Breastmilk storage bags & liners

DBELLA24 · January 2014

I'm looking into different ways to store breastmilk & like the idea of the storage bags but they seem ridiculously over priced. I saw on the box of standard playtex liners that they are "ideal for milk storage." I have a food saver at home that I can use for sealing the top & perhaps clips for pumping at work or on the go. Have any of you tried storing milk in any other brands of bottle liners & how did it work? I used the little medela storage bottles last time but it seemed so cumbersome.

DBELLA24 · January 2014

The cost per liner is about $0.05 vs. $0.18 each storage bag, which seems like pennies now, but pumped regularly for a year will add up.

Unknown · January 2014

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theseaword · January 2014

I swore by lansinoh.

*LrCg* · January 2014

I always use ice cube trays. Each cube is 1 ounce. Super easy to store and no expense. Plus you waste less milk. What if you put 4 oz in a bag but only need 2 oz? Also thawing out in cubes is super fast.

tlcalloway · January 2014

with playtex, there is a kit for the liners - it gives you more "necks" and "lids" so you can freeze in the liner and then take it out of the bottle... HOWEVER... if i recall correctly, there were complaints on boards/reviews when I researched this a few years back (my son is almost 5 so its been a bit) that the liner material wasn't as durable as the material of the bags. additionally...they don't lay flat taking up a TON more room in your freezer. if given i choice, i would do the bags... there are some that are considered re-usable... i would also not over buy yet...set your pace for pumping and breastfeeding ... you may find that you only freeze a bag or so every day or so...so in the end it may not make a huge difference...

sorry for the ramble...i hope this is helpful...just my 2 cents...

Mrs_D_in_KY · January 2014

The milk storage bags are made for milk to be frozen and sealed if needed. The liners are cheaper, but if it was my BM I would spend a little more to keep it safe and contained. Also properly labeled.

I EPed for a year and had 1,000 oz at one time in our deep freezer. To say I had a lot of bags was an understatement. I would just keep my eye out for any coupons for local stores and also on Amazon. 4 years ago Amazon was the best deal for milk storage bags, not sure how they compare now.

cMichelle0423 · January 2014

To me, breast milk is like liquid gold. So it's worth it to me to spend the money for good storage bags.

On a side note, I kinda like the ice tray idea...

kalette · January 2014

I loved the Lanisoh bags (and disposable nursing pads!) Lay them flat to freeze.

jnnfrrose6 · January 2014

*LrCg* said:

I always use ice cube trays. Each cube is 1 ounce. Super easy to store and no expense. Plus you waste less milk. What if you put 4 oz in a bag but only need 2 oz? Also thawing out in cubes is super fast.

Just because the bag holds 4-5oz doesn't mean you need to fill it up for storage. I always kept a range in my freezer in the bags, anywhere from 2-5 oz and pulled out what I needed.

OP, as others have mentioned, liners are not intended to be used for long term storage, so the durability of the bags is different. There are several brands of breast milk storage bags, so you can do some searching to find good prices. And as others have mentioned, use coupons and things to stock up as needed. I stuck with medela last time around because it had adapters to hook right onto the pump and that's what I got comfortable with. I made a point to keep an eye out for deals, and since it was storing the food for my baby, I had no problem spending a little more here (saved on other things like the actual bottles used, etc...)

food_chick · January 2014

I also loved the lansinoh bags, and I would fill them with different amounts so I could pull out what I needed. It's ok to use more than one way too. Freeze some in icecube trays so you can add an ounce to a bag, or the ice cube trays work well when baby starts on cereal. I can't remember the brand but there are also bottles that are freezeable and reusable. Try a small amount of a few things and see what you like. Also, depending on how much you plan on freezing, getting a separate container (or 2 or 3) for your freezer is nice so you can have it all in once place.

*LrCg* · January 2014

jnnfrrose6 said:

*LrCg* said:

I always use ice cube trays. Each cube is 1 ounce. Super easy to store and no expense. Plus you waste less milk. What if you put 4 oz in a bag but only need 2 oz? Also thawing out in cubes is super fast.

Just because the bag holds 4-5oz doesn't mean you need to fill it up for storage. I always kept a range in my freezer in the bags, anywhere from 2-5 oz and pulled out what I needed.

OP, as others have mentioned, liners are not intended to be used for long term storage, so the durability of the bags is different. There are several brands of breast milk storage bags, so you can do some searching to find good prices. And as others have mentioned, use coupons and things to stock up as needed. I stuck with medela last time around because it had adapters to hook right onto the pump and that's what I got comfortable with. I made a point to keep an eye out for deals, and since it was storing the food for my baby, I had no problem spending a little more here (saved on other things like the actual bottles used, etc...)

Not sure if you have nursed a baby before, Im on mobile so I can't tell but as your baby weans they will want less and it can be sad to thaw out 4 oz if you only need 2. Freezing in different sizes can seem helpful but also wasteful. Also I like if I'm at the store but on my way home and the baby is hungry DH can very quickly thaw out 2 cubes and I can still nurse when I get home. Also doing it in 1 oz is nice if you use BM for thinks like diaper rash, pink eye, etc.

kmwiegand · January 2014

I used the medela bottles for fridge storage and feeding. Then just used the bags for freezer stuff.

jnnfrrose6 · January 2014

*LrCg* said:

*LrCg* said:

I always use ice cube trays. Each cube is 1 ounce. Super easy to store and no expense. Plus you waste less milk. What if you put 4 oz in a bag but only need 2 oz? Also thawing out in cubes is super fast.

Just because the bag holds 4-5oz doesn't mean you need to fill it up for storage. I always kept a range in my freezer in the bags, anywhere from 2-5 oz and pulled out what I needed.

OP, as others have mentioned, liners are not intended to be used for long term storage, so the durability of the bags is different. There are several brands of breast milk storage bags, so you can do some searching to find good prices. And as others have mentioned, use coupons and things to stock up as needed. I stuck with medela last time around because it had adapters to hook right onto the pump and that's what I got comfortable with. I made a point to keep an eye out for deals, and since it was storing the food for my baby, I had no problem spending a little more here (saved on other things like the actual bottles used, etc...)
Not sure if you have nursed a baby before, Im on mobile so I can't tell but as your baby weans they will want less and it can be sad to thaw out 4 oz if you only need 2. Freezing in different sizes can seem helpful but also wasteful. Also I like if I'm at the store but on my way home and the baby is hungry DH can very quickly thaw out 2 cubes and I can still nurse when I get home. Also doing it in 1 oz is nice if you use BM for thinks like diaper rash, pink eye, etc.

My son nursed until he turned one when he self weaned, so yes, I've done this before. Just giving my experience that just because you use the bags doesn't mean you need to fill them up. I see no difference in thawing a bag with 2 oz in it to you thawing 2 cubes to get the same amount. For my curiosity, do your cube trays have covers to help keep that milk covered/protected from stuff getting in them? I've seen trays that have lids, so curious If that's what you use. Also, since you can't pump into the trays directly does that mean you pump into bottles and then pour into the trays? I appreciated being able to pump directly into the medela storage bags (one less thing to clean) but I'm also interested to learn other options as I'm sure I'll be nursing this one (assuming all goes as easily as last time).

mcvgal · January 2014

You might want to check with your insurance too. After several ladies on my BMB mentioned insurance covering breast pumps, I checked with mine and they also will send me 150 bags every 3 months.

Jmemaree21 · January 2014

Be sure to check with your insurance company ladies. My insurance provides 150 storage bags every 90 days as part of the breastfeeding benefits. I just noticed someone else already said this after I posted....just another reminder to check

elittler · January 2014

@e_cruiz and @Jmemaree21 what insurances do you ladies have? I have BCBS of CO, and I know they cover the pump but never heard of them covering bags. Did you call to find out, and what did you ask?

*LrCg* · January 2014

jnnfrrose6 said:

*LrCg* said:

jnnfrrose6 said:

*LrCg* said:

I always use ice cube trays. Each cube is 1 ounce. Super easy to store and no expense. Plus you waste less milk. What if you put 4 oz in a bag but only need 2 oz? Also thawing out in cubes is super fast.

Just because the bag holds 4-5oz doesn't mean you need to fill it up for storage. I always kept a range in my freezer in the bags, anywhere from 2-5 oz and pulled out what I needed.

OP, as others have mentioned, liners are not intended to be used for long term storage, so the durability of the bags is different. There are several brands of breast milk storage bags, so you can do some searching to find good prices. And as others have mentioned, use coupons and things to stock up as needed. I stuck with medela last time around because it had adapters to hook right onto the pump and that's what I got comfortable with. I made a point to keep an eye out for deals, and since it was storing the food for my baby, I had no problem spending a little more here (saved on other things like the actual bottles used, etc...)
Not sure if you have nursed a baby before, Im on mobile so I can't tell but as your baby weans they will want less and it can be sad to thaw out 4 oz if you only need 2. Freezing in different sizes can seem helpful but also wasteful. Also I like if I'm at the store but on my way home and the baby is hungry DH can very quickly thaw out 2 cubes and I can still nurse when I get home. Also doing it in 1 oz is nice if you use BM for thinks like diaper rash, pink eye, etc.

My son nursed until he turned one when he self weaned, so yes, I've done this before. Just giving my experience that just because you use the bags doesn't mean you need to fill them up. I see no difference in thawing a bag with 2 oz in it to you thawing 2 cubes to get the same amount.

For my curiosity, do your cube trays have covers to help keep that milk covered/protected from stuff getting in them? I've seen trays that have lids, so curious If that's what you use. Also, since you can't pump into the trays directly does that mean you pump into bottles and then pour into the trays? I appreciated being able to pump directly into the medela storage bags (one less thing to clean) but I'm also interested to learn other options as I'm sure I'll be nursing this one (assuming all goes as easily as last time).

First let me appoligize in re-reading my response it sounded condsending about whether you nursed before, it truly wasn't meant that way. I personally find bags wasteful, its just a preference. I did have one tray with a lid but I found the cubes weren't one true ounce. So I pumped into the Medela bottles that came with the pump then transfered to the tray. I generally used the freezer press and seal to cover it then after it was full usually less then a week I put it into a freezer gallon bag and marked it by month and put in the deep freezer. I only work 2 days, 6 hour days a week so I always used fresh milk and never was concerned about having a large stock pile.

DBELLA24 · January 2014

Thanks for the replies, I am currently working with a place to order my new breast pump, they are just working out the details with the insurance company & I did inquire about whether or not bags, different sized phlanges and replacement valves were also covered & they are looking into it... fingers crossed!

Sareynoo · January 2014

I used the lansinoh and medela bags, they did what they were supposed to and you can store a lot of milk in a small amount of space. We will be using these again.

mcvgal · January 2014

elittler said:

@e_cruiz and @Jmemaree21 what insurances do you ladies have? I have BCBS of CO, and I know they cover the pump but never heard of them covering bags. Did you call to find out, and what did you ask?

I have BCBS FedBlu. I didn't have to call for the information it was just listed on the website.

DBELLA24 · January 2014

I called today & my insurance company doesn't cover any storage bags which is a bummer but I do still have my medela freeze & store bottles from baby #1 they just take up so much room in the freezer. I may still have to invest in the storage bags too.

imakeeff0rts · January 2014

I didn't read any of theses responses.
I use an ice cube try. They freeze in one ounce portions. What I freeze for the day I dump into a freezer ziploc bag. I HATE the storage bags made specifically for milk and I definitely don't pump directly into them because of how inaccurate the measurements are...that and ice cube trays and freezer bags are WAY cheaper. Just a thought.

dmurrie · January 2014

I used Me dela bags when I froze but pumped into the bottles because it was less of a PITA. Hop over to the breastfeeding board (under special) and ask there, too.

tlcalloway · January 2014

i have anthem bcbs...i asked about bags today and they said they are covered...however, i have to get it from one of their in-network medical supply companies...anyone know one that has them...the few i looked at online didn't mention carrying the bags...

SaranJonathan · January 2014

kalette said:

I loved the Lanisoh bags (and disposable nursing pads!) Lay them flat to freeze.

This. I had three months worth of milk in my deep freezer. Also if you thaw one bag at a time it's good for 24 hours. I always gave my DD 1/2 thawed milk and 1/2 fresh milk at daycare to keep my stock rotated but not waste.

Jmemaree21 · January 2014

I have BCBS federal.....I looked on their website....i typed in pregnancy benefits and found it, called the number listed and ordered a pump.

BP607 · January 2014

Another vote for Lanisoh.

chloephoebecali · January 2014

If you are going to do ice cube trays for baby food or bm, invest in PVC, phthalate and nitrosamine free. I wouldn't trust any old plastic tray from the dollar store. We make sure to have all the best products (safe for our babies) and I have no doubt a cheapie ice cube tray was probably made with who knows what. Amazon has some brands that are safe.