these nifty bags have securely fitted threaded caps that eliminate the risks of milk leaking.
The Kiindle milk bags utilize a twist and lock cap that attaches to many breast pump brands eliminating the need to decant the milk into the bag. As a convenience-loving Mom, these bags allow you to pump directly into the bag and safely store the milk. In addition, when it comes to feeding time, these bags can be attached to a range of nipples to feed your baby directly.
The Kiindle breast milk bag is pre-sterilized to keep the milk clean and safe for the baby. It is made of recyclable materials, enabling you to save some bucks while getting the most out of each bag. In addition, the bags have measurements on the side to help you track and monitor your baby's milk intake.
3. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
- SUPER STRONG: Store, protect, and freeze precious breastmilk with these breast milk storing bags
- PRESTERILIZED: Our milk storage bags have a double zipper seal to prevent leaks
- REINFORCED SEAM: Double sealed side seams for super strong breast milk collecting bags
- PUMP DIRECTLY: Breast milk storage bags can be pumped directly into with Lansinoh pumps or used with our adapter on most major pump brands
- SELLING IN U.S.: Lansinoh is the seller of breastfeeding supplies in the U.S., as well as the top selling breast milk bags
Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags are made of BPS and BPA-free plastic. They are pre-sterilized and have a double zipper seal to prevent the milk from spills and leaks. In addition, they are reinforced with double-sealed side seams to add extra strength to the bags.
If you have a Lansinoh breast pump, you can pump directly into the bag, making work easier. Unfortunately, you will need an adapter if you have a different brand of the breast pump. However, most mamas say that the bags are compatible with other brands of pumps.
Lansinoh bags are produced to lay flat. This saves you much-needed storage space in the refrigerator or fridge, especially when storing several bags. In addition, these bags have pouring spots that make it easy to transfer breast milk into a bottle without causing spills.
4. Nanobébé Breastmilk Storage Bags
- NO-MESS MILK STORAGE – Fit the whole family’s food in the freezer again! Declutter with your 50-count refill of stackable breast milk savers, specially designed to stack evenly inside nanobébé’s “first in, first out” vertical breastmilk storage container or for use on their own.
- BULK BREASTMILK BAGS – Rather than stress about running out of breast pump bags, plan ahead and cherish more bonding moments during infant feeding. Stocking up on breastfeeding storage bags saves you much-needed mommy time and creates future peace of mind!
- PROTECTS MILK NUTRITION – Count on nanobébé when mealtime arrives. Our breast milk storage bags defrost and warm 2 times faster than standard freezer bags to preserve the powerful, unique-to-you nutrients within your breastmilk!
- TRUSTED, TEARPROOF BREASTFEEDING BAGS – From bottles to breast milk bags, Rely on us for leak-free infant feeding. Your nursing bags’ extra thick, double zipper, BPA-free material won’t puncture or tear
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – All of our innovative nursing supplies and breastfeeding accessories are promised to perform, Love them, or we’ll work to make it right. It’s nanobébé’s promise.
Nanobébé milk bags are made from thick and sturdy plastic that is lead, BPA and phthalates free. They come with a safety seal to ensure that the freshly expressed breast milk is not contaminated by chemicals used when making the bags. In addition, these bags have a double zipper seal that prevents punctures and tears.
Nanobébé has a vertical stackable storage unit( sold differently) that fits up to 50 breast milk bags. This helps to organize a system from new to old bags to keep track of freshness. In addition, the bags have a well-sized record panel on writing the date and time you pumped the milk.
Breast milk storage bags from Nanobébé defrost and warm two times faster compared to other standard milk storage bags. This helps to preserve the nutrients in breast milk that would have been broken down when over warmed.
5. Dr. Brown's Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Extra durable design features exterior trim that cushions when dropped while the double zip seals keep air out and super-thick material keeps breast milk fresh.
- Gusseted bottom holds bag upright while perforated top makes for easy-open
- Pre-sterilized for immediate use. Area on bag for freshness label and baby’s name.
- Includes 50 individual 6 oz/180 ml bags. BPA free.
Breast milk storage bags from Dr. Brown's are pre-sterilized, BPA-free and have a double zipper lock to ensure that the baby's milk is protected from bacteria and germs contamination. These bags are made from a super durable material that withstands tears and punctures. In addition, the bags have a labeling space that is big enough to input and track relevant information like the date when you expressed the milk.
Dr. Brown's milk bags have a gusseted bottom that allows them to stand upright. This feature is really important for Mamas, especially when transferring milk from a bottle to a bag. In addition, these bags come with measurement marks that are easy to read. This is very helpful in tracking how much milk you are pumping and the baby's intake.
Why Should You Buy the Best Breast Milk Storage Bags?
The truth is, you don't need breastmilk storage bags. However, if you are using a pump, storage bags are helpful when it comes to storing the milk safely. You may be wondering why you cannot use ziplock bags to store breast milk, considering that they are easily available from grocery stores. Furthermore, if they are usable for storing food, they should be good with baby milk.
Below are reasons as to why not any plastic bag can be used to store expressed breast milk.
- Breast milk bags are specifically designed for milk storage; hence, they have zero spills, leaks, and contamination.
- Breast milk storage bags are thicker and BPA-free, making them suitable for freezing, thawing, and warming.
- Milk storage bags are pre-sterilized to ensure that the baby is protected from illnesses caused by germs or bacterial contamination.
- Breast milk cannot be frozen in bottles, but it can be in milk storage bags. Safely storing expressed milk can help you build a long-lasting milk supply for your baby, which is useful when you're at work or your partner is helping out with the baby.
- The best milk storage bags have spouts that make it easy to pour out the milk, unlike ziplock bags.
- Unlike bottles, breast milk storage bags can stand up or lay flat, occupying less space in your refrigerator or freezer.
What about Storage Bottles?
While you can still stock breast milk in a bottle rather than a bag, there are a few considerations you should take before using breast milk containers, such as bottles. Below is a pros and cons comparison of using storage bottles to store breast milk.
Pros
- Durable hence less likely to leaks
- Can be sterilized and reused
- It cannot be snagged or torn easily hence less likely to be contaminated
Cons
- It cannot be compressed hence take up more space in your refrigerator or freezer.
- More expensive
- Takes longer to warm breast milk
How Do You Use and Store the Best Breast Milk Storage Bags?
When used carefully, breast milk storage bags can store milk for long periods. This is convenient if you are a working mom or would like to stop pumping early. Always begin by washing your hands before proceeding with pumping. After you have finished pumping, transfer the milk from the bottle to a storage bag. However, there are breast milk bags that let you pump directly into them rather than use bottles.
Expressed breast milk can stay on the counter for up to 4 hours and in an ice pack cooler for up to 24 hours. If you wish to store the milk in the fridge, it can last up to 5 days, 3 to 6 months in a freezer compartment and up to 12 months in a deep freezer. It is also important to label the bags with the date of pumping. This will help you keep track of freshness and take the guesswork out of storing milk.
You should discard milk if it is expired or has an unusual smell, even if it hasn't passed its use-by date. Another tip is to pour in one bag the exact amount that the baby will feed on. If you have put more milk and have already started feeding the baby, any leftover breast milk will have two hours or less before going bad. Expressed milk that has been refrigerated first can be added to frozen milk. In addition, it is advisable to store the breast milk bags at the back of the refrigerator or freezer to prevent thawing when the door is opened.
If the baby needs more milk, you can add some from a new storage pouch, then reseal it and store it in a refrigerator for later use. Dethawed breast milk that hasn't been in contact with saliva can last for up to 24 hours. Finally, you want to make sure not to overfill the breastmilk storage bags. This is because milk expands upon freezing and overstuffing could cause the bag to pop open.
How to Thaw Frozen Breast Milk
Thawing breast milk can be done by putting the storage bags in the refrigerator for 12 hours. Alternatively, you can run the frozen bags under warm water, not hot water, or let them sit in a container with warm water. It is recommended not to use the microwave for thawing since it causes hot spots that burn the baby. In addition, the microwave breaks down essential baby nutrients present in the milk.
Do not leave frozen breast milk on the counter to thaw as this may cause harmful bacteria to grow, making the baby sick. In addition, thawed breast milk can last up to 2 hours at room temperature or 24 hours in the fridge. After this, you should discard it. As a rule of thumb, never refreeze thawed milk.
How to Choose the Best Breast Milk Storage Bags
With several breast milk storage bags available on the market today, there are a few key considerations helpful in narrowing down your choices.
1. Size
Most breast milk storage bags come in various sizes, from 4 to 8 ounces. A newborn baby will consume less milk; hence a smaller storage bag is more suitable. However, as the baby grows, breast milk consumption increases, meaning that you'll need a bigger bag.
2. Durability
The best breast milk storage bags should be leak-proof, puncture-proof and thick enough to withstand being in a tightly packed freezer. Getting a less durable storage bag will result in leakages and contamination.
3. Material
Before purchasing breast milk storage bags, make sure that they are BPA-free and approved by the FDA. This ensures that the bags you are to use do not contain chemicals harmful to the baby. In addition, you might consider getting a bag that is recyclable if that is important to you.
4. Ease of Use
Being a mom is a hard enough job; therefore, the best breast milk storage bags should make easy to use. To save on time, you may consider a bag that lets you pump directly into it rather than have to transfer the expressed milk from the bottle to the bag. However, such bags are mostly supported when using the same breast pump and storage bags. You can also buy a universal adapter if you are using a mix-match of bag and pump brands.
Bags with a double zipper seal that is sturdy will give you more security than flimsy alternatives. In addition, you may consider a bag that stands on its own, making organizing and storing away in the refrigerator or freezer convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Breast Milk Storage Bags
1. Does it matter what milk storage bags you use?
Yes. The milk storage bags that you use will determine the longevity and safety of the expressed milk. Plastic bags that are not BPA-free will contain chemicals that easily seep into the milk and contaminating it. In addition, using a bag that is not leak-proof will likely result in breast milk spillage.
2. Do you reuse breast milk storage bags?
Unless they are recyclable, it is not advisable to reuse breast milk storage bags. This is to prevent breast milk from contamination with germs and bacteria.
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