We all know that breast milk is considered the gold standard when it comes to feeding your baby, so of course you want to preserve every single drop too (after all, it took you long enough to express!). The easiest way of doing this is by pumping breast milk, and then storing it. Yes, that's right; you can store breast milk, and it really couldn't be easier. There's lots of options to choose from including storing your breast milk in the fridge, freezer, or in breast milk storage bags (yes they do exist!).
We've broken down everything you need to know about storing breast milk including handy tips and we've rounded up the best breast milk storage bags and bottles. These will help simplify the journey from breast to baby, saving you time, stress and your precious 'liquid gold.' You can thanks us later!
The best breast milk storage bags
The benefits of storing breast milk
• So your partner can feel involved and help with feeds especially those late nights ones.
• If you're unable to breastfeed because you're at work.
• If your baby is premature you may not be able to breastfeed, this way they can still have breast milk.
• To relieve the pressure of sore breasts and nipples.
• If you're power pumping to boost your milk supply.
• If your baby is struggling with latching but you would like to feed your baby with breast milk.
The best breast milk storage bags 2025
Asdagroceries.asda.com
Each of these ASDA storage bags is sterilised, BPA free, and has a stable base, allowing you to stand it upright. They also have a double seal so no leaks in the fridge or freezer and at under £4, we love the price too. It's a great affordable option, without compromising on quality.
Shortlisted for Best Bottle Feeding Product in the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards. Read our full review.
Our mum tester Katie said: "I would recommend this product to any fellow breastfeeding mums so it easily enables them to freeze and feed baby from the bottle with their own milk. The top enables you to pour the milk very easily into the bag without it spilling. They are very slim and also made of thick plastic so very durable to use in the freezer."
amazonSuper easy when it comes to transporting and pouring, these leak-proof bags have secure seals and standing bases so there's no need to worry about losing any of your milk. The unique shape provides an easy pour spout, and each bag comes BPA-free and pre-sterilised to save you time and energy.
Bronze winner of the Best Product for Breastfeeding (excluding breast pumps) for the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards. Read our full review.
Review: "My favourite breast milk bags! I prefer them to the bigger brand ones. You can fit more milk in which is great for my hungry baby who takes a big feed. The seal is really nice and secure and the bags are strong. The pouring bit makes transferring the milk to the bottle easier and safer from spillage. I’ve just ordered another box as I’m so impressed."
amazonSpecially designed so that your breast milk can safely be stored in both the fridge or freezer, these bags are pre-sterilised, BPA, and BPS free so no harmful substances can contaminate your stored breast milk. Plus, you can now pump directly into the bag using any Lansinoh breast pump - super handy for instant storage or carrying breast milk on the go. There are 50 bags in each box.
Bronze winner of Best Product for Breastfeeding (excluding breast pumps) in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. Read our full review.
Our mum tester Catherine Lovell said: "These breast milk bags have been really handy in beginning my stash of frozen breast milk for when I go back to work. You get a large amount of bags in the pack, so you won't run out in a hurry! They are quick and easy to use. They have a bottom which allows them to stand up in the fridge and a label at the top where you can write the date and amount etc."
amazonThe Closer to Nature Milk Storage Bags from Tommee Tippee are pre-sterilised allowing you to simply pour expressed milk directly into the bag, and come double fastened at the top of the bag to ensure that none of that precious breast milk can leak or escape. The bags can stand on their own thanks to the gusseted base, and can be easily labelled so you can keep track of the date they were added to the fridge/freezer.
Review: "I was expressing for twins and found that other storage bags didn't hold more than around 7oz. These bags hold so much more. I loved the fact they can be stored upright to save space and more importantly that they stay upright when placed in the fridge. The double seal means I haven't had a single one leak."
bootswww.boots.com
Boots own-brand breast milk storage bags are pre-sterilised, easy-seal, and come with double walling for extra strength. Specially designed with a zip closure to prevent leaks, these bags will keep your milk safe and sterile for feeding.
bootswww.boots.com
Each of the bags arrives pre-sterilised, and features a write-on tab so that you can make a note of the date to ensure your baby enjoys the freshest, nutrient-rich milk. They're leak-proof, free-standing, BPA free, and with an improved oxygen barrier, these bags will keep your milk fresher for longer.
Review: "Great item, looks strong, and proper seals on the bags."
bootswww.boots.com
Another pack of 50, meaning you'll never run short, the Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags are ready-to-be-used, making storing, transporting, and warming your breast milk super convenient and hygienic. The food-grade, BPA-free bags have heat-sealed seams that prevent them from tearing, and a large area for easy labelling and dating.
Review: "Great quality, thick bags with a good seal. Easy to fill using the breast shield as a funnel."
Medelashop.medela.co.uk
Thee brand new ready-to-use BPA free Easy Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags from Medela should definitely be on your list. You can pour your freshly pumped breast milk into the storage pouches with ease, thanks to the wide opening. The bags are made with an ultra-thick double layered design and nifty oxygen barrier, making it easier than ever to store, transport and warm expressed breast milk.
Plus, they're fully recyclable and we're here for that and they are also flat-stacking and self-standing making it convenient for mums.
Tips for storing your breast milk
• Every drop counts. You spend so long pumping or expressing your breast milk, so consider storing it in small amounts so it can thaw faster.
• Keep it cool. Your fridge/freezer is always coolest in the back so this is a good place to pop your containers.
• Don’t go overboard. Did you know that breast milk expands as it freezes? Always stick to the right measurements when filling your bags and never overfill, no matter how tempting it is.
• Less mess. Don’t use storage bags that haven’t been designed for freezing. The last thing you need is it falling and spilling or bursting. That will cause tears all around!
• Save time. Consider breast milk storage bags that attach directly to a breast pump like the Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags above so you can collect and store your breast milk in the same container – easy peasy!
Find out more about how to store breast milk correctly
Is it safe to store breast milk in plastic bags?
Yes, so long as they are completely clean, sterile and BPA-free. However, it is strongly recommended to use breast milk storage bags that have been specifically designed to store mama's milk. This way it will always be hygienic, not to mention secure and most come with a stable base to help keep your valuable breast milk contained safe inside.
How long can breast milk be stored in the freezer?
If you want to keep your breast milk for longer, you can freeze it for up to six months but you must use it up within 24 hours after defrosting.
How to store breast milk after pumping?
It's quick and simple to store your freshly pumped or expressed breast milk. Here's some tips for safe storage.
• Wash your hands before handling the breast milk.
• Pour your milk in sealed and sterilised bottles or breast milk storage bags. If you’re going to freeze the milk, leave a couple of centimetres at the top as the liquid expands when frozen.
• Store the milk in small amounts so as to avoid waste. This will mean it will warm or thaw quickly.
• Label and date your milk with the date and time that you expressed the milk.
• After ensuring it is secure, pop the milk in your fridge or freezer.
How long can you store breast milk in storage bags?
It's best to check with the breast milk storage bag manufacturer for their recommendation, but if you’re out and about, your expressed breast milk is fine to stay at room temperature for about six hours. Any longer and it should be in a fridge.
Use the oldest stored breast milk first providing it is still within its use-by limit.
Can you wash and reuse breast milk storage bags
Most breast milk storage bags available, and all of those on our list, are single-use and so should only be used once to prevent any risk of cross-contamination.In fact, there are minimal reusable breast milk storage bags online, with the only ones of note available from US retailer Junobie.They claim to have the first eco-friendly and reusable breast milk storage bags, and made of 100 per cent silicone, they're dishwasher, freezer, and steriliser safe for cleaning and reusing time and time again.However, if you're planning to freeze breast milk often, these aren't the most cost-effective solution, making single-use breast milk storage bags the easier, more accessible choice.
Is it better to store breast milk in bags or bottles
If you're planning to store expressed breast milk for a long while, breast milk storage bags are ideal as a space-saving storage solution as you can neatly and easily fit the bags in your fridge and freezer.However, if you only plan to express milk (whether through a manual breast pump or an electric option) to use in a matter of days, a bottle may be preferable for easy, instant feeding. If you're looking for a reusable option, too, saving on single-use plastic, you might prefer to use a bottle as it's easier to find.
How do you defrost frozen breast milk?
When it's time to defrost your breast milk, you ideally want to do it thaw/defrost in the fridge which could take up to 12 hours. If you do need to use it immediately, you can defrost it by popping it in a jug of warm water or by holding it under warm running water.
Once the milk is defrosted, give it a gentle shake if it has separated and use this straight away. Do not re-freeze milk that has been defrosted.
How long can you store breast milk in the fridge?
According to the NHS, you can store breast milk:
• In the back of the fridge (where it's coolest) for up to 8 days at 4 °C or lower. If you’re unsure what temperature your fridge is set at, use it within 3 days.
• For 2 weeks in the ice compartment of your fridge.
• For up to 6 months in a freezer but only if it’s -18°C or below. You can buy a fridge thermometer from a good kitchen shop if required.
• If you’ve cooled your breast milk in the fridge, you can carry it in a cool bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours.
What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?
This refers to a guideline for how long to store breast milk at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer.
5 hours: Use breast milk within five hours at room temperature
5 days: Store breast milk in the fridge for up to five days
5 months: Store breast milk in the freezer for up to five months
Keya Modessa, is our Senior Digital Writer and brings over a decade of experience from the digital realm to Mother&Baby. As a mother of two, Keya understands the joys and challenges of modern parenthood and uses her own experience, to give practical advice. Keya has worked across national publications including glossy women's mags, Food and Travel, and more recently as digital lead for Muddy Stilettos.
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