When you're a pumping mom, milk storage bags are essential. These specially designed bags are thick and seal tightly, allowing you to safely freeze your breastmilk. Being able to store it will help ensure none of your baby's food goes to waste. Make sure you check out the size of bag before you make a purchase. That way you can ensure you have the right size for your needs. Many milk storage bags have measurements printed on them to help you see exactly how much milk you are saving. To help make your decision about which bags to purchase, here are reviews for five of the best. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, 100 Count Pre-Sterilized for Safety These Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags are medical grade. Best Overall Find on Amazon You won’t have to worry about leaks with these strong milk storage bags. They feature a double zipper seal, and are made from high-quality, BPA and BPS free material.They are medical grade. Each bag has been pre-sterilized, so you know it is clean when you take it out of the package. The tissue pack style dispenser makes it easy to remove a single bag at a time. You can pump directly into the bag if you’d like, which makes them convenient. They are compatible with most major brands of pumps. There is a label you can write on, so you can easily date each bag. The bags each hold six ounces, and have measurements printed on them. The bags are recyclable at any location that accepts #4 plastic. Pros Pre-sterilized bags Easy to pull one bag out at a time Have a label for writing the date Cons Bag goes a bit floppy when you’re trying to pour the milk out into a bottle Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags Collect, Store, and Feed from One BagThese milk storage bags eliminate the need to pour your milk into a bottle for feeding. Most Convenient Find on Amazon With these convenient milk storage bags, you never have to pour the milk out. They are designed to collect, store, prepare and feed all from a single bag. Each one securely twists onto major pumps if you use the adapter, which is sold separately. The lid is a threaded cap, which prevents leaks. When it’s time for feeding, you can use the Kiinde Twist bottles and slide your bag right in. The top connects securely to the nipple, so your baby can eat. There are also adapters available so you can use a different brand of nipples, if your child has a favorite. As your baby eats, the pouch collapses. Once your baby stops drinking breastmilk, you can continue to use this system to create homemade squeeze snacks. These milk storage bags are available in six and eight ounce sizes. Pros No need to pour Threaded cap lid instead of a zipper seal Can recycle pouch and cap Cons Need to purchase separate bottles and adapters to make all of it work together Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags, 100 Count Durable Double LayerThese milk storage bags are self-standing, and strong. Best Lay Flat Design Find on Amazon With the ability to lay flat for storage, these milk storage bags will save space in your freezer. Since the bags are hygienically pre-sealed for safety, you must remove the top before use. They tear away, making this process simple. Each bag is made from a double layer material, and feature double-zipper seals. There’s a large write-on area so you have room to write the date and other important information. The bags are designed to stand upright on their own. Because they stay stiff when you pour, you won’t have to worry about wasting milk as you transfer it to a bottle. Each bag holds six ounces, and is clearly labeled with measurements. Pros Designed to lay flat Large write-on area Easy to pour out of Cons Not meant for pumping directly into 110 Count Breastmilk Storage Bags 8 Oz 235 ml Front Facing Writable TabsWith a space to record your child's name, the date, time, and volume, you can easily capture all the necessary information. Best Info Tabs Find on Amazon There’s important information to record for each bag of breastmilk you store. And, these bags make it simple to record that data. Each bag has a front-facing tab where you can record your child’s name, the date, the time, and the volume. They are self-standing, with a gusseted bottom. That way you can pour from them with one hand. With accurate measurement lines, you won’t have to guess how much milk you’ve stored. Each bag holds up to eight ounces. The bags come pre-sterilized, so you must tear the top off of each before use. There’s a perforated line to help make this process simple. When the bags aren’t overfilled, they will freeze flat and save you space. Pros Easy to open Info tabs to record important data Gusseted bottom for easy handling Cons The thicker plastic means the milk can take longer to thaw than in other bags GLAND Breastmilk Storage Bags Easy Pour Spout 100 Count Milk Storage Bags with a Pour Spout Pouring milk from these storage bags is simple thanks to the great design that includes a spout. Easiest to Pour Find on Amazon If you struggle to pour milk from other bags, give these ones a try. They’re designed with a pour spout on the side. The reinforced side seams help keep the bags from leaking while they’re in the freezer or thawing. You can either stand the bags upright, or lay them flat for storage. The record panel has space for you to write down important information. It’s best to use a marker instead of a pen so you don’t puncture the plastic. Each bag has been pre-sterilized and is sealed. The perforated tear-off top is simple to open before use. The bags hold eight ounces of milk. There is an adapter available separately that allows you to pump directly into the bags. Pros Pour spout Good record panel Reinforced side seams Cons Aren’t available in a smaller size, so if your baby isn’t drinking that much milk yet, there’s a lot of extra space Frequently Asked Questions How long can breast milk be stored? Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for four hours. You can also keep it in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to five days, though it’s best to use it or freeze it within three days. It can stay in a deep freezer for up to twelve months. To help you keep track of when each bag of milk got filled, it’s important to label each one with a date. Then you can easily see if it is still good. How do you thaw frozen breastmilk? You can thaw frozen breastmilk in the refrigerator. Take it out the night before you need to use it. If you need to thaw milk more quickly, you can place it in a bowl of warm water. You can also run warm water over it until it thaws. Once the milk thaws, use it within 24 hours for safety. If you suspect that the milk has been out for too long, don’t take a chance on feeding it to your baby. It’s much safer to throw it out so you don’t accidentally give spoiled milk to your little one.