Breast milk is full of all the nutrients your baby needs in their first year of life. It’s also full of healthy fats critical to brain development, antibodies that boost your baby’s immune system, and countless vitamins. The best breastmilk storage bags make it easy to transition to a bottle for feeding and protect the nutritious liquid inside from freezer burn and contamination. Here’s a look at the top breastmilk storage bag choices.
Best Breast Milk Storage Bags
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
The Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags come pre-sterilized with a double-zipper to keep contaminants out and keep breast milk in. These are designed to work directly with Lansinoh breast pumps or you can use an adapter to make the bags work with most other pumps as well. By pumping directly into the bag, you are wasting less breast milk.
Each bag is made of BPA- and BPS-free plastic that has been pre-sterilized. With double-sealed side seams, there’s a lower risk of leakage and better protection from freezer burn and contamination. These also have a double-zipper seal to lock breast milk in and contaminants out. Additionally, the bags are made with a softer plastic that makes it easier to remove the air before sealing.
The Lansinoh bags stand up on their own, however, they also lie flat. This allows them to be stored in a more space-efficient way and reduces the time that it takes the bags to thaw. The easy-pour spout also makes it convenient to transfer to a bottle once thawed and you can easily write important information on the label. Lansinoh breast milk storage bags have a more accurate reading of the ounces in the bag as well.
This is another mom-founded company that parents can feel confident buying from. As an added benefit, many of Lansinoh’s products are FSA- and HSA-eligible for mothers that can get reimbursement for their breast pumps through their health plan. The one downside is that these hold a maximum of 6 ounces, which may not be enough once your child is older.
Pros
- Pre-sterilized
- Soft plastic lets you remove air before sealing
- Easy pour spout so you don’t have to worry about spills when transferring milk
- Easy to write on the bags
- Lie-flat design
- Stands up on its own
- Lansinoh products are generally FSA- and HSA-eligible
Cons
- Only holds six ounces
Spectra Disposable Breast Milk Storage Bags
The Spectra Disposable Breast Milk Storage Bags comes with all the basic features you’d want in a breast milk storage bag. They feature a double-lined seal that tightly locks your breast milk inside so you don’t have to worry about leaks or contamination.
Each bag can hold up to 200mL or 7 ounces. There is a clear label on the outside of the bag that you can watch fill up so you know how many ounces are in each bag. Additionally, there are areas to write the child’s name when needed and the date so you can use the bags in a timely manner. These also stand up by themselves, which makes them easier to store or set in the fridge for thawing.
Each bag is made from BPA/DEHP-free plastic. Additionally, parents can find comfort in the fact that Spectra Baby USA is run and owned by moms, including registered nurses, board-certified lactation consultants, and more. With professional as well as personal experience, Spectra knows what moms need.
Something to note is that you cannot pump directly into these bags. Additionally, for the measurement scale to work, you will need to be sure the bag is sitting with the sides expanded. Otherwise, it will read that there are more ounces in the bag than there actually are.
Pros
- Made of BPA/DEHP-free plastic
- Come pre-sterilized and ready to use
- Clear area for labeling
- Double zipper and double-lined to protect the milk
- Stands up on its own
- Holds up to 7 ounces of milk
Cons
- Can be hard to get an accurate reading of the ounces in the bag
- Cannot pump directly into the bag
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags
The Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags come pre-sealed so you can be sure no contaminants have gotten into the bag. You tear off the perforated top of the bag and then a double layer of material keeps breast milk safe from leaks, air, and contamination.
These bags have a double-zipper on top that seals well and prevents leaks, even if you lay them flat in the fridge. Their ability to lay flat means that the bags take less space in the freezer. Additionally, they thaw faster when you move them to the refrigerator.
The Medela breast milk storage bags also stand up on their own, which makes it more convenient to handle when you are preparing bottles. Like most other bags, the measurements are slightly off on this so it might be best to measure the breast milk and mark it on the bag instead of relying on the measurements on the bag.
The other downside is that the top of the bag can tear unevenly and that makes it harder to pour the contents from the bag into a bottle without losing any breast milk.
Being made of BPA-free, food-grade materials, these work as well as any other breast milk storage pouch. They can also be used with an adapter so you can pump directly into the bag. As an added bonus, the company includes a resealable, reusable transport pouch that lets you keep several bags clean and organized when you take your baby away from home.
Pros
- Made of BPA-free, food-grade plastic
- Double layers for added protection
- Comes pre-sealed for extra protection from contaminants
- Lay-flat design
- Self-standing
- Comes with a resealable, reusable transport pouch
Cons
- Measurements are inaccurate
- Hard to pour from the bag without spilling
Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags
The Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags features a twist-on design that ensures you don’t lose a single drop when attaching to your breast pump. This is designed to work with the Kozii bottle warmer to thaw and warm the bottle before snapping it into the Kiinde Squeeze Natural Feeding Bottle. This makes this the perfect choice for mothers who are looking for a storage pouch that they can feed directly from, reducing the risk of losing any milk.
With a threaded cap, this has a lower risk of leaks even when freezing and thawing the milk. The pouches are made from pre-sterilized recyclable materials for reduced impact on the environment. It is available in 6-ounce or 8-ounce sizes which lets you adjust the amount based on your child’s age and how much they typically eat in a serving.
Since you can feed directly from the pre-sterilized bag, there’s a lot less sterilization that goes into using this feeding system. All you have to sterilize are the nipples that attach to the bag. These also take up less space because they’re designed to lie flat during storage.
The Active Latch nipples recommended to be used by this brand are designed to mimic the shape of the nipple. They are soft and textured, making it easier for your little one to latch. Additionally, the oval design minimizes airflow, which can help reduce colic.
You can easily write on these bags. Something to note, however, is that the measurement markings are a little bit off. This is problematic since you do not use these with bottles that can give you an accurate reading. These are also a little more expensive, however, that’s likely because of the convenience and extra features that come with the twist-on top.
Pros
- Work as part of a feeding system
- Can pump, freeze, thaw, warm, and feed from the same bag
- Nipples designed to work with the system mimic the breast and minimize colic
- Pre-sterilized
- Comes in 6-ounce and 8-ounce sizes
- Lies flat to save space
Cons
- Measurements are off
- More expensive than other breast milk storage bags
Dr. Brown’s Breastmilk Storage Bags
The Dr. Brown’s 100 Piece Breastmilk Storage Bags features an extra-thick design for freshness and a double-zip that keeps breast milk fresh. These BPA-free bags also come pre-sterilized so they are ready to use right out of the box.
You’ll need to tear the top off of these before using them, as they have been sealed to ensure there is no contamination. The top is perforated so they’re easy to tear and there is an exterior trim that cushions the milk and prevents leaks even if the bag is dropped.
The design of the bottom allows these bags to stand on their own, making it easier to get them ready for feeding. There is also an area to label Dr. Brown’s breast milk storage bags with information like the date and your baby’s name. These only hold six ounces, which could become an inconvienence once your child gets older and is eating more in a single feeding.
While the thicker design is nice for protecting your breast milk from freezer burn, especially if you are trying to create a stockpile, they are less flexible. This makes it harder to put the milk in the bag and to pour it from the bag to the bottle. The labels are actually semi-accurate at measuring the number of ounces in the bag.
Pros
- Thick design ensures freshness
- Pre-sterilized and ready to use
- Perforated top for an easy-open
- Stands up on its own
- Mostly accurate measurements
- Easy to write on the bags
Cons
- Plastic is not very flexible
- Only holds six ounces
GoGo Pure Breast Milk Storage Bags
The GoGo Pure Breast Milk Storage Bagsare BPA and BPS free. You have to tear the top off as these come pre-sterilized and ready to use. Something to note is that because of the way the bag is designed, these bags offer one of the more accurate measurements of breast milk while standing and you can still lay them flat for storage.
Like many others, this features a double-zip seal that locks out contaminants and keeps your breast milk fresh. The lay-flat design means they take up less space when storing and also thaw faster when you pull them from the freezer. They are also easy to write on and perfect for important information like number of ounces and the date the milk was stored.
Another nice feature for parents who aren’t sure how they’ll feel about these bags is the price. these bags are excessively affordable so you won’t be out a lot of money. What’s also nice is a company that stands behind their product, check with customer service if you have an issue.
Some parents struggle the first few times with the zip-top opening. They easily separate from the side of the bag making the seal useless, but after you get the hang of it these work as well as any other bag.
One other downside is that these do not work with any adapters, so you cannot pump directly into the bag.
Pros
- Free of BPA and BPS
- Double-zip to lock out contaminants
- Lies flat in the freezer and during thawing
- Very affordable to save you money
- Pre-sterilized
- Hold 7 ounces
- Self-standing design
- Accurate measurement of breast milk when the bag is standing
Cons
- Zip-top can separate from the bag if you open it wrong
- Does not work with any breast pump adapters
Nuliie 120 Pcs Breastmilk Storage Bags
The Nuliie 120 Pcs Breastmilk Storage Bags features a spout that makes pouring milk into a bottle easier, which is perfect for moms who hate struggling with zip-tops that are not designed to pour directly into the bottle. While the top features a double zip-top, there is a spout on the side that you cut open once the milk is thawed and easily pour into the bottle.
These breast milk storage bags are free of latex, BPA, and BPS. They come pre-sterilized so you can use them right out of the box. Additionally, there is an enhanced zip-lock at the top of the bag that locks contaminants and air out while keeping breast milk safe and fresh. And, they fit all breast pump adapters too.
The self-standing design makes these easier to use than others when pouring milk into the bags and the Nuliie breast milk storage bags also lie mostly flat for your storage preference. Thanks to the double-sealed and reinforced side seams you don’t have to worry about leaks and each bag holds up to 8 ounces which you can label with pertinent information like the date, amount of milk, and your child’s name.
This company provides 120 bags at an affordable price and the bags are heat resistant which makes it easier to heat the milk before putting it in the bottle.
Pros
- Easy pour spout on the side
- Free of latex, BPA, and BPS
- Enhanced zip-lock and double-sealed sides to prevent leaks
- Self-standing design
- Lies flat for storage and thawing
- Easy to label
- Holds up to 8 ounces
Cons
- May not lay flat for freezing.
Unimom 50 Breastmilk Storage Bags
The Unimom 50 Breast Milk Bags make feeding time easier with easy tear pouring and they hold up to 8 ounces of breast milk. They are made of a durable, BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free plastic material.
Like many of the others bags, these storage bags feature a zip-lock closure to seal breast milk inside and protect it from contamination. The durable side seams prevent leakage as well as spillage and each bag is pre-sterilized so it is ready to go out of the box.
They also have an area to write information, however, the area is a little small and there is no room for important details you may need to include if you are sending breast milk along with your child to daycare. And, like many of the other bags, these bags do not provide an accurate measurement of the amount of breast milk in the bag.
To thaw for feeding, simply put the bag in a bowl of warm water and a blue thermometer-shaped indicator on the bag will turn white when the milk is ready for your child to eat. The lie-flat to store design thaws fast and they stand up on their own for convenience when preparing bottles.
Pros
- Free of BPA and other harmful plastic contaminants
- Comes pre-sterilized
- Zip-lock closure to seal milk in
- Double-sealed side seams
- Easy tear bags that are leakproof
- Lie-flat or self-standing design
Cons
- Labeling area is very small
- Does not measure the amount of breast milk accurately
Best Breast Milk Storage Containers
Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Cups
The Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Cups are a great choice for mothers looking for a more eco-friendly way to store their milk. This set comes with 10 6-ounce storage cups and lids that stack easily together to save space and an adapter that makes it easy to pump directly into the container.
These containers are dishwasher safe and made from BPA-free plastic. The lids twist on for a tight seal that won’t leak if the container tips over. You can also easily write information about the serving size and date on the smooth plastic surface.
As an added benefit, you can also use the Philips Avent nipples to feed directly from the storage container. This means that whether you are pumping, storing, or feeding, you never have to transfer the breast milk. You can also use these in bottle sterilizers and warmers.
Something to note is that it is a little difficult to thread the lids on properly. You’ll want to set these down on a flat surface and be sure the lid is sitting flat to avoid leaks.
Pros
- Pump, Store, Feed all from the same container
- Containers are reusable and dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
- Creates less trash for the planet
- Containers stack together to save space
- Easy to write on
Cons
- Can be difficult to thread the lid properly to avoid leaks
Buying Criteria
Compatibility
Some breast milk storage bags are designed to screw onto specific pumps so you can pump directly into the bag. If you already have a breast pump, check for compatibility as you’re looking at the different storage bags. If you don’t have a breast pump yet, check out this article for our recommendations on the best breast pump.
Some bags are designed to be used with certain bottles and with certain bottle warmers, check for compatibility and make your life easier.
Hygiene
Many breast milk storage bags come pre-sterilized, which guarantees they are free of any contaminants they might have picked up from being handled or during the manufacturing process. This ensures your little one’s milk stays free of bacteria and any other contaminants that might make them sick.
Some bags also come pre-sealed. If they do come sealed already, you’ll want to be sure it’s easy enough for you to tear them open so that you are not struggling when you’re trying to use the bag.
A proper seal is very important because if air gets into the bag during storage, the milk can become contaminated. Some bags seal using a double zipper while others make use of a screw top.
Convenience
A breast milk storage bag should make sealing, storing, and using your milk easier.
The convenient stand up feature that some bags offer, designed to stand up on their own, makes it easier to set them on the counter while you prepare a bottle or in the refrigerator while thawing.
Another thing that makes a storage bag more convenient to use is how they are labeled. Some bags have markings to help you measure the number in ounces of milk stored. This makes them easier to thaw for feedings based on how much your child eats at a typical feeding. Other bags have an area for you to list the date and other important information. This helps you to ensure that you are using the oldest breast milk in your stockpile first.
Something to note is that even though many bags are labeled to show the number of ounces in the bag, they do not do so accurately. The plastic material breast milk bags are made from is flexible. This makes them less accurate because the bag may be more or less expanded than it was when the ounce information was printed. The best way to get an accurate reading is to measure the milk before putting it into the bag and then marking the accurate number of ounces yourself.
Materials
Breast milk storage bags are typically made from thick, food-grade plastic. It’s important to choose a brand that is made from 100% BPA-free plastic. Additionally, you may want to look for bags that have been heat-sealed at the seams because the seams are stronger and less likely to split or develop leaks.
It is not uncommon for bags to have double layers. The extra layers protect your liquid gold from spoilage and help prevent leaks.
FAQs – Breast Milk Storage Bags
What are the best breast milk storage bags?
As with many baby products, there are dozens if not hundreds of options to choose from when you’re trying to find the best breast milk storage bags.
This list of reviews should have helped you narrow down some of the top brands and leading choices including the Lansinoh breast milk storage bags, the Medela breast milk storage bags, the Nuk Seal ‘n Go bags, as well as others.
The thing that matters most is that you choose a storage bag that is compatible with the pump you’ve chosen, seals properly, and is designed to prevent leaks and spills.
Also important, is choosing a storage bag made of a BPA (and other harmful substances) free material that will protect your milk from freezer burn and contamination.
How long can I store breast milk in breast milk bags?
The shelf life of breast milk stored in breast milk storage bags depends on the storage environment.
If you are storing breast milk at room temperature, you should use it within four to six hours, unless it is especially hot and then the limit is four hours.
Breast milk stored in an insulated bag with an ice pack is generally good for a day, which makes this the best way to travel with breast milk.
Refrigerated breast milk can be stored for up to five days toward the back of the fridge where the temperature is coldest and remains consistent. However, you should move the bags after a maximum of three days if you plan on freezing them.
Finally, frozen milk can be stored for up to 12 months in a deep freezer and six months in a normal freezer. And thawed breast milk must be used within 24 hours.
Something to note is that experts recommend using breast milk sooner rather than later. It loses Vitamin C the longer it is stored.
Should I use breast milk storage bags?
It is important to store breast milk in food-grade containers. You can use plastic containers that are designed for this purpose with tight-fitting lids or breast milk storage bags.
The advantage to using breast milk storage bags is that they lie flat and this conserves valuable space in both your freezer and your fridge. And with new designs available today that are compatible with all the top brand pumps, bottles, and bottle warmers you won’t waste a single drop.
Also, breast milk storage bags are pre-sterilized, talk about a time saver, and made of a food-grade material. Many of them come labeled to measure the number of ounces and provide an area to record information such as the date that the milk was stored. They are also relatively affordable so you can buy as many as you need.
However, for moms that are looking for an eco-friendly option, we recommend something like the Philips AVENT breast milk storage cups I mentioned above.
How many breast milk bags do I need?
It can be hard for a new mother to decide how many storage bags to buy, especially if they are inexperienced with breastfeeding and pumping.
As a general guideline, you’ll need one bag for each breast if your are double pumping, so two bags each time you pump or 60 bags for 30 days if your are pumping just once per day. Mothers that are pumping exclusively or those that are going back to work will need many more than this, about 500 bags per month.
One trick of the trade is to fill the storage bag with only as much breast milk as your baby drinks each feeding. Once thawed, breast milk must be used within 24 hours or discarded. Fill your storage bag with only what your baby will finish and waste less of your precious liquid gold.
Another, is to avoid filling the storage bag completely. Breast milk expands when it is frozen and the bag will rip at the seams if it is too full.
Can I store breast milk in Ziploc bags?
You should never use Ziploc or other plastic baggies to store breast milk.
Even though many of these bags are food-grade and freezer safe, they are not designed to hold liquids without leaking and there is no guarantee that breast milk will not leak from these bags.
Also, it is harder to pour the milk into a bottle from a Ziploc bag. Unlike breast milk storage bags they do not have spouts designed to make transitioning the milk from bag to bottle effortless.
How should I thaw frozen breast milk in storage bags?
The safest way to thaw frozen breast milk is by moving it from the freezer to the fridge the night before you plan on using it. However, you might forget to do this or you may need to thaw them quickly like if you have to leave your baby with a sitter unexpectedly.
If you need to thaw faster, the safest way to thaw is to use warm water and either run warm water from over the frozen bag or set it in a container of warm water. You should not use the microwave to thaw breast milk bags because uneven heating can create hot spots that could scald your baby. You should never use boiling water to thaw breast milk either, both microwaving and boiling destroy the valuable immunological components of breast milk.
The oldest breast milk from your supply should always be used first. Label breast milk storage bags with the date so you can properly store and use the milk.
Something to note is that thawed breast milk might have a different smell than it does when it is fresh. You cannot use the smell or color to determine how “good” the milk is since breast milk can vary in smell and color depending on what the mother eats, especially after being frozen.
It is recommended that you use thawed milk within 24 hours.
Can I wash and reuse breast milk storage bags?
You should never reuse breast milk storage bags.
Breast milk storage bags come pre-sterilized, which means the bags are free of any type of contaminants that could ruin the milk or harm your baby. Even washed bags cannot be guaranteed sterilized and free of contaminants. Additionally, there is a risk of tearing small holes in the bag, especially in the seam. This can cause leaks and puts the milk inside at risk for spoilage as well.
There are no reusable breast milk storage bags. Once they have been used, bags are not sterile any longer and there are no boiling or washing procedures that safely restore that sterilization.
For those mothers that are looking for a more eco-friendly option, using reusable food-grade containers or sterilized bottles is the better choice. However, this storage option is more expensive and if you are low on space these are not easy to store. But, with today’s demand for eco-friendly options more and more companies are stepping up with breast milk storage cup as an option.
Final Word
Finding the best breast milk storage bag is about choosing what works best for you as a parent. You want to choose a brand that won’t leak and waste your precious milk. Factors like convenience, how easy it is to write on the bag, and compatibility with your pumping system should also influence your decision.
My top choice when my littles were younger was Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, simply because I used a Lansinoh pump and it was easy to attach the bags, pump, and freeze. They had all the features I needed at the right cost and were easy to use.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for finding the right breast milk storage bags for your family, too.
