Pumping breast milk is hard work, and as a mom, you want to make things as convenient (and cost-effective) as possible.
Breast milk storage bags are incredibly helpful, but the question always pops up: can you wash and reuse them to save money and be a little more eco-friendly?
Can you reuse breast milk storage bags?
If you mean those single-use plastic breastmilk storage bags, then the short answer is NO.
Even the big brands with thicker bags like Medela all say their bags are just for one-time use. It makes sense, for both hygiene and regulatory reasons.
Although technically speaking, I did find one brand that claims their plastic bags can be reused for up to 5 times. Ever heard of Cherub baby?
Probably not, since they’re a homegrown Australian brand. But their temperature-sensing bags have definitely caught my attention and I will talk more about them later on in this article.
Plastic aside, there are reusable breastmilk storage bags which are made of silicone. Plus, there are other options too if you want something more sustainable in the long term.
The Short Answer (and Why it Matters)
Technically, most traditional breast milk storage bags aren’t designed for reuse. Here’s why it’s important to stick to single-use:
- Hygiene: These bags come pre-sterilized, ready for that precious milk. Reusing them means you’d need to guarantee that same level of sterilization at home, which can be tricky. Any lingering bacteria risks contaminating your baby’s food.
- Durability: The thin plastic isn’t made for multiple rounds of washing and handling. It could degrade, increasing the chance of leaks or tears – nobody wants wasted breast milk!
That said, I did find ONE brand that offers reusable plastic reusable storage bags.
Cherub Baby
Cherub Baby is an Australian brand known for its innovative and high-quality baby products, including the Cherub Baby Reusable Food Pouches and Reusable Breast Milk Storage Bags.
Unlike most breast milk storage bags, Cherub Baby’s bags are designed to be reused up to 5 times. They are made of durable, BPA-free plastic that maintains its integrity through multiple uses.
The bags feature a color-changing temperature sensor to help ensure that milk is at the right temperature before feeding.
Cherub Baby Reusable Breast Milk Storage Bags offer a viable option for moms looking to reduce waste and save money while ensuring their baby’s milk remains safe and fresh.
However, proper cleaning and sterilization are crucial to prevent contamination.
Overall, these bags strike a balance between practicality and eco-friendliness, making them a unique choice in the breast milk storage bag market.
Focus on Safety AND Sustainability
The desire to reuse breast milk storage bags is completely understandable! Raising a baby is expensive, and we all want to reduce waste.
Luckily, there are other ways to balance safety with being budget-conscious and environmentally friendly:
Reusable Alternatives
- Glass or Sturdy Plastic Containers: These can be easily sterilized in boiling water or a dishwasher, and they’ll last through multiple uses.
- Reusable Silicone Bags: Made of food-grade silicone, they’re free of BPA and other nasties while still offering the convenience of a bag-like format.
- Milk Trays: These are great for freezing individual portions – think of them like breast milk ice cubes! Super handy for when your baby just needs a little extra.
Safe Milk Storage Tips (no matter what you use)
- Label like a pro: Date EVERYTHING. Milk storage times are important.
- FIFO is your friend: “First In, First Out” means using the oldest milk first.
- Don’t overfill: Frozen milk expands – leave headspace at the top.
- Hands so clean: Good hygiene is non-negotiable when handling breastmilk.
Key Takeaways
While reusing traditional breast milk storage bags isn’t the safest bet, don’t worry! There are fantastic ways to store milk responsibly.
Investing in reusable containers or trays is a wonderful way to keep your baby safe, your budget happy, and the planet a little healthier.
Let’s chat!
Have you found a storage method you absolutely love?
Share your tips in the comments below!