Expressing breast milk is hard work, so wanting to save every drop of liquid gold is only natural! And if you’re planning on storing and saving breast milk, breast milk storage bags are a must.

Breast milk storage bags are designed to safely and hygienically store expressed milk in a simple and cost-effective way for future feeds or other purposes (breast milk soap or baby baths anyone?!). But not all breast milk storage bags are created equal.

So we’re taking a look at the different types of bags, and answering some common questions, before revealing the breast milk storage bags recommended by Mouths of Mums members, and others we love.

How to store expressed breast milk

Essentially, breast milk storage bags store freshly expressed breast milk for use at a later time. It could be in a couple of hours, it could be months down the track.

According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Infant Feeding Guidelines (2012), freshly expressed breast milk can be stored anywhere between six to eight hours at room temperature (26°C or lower), in the fridge for no more than 72 hours, for 2 weeks in the freezer compartment inside refrigerator (-15°C), 3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door (-18°C) or 6 to 12 months in deep freeze (-20°C).

What to consider when choosing breast milk storage bags

Of course, breast milk needs to be stored properly to make sure it stays safe for baby to drink and there’s no risk of contamination.

When choosing breast milk bags, check if the bags are:

• Pre-sterilised
• Spill-proof and leak-proof
• Have accurate measurements
• Durable
• Can be stored flat or standing
• Can be frozen and heated
• Single-use or reusable

Are breast milk storage bags necessary?

If you’re planning on safely storing breast milk for your baby to drink in the future, yes. There are breast milk storage bag alternatives, like breast milk trays, but again these are specifically designed to safely store breast milk. Just using a regular zip-lock back isn’t advised, and could lead to the milk being contaminated.

Are breast milk storage bags reusable?

Yes, some breast milk storage bags are reusable – they’re usually made of food grade silicone and designed to be rinsed, sterilised and refilled over and over. Others are only designed to be used once and disposed of.

Can you pump into breast milk storage bags?

Yes, some breast milk storage bags are specifically designed to work with certain brands of breast pumps using an attachment, so that you can pump directly into the bags. No risk of crying over spilt milk when transferring!

 11 Of The Best Breast Milk Storage Bags In Australia

From compact storage to straight-from-pump storage, these breast milk storage bags are the ones Australian mums love and recommend. Some reviews included below have been submitted to our popular RATE IT page, where you can leave your reviews as well!

Interested in seeing which bottles other parents are loving right now? Check out our roundup of Australia’s best glass baby bottles.

New Beginnings BPA-Free Breast Milk Storage Bags (25 bags), $13.49

There’s nothing like being doubly sure your breast milk is safe, and the double zip seal on these fab bags makes sure of that! These sterile bags are made using food-grade material, can stand on their own so they’re easy to fill and they include a thermal sensor for reheating. Clever!

Why we love them:

• Double zip seal
• Self-standing base
• Thermal sensor

What Mouths of Mums reviews say:

“I brought these bags because they were reasonably priced. I like these bags better than anything else I have used thus far and having the temperature indication on the front makes it easy for someone else to heat milk up properly.” – mom486265

“These storage bags are fantastic for storing milk, you can label them, date them pop them in the freezer or fridge.” – mom404749

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags (50 bags), $28.55

Anyone who has tried to juggle pouring breastmilk from a bottle into a bag will know just how heartbreaking it can be to spill even a drop! No such stress with these Lansinoh bags – just use the adapter to pump straight into the bags from most standard breast pumps. They’re also really strong and designed to lay flat for compact storage.

Why we love them:

• Pre-sterilised
• BPA free
• Freezer safe
• Pump straight into the bag

What the reviews say:

• Makes life easier
• Great value for money

Medela Storage Bags (50 bags), $23.03

These breast milk bags are built to stand the test of time! With double walls and double zip protection, you shouldn’t have any worries about leaking, tearing, splitting or cracking. The bags can be stored upright (great for pouring milk) and laid flat for storage. They even come with a transport pouch to make it easy when you’re on the go.

Why we love them:

• Double-walled
• Leak-proof seal
• Large label

What the Mouths of Mums reviews say:

“A brand you can trust for something so precious. The quality is really good as is the brand. I totally recommend them it is really good.” -Motherhoodmama

“Its so easy to write on the bag the date and amount of breast milk. Then store in the fridge or freezer. They are perfect for creating a milk stash!” – melissakateee

“Love these storage bags! They are a nice thick plastic while still being very flexible. I have no issues filling with breastmilk and freezing. I highly recommend them.” – mom483217

Dr.DuDu Breast Milk Storage Pouches (120 bags), $24.95

A great budget option, these bags are pre-sterilised and made extra thick. They also have double zip storage to make sure your expressed milk is safe, whether in the fridge or freezer.

Why we love them:

• Affordable
• Extra-thick

What the reviews say: 

• Value for money
• Good quality

Haakaa Silicone Milk Storage Bag (5 bags), $59.95

A great friendly option to disposable milk bags, these food-grade silicone bags are fridge and freezer safe and completely reusable. They also have a handy stopper with a strap, and once empty can be rolled up for easy storage.

Why we love them:

• Reusable
• Carry strap
• Microwave steriliser safe

What the reviews say:

• Super easy to use
• Large
• Reduces waste

Philips Avent Breast Milk Storage Bags (25 bags), $20.89

These leak-proof bags come pre-sterilised with a self-standing design for easy one-handed filling. The double zipper seal and reinforced seams mean your milk is safe and secure in the fridge, freezer or nappy bag.

Why we love them:

• Tamper evident seal
• Pre-sterilised

Tommee Tippee Breast Milk Pouches (70 bags), $72.02

Thanks to the clever leakproof cap, these pouches attach to either a Tommy Tippee breast pump or another pump using an adapter (sold separately). And you can also feed directly from the pouch by purchasing a pouch holder and attaching a nipple.

Why we love them:

• Clever and adaptable
• BPA free
• Name, date and volume panel

What the reviews say:

•  Great quality
• Useful screw cap

nanobebe Bags, (50 bags), $29.69

These uniquely-shaped breast milk storage bags thaw out milk evenly, and are five times faster than standard storage bags. A must-have when you have a hangry baby on your hands! Specially designed to prevent spillage and spoilage, they hold milk in a shallow layer allowing milk to thaw and cool quickly.

Why we love them:

• Quick to thaw
• Fast to cool, reducing the chance of bacteria growing

What the reviews say:

• Amazing way to store breastmilk
• High quality
• Awesome

NUK Leakproof Milk Storage Bags (25 bags), $21.84

These stable bags stand to attention when you’re pouring in milk, making it easy to do one-handed if you’re juggling a baby!They’re also leakproof with a double safety fastening and stackable for freezing. And see that uniquely-shaped spout? It’s so you can pour milk into a bottle easily. So smart!

Why we love them:

• Handy pour spout
• Space saving
• Practically leak-proof

Swisspers Milk Storage Bags (20 bags), $8.99

Sterilised and ready to go when you are, these breast milk bags have a tear-away seal to ensure they’re incredibly hygienic. The double zip lock protects precious liquid gold and the measuring guide is super handy.

Why we love them:

• Double zip lock
• Ready to use

What the reviews say:

•  No leaking
• Easy to use
• Affordable and reliable

Mumilk Reusable Storage Bags (1 bag), $12

Convenient and a great alternative to disposable breast milk bags, these Mumilk pouches use 100% food-grade silicone and are recyclable. They include an integrated scale on the front of each bag and a dating system, and they’re super easy to clean and fill. They are fridge and freezer-safe and easy to store lying down or standing up.

Why we love them:

• Leakproof
•  Large 300ml capacity
• Contain no BPA, PVC, or Phthalates.

What the reviews say:

• Easy to use
• Better for the environment
• Great volume capacity

Getting everything ready to start your breastfeeding journey? Make sure you check out our downloadable Ultimate Breastfeeding Checklist.