Best Breast Milk Storage Bags – an In-Depth Analysis

Working mums face various challenges, such as a lack of proper breastfeeding schedule. Maternity leave does not last forever. Therefore, you have to plan on how your baby will be taken care of after resuming your official work duties. However, there is no amount of preparation that can make parenting an entirely smooth journey.

Some women opt to resign from their job so that they can have proper schedules for breastfeeding and bonding with the baby. But it is not necessary. If you get the best breast milk storage bags, your baby can have it comfortably at the right time, even in your absence. Life should never stop because you have given birth. You can even enjoy a vacation for a few days to ease your mind off the tensions that come with motherhood.

Postpartum depression affects many new mums and can cause severe mood swings that may interfere with their ability to care for herself or her family. It is because their world suddenly shutters since they cannot do what they used to do without thinking of the newborn’s comfort. It is where guilt checks in, especially if they go back to work, and the baby’s breastfeeding schedule is interfered with. However, it shouldn’t be the case, especially with the advanced technology and new options for breast milk storage that allow you to store breast milk safely and keep your baby healthy. But how to choose the best breast milk storage bags with such a variety of options?

I am Bethany Andrews, a mother of two boys. In my blog, I share my parenting experiences of traveling with children. But in this article, I am going to review the best breast milk storage bags to help you make the right choice.

Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Choose From

Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Breast Milk Storage Bags

• Lansinoh Breastmilk Bags – Best Storage Bags for Breast Milk
• Kiinde Twist Pouch – Best Breast Milk Freezer Bags
• Medela Breastmilk Bags – Best Breast Milk Bags That Occupy Less Space

Breast milk storage bag is one of the many options that you can use to store your breast milk. And just like with any baby products, there is an abundance of choices. These bags are used to thaw, freeze, and warm the stored milk. Therefore, you cannot afford to buy a substandard bag that will not be able to perform all these functions. Having a leaking bag is a high-risk factor since not only is milk lost in volume, but its nutritional content changes as well, and germs may be transferred into the milk through the leaking pores. Here are the best milk storage bags to purchase.

Lansinoh Breastmilk Bags – Best Storage Bags for Breast Milk

Lansinoh is a company created by a breastfeeding mum 35 years ago. It provides breastfeeding mums with reliable solutions for storing milk, and consumers can find their top-quality products, including best breast milk storage bags, in more than 60 countries around the world. This bag was designed with a busy new mother in mind and is great for storing and protecting all breast milk nutrients for your little one. This product ensures your breast milk can be stored safely for your little one. All storage bags are safe because they have been presterilized. They are equipped with a double zipper seal and feature a write-on label that is easy-to-use.

The greatest worry for most women is the leakage of milk bags. But with the double zipper installed on this item, you can safely store the milk, and don’t worry that the bag may leak. If you want to freeze your breast milk, then these are among the best milk storage bags for that purpose. Also, the labels on the product make it easy for you to know how many milliliters of milk you have pumped into the bag.

The outstanding feature of this product is that at an affordable price, one box of Lasinoh contains 100 bags inside. The bags can hold up to 180 ml of milk. Even though plastic containers may carry more than this, the twist is that Lasinoh bags thaw and freeze milk faster compared to the normal plastic containers. However, the bags cannot be reused. Once you have emptied them, they should be discarded properly.

Positives:

• No leakage
• Affordable
• Best for freezing breast milk
• Double side seams
• Strong zipper

Negatives:

• Slightly thinner than the others and is not compatible with some pumps

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Kiinde Twist Pouch – Best Breast Milk Freezer Bags

Finding time between work, family, and feeding your baby is hectic. That is why this brand has created all-around best milk storage bags. These breast milk bags are designed to be pumped into, and they can be used with practically any pump. It is very convenient. They come with an adapter that is connected to the pump to enable direct pumping. Is letting down milk a great challenge for you? If it is the case, then these will be the ideal bags for you because you will not have to worry about those few precious drops that are always left inside the pumping bottle.

Besides, these items are suitable for storing frozen milk. So, if you are seeking a freezer bag to store your milk, consider getting a Kiinde pouch. I can bet on it that you will not regret buying them.

You can also use these milk bags for baby feeding since they have latch nipples, or you may opt for a different type of nipple. This nipple makes the transitioning phase from mum’s breast to the milk bag very seamless. It is mainly because such nipples ensure a slow release of milk, just like mom’s nipple.

The bags are designed in a way that they do not let in air. Mostly, nipples that are round shaped can let in the air easily and end up forming air gaps. These gaps result in baby taking in the air, which will, in turn, make the little one colicky. Discomforts may occur because of too much gas ingested into the baby’s stomach. So to prevent this problem, Kiinde nipples have an oval shape and are well tightened to fit your newborns’ mouth perfectly.

A mother’s milk is precious, and every single droplet counts. Hence to provide the ultimate protection for the milk, these bags are made of a double material, which makes them very tough. No leaking will be experienced when thawing or freezing the pumped milk.

Furthermore, these bags can stand without any support. Therefore, holding them is not necessary when pouring the milk in the bag.

An additional accessory that accompanies the package of the Kiinde milk bags is the shelf that can accommodate twelve 6-ounce bags. They can be laid flat on their shelf and placed in the freezer or the refrigerator. The labeling area incorporated in the bag is visible enough and has enough space to write whatever details you want to include.

Additionally, this product may come with the Kozii system that is used to warm the breast milk. Mostly, you can buy it separately from the Kiinde bags. However, there is an option for a package that includes both the milk bag and the Kozii warmer. However, it may cost slightly higher compared to getting milk bags package alone.

Using milk bags together with the warming system is the best option for warming baby’s milk because they warm milk at low temperatures using convective heat and eliminate typical risks associated with warming breast milk with steam. Such risks include losing nutrients and toxic chemicals that may be released from plastic containers.

Besides, Kiinde bags do not contain BPA, which is present in many plastic bottles. One great win for acquiring these items is that washing bottles that always create a high breeding environment for bacteria if washed without care, will be a thing of the past. You won’t have to do it anymore.

Positives:

• BPA free
• Used for storage and pumping
• If combined with the kozii warmer, it warms milk perfectly
• Has a storage shelf

Negatives:

• Slightly expensive than the others

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Medela Breastmilk Bags – Best Breast Milk Bags That Occupy Less Space

Pumping breast milk is crucial for new mothers, especially ones with busy routines, and this brand helps to eliminate the hassle. The bags are specifically fit for the transportation of milk. Therefore, if you are planning to go on a trip, you can think of getting some of them. The milk bags are particularly preferable when traveling because of the strong double-layered material, and two zips that ensure the item does not leak even if it falls. They can also fit perfectly inside the baby’s bag or your side bag.

Additionally, they feature self-standing design and have a base that enables them to stand alone without any balancing from you. That’s why these bags are also suitable for traveling. Thus, mums will not only store their milk but also pump milk for the little one as they travel with no doubt that this milk will be fit for the little one to consume. The items are also perfect for freezing or refrigerating the milk.

Furthermore, they come with a write-on section where you can write on to mark dates of storing or pumping the milk. Labeling will give guidance to the caretaker who will be feeding your child. The package has six flat milk bags that can easily fit even inside a slim purse. This feature also allows milk to thaw very fast. Therefore, when your little one is hungry, you can feed him or her without delay.

This brand offers two types of the best breast milk storage bags. One type is designed for only storage and makes a good choice for women who do not like to pump milk into the storage bag. The other type allows mums to do the pumping straight to the storage bag through the adapter. It is very convenient since it saves time and effort.

Positives:

• Can stand alone
• Large write-on area
• Additional pouch for transportation
• Slim portable bags

Negatives:

• Can be hard to seal
• Releasing air in the bag can be a little challenging

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Philips Avent Milk Storage Bags – Affordable BPA Free Breastmilk Storage Bags

If you are a fan of Philips Avent baby bottles and breast pumps, you can try their milk storage bags as well. This British company is well-known for its high-quality products. Philips leak-proof bags have a seal that shows the item was presterilized and that the inside has not been touched. It is the first thing that you should check before even purchasing these bags. Side seams have a double layer that is thick enough to avoid contamination of the milk while it is in the freezer. With this thick side seams, chances that the milk will leak are very minimal.

Additionally, the bags are equipped with double zippers that boost the milk bag’s safety. Philips Avent bags have a wider neck compared to other similar products. This feature makes them the best milk storage bags that provide easy transfer of milk from the bottle to the bag without any spillage. Double side seams additionally guarantee you the longevity of this milk bag. Breast milk is precious for your baby, so it has to be stored with a maximum level of care.

Also, the bag is self-standing, and there is no need to hold it while using it because it won’t collapse. That’s why you can focus solely on pouring pumped milk carefully without causing any spillage. And even the clumsy dads can do this effortlessly.

These milk bags are BPA free and don’t contain any other harmful chemicals, so they are safe for your baby’s health. Storing frozen milk requires just the right type of bag, and this one can keep your breast milk fresh both in the freezer and refrigerator. The 6-ounce bag can hold a maximum of 180ml of breast milk. The products are moderately priced, and the box contains 50 bags.

These bags, however, don’t come with an adapter, and therefore they are not the best milk storage bags for direct pumping. You can only fill the bag with already pumped milk.
The bags are easy to label, and the slot for writing has enough room to indicate important details such as the pumping or the storage date. This enables easy monitoring of the milk storage duration.

Nevertheless, these bags should not be reused. Since sterilization is lost after using the milk bag, it can harbor bad bacteria that make breast milk harmful for your little one.

Positives:

• Very affordable
• Double seams that offer milk safety
• Wide neck makes it easy to transfer milk from the bottle
• Double zipper prevents leakage
• Can stand on its own

Negatives:

• Cannot be used for milk pumping

Gland Storage Bags – Freezer Bags for Breast Milk Storage with Double Zipper for Enhanced Safety

Newborns can be very sensitive. Therefore, their safety comes first, and that is why Gland storage bags come pre-sterilize just like other their products to ensure there is no form of prior germs absorption. An outstanding feature of this brand is the variety of sizes and volumes to accommodate different breast milk amounts. As babies grow, they require more breast milk, so bags from this brand make a good choice if you need to make adjustments.

Also, the products are 100% freezer safe, and you can keep them flat to save the space or keep them standing upright in a refrigerator. Each of them comes with a top that should be torn off and perforated and a double zipper to lock this milk bag strongly to ensure the milk fed to the child is safe and that there was no leakage.

Furthermore, the thickness of these bags ensures that milk remains fresh throughout the freezing and thawing process. Additionally, milk in the bag can be warmed using milk warmer. Therefore, thawing milk can be done directly by putting a Gland bag in the warmer, and all the nutrients will be preserved. Also, placing them flat in the freezer is possible. Hence you can place many bags at the same time in the freezer since there will be enough space.

Alternatively, the bags can stand on their own; thus, you can opt to place them upright. The self-standing feature additionally makes them efficient since transferring milk to the bag without spillage is made easy. So, despite your clumsiness, this option can be hacked easily.

The writing area is big enough to include various details, such as the pumping day and the exact time. Also, the amount of milk pumped can be included if necessary to ensure a perfect organization.

Some women don’t like storage bags due to the plastic smell they’ve experienced with some breast milk storage containers. It isn’t the case with Gland bags since they are BPA free breast milk storage bags, and there is no plastic smell.

For better usage of these items, the zipper should be tightly sealed to stop any leakage. I don’t recommend you to fill the bottle past the maximum level indicated. It’s better to transfer the bag from the freezer to the refrigerator to defrost the milk before you need to thaw it. After warming the milk, ensure you use it immediately. If it stays longer, it will get spoilt, and that is not good for your little ones’ consumption.

Most importantly, it is vital to always use the appropriate freezing or refrigeration temperature for the storage of the pumped milk to avoid the expiry of breast milk. These advanced features have been incorporated in the Gland milk bags for safe collection and pumped milk storage in the freezer and the refrigerator. It should at least count for something and reduce any feeding worries that you may have about your child.

Positives:

• Can stand alone
• Does not have a plastic smell
• Double zipper to prevent any leakage
• Maintains milk freshness
• Affordable

Negatives:

• Cannot be used together with a breast pump

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most women are not sure how these bags work. Therefore, it’s better to seek for additional information about some important areas before purchasing the products to avoid making mistakes that will affect the baby’s health or feeding schedule. I have compiled a list of questions that most women ask regarding how to use breast milk bags.

How to Use Breast Milk Storage Bags?

The sealing of the bag should first be torn off. After that, open the zip that closed the bag to remove the air inside. Proceed to channel the milk from the bottle or pump to the pouch. Always check the maximum level mark making sure the milk does not exceed it. Then zip the milk bag tightly so that the milk doesn’t leak when it is stored. Put a label with a date you have done your storage and other details before proceeding to freeze the milk.

Some bags do not have nipples, but there is no need to worry about this fact. Just feed the baby from a feeding bottle. Some brands have a nipple or have a nipple slot included, and it is possible to give the kid milk using the milk bag.

Can You Reuse Breast Milk Storage Bags?

Note that these bags cannot be reused. Once you have used them, it is best to discard them because they will not be germ-free. Rinsing and reusing will cause harm to the little one since it will create an ideal environment for bacteria to breed. Trying to cut costs at the expense of the baby’s health may turn out to be more costly, or even worse.

How Many Breast Milk Storage Bags Do I Need?

Milk let down is different for every woman. Therefore, if you cannot release a large quantity of milk, do not try to fill several milk bags. Nonetheless, you should try to store the amount of milk that can last the baby for one week. After you use it, stock up again once it is over. So if you are just getting started, you can purchase around 30 bags that you may need for several weeks. When you get used to pumping, you may increase or decrease this number depending on the pumping schedule. Moms with excess milk can still fill the milk bags, but they should ensure they are stored properly to make certain the stored milk can still be fit for the baby’s intake for a long duration.

How to Pump Breast Milk into Storage Bags?

Pumping straight into storage bags saves time and minimizes the possible transfer of germs into the milk. So, how is it done? Well, it is pretty easy. You can use storage bags made specifically for the pump you bought. Also, you can buy an adapter and connect it to the pump to allow the bag to fit for direct pumping.

What Is the Accuracy Level of the Bag?

The mother is the one who determines the accuracy by transferring the correct milk amount in the milk bag. To ensure complete accuracy, you should measure the milk amount transferred to the bag. Remember, there is a certain capacity each bag is meant to carry, and thus you need to adhere to it. When pouring the milk, avoid spillage since it can be hard to determine the amount that is spilled.

How Much Milk Can the Bags Hold?

The bags can contain from 6 to 8 ounces, and there is an indication of the maximum level on most bags. Therefore, the milk you put should not surpass this indicated maximum level mark. Bags manufactured by most companies have strong zips, but still, you shouldn’t fill the bag to the brim since it may leak. Always read the instructions and strictly follow them.

What Is the Appropriate Timing to Start Storage of Milk?

Different women have different levels of milk production. Some women have very low production during the early days, and therefore, pumping the few drops of milk can be challenging. Thus, if you are finding it hard to let down milk, you can start pumping after 3 weeks of breastfeeding so that you do not strain so much.

How Long Does Breast Milk Last in the Freezer?

Every woman is cautious about feeding their baby expired milk. Nonetheless, each bag has writing slots so that monitoring the freshness of the milk can be easy. Indicating when the milk was pumped or stored is crucial. Additionally, keep monitoring stored milk so that you can notice foul smells. Milk can be in the freezer for 3 months without going bad, and you can store it in the fridge for 3 days. So keep checking the milk while in storage. It is the best way to save the baby from taking expired milk.

What Is the Best Method to Warm Breastmilk?

Keep in mind that you can’t thaw milk at room temperature if you want to ensure it is safe for a baby. Never do that. Therefore, refrigeration of milk should be done first to allow defrosting before warming and feeding the baby. Using a warming bottle is more reliable and safe. Another good method is using a warm bowl of water with temperatures of about 99 Fahrenheit. Remember, the baby’s safety always comes first. Therefore, you cannot microwave milk that is frozen or boil it. This is a NO since there will be a loss of nutrients, and the milk will also be hot.

Closing Remarks

We all desire to always be with our children, but we have other duties as well. Therefore, we need to find perfect methods or innovations so that our babies do not miss out on the part of their lives that matters, which is breastfeeding. Milk from the mother has some protective antibodies, such as the IgA (Immunoglobulin A), that cannot be found elsewhere. Therefore, if you feel like your work timetable or duties will interfere with your schedule of breastfeeding, then it is important to start looking for the most appropriate milk bags that will help you keep your breast milk safe for your child. Then you can be sure that your baby is fed properly when you are not around.

In my reviews, I have noted that there are good milk bags sold on the market that will ensure milk is stored properly until your little one consumes it. Once you get any of these bags, you can be sure that you can continue with your normal schedules both inside and out of the house.

Life should not stop because you are a new mum. It is still possible to go for the dinner you have been planning with friends or picnic to relieve stress and have some fun. But it can only be possible if you buy the best breast milk storage bags. By this, I mean appropriate bags that are thick and have strong zippers to ensure the bag does not leak.

From the best breast milk storage bags reviewed above, my top pick is the Lansinoh bags. These bags have strong zippers and double side seams, hence they do not leak. Also, these features ensure maximum protection of the milk from contaminations. Besides, they are pre-sterilized and thus do not have any contaminants inside. As a result, they are safe and ready for use. They can also be used to keep the milk in the freezer. Also, the brand is BPA free and is designed to lay flat for quick thawing and freezing. Moreover, you can pump directly into the bags, and it is a big convenience.

Regarding storing the milk in the freezer, the pumped milk can stay frozen for three months. However, keep checking regularly and note if there is a sour smell, or the milk looks different from normal. Additionally, writing areas are very important. Note down every single important detail using a marker pen for proper visibility.

Have you ever thought of supplementing your breast milk for other store feeds such as formula neonatal milk? I think many women have thought about it at least once. But why go for the supplements while you can get the best milk bags so that your child can always get good and nutritious feeding.

Do you prefer breast milk storage containers or bags? Do breastmilk bags serve the purpose properly? Share your personal experiences and opinions in the comments section.