Nursing & Feeding Products The 8 Best Breastmilk Storage Containers By Jessica Migala and Ashley Ziegler Updated on April 19, 2022 Medically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLC Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. If you choose to pump breast milk to feed your child, a breastmilk storage container is invaluable for storing and protecting your milk. It will allow you to free up freezer space and save your milk for later if you're returning to work, school, or simply leaving the baby with the grandparents for a day. The best breast milk storage containers are made of non-toxic and durable materials, compatible with your bottles and pump, and have the right capacity for your needs. 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. We also had a lactation consultant from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and integrity around breast milk storage containers, and the features to consider when evaluating them. Here are the best breastmilk storage containers on the market. Our Top Picks Best Bags: Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Set: Medela Breastmilk Storage Solution Set at Walmart ($34) Jump to Review Best for Newborns: Medela Breastmilk Storage and Freezing Containers at Target ($13) Jump to Review Best for Spectra: NENESUPPLY Breastmilk Storage Bottles at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Glass: Matyz Breast Milk Storage Containers at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Large Supply: Mommy's Precious Breastmilk Storage Bags at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Storage to Bottle: Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Pouch at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Organizer: The First Years Breastflow Milk Storage Organizer at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQs Why Trust Verywell Family? Best Bags Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $14 View On Target $6 Pros Come in pack of 100 Double zip closure Can pump directly into them Cons They still leak occasionally Single use only We love the Lansioh bags because they offer a cost-effective, disposable, and space-saving way to store your breastmilk while pumping. Made with BPA- and BPS-free plastic, these bags can be stored upright in the fridge or laid flat in the freezer. They can hold up to 6 ounces of breastmilk and are reinforced with a double-zipper seal that's pre-sterilized and easy to tear when you're ready to use the milk. To further their leak-free prowess, they also have double-seamed sides. 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. Key Specs:Capacity: 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Lansinoh | Material: BPA and BPS Free Plastic Best Set Medela Breastmilk Storage Solution Set Target View On Walmart $34 View On Target $43 View On Carewell.com Pros Set comes with bottles and bags in different sizes Bottles come with screw-top storage caps that twist off and can be replaced with nipples Cons Bottles are designed to work with Medela pump/nipples (not a universal fit) There are only 25 bags included in the set If you are looking for a comprehensive set to get you started from day one, this storage solution has everything you need. Included are six 5-ounce breastmilk bottles, six 2-7/10-ounce breastmilk containers, six breastmilk labeling lids, 20 5-ounce bags, one storage tray, and a breastmilk storage guidelines magnet. 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. Key Specs:Capacity: 2.7 ounces, 5 ounces, and 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Medela | Material: BPA Free materials Best for Newborns Medela Breastmilk Storage and Freezing Containers Target View On Target $13 Pros Perfect size for newborns and for collecting colostrum Screw top comes off and can be replaced with nipple for feeding Cons You’ll have to stop using them pretty quickly as your baby’s appetite grows When you start your pumping journey you won't be getting a ton of milk since your baby's stomach is small—so a larger-sized container isn't always the best option for the early days. These smaller storage containers can store colostrum and the first few weeks of breastmilk easily and accurately with measurements in milliliters which go up to 2.7 ounces. 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. Key Specs:Capacity: 2.7 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Medela | Material: BPA Free materials The Most Lifelike Bottles for Breastfed Babies Best for Spectra NENESUPPLY Breastmilk Storage Bottles Amazon View On Amazon $20 Pros Attaches directly to Spectra S1 or S2 pump Compatible with Avent nipples Silicone ring with screw top helps prevent spilling Cons Silicone rings may not hold up as well as the bottle itself over time Extra steps of taking ring off of the bottle pre-wash and then back on post-wash The Spectra is a very popular breast pump but, you'll need more bottles than what is supplied with your pump. This bottle fits directly onto Spectra S1 and S2 pumps so you can pump efficiently. Even better you can use them with a couple of different Avent nipples, which eliminates the need for extra bottles and possible spillage. 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. Key Specs:Capacity: 4.7 ounces or 9 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Spectra (S1 or S2 breast pump) | Material: BPA Free materials Best Glass Matyz Breast Milk Storage Containers Amazon View On Amazon Pros Compatible with several pumps High quality glass is safe for boiling and freezing Cons Caps aren’t always secure, causing leaks Weight of the glass can be uncomfortable during pumping sessions If you want to stay away from plastic, glass is one of your best options for storing breastmilk. If you plan on pumping often and will have multiple bottles of milk around, this is your best bet. 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. Key Specs:Capacity: 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Phillips and Spectra (Adapter for Medela included) | Material: Glass The Best Breast Milk Storage Bags Keep Your Liquid Gold Safe and Secure Best for Large Supply Mommy's Precious Breastmilk Storage Bags Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Littleoochoos.com Pros Large capacity 110 bags come in a pack Double zipper closure to prevent leaks Cons Single-use only Bags do not connect directly to pumps, risking spills during transfer These 8-ounce bags are key for those who have a larger supply or exclusively pump and don’t want to waste time and resources storing milk into standard 5- or 6-ounce pouches. 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. Key Specs:Capacity: 8 ounces | Pump Compatibility: None | Material: BPA and BPS free materials The 10 Best Nursing Pads Best Storage to Bottle Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Pouch Amazon View On Amazon Pros Easy to use and versatile Universal design Leak proof Cons On the pricier end Caps take up a bit of storage space in the freezer Measuring lines can be difficult to read Want the convenience of a pouch but the ease of going from container to bottle? Well, Kiinde has got you covered. You can pump directly into these 6-ounce bags with the twist lock adaptors and seal the top seamlessly with a thread-top cap which prevents the dread leaks that can happen with zipper bags. 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! Key Specs:Capacity: 6 ounces | Pump Compatibility: Universal | Material: BPA Free materials The 10 Best Baby Bottles of 2023 Best Organizer The First Years Breastflow Milk Storage Organizer Amazon View On Amazon $29 Pros Spring loaded drawer helps keep the container organized Holds up to 20 milk storage bags Cons If bags are pulled out forcefully, they may rip Not all storage bags are alike, so the container may hold less than 20 bags at a time Sure, you could throw bags of breastmilk in the freezer, but without an organization system, things are apt to go awry. This organizer, which is a spring-loaded drawer, allows you to store your breastmilk in dated order, so you can keep the older milk upfront and newer in the back. 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! Key Specs:Capacity: Up to 20 bags | Pump Compatibility: NA | Material: BPA Free materials Final Verdict While all of these storage containers are great, the Medela Breast Milk Storage Solution (view at Target) ranks highest for us because of the numerous containers at varying sizes that come with it. What to Look for When Shopping for Breast Milk Storage Containers Material Pay close attention to what the storage containers are made of not only for the quality of the product but also for the safety of your baby. All containers that are made of plastic should be labeled BPA-free, and, if they are reusable containers, need to be safe to sterilize at boiling temperatures. 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). FAQs 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. Why Trust Verywell Family? 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. Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM clinical protocol# 8: Human milk storage information for home use for full-term infants. Original protocol March 2004; revision# 1 March 2010. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2010;5(3). Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Breastfeeding A Guide For The Medical Profession Seventh Edition. Mosby. 2011. Riordan, J., and Wambach, K. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Fourth Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning. 2014. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit