Milk Storage

It’s important to be familiar with the guidelines around how to handle and store breast milk properly, especially if you’re going to be feeding your baby expressed milk on a regular basis. While there is a lot of science behind storing breast milk, there’s some nuance, too. That’s because there are a lot of factors involved; things like temperature fluctuations, room and storage temperatures and cleanliness all come into play. These milk storage guidelines for healthy, full-term babies, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are a good place to start. You can store your pumped breast milk in the refrigerator in either breast milk bottles or storage bags. If you’re freezing your milk, you’ll want to use storage bags and lie them flat to freeze—this will make them easier to store standing up after they’re frozen.

One of the biggest (and most confusing) stressors for lots of new parents? Flying with your baby, though we’ve got a lot of that handled for you already, like which travel stroller or travel car seat is best for you. But what about feeding your baby, and the rules around breast milk? Keeping the rules straight around everyday air travel is hard enough. Throw in lugging around breast milk and ice packs and coolers and keeping track of what’s allowed and what isn’t can get you feeling very overwhelmed very quickly. Our guide to flying with breast milk will demystify the rules and regulations you should be aware of.

Before you can store your breast milk, you’ll first need to pump it. How to Pump Breast Milk for Your Baby: Babylist’s Ultimate Guide walks you through all things pumping, including how to choose a breast pump, when to start pumping and how often to pump breast milk, how to feed your newborn pumped milk and more.

There are four main types of breast pumps: electric, wearable, portable, and manual. How do you know which type of pump is best? Before choosing a breast pump, think about how often you plan to pump and what your pumping goals are. If you’re an exclusive pumper, pumping regularly (like at work or every night before bed) or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of a manual pump, then a traditional electric breast pump or a powerful portable pump are the best choices for you. These types of pumps are fast and efficient at removing breast milk and fully emptying your breast. Pumping infrequently? Going out for the night or need to pump on an airplane and don’t want to drag your electric breast pump along? A manual or a wearable pump may be right for you. Just note that most lactation consultants do not recommend a wearable breast pump for frequent use.

Breast pumps can be pricey. What you may not know is that thanks to the Affordable Care Act, breast pumps are covered under most health insurance policies for free. Read our guide to how to get a breast pump through insurance and best breast pumps for every budget before your order to learn about your options. Check your eligibility at Babylist Health to see if your plan covers pumps like Spectra, Medela, and more.

If you decide to breastfeed, a breast pump can be an invaluable tool in your journey. Choosing a breast pump is one of the more subjective decisions you’ll make as a new parent. There’s a lot to consider, including your personal and feeding preferences, lifestyle, employment situation and how long you plan on breastfeeding. We recommend getting a breast pump if: you’re planning to be away from your baby regularly, you need to maintain your milk supply, you need to increase your milk supply (called low supply) or relieve engorgement, or you prefer feeding your baby expressed milk.

Consider factors such as frequency of use, portability, suction strength, and ease of use when choosing a breast pump. If you plan to pump frequently or need to pump at work, an electric double pump may be more efficient. If portability is important, a lightweight and compact pump might be suitable.

There are various types of milk storage containers available, including breast milk storage bags, breast milk storage bottles, and breast milk storage trays. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

Properly labeling breast milk storage containers is important for maintaining organization and ensuring the freshness and safety of the milk. Label each container with the date of expression and your baby’s name or initials.