The New Mom’s Guide on How to Store Breast Milk

If you’re like a lot of moms, you’ll be headed back to work after a few weeks of being at home with your new baby. You may have mastered pumping on the go, whether at work, on an airplane, or in a car, but if you don’t know how to store breast milk safely, the liquid gold you worked so hard for could be a waste.

 

 

 

The first thing is to make sure that you have a reliable breast pump. My favorite breast pump that I have used is the Spectra S1. I had tried another brand prior to using the Spectra but I didn’t feel like I was getting enough milk.

 

 

 

I wanted to create an easy to use guide on how to store breast milk, answering all of the questions I had when I was a new mom who was pumping and headed back to work. It’s important to know the in’s and out’s associated with pumping and storing breast milk from the beginning of your pumping experience. This all-inclusive guide on how to safely store breast milk will answer important questions about breast milk storage options and how-tos.

 

 

 

 

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. I only recommend products I love or would personally use.

 

 

 

 

freezer full of breast milk storage bags with breast milk in them

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you store breast milk?

The best way to store breast milk really depends on the circumstance. If you plan to use the breastmilk within 6 hours, you can typically leave the breast milk to sit out. If it is going to be longer than 6 hours, you can place the expressed breast milk in a bottle or a breast milk storage bag and place it in the refrigerator.

 

 

 

When freshly expressed breast milk is properly stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for 3-5 days. If you won’t need the milk within those 3-5 days, you’ll need to store the breast milk in the freezer. The best way to do that is in breast milk freezer bags. Properly stored breast milk can be kept in the freezer for 6-12 months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you use breast milk storage bags?

The first thing you need to know about storing breast milk in bags is that you need to use plastic bags that are designed specifically for breast milk. You don’t want to use the same type of bag you’d use to give your kiddo a bag of snacks. You’ll end up with spilled milk and likely a big mess.

 

 

 

Figuring out how to use breast milk storage bags will depend on the kind of breast milk bags you plan to use. Some breast milk storage bags connect right to the breast pump, but most do not. If your breast milk storage system connects right to the breast pump, there should be small holes in the top of the bag where the bag will connect to the pump. You’ll open the bag, place the pump piece down into the bag, pull the bag up around the pump part, and then hook the bag to the pump part.

 

 

 

lansinoh breast milk freezer bags with breastmilk in them

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the best options for eco-friendly breast milk storage?

If you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to store breast milk, the most eco-friendly breast milk storage option, which is also the best non-plastic breast milk storage, would be glass bottles. A lot of people will tend to shy away from plastic bottles if wanting bottles that are both eco-friendly and “green”.

 

 

I recently came across these silicone breast milk storage bags which are a great option for people who don’t want to store breast milk in glass bottles and are looking for reusable breast milk storage. They are both dishwasher and freezer-safe, which makes them an incredibly eco-friendly breast milk storage option.

 

picture of the ZipTop silicone breast milk storage bags; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

Glass bottles and reusable silicone breast milk bags are without a doubt the most environmentally friendly breast milk storage option and will meet the needs of anyone who wants plastic-free breast milk storage.

 

 

 

 

 

>If you’re transporting breast milk, make sure you have one of the best coolers for breast milk!<

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Breast Milk Storage Bags

 

Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags

Lansinoh breast milk freezer bags are by far the best breast milk storage bags in my opinion! I think they were the easiest to open and use out of all the bags I tried. I don’t like bags that are too stiff or too flimsy. If you want to pump directly into a bag, you can do that if using a Lansinoh pump, or you can get an adaptor for your breast pump. They are easy to fill, they don’t leak, and they are easy to freeze and thaw. I had no issue with them!

picture of the Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Target Up and Up Breast Milk Storage Bags

I have tried a lot of breast milk storage bags, and the Target breast milk storage bags are actually one of my favorite brands. I like that the Target brand bags are cheaper than most brands, yet offer the same quality. If you’re looking for a great bag at a reduced cost, try these!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiinde Twist

The Kiinde Twist breast milk system is one of the best breast milk storage systems available for nursing/pumping moms. They have developed an all-in-one system from the pumping of breast milk  to consumption with just the use of the bag. You can pump directly into the bags, freeze or refrigerate the milk, and then use the bottle adaptor to give the baby a bottle using the very same bag.

 

 

The level of convenience that comes with this system is barred none. You can use either the 6-ounce or 8-ounce bags depending on how much breast milk you want to store at one time. Also, they are one of the few reusable breast milk storage bags available. You can wash and reuse the bags which is another bonus.

picture of the Kiinde Twist breast milk system for moms who pump breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medela Pump and Save

The Medela Pump and Save bags are highly respected as well because of their user-friendliness. You can attach the bag right to your Medela breast pump without the hassle of transferring the milk from a bottle to the bag. If you are pumping when away from your baby, and need to be quick and convenient, this is a great option for you. There is an area for you to write on the bag, they are self-standing, and they come in a pouch which is nice because that way they aren’t all over the place. The bags have a 6-ounce capacity.

picture of a box of Medela Pump and Save bags for breast milk storage; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUK Seal ‘n Go

The NUK Seal ‘n Go breast milk storage bags are designed to hold up to 6 ounces, though I have heard of people putting up to 7 ounces in them with no issue. NUK breast milk storage bags are much like several of the other bags, in that they have a stand-alone design, they can be placed in the freezer or refrigerator, and they have a double seal with a leak-proof guarantee.

picture of a NUK Seal ‘n Go breast milk storage bag; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ameda Pump ‘n Protect

Ameda pump and protect bags are awesome if you are using an Ameda breast pump. Much like the Kiinde system, as well as the Medela Pump ‘n Save, you can pump directly into the pour and store bags without the extra step of needing to pour the expressed milk into the bag. The bags are easy to label and store in your freezer. These breast milk bags have a really nice, unique feature, which is the tear-and-pour spout. There is a place on the side of the bag that you can tear off and easily pour the milk out of the bag without spilling. The bags are also designed so that they can stand on their own. They are DEHP and BPA-free. They are labeled for 5 ounces of milk, but many people recommend putting no more than 4 ounces of milk in them.

picture of a box of Ameda pump and protect bags for storing breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mommy’s Precious

The Mommy’s Precious breast milk storage bags make a big promise of no leakage. They also claim that their measurement labels are 95% accurate. The bags are labeled to store up to 8 ounces of breast milk. The bags are also designed to sit up on their own and lay flat for freezing. Unlike most brands that offer bags in a set of 100, Mommy’s Precious offers a package of 110. For me, the best part is that they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

picture of a box of Mommy's Precious breast milk storage bags; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Brown’s Breastmilk Storage Bags

I have not personally used Dr. Brown’s breast milk storage bags, but based on reviews, they’re like several of the other brands of bags. The bags are designed to hold breast milk and can be placed in the freezer or refrigerator. They are sealed before you place milk in them to guarantee sterilization.  They are labeled to hold up to 6 ounces of breast milk. People rave about them because they fit perfectly into a bottle warmer. If that’s a key factor for you, then these may be the storage bags for you!

picture of a Dr. Brown's breast milk storage bag with breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Bags

There is a lot of back and forth about a variety of factors associated with the Philips AVENT breastmilk storage bags. Some claim that they are very durable, and others say they are. Some say they leak and others claim no leakage. One thing that is really appealing to me about these bags is that they do seem to have a wider opening at the top, and they have a very large area for labeling. So, if you’re going to be transporting breast milk back and forth between home and daycare, these may be a great option for you to try!

picture of a Philips AVENT breast milk storage bag for storing breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milkies Durable & Leak-proof Breast Milk Storage Bags

The Milkies breast milk storage bags offer something many other brands do not. The bags are made with a reinforced double-layer, double-zip plastic design. They are made from the highest quality food-grade plastic available, which I know can be a very important factor for some people. They hold a little more than 6.5 ounces. Another great thing about these bags is that the breast milk storage guidelines are printed right on the bag, which is amazingly convenient!

 

picture of a box of Milkies Durable & Leak-proof Breast Milk Storage Bags; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you do if your bags aren’t designed to connect to a breast pump?

If your breast milk storage bags are not designed to connect right to the breast pump, that’s not a big deal. All you’ll need to do is take your expressed breast milk that is likely in a bottle, open the breast milk storage bag, and carefully dump the milk into the bag. I always liked to squeeze the zip seal part of the bag because it was the sturdiest part and I knew I had control of the bag, so it wouldn’t slip out of my hand and spill the milk.

 

 

Once you have placed the correct amount of breast milk in the bag, you’ll want to carefully remove as much air from the bag as you can by holding the edges of the zip seal, using the other hand to gently squeeze the bag, and then quickly seal the bag of breast milk.

 

 

Before you do this, you’ll want to make sure you label the bag. Usually, there is a place for you to write your baby’s name, the date, the time, and the volume.

 

 

Then you’ll want to lay the milk flat in the freezer. Once the milk is frozen, you can place the milk in the freezer wherever you want to store it long-term, preferably not the freezer door.

 

 

 

back to work pumping class advertisement banner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do I need to record the time the milk was pumped?

It is important to write the time of day when you pumped the breast milk because your milk composition changes throughout the day. In fact, at night, your breast milk will provide your baby with melatonin, which aids in sleep. Babies do not produce melatonin at such a young age, so breast milk pumped in the evening is best given in the evenings. Also, the breast milk you pump in the morning tends to have a higher fat content. How incredible is that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much milk should I put in a breast milk freezer bag?

This is a great question! You’ll want to store the approximate amount of breast milk your baby takes for a feeding. If you are just starting to build your freezer stash, a typical recommendation is usually 2-4 ounces per bag or bottle. From my personal experience, I would store about 2-3 ounces per milk storage bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the best reusable breast milk storage containers?

If you want the best reusable breast milk storage containers, you have two options. The best breast milk storage system is the Kiinde Twist breast milk storage system. This is an all-in-one storage system, where you pump into breast milk storage bags that can then be put into the Kiinde bottles.

 

 

Another option is the Tommee Tippee Pump and Go breast milk starter set, which is also washable and reusable. In fact, you can buy a piece that will connect to your breast pump and the milk will go right into the bag. These two systems are the most zero waste breast milk storage systems.

 

 

 

The breast milk storage bags can then be stored in the refrigerator and freezer. They can be washed and reused as often as you need to. Another bonus of these breast milk storage systems is that they have baby bottles specifically made for the bags. So, you can take a bag of breast milk out of the refrigerator, warm it up, and connect the bag inside the bottle.

 

 

 

The other reusable breast milk storage containers and baby bottles are freezer-safe. You can use either glass or plastic bottles. One thing you’ll want to make sure that the bottles you’re using are safe to store in the freezer. Another thing to note any time you’re storing breast milk is to leave about an inch of space at the top of your storage container because the milk will expand as it freezes.

 

 

 

 

 

breast milk storage bottles

 

 

 

 

>If you’re transporting breast milk, make sure you have one of the best coolers for breast milk!<

 

 

 

 

 

Best Breast Milk Storage Bottles

 

Ameda Breast Milk Storage Bottles

Ameda breast milk storage bottles are great for pumping and storing your breast milk. One great thing about using bottles is that you eliminate the waste associated with using plastic storage bags. They are a two-piece set consisting of a bottle and lid. These breast milk storage bottles are dishwasher and freezer-safe. The bottles are made of plastic that is BPA and DEHP-free. The bottles can hold up to 4 ounces of milk.

 

picture of a set of 4 Ameda Breast Milk Storage Bottles; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles

If plastic isn’t your thing, then the Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles are a good alternative for you. They come in both 4 and 9-ounce sizes and they have a silicone plastic covering. They are made with a thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass body, which makes them easily transferable from the freezer to warm water for thawing if you have to.

picture of a Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottle in blue; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evenflo Breast Milk Collection Bottles

The Evenflo breast milk collection bottles are plastic bottles that is designed to hold 5 ounces of milk. They come with a plastic bottle and a 2-piece lid for storage. You can place the bottles of breast milk in the freezer for storage just like the plastic storage bags. There is an adaptor that you can use with your breast pump to be able to pump right into the bottles. 

 

picture of a set of 5 Evenflo Breast Milk Collection Bottles to store breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bottles

These Lansinoh breastmilk storage bottles are freezer and dishwasher-safe, which is awesome for busy moms. You can pump directly into the bottles with a Lansinoh breast pump or with the Lansinoh breast pump adaptor. You can attach a Lansinoh nipple right to the bottle which is an added level of convenience. The bottles come with a cap for easy storage.

 


picture of a box of Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bottles for storing breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medela Plastic Breastmilk Bottles

The Medela plastic breastmilk bottles are the bottles I used the most when I was pumping at work. The biggest reason I used these bottles compared to any of the others was that I was given a LOT of them. They worked for what I needed, so I kept using them.

 

 

I shared about my experiences pumping while at work, and one of the great things about these bottles is that you can pump directly into them if using a Medela pump, or you can get an adaptor for your breast pump. They are the best breast milk storage bottles for going back and forth between work and home and they can be placed in the freezer. You can also put a Medela nipple on the top and give your baby a bottle.

 


picture of 4 Medela plastic breast milk bottles for storing pumped breast milk; includes a link to purchase on Amazon
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How long can you leave breast milk at room temperature?

Breast milk can sit out in a bottle or breast milk storage bag for 6 hours at room temperature. Anything past 6 hours, and you’ll want to discard the breast milk just in case it has started to go bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How long can I store breast milk in my cooler bag?

Breast milk stored in a cooler bag filled with frozen freezer packs can be kept in the bag for about 24 hours. At the 24-hour mark, you’ll either want to freeze the breast milk or place it in the refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How long can refrigerated breast milk sit out?

Once breast milk has been refrigerated, and then pulled back out of the fridge, you’ll want to make sure that you use the breast milk within 4 hours. Once you have reached that 4-hour mark, it is safest to discard the breast milk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you thaw breast milk?

The best and safest way to thaw breastmilk is to remove the breast milk storage bag from the freezer and place it upright in the refrigerator. You don’t want to have breast milk sit on the counter at room temperature. If you forgot to set the milk in the fridge, and you need the milk right now, reheating breast milk can be done by thawing the milk in cold water. As the milk begins to thaw, slowly heat the water until the milk is at room temperature. Be cautious that the milk isn’t too hot for your baby.

 

 

 

NEVER microwave breast milk! Microwaving breast milk can cause hot spots in the milk that are dangerous for your baby. Also, microwaving breast milk can kill the antibodies that are there to help strengthen your baby.

 

 

 

***Once you have thawed the breast milk, you’ll need to use the milk within 24 hours. At the 24-hour mark, you’ll want to discard the milk.***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What should I do with breast milk that I have reheated but my baby didn’t drink?

Whether out of the freezer, or the fridge, you want to use the milk within 2 hours max. If you’ve reheated breastmilk and your baby doesn’t take it within those two hours, you’ll need to discard the milk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do I know if breast milk is bad?

If your breast milk is spoiled, it will have a very sour smell. The same kind of smell you would expect from soured cow’s milk. If the breast milk has gone bad, it will be very evident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why does breast milk separate?

When breastmilk is stored in the refrigerator, it will often separate into two layers. The top layer will often be thick, and then it will look like cloudy water on the bottom. The reason for this is that the top layer is milk fat. That is the “good stuff”, or liquid gold as many will call it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why does breast milk change color?

Your breast milk will often change colors. That is nothing to be concerned about, and in fact, it’s normal. Depending on a mother’s diet, your breast milk will often mimic the color of the foods you eat. For instance, if you eat a lot of greens, your breast milk may have a green hue to it. Breast milk will also often have a green or blue hue to it. When I pumped breastmilk when my baby was just a couple of weeks old, my milk had an orange tint to it, which is very normal when pumping so quickly after having a baby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding the right breast milk storage is important!

It should be pretty evident that there are a lot of things you need to consider when trying to figure out how to store breast milk in a way that is easiest for you. There is a lot of information here to digest. Come back once you’ve had a chance to think through some things and review your options again. That way you are making a decision you are comfortable with.

 

 

 

I hope I have helped you out and not overwhelmed you with too much information. I wanted to create a one-stop-shop for new moms learning how to safely store breastmilk because there is SO MUCH information out there! It was my goal to make finding exactly what you’re looking for easier and less time-consuming.

 

 

 

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MORE Helpful Breastfeeding Tips

The Best Cooler Bags for Transporting Breast Milk

The Best Nursing Bras for Breastfeeding Moms

The Best Nursing Tops for Breastfeeding Moms

How to Manage Breastfeeding and Pumping

How to Stop Leaking Breasts!

What to Do When Your Baby Prefers the Bottle Instead of Breastfeeding

The Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies

How to Quickly Increase Breast Milk Supply

 

blessings to you, Lisa

 

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how to store breast milk pinterest pin

 

 

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