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How Do You Store Your Breastmilk?

For moms who choose to express their breast milk and store it for future use, there are many different ways to keep your milk safe and organized.

There are just about a million companies producing everything from a bag with a ziplock on it to bottles that go from freezer to baby's mouth.

Here are some options I was able to find:

While my son was in the NICU, the hospital provided me with 60ml and 90ml sterile bottles to put my milk in. They were extremely useful because when thawed they had just the right amount for my little man when he came home. They stack up nicely on each other and are compact enough to be put in your ice box. You can buy them at a medical supply store or sweet talk the receptionist at your doctors office.

Similar to the sterile bottle described above, Medela makes a 80ml cylinder for freezing breast milk.

The bottles, which retail for $13, are re-usable, washable and convenient. They are BPA free, come in a pack of 12 and are able to be connected directly to any Medela pump.

These fresh baby food & breast milk storage trays do double duty storing your milk or homemade baby food. Each tray holds 12 - 1 ounce cubes and is dishwasher safe.

While this tray is a great idea, I don't think it will hold enough milk for moms who are able to get 4 or 5 ounces a pump. priced at $14 for 2(not sure )

The Playtex One-Step Breast Milk Storage Kit allows moms to pump, store and feed in one liner.

The set includes 4 liner rings, 4 sealing disks, 4 nipple rings, 1 pump adapter and 10 Playtex 4 oz Drop-Ins soft bottle liners.

While this set is nice because of the price ($11)and storage amount, it is only convenient for moms who are using the Playtex 'drop in' bottles. Moms choosing to use another system will have to transfer the milk to your own bottles after thawing.

The Avent Breast Milk Storage Containers connect directly to your Avent pump allowing moms to express directly into the container and freezer with little fuss. Each kit includes four 4-oz storage containers, silicone sealing discs and screw rings (nipples not included).

I REALLY want Avent to introduce a BPA free bottle. This kit would be perfect if it was constructed with baby safe plastics. Priced at $12.

The Avent VIA Breast Milk Storage cups are a no frills way to store your milk. They are compatible with many pumps and can also be used as a bottle. The set includes ten - 6 ounce containers, 10 matching lids and 2 pump adapters.

You can clean and re-use the cups up to three times or simply throw them away (I hope they're recyclable).

Bonus - some moms say that these cup are also good for storing purees. Priced at ($15)

Mother's Milkmate Storage System comes with a rack that uses a "first-in, first-out" system to help you organize your breast milk storage and avoid over-storing milk.

The bottles are able to be connected to Medela, Ameda and Nurture III breast pumps.

The set comes with Refrigerator or freezer storage rack, ten 4-oz bottles, caps, sealing plugs and Freezer grade, removable white dating labels. Priced at $25

Storage Bags - Many companies like Medela, Gerber and Ameda make storage bags. The bags are pretty simple and straight forward. They are not connectible to any bottles or pumps and usually hold 6 ounces.

While these bags may look like the most reasonably priced option, moms who are looking at pumping longterm may want to invest in a product that is re-usable.

Breast milk Storage Rules:

  • Breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
  • Breast milk can be stored in a freezer for up to one month or a deep freezer for 3 to 6 months.
  • Remember to label the pump date and time on the storage container.
  • Thaw frozen breast milk under warm running water or in the refrigerator.
  • Do not let it stand at room temperature to thaw, and do not heat your milk on the stove or in a microwave.
  • Use thawed milk within 24 hours, and never refreeze milk.

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