The 7 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Safely Freeze Your Liquid Gold
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Quick Summary
The best breast milk storage bags are Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage bags, which have a long-standing reputation among parents for their solid price point, durable BPA- and BPS-free plastic, and flat stacking design.
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I never really understood the idiom “Don’t cry over spilled milk” — until I had a baby. When you’re pumping or nursing, every drop of breast milk is precious. I quickly learned the value of storage bags that didn’t leak or spill, and were durable enough to endure constant freezing and thawing.
As a work-from-home mom, I almost exclusively breastfed my son. But when my husband and I traveled to a friend’s wedding when he was just 4 months old, I needed to stock a freezer full for his routine feedings. That’s where Momcozy’s breast milk storage bags came to the rescue. They froze flat, stacked neatly, and thawed with ease.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, you’re likely worried about the learning curve associated with properly storing breast milk. However, I’m here to help you avoid some of the rookie mistakes I made along the way, and share the best breast milk storage bags around.
How I Chose the Best Breast Milk Storage Bags
To narrow down the selection to eight top-notch products, I not only leaned on my personal experience pumping and storing breast milk, but also consulted Shelly Jacobs, I.B.C.L.C., a lactation consultant and mom of two. I combined my own knowledge, her insights, and feedback from fellow parents in the What to Expect Community and editors on staff to select the best breast milk storage bags based on the following criteria:
- Durability. You could be storing these bags for months, so you want to make sure the design is strong enough to safely hold your breast milk for long periods of time.
- Leak protection. Some storage bags have leaking issues, which is why I prioritized items that parents described as “leakproof.”
- Ease of sealing. Opening and closing your storage bag can cause spillage, so you want a simple and straightforward process. While most have a zipper at the top, others have screw-on lids that are considerably easier to operate.
- How it stores. You only have so much space in your freezer, which is why many parents look for storage bags that freeze flat for easy stacking.
- Compatibility with pumps. The best breast milk storage bags allow you to pump directly into them, so you don't have to dirty bottles. In most cases, the brands specify whether it works exclusively with one brand’s pump or has a more universal fit.
- Material safety. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should avoid storing breast milk in any bags, "made with the chemical bisphenol A, also called BPA." Because of this, every bag on the list is BPA-free.
A Doctor’s Note on Safe Storage
“Breast milk storage can feel overwhelming as a first-time mom,” Jacobs says. “It’s important to store it safely, as it protects against bacteria growth and preserve antibodies, enzymes, and fats." To ensure your breast milk is protected, Jacobs advises you:
- Make sure to wash your hands before handling and storing breast milk.
- Choose proper storage bags.
- Label and date each bag before you freeze them.
- Follow the timing rules. “Milk can stay at room temperature for up to four hours, in the fridge for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to six months (though 12 months is acceptable,” she adds.
- Store in small portions, depending on your baby’s age (typically 2 to 5 ounces).
- Place milk in the back of the freezer, as it's the coldest spot.
- Go by the rule, “first in, first out,” and use the oldest milk in your freezer first.
- You can combine milk from different pumping sessions, but make sure it’s at the same temperature. For instance, add chilled milk to other chilled milk.
- Once thawed, use the milk within 24 hours, but never thaw and refreeze.
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Best Overall Breast Milk Storage Bags
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Solid price point
- Freeze flat
- Too thin for some
There’s a reason these are one of the most popular breast milk storage bags around, and it’s not just because Lansinoh has been a trusted name in the breastfeeding space for decades. These beloved breast milk bags cover all the bases: They’re made from thick, BPA- and BPS-free plastic that’s presterilized for safe use.
If you have the Lansinoh Breast Pump, you can pump directly into these bags, saving you time and dish washing (many moms report that the bags fit around other types of breast pumps, too). Parents also rave about how thinly these stack, making it easier to store multiple bags while keeping their freezers as organized as possible.
Best Recyclable Breast Milk Storage Bags
Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags
- Unique bottle-like design
- Can pump directly into bag
- Great for travel
- Pricey
What makes these breast milk storage bags so unique? Their innovative twist-and-lock design allows you to pump directly into the bags, or use them for the transfer of milk when you’re done pumping.
Instead of a zip closure, they use a secure threaded cap — similar to a bottle — which eliminates the possibility of accidental spills. Environmentally-conscious parents will also appreciate the fact that these bags (and their caps) are recyclable.
Parents who love the Kiinde storage bags also recommend the brand’s Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Starter Kit, which comes with 20 pouches, a breast milk bag organizer, bottles, nipples, and nipple brushes.
Best Easy-to-Use Breast Milk Storage Bags
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags
- High-quality
- durable material
- Easy to use
- Some parents said they were too thick and don’t freeze as flat as others
Medela bags are a favorite among breastfeeding mothers for their efficiency and ease of use, so it’s no surprise that the brand's storage bags are as popular as their pumps. They’re BPA-free, hygienically pre-sealed and made of a durable material that does a great job at preventing leaks. The design also allows you to stand the bags up, so you can easily pour milk into them.
The design also allows you to stand the bags up, making it easy to pour milk into them, and then they conveniently freeze flat.
Best Breast Milk Storage Bag with Temperature Control
Momcozy Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Temperature sensor visible on each bag
- Durable zipper seal
- Tear-off corner for easy pouring
- Don’t freeze as flat as others
I relied on Momcozy's breast milk storage bags during my son’s first year. Like so many other brands’ bags, I appreciated the durable design and double zipper to keep milk in the bag. There are a couple of standout bonus features worth noting, too, starting with the temperature sensor. In the bottom left corner, there’s a thermometer that turns purple when the milk is cold, blue at the optimal feeding temperature, and white when it’s too hot. Plus, there’s a handy tear-off corner, which you can use to cleanly pour milk into your baby’s bottle.
As a first-time mom, these thoughtful additions gave me peace of mind and the straightforward, sturdy process was great for our babysitters, too.
Best Affordable Breast Milk Storage Bags
Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags
- Most affordable
- Durable and thick design
- Some parents say they’re difficult to open and close
When it comes to affordability and durability, near-countless WTE parents mentioned the Walmart-exclusive Parent’s Choice breast milk storage bags. When you purchase a pack of 100, you’ll spend just under 13 cents per bag—a deal that’s hard to pass on, especially with rave reviews about how well they’ve stored and protected milk.
One reviewer went so far as to say, “These bags work better than the more expensive brands!” The thicker BPA-free plastic, self-standing base and double zipper seal were highlights among parents, and many appreciated the simplicity of the design and noted how easy these were to use.
Most Unique Breast Milk Storage Bags
Motif Medical Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Thicker than other brands
- Convenient spout feature
- More difficult to stack
Don't let the funky shape fool you — Motif's storage bags are all about function. The spout on the side allows you to efficiently fill up your next bottle, without dealing with any mess from opening it from the top zipper. WTE parents were impressed by the thickness of the bag, and noted how they never experienced leaks. The shape is somewhat controversial, though, with a few sharing that they were difficult to stack.
Best Breast Milk Storage Bag Alternative
Boobcube Breastmilk Storage Reusable Freezer Trays
- Some parents prefer silicone to single-use plastic
- Reusable and dishwasher safe
- Bulkier and more challenging to store
For parents committed to more sustainable storage, consider this alternative to traditional breast milk bags. These silicone trays will certainly require more space in your freezer, but parents love how they’re reusable. To make things even easier for parents, the set also includes a canteen to collect your milk and a pouch to defrost your milk later on. These are bulkier and pricier than the stackable plastic bags, but parents say they’re well worth the investment and don't require any restocking in the future.
FAQs
Can I reuse breast milk storage bags?
Yes, depending on the type of storage bag you choose. There are specific items designed for reuse, like the Burrbaby glass containers, and Jacobs says Haakaa and Momcozy offer reusable bags made with food-grade silicone. That said, most breast milk storage bags are not supposed to be reused.
“They’re designed for single use because they’re thin, and not meant to be washed and re-sterilized because they can trap residue or bacteria,” Jacobs says.
How long can I store breast milk in the freezer?
It’s best to use frozen milk within six months, but up to 12 months in a deep freezer is acceptable, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen breast milk?
Jacobs says there are a couple of ways to thaw breast milk, but make sure to start with the oldest bag first. “Put the frozen milk in the fridge overnight to thaw it slowly to use the following morning,” Jacobs advises. “Or if you need to thaw the milk faster, put it in a bowl of warm water or place it under lukewarm running water. If you thaw breast milk in the fridge, use it within 24 hours. Start counting the 24 hours when the milk is completely thawed, not from the time you took it out of the freezer.”
Any advice on how to properly label or organize breast milk?
Most breast milk storage bags have a space to fill out the date you pumped the milk, and the number of ounces. Jacobs warns that some storage bag ounce markers aren’t always accurate, so label the amount displayed on the bottle before pouring it into the bag. Try to keep storage bags toward the back of your freezer, and lay them flat for easy stacking.
WhatToExpect.com, How to Properly Store Breast Milk, January 2025.
Mayo Clinic, Breast milk storage: Do's and don'ts, March 2025.
Shelly Jacobs, I.B.C.L.C.
