8 of the best breast milk storage bags/pots 2024
WHAT ARE BREAST MILK STORAGE BAGS?
Breast milk storage bags are used for freezing or refrigerating expressed milk so that it can be used at a later date.
Breast milk storage pots are also widely available and have the benefit of being reusable but they do need to be sterilised before each use.
Do you need breast milk storage bags?
If you ever want to express milk and use it at a later date, they are pretty essential. You could use another sterilised container but these bags are pre-sterilised, leakproof, have been designed to not take up too much space in the freezer and have other useful features like measurement markings and labelling areas. With some, you can express directly into them with a breast pump.
There are also lids which turn your baby bottles into storage containers for the fridge or freezer.
How to use them
If freezing the milk, make sure you allow 2-3cm at the top of the bag for the frozen milk to expand and squeeze the air out before sealing. There is usually an area on the bag for writing the date of expression.
how long does expressed breast milk last?
In a warm room: use within 6 hours.
Cooled milk in a cool bag with ice packs: up to 24 hours
In the back of a fridge at 4°C or lower: up to 8 days for fresh milk, and up to 24 hours for defrosted milk. If your fridge is warmer than 4°C, use the milk within 3 days.
In a freezer at -18°C or lower: up to six months
See the NHS website for more information.
Can breast milk bags be recycled?
They are usually made from a type of plastic which can be recycled but it is unlikely to be done your kerbside pick up. Instead, take it to your local drop-off for plastic bags. Some supermarkets have these.
9 OF THE BEST BREAST MILK STORAGE OPTIONS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 12 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Lansinoh breast milk storage bags
Why buy these?
Lansinoh bags are very popular and you can express straight into them from a Lansinoh pump.
Key features
Can be stored flat or upright.
Double-sealed side seams and double zip for safety.
Measurement markings.
A write-on tab to keep track of how long it’s been stored.
Capacity of 180ml.
2. Medela breast milk storage bags
Why buy these?
These are also very popular and good value for money.
Key features
Double walls and a double zip for safe storage.
Capacity of 180ml.
Flat shaped to enable milk to thaw quickly.
An area to label the bag.
Measurement markings.
3. Vital Baby Nurture Breast Milk Storage Bag
Why buy these?
They have a convenient spout so the milk can be poured out more easily.
Key features
Capacity of 250ml.
Pre-sterilised.
Leakproof seal.
Wide neck.
Freestanding base.
Measurement marks.
Space to write the date.
4. Tommee Tippee Breast Milk Storage Bags
Why buy these?
These are some of the largest bags on the market with a capacity of 350ml.
Key features
Large pre-sterilised bags.
Free-standing.
Double fastened to prevent any leaking.
Space to write the date.
Measurement marks.
5. Nanobebe Breast Milk Storage Bags
Why buy these?
These bags have been designed to thaw breast milk really quickly and evenly.
Key features
Pre-sterilised.
Made from thick plastic with a double zipper to prevent leaks.
Measurement scale.
Labelling area.
Capacity of 150ml.
6. haakaa Silicone Reusable Breast Milk Storage Bags
Why buy these?
These bags are a great eco-friendly option as they are reusable and made from food-grade silicone, which is a bit better for the environment than plastic. Once your breastfeeding days are over they can be used as pouches for food or juice.
Key features
Comes with a double-ended cleaning brush made from silicone and stainless steel.
They can be rolled up for storage and travel.
Leakproof.
They are easier to fill than plastic bags as the silicone is sturdy.
Capacity of 260ml.
Safe for use in a freezer and microwave steriliser. They can also be sterilised by boiling them in water.
7. Philips Avent Reusable Breast Milk Storage Cups
Why buy these?
These reusable cups come with adaptors that enable you to express directly into them from a Philips Avent breast pump.
Key features
180ml capacity.
Stackable.
Leakproof lid.
Can be cleaned in a dishwasher and steriliser.
8. Tommee Tippee Breast Milk Storage Pots
Why buy these?
These reusable pots are easy to clean and fit inside Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles. They could be handy in the future as small food pots
Key features
Capacity of 60ml.
Dishwasher, microwave and steriliser safe.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Baby bottles • breast pumps • nipple creams • nursing bras • sterilisers • breast pads • breastfeeding pillows • bottle brushes • breastfeeding covers • electric bottle warmers • muslin cloths • baby blankets
FROM THE BLOG
Some baby products are useful for longer than others. If you’re in two minds about whether to buy something, it can be worth considering its lifespan. The longer you use it, the better the cost per use and the more it will justify its place in your home. Here are thirteen baby products that are still in active service with my now five-year-old.