Reuseable Breast Milk Storage Bags

Reuseable Breast Milk Storage Bags

Traditionally, breast milk bags have been made from plastic and designed for single-use after being pre-sterilized. Once breast milk is frozen and thawed in these bags, it must be disposed of. However, there are now reuseable breast milk storage bags made of silicone that provide an alternative solution. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using reusable breast milk storage bags, how to choose the right ones, and how to use and clean them properly.

Types of Reuseable Breast Milk Storage Bags

There are two main types of reusable breast milk storage bags: silicone and plastic.

Silicone breast milk storage bags are made of food-grade silicone and are durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean. They are also freezer-safe and can be used to warm up breast milk in a bottle warmer or warm water.

Plastic breast milk storage bags are made of BPA-free, food-grade plastic and are also leak-proof and freezer-safe. They are typically less expensive than silicone bags, but may not be as durable or easy to clean.

Benefits of Reuseable Breast Milk Storage Bags

  1. Safe and Non-Toxic: Reusable breast milk storage bags are made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials, which means that they do not contain any harmful chemicals that can harm your baby.
  2. Environmentally Friendly: Unlike disposable bags, reusable breast milk storage bags can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing waste and helping to protect the environment.
  3. Convenient: Reusable breast milk storage bags are easy to use, store, and transport. They take up less space than bottles, and they can be frozen flat, which makes them easy to stack.
  4. Cost-Effective: Although reusable breast milk storage bags may cost more initially, they are more cost-effective in the long run because they can be used multiple times.
  5. Easy to Label: Reusable breast milk storage bags come with an area for labeling, which makes it easy to keep track of the date and time the milk was expressed.

When to use reuseable storage bags?

It’s important to note that reusable breast milk bags may not be the best option for building up a large freezer stash due to their higher cost and intended reuse.

However, there are certain scenarios where these bags are a practical choice.

For instance, if you’re pumping breast milk at work and won’t be feeding it to your baby for a few days or more, it might make sense to freeze the milk rather than store it in the refrigerator. If this is a routine occurrence, reusable bags are a viable and sensible solution.

If you’re traveling with breast milk for work or on a plane, using bags rather than bottles is preferable due to their space-saving design.

In contrast, if you’re aiming to freeze a substantial amount of breast milk with the goal of weaning early and continuing to provide breastmilk to your baby until they turn one, using a reusable bag may not be the most practical option. This is because you won’t actually be reusing the bag, as you’ll be thawing and feeding the milk instead of pumping more milk into the bag.

Choosing the Right Reuesable Breast Milk Storage Bags

When choosing reusable breast milk storage bags, there are several factors to consider:

  1. Material: Look for bags that are made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials such as food-grade silicone or polypropylene.
  2. Durability: Choose bags that are durable and can withstand repeated use and freezing.
  3. Capacity: Make sure the bags can hold the amount of milk that you typically express.
  4. Closure: Look for bags with a secure closure that will prevent leaks and spills.
  5. Ease of Use: Choose bags that are easy to fill, store, and transport.

Using and Cleaning Reuseable Breast Milk Storage Bags

To use reusable breast milk storage bags, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Open the bag and write the date and time on the label.
  3. Fill the bag with the expressed milk, leaving some room at the top for expansion during freezing.
  4. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and seal it tightly.
  5. Store the bag in the refrigerator or freezer.

To clean reusable breast milk storage bags, follow these steps:

  1. Rinse the bag with warm water.
  2. Wash the bag with soap and water or place it in the dishwasher.
  3. Rinse the bag thoroughly with clean water.
  4. Hang the bag to dry or place it on a clean towel.

Where to get reuseable breast milk bags?

If you want to get these reuseable breast milk bags follow the link given below:

Breast Milk Storage Bags


Conclusion

Reusable breast milk storage bags are a great solution for nursing mothers who want to store their breast milk safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. They are made from non-toxic materials, are environmentally friendly, and are easy to use and clean. When choosing reusable breast milk storage bags, make sure to consider the material, durability, capacity, closure, and ease of use. With proper use and care, reusable breast milk storage bags can help make breastfeeding easier and more convenient for nursing mothers.

FAQs

Do I need to sterilize new breast milk storage bags?

To sterilize the reusable breast milk storage bags, you can boil them in hot water for 3 minutes. We do not recommend using strong detergents or putting the silicone bags in the dishwasher as they may develop an unpleasant odor.


Can babies drink breast milk cold?

Certainly, providing your baby with cold milk is a safe practice. Moreover, utilizing frozen breast milk can serve as a means of easing teething discomfort in babies.


Can you rewarm breast milk twice?

It is not recommended to reheat a bottle of breast milk, as once a baby has started drinking from it, the milk becomes contaminated with saliva and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It is best to give your baby an hour to finish the milk and then discard whatever is left. Additionally, it is important to note that babies do not require warm milk, whether it is breast milk or formula.


Are silicone breast milk bags safe?

Breast milk storage bags are a safe option for storing breast milk. They are made with thick, BPA-free plastic that is specifically designed to freeze and thaw breast milk. However, for the safest storage option, it is recommended to use glass or silicone containers instead. It is important to avoid using regular plastic freezer bags or containers that are not FDA-approved for breast milk storage.


How much breastmilk should I freeze per bag?

It is recommended to store and freeze breastmilk in small portions of 60ml to 120ml per bottle or bag. This is because smaller amounts thaw more quickly, and it also aligns with the average amount that babies consume during each feeding.






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