The 10 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Preserve Your Liquid Gold
If you’re a pumping mom, there’s a good chance you’ve cried over spilt milk. Pumping is hard work, so seeing even a drop of your liquid gold go to waste can be pretty devastating—especially when you throw those big new-mom hormones into the mix. To prevent spills (whether of milk or tears), it’s essential to store pumped breast milk correctly. That’s where breast milk bags come in, and just like with most baby products, there’s an abundance of options to choose from.
With four kids at home, I’ve been through a slew of breast milk storage bags. I’ve learned over the years which are standouts and which will just hog precious freezer space (and possibly even leak). To save you the trial, error and potential breakdowns, we also spoke with Larissa O’Loughlin, a certified lactation consultant, registered nurse, parent educator and founder of The Mama Coach for her recommendations, and rounded up the best breast milk storage bags out there.
A good breast milk storage milk bag can make the difference between having an ample milk supply at the ready for baby and dealing with leaks, spills and freezer space issues. When selecting our list of the best storage bags for breast milk, we:
- Talked to a certified lactation consultant to get her recommendations on important elements to factor in when shopping for these bags.
- Consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on proper breast milk storage and preparation to ensure all bags we chose fit the agency’s stringent recommendations.
- Analyzed reviews from real users to learn more about how these bags performed for a range of families in a variety of breast milk storage situations. Only breast milk storage bags with an average rating of four or more stars were considered.
- Relied on our real-world knowledge as parents who have used these bags for years. Having daily experience with breast milk storage bags gives us unique insight on what separates outstanding bags from the competition.
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Overall best breast milk storage bags
- Twist top helpful for reducing leak risk
- BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free
- Pouch and cap are recyclable
- Cap makes stacking frozen bags challenging
- Measurements may be off
- Expensive
Between pumping, storing, labeling, cleaning, thawing and feeding, pumping breast milk is a time suck (pun intended)—but Kiinde Twist Pouches make the entire process as efficient as possible. The pouches, which are available in six-ounce and eight-ounce sizes, attach directly to nearly every major brand of pump via an adaptor, eliminating the need to decant into a bottle first (and clean a bunch of pump parts). When it’s time to feed baby, the milk can be served directly from the pouch, thanks to corresponding nipple and bottle attachments. But beyond the innovative time-saving features, Kiinde pouches are also extremely high-performing: They rarely leak, thanks to the twist-top closure, are easy to label and compact to store. A breast milk bag that saves mamas from wasting time and breast milk? Now that’s the holy grail.
Size: 6 oz. or 8 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 20, 40, 80 and 160
Best leak-proof breast milk storage bags
- Round bottom prevents leaks
- No-mess pour spout
- Stacks well in the freezer
- Bags can be flimsy when pouring milk in
- Measurements aren’t accurate
In a perfect world, breast milk bags would never leak and none of the precious liquid would ever go to waste—but thanks to design flaws, user errors and accidents, leaks and spills can unfortunately happen. Your best option for avoiding them as much as possible? NUK Seal N’ Go breast milk bags. Featuring a double-zipper lock, reinforced seams and a thick plastic that won’t accidentally get torn by rogue items in your freezer, NUK bags claim to be 100 percent leak-proof, and more than 2,000 parent reviews agree—plus, O’Loughlin said NUK is one of the brands she loves recommending to her clients. And if the promise of no leaks isn’t enough to sell you on these bags, here are two more popular benefits: The durable, waterproof plastic also allows lets you thaw them simply by running them under warm water (with no fear of diluting the important nutrients in the milk inside) and an oxygen barrier keeps the milk fresh, even after being stored in the freezer.
Size: 6 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 25, 50, 100 and 200
Best spill-proof breast milk storage bags
- BPA-free
- Two sealable zippers
- Temperature sensors can be off
- May need to purchase adaptors separately
Think emptying a bag of breast milk into a bottle is easy-peasy? Think again—especially when you’re running on little sleep. Grownsy’s milk storage bags aim to make the transfer from bag to bottle as seamless and spill-proof as possible, thanks to a cut-and-pour spout that keeps even the shakiest of hands from spilling. Just make sure you squeeze milk away from the pour spout and angle the spout up before you cut or tear it to reduce the risk of losing any milk. These bags have matte oil labels that are resistant to wear, along with temperature-sensing labels to tell you when milk is cold, the optimal feeding temperature, or too hot. The bag also conveniently stands in the refrigerator and lays flat when frozen, so you can say goodbye to leaky bags and hello to optimal storage.
Size: 6 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 60, 130 and 210
Best breast milk storage bags that attach to pumps
- Reinforced double-sealed side seams and a double zipper
- BPA/BPS-free
- Four-ounce bags available
- Measurements may be slightly off
In terms of parent popularity, there’s one breast milk bag that reigns supreme (with nearly 75,000 5-star ratings on Amazon—no big deal!). I’m a member of the Lansinoh breast milk storage bag fan club, myself—I’ve used several different brands and still keep coming back to this one. Lansinoh bags have an easy-to-close double seal, lay flat for easy storage and have a handy curved spout design that makes pouring—without spilling—a breeze, even in the wee hours of the morning. They’ve been engineered to allow moms to pump directly into the bags with a Lansinoh pump, but we’re even more impressed that they’re sold as a bundle with two Lansinoh pump-into-bag adapters that are compatible with most major pump brands. From Ameda and Medela to Evenflo and Spectra pump systems, whatever you’re using can flow effortlessly into these much-loved milk sleeves—and that’s a feature few other bag brands can boast. Just remember to buy the pack with the adapters first, and then you can purchase the Lansinoh breast milk bags solo from here on out.
Size: 4 oz. or 6 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200
Best reusable breast milk storage bags
- Food-grade and BPA-free silicone
- Stylish colors
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Need to be cleaned
- Pricey option
In the last few years, more eco-friendly options have popped up on the breastfeeding market—and we’re here for it, especially because they match sustainability with chicness! O’Loughlin likes them for “parents who prefer to reduce their use of single-use plastics” or those who pump only occasionally, because the “cost of these bags can add up quickly.” The Momcozy silicone breast milk storage bags are one of our absolute favorites since they feature strong seals, are easy to pour from bag to bottle and are leak-resistant, thanks to the tight knob cap. When you’ve come to the end of your breastfeeding and pumping journey or have gotten into the solid food era of baby’s first year, these reusable breast milk storage bags can easily store rice, cereal and blended fruit and veggie purees—not to mention, you can also give them a second life as regular storage bags, ice packs or hand warmers. How’s that for versatility?
Size: 8.5 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 1, 2 and 5
Best space-saving breast milk storage bags
- Lays flat for space-saving storage
- BPA-free
- Comes with a bonus resealable transport pouch
- Can be tougher to get air out
- Measurements aren’t accurate
- Not as leak-proof as others on our list
Whether you have a Medela breast pump or not, you’ve probably seen this name come up in your searches for breast pump-related items; the brand certainly has clout in the breastfeeding/pumping game. These classic breast milk storage bags are loved for their durable material, double-zipper seals, self-standing bottoms for easy fills and compact, lay-flat design, making them a great option for breast milk freezer bags too. I’ve found that these bags feel much sturdier than your standard milk bags, thanks to their thick construction. And O’Loughlin likes the large white space at the top for easy labeling—a little thing that matters a whole lot, if you ask us.
Size: 6 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 25, 50 and 100
Most accurate breast milk storage bags
- Exterior trim cushions bag if dropped
- Wide availability
- Affordable option
- Small labeling tab
- No pour spout
One of the benefits of bottle feeding is knowing exactly how much breast milk baby is getting, but that’s a challenge if the storage bag provides an inaccurate picture of how much liquid is inside (a more common issue than you may think). Dr. Brown’s breast milk storage bags may not come with many frills, but they do take the guesswork out of pumping with their easy-to-read and accurate measurement marks. If accuracy isn’t a major concern, parents also rave about the extra-thick plastic material these bags are made of, which is great for keeping however much milk you have stored inside safe.
Size: 6 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 50 and 100
Best breast milk storage bags for large quantities
- Stands for refrigerator storage
- BPA-free
- Only available in pack of 40
- Pumping adapters don’t fit all pumps
One of the roomier storage bags for breast milk on our list, the Motif Medical is perfect for those who pump often or have older babies who might be logging larger feeds. The eight-ounce bag features a seal with a double zipper lock to prevent leaks, as well as an easy-pour spout for a no-mess experience. Like other breast milk storage bags on this list, they lay flat in the freezer and stand upright in the refrigerator for optimal storage. Complete with a sleek design, what’s not to love?
Size: 8 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 40
Best budget-friendly breast milk storage bags
- Stand-up design is great for fridge
- Can be used for direct pumping
- Durable double-walled plastic material
- Measurement markers aren’t totally reliable
- No pour spout
Moms who decide to exclusively pump can fly through storage bags at a rapid pace, so finding the most cost-effective option is pretty critical. Even for parents who don’t fall into that category, a wallet-friendly yet still-functional breast milk bag is definitely appealing. Enter Target’s exclusive up & up brand breast milk storage bags, some of the most affordable on the market. Thick plastic, a double-zipper lock and a nearly three-inch write-in tab ensure that the lower cost doesn’t translate to lower quality. When O’Loughlin was pumping herself, she actually liked these more than Lansinoh bags, telling us that the up & up brand storage bags stepped up when her Lansinoh bags were “difficult to label or split after freezing.” And at less than a quarter per bag, they’re a total steal!
Size: 6 oz. | Quantity: Packs of 50 and 100
Best breast milk storage bag alternative
- Sustainable alternative to silicone bags
- Lid keeps contents fresh
- Only effective for very small portions
While DIY storage solutions like plastic baggies aren’t advised, O’Loughlin shared some very valuable advice about one alternative option: milk storage trays, which allow you to freeze small servings of breast milk. “One of my favorite products is the SouperCubes MyMilk tray–the frozen milk easily pops out and you can drop it directly into any bottle!” she says. “This is also a great option to have on hand in case baby is still hungry after they finish a bottle. You can then ‘top off’ with one of the single-ounce portions of breastmilk from a tray.”
Size: 16.5 oz. cubes | Quantity: Two trays
According to the CDC, freshly expressed breast milk can only be kept on the counter for four hours. If it’s going to be kept any longer, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator (for up to four days) or the freezer (for up to 12 months, although six months is best). In terms of cost and space, breast milk storage bags are the most efficient way to store your stash of breast milk. Made of sturdy, food-grade, BPA-free plastic, breast milk bags are specifically designed to keep your milk safe, organized and sanitary, no matter where it’s kept. The best breast milk storage bags will also prevent leaks or bursts, lay flat for storage, stand on their own for pours and provide ample space for measurements and labeling.
Tempted to use plastic baggies or disposable bottle liners instead? Don’t. Not only does the CDC advise against it, but neither are designed to hold breast milk—meaning the chances of spills, leaks or contamination are high.
Whether you’re a new mom navigating the daunting world of breastfeeding for the first time, or a veteran who has the basics of pumping and storage down (but still haven’t found a bag you love, even after a few babies), you’re never wrong to feel overwhelmed. But before you end up poring over thousands of online reviews—and trying out more bags than you can count on two hands—in your quest to find the best breast milk storage bags, we’ve put these tips together to help narrow and fine-tune your search. In O’Loughlin’s professional experience, she’s come in contact with every kind of breast milk storage bag, and she shared some important qualities to keep in mind when you’re shopping:
- Durability. Pumping breast milk can be a chore (one moms are happy to do for their babies, of course, but a chore nonetheless), so when you’ve done the work, the last thing you need is for the bag that’s holding your precious liquid gold to break or tear—whether you’re just filling it up or have had it in the freezer for a while. You’ll want to look for bags using food-grade, BPA-free materials with extra qualifiers for durability: thick, double-layer plastic or silicone, double-zipper seals/closures to keep air out, reinforced seams to prevent rips and even exterior trim to provide greater cushioning in case the bag drops.
- Accurate milk-measuring marks. Nearly all breast milk storage bags come with some measurement markings to quantify how much milk you’ve produced. Regrettably, most of the markers are inaccurate, notes O’Loughlin. “Most bags come with volume markings on the side, but these are inaccurate compared to measuring it in a bottle.” If you want the most to-the-ounce gauge (whether you’re closely tracking what baby consumes at each feeding or monitoring your own output), “always double-check the amount in a bottle first before transferring it to a bag.” You can do this by cross-referencing with a bottle or even weighing your milk on a digital kitchen scale (making sure to account for the weight of the bottle too).
- **Leak-proof and spill-proof design features. Breast milk storage bags are unique in that they’re pre-sterilized and ready for use as soon as they’re taken out of the box. Often they have a safety seal that needs to be removed before they can be filled (to prevent bacteria and contamination). But once the seals are broken and they’re full of milk, you’ll need a leak-proof design to ensure everything stays put—double-zippered locks are the gold standard, but screw thread caps are effectively leak-proof as well. When you’re pouring cold or recently thawed milk from the breast milk storage bag into your baby’s bottle, things can get messy and sticky quickly if the milk starts splattering or dribbling out uncontrollably. You’ll want a bag that sports a spout to streamline the process.
- Storability. Okay, so it’s leak- or spill-proof, but does it stand up in the fridge or stack well in the freezer? It might not be something you think about right away, but once you’re starting to stock up, being able to arrange your breast milk storage bags in a convenient, space-saving way is everything. If you’ll just be saving your milk for a day or two, a bag with a wide base that can stand up in the refrigerator is pretty handy. If you’re pumping regularly and building up a stash, then you’ll want bags that will lay flat and can stack.
Of course, reasonable pricing and availability (bags you can find both online and in stores) matter too, particularly if you’re an exclusive pumper who goes through bags at lightning speed. You might also consider sustainable breast milk storage bags, if single-use plastic bags just aren’t your thing.
About the writer
Korin Miller is a writer who’s penned dozens of health and shopping features for The Bump. She specializes in commerce, wellness and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, SELF and more. Korin is a mom to four kids, ranging in age from 1 to 10 years old, including one she’s still breastfeeding. Korin has more than a decade of experience with breast milk storage bags and has firsthand knowledge of the products that make the pumping experience easier and that are more trouble than they’re worth. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Larissa O’Loughlin, IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant, registered nurse and parent educator. She provides growing families with evidence-informed support that is always judgment-free. On Instagram, Larissa shares educational and relatable parenthood content about infant feeding, sleep and safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk, January 2022
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