According to breastfeeding consultant, Amanda DeWeese, MPH, CPH, IBCLC, it is important to use the right containers for breast milk. She tells Verywell Family, “Only breastmilk storage bags or clean, food-grade containers should be used to store breastmilk. Containers can be glass or plastic.” If you plan to buy a reusable option, make sure you consider its ease of cleaning. Ideally, it should be dishwasher-safe, but some containers may require handwashing (unless you opt for single-use). We researched popular bottles and storage bags from trusted brands with these helpful features in mind. Here are the best breastmilk storage containers on the market. For those who use the Lansinoh pump, you can pump directly in the bags (saving you time and chance of spillage), or you can buy an adaptor for most other pumps. They also have an easy write label, pour spout, and other helpful features to make the pumping and storage process easier. Price at time of publication: $15 Capacity: 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Lansinoh | Material: BPA and BPS Free Plastic The smaller bottles are great for the early days, while the larger bottles and bags are great for when your baby’s tummy gets bigger. The storage tray keeps everything organized in your fridge so you won’t have to go searching for milk in the middle of the night. The handy magnet will help you and caregivers figure out how to safely handle and store breastmilk. Price at time of publication: $35 Capacity: 2.7 ounces, 5 ounces, and 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Medela | Material: BPA Free materials The BPA-free bottles can be popped right in the freezer to store (so you don’t need to transfer to a bag first). If you have a Medela pump, you can also pump right into these bottles. Price at time of publication: $13 Capacity: 2.7 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Medela | Material: BPA Free materials The screw-on caps are all one piece and are outfitted with a silicone ring to prevent spills during transportation. These bottles come in a 4.7-ounce or 9-ounce size depending on your supply needs. At such an affordable price for bottles, it doesn’t hurt to have a bunch on hand so you always have a clean set at work or at home. Price at time of publication: $20 Capacity: 4.7 ounces or 9 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Spectra (S1 or S2 breast pump) | Material: BPA Free materials These 6-ounce bottles store all of your liquid gold in a wide neck bottle which works directly on Philips and Spectra pumps. For those with a Medela, an adaptor is included in the purchase. What’s more, is you can replace the sealing disc on the top with a nipple making feeding super quick and easy—plus less cleanup. Price at time of publication: $28 Capacity: 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Phillips and Spectra (Adapter for Medela included) | Material: Glass Pumping parents give them sweeping rave reviews because the plastic is strong and sturdy, reducing the likelihood of leaks. These BPA- and BPS-free bags aren’t compatible with pumps so you will need a container to pump directly into and then pour into these bags. Price at time of publication: $22 Capacity: 8 ounces | Pump Compatibility: None | Material: BPA and BPS free materials When you are ready to feed the baby pop the bag into the Kiinde feeding bottle and you are on your way. No mess, no leaks! Price at time of publication: $10 Capacity: 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Universal | Material: BPA Free materials Each unit holds up to 20 bags upright which makes storing and taking out easy since you can see the dates easily. Parents say the system saves their sanity—because this keeps everything organized. Bonus: It’s FSA/HSA eligible, so use those healthcare dollars up! Price at time of publication: $23 Capacity: Up to 20 bags | Pump Compatibility: NA | Material: BPA Free materials Glass containers need to be sturdy enough not to shatter if/when they are dropped, if they’re frozen, and if they are sterilized in boiling water. Finally, if you’re purchasing a reusable container, pay attention to whether or not it is dishwasher safe.
Capacity
How large of containers you will need will mostly depend on your supply. For a lot of pumping people, a 6-ounce container offers plenty of space, but for those with a hefty supply, an 8-ounce container may be more realistic. Also, consider your baby’s age, size, and the amount of milk they typically consume per feeding when purchasing your container. You don’t want to thaw out six ounces of milk only for three of them to go bad because your baby didn’t eat it all in time.
Bottle Compatibility
Some breast milk storage containers are designed to connect to pumps or convert into bottles, while others are not and require milk transfer. If you’re hoping to get a container that will attach to your pump or that you can screw your baby’s favorite bottle nipple onto, check to make sure it’s compatible with your brand of pump and/or bottles. If it doesn’t have a universal design, don’t lose hope right away because many of them have adapters that allow you to use them with various brands (though you might have to purchase this separately).
Do I have to sterilize storage containers after each use?
Yes, reusable storage containers need to be sterilized after each use to ensure there is no bacteria buildup (which can make your baby sick). Breastfeeding consultant, Amanda DeWeese, MPH, CPH, IBCLC, says after using the container, parents should “rinse them out, wash them with hot soapy water, rinse them with clean water, and then sterilize them.” Other ways she says containers can be sterilized is with boiling water, specialized chemicals, steam (even from the microwave), and the “dishwasher with a sterilization cycle,” but always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning to avoid damaging the product.
Can I freeze milk directly in storage containers?
This depends on the container you’re using. Most are strong enough to withstand freezing as well as boiling temperatures, but it’s best not to assume it’s safe because you could risk the container shattering in your freezer. Assuming the container is freezer safe, then you can absolutely freeze the breast milk directly in it and then let it thaw out according to the manufacturer’s recommendation when you’re ready to use the milk.
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Jessica Migala is a Chicago-based freelance writer specializing in health, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle content. She has written for EverydayHealth.com, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Women’s Health, Eating Well, AARP, and more. Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler. Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products.
