How to pack your breast pump bag like a pro!! This post is providing you with a complete breast pump bag checklist straight from a lactation consultant (hi, it’s me👋🏻)!
We all have places we need to be sometimes. If your baby can’t come, what do you need to bring to maintain your supply and avoid pesty (and painful🥴) clogged ducts?!
I got you, mama.
Your Breast Pump Bag Checklist:
Everything you need to pumping on-the-go:
1. Your pump bag, of course!
When choosing a pump bag, think about everything you would like to include in your bag, plus the size of your chosen breast pump.
Of course, you want everything to fit nicely and to have enough space for your products.
2. Your Pump
Are you looking for a wearable breast pump? Check out the Zomee Fit! (Use code: KATELYN20 to save 20%)
Or, if you’d like a standard, affordable, and rechargeable pump, I highly recommend the Spectra S2.
3. Milk Storage method
I love the insulated Ceres Chill Chiller for milk storage. (Use code KATELYN15 to save 15%)
Or another method you could use is having a frozen ice pack in your diaper bag, inside an insulated pocket/zipper with BPA-free breast milk storage bags.
Tip: Check out 15 Must-Know Breast Pump Tips for New Moms to learn the breast pump and breast milk storage tips and tricks to make your life SO much easier!
4. Pump Sanitizing Wipes or a gallon-size bag with a seal
Pump sanitizing wipes can help you with cleaning your pump parts in-between uses while on-the-go!
Alternatively, you can use the 24-hour fridge method. This method is when instead of cleaning your breast pump after each use, you put the used pump parts (all the parts, excluding the motor and tubing of the pump) into a gallon size plastic bag and put it into the fridge after each use to prevent bad bacteria growth, and do this for up to 24 hours after each use before thoroughly cleaning your pump parts with warm water and soap at home.
And for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags, check out these gallon-sized food-grade silicone reusable bags!
*The CDC does not approve this tip. However, using your judgment, you can decide if you would like to use this method!
Keep in mind premature babies or other babies may need more sensitive and rigorous sanitary care of these products to prevent harm or sickness.
5. A diaper changing mat or a muslin cloth
A diaper changing mat or a baby muslin blanket is a helpful pumping tool to lay out when you’re transferring breast milk from your pump to your chosen milk storage method!
6. A small bag
I recommend having a cute, small bag in your pump on-the-go bag for extra pump parts, replacements, and your pump motor charger.
By using this small, cute bag, you keep the contents protected and easy to find!
7. nursing pads
Throw in some disposable nursing pads for leaking in-between feedings, if needed!
Use code KATELYN20 to save 20% on these disposable nursing pads.
Or, for a more eco-friendly option, I LOVE these affordable and reusable bamboo nursing pads!
8. Unscented and organic nipple cream
I highly recommend the MotherLove Herbal Nipple Cream because it contains organic olive oil, organic beeswax, organic shea butter, organic marshmallow root, organic calendula flower, and NO petroleum, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fillers.
Use code: KATELYN15 to save 15% on ANY MotherLove product!
Having an organic nipple balm on hand is great if your baby accidentally latches on wrong and you use it for comfort in the meantime of getting the root problem resolved.
Check out everything you need to know about breastfeeding positions and correct latch in Chapter 3 of The Balanced Breastfeeding Course.
Further, if you pump, adding a bit of nipple balm in each flange, where the flange meets the tunnel of the pump part, to reduce friction and increase comfort while pumping!
The Balanced Breastfeeding Course
Are you…
- A pregnant mama planning on breastfeeding?
- Struggling with breastfeeding?
- Worried you won’t have enough breastmilk for your baby?
- Overwhelmed by the idea of figuring out what your baby needs?
- Nervous about returning to work and pumping?
- Fearful about running into breastfeeding hurdles such as clogged ducts?
When I was a first-time mother, I didn’t have any resources for breastfeeding and pumping support before going into maternal and child health. One day my OB-GYN asked me, “Do you plan on breastfeeding?” to which I responded, “yes,” and then the conversation never came up again.
There is evidence that lack of breastfeeding education has a negative impact on breastfeeding rates, as many parents have difficulty understanding and assessing lactation issues, such as sore nipples, latch, low milk production, etc.
Research also shows prenatal breastfeeding education increased breastfeeding initiation and the length of time mothers breastfed! [4].
“Mothers who are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and hold a positive approach towards breastfeeding have the tendency to initiate breastfeeding and continue for a lengthened period” [4].
This is why I made The Balanced Breastfeeding Course with 280 minutes of education and video demonstration with 160+ easy-to-follow PDF Pages plus photo demonstrations!
This course fills the gap in our maternity care system, addressing everything you need to know to have a successful breastfeeding relationship.
My experiences during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding are what led me to become an expert in this field and use my education to answer your questions and make your life easier.
How to Use Breast Milk Bags When Pumping On-The-Go?
To use your breast milk bags while pumping on-the-go…
- First, use your breast pump!
- When you’re finished pumping, lay out the changing pad or a muslin cloth
- Remove your pump, and open where your milk was collected
- Open the breast milk bag and pour your pumped milk into the bag, over the changing pad or muslin cloth
- Seal your breast milk bag using an edge to seal out as much air as possible (if possible)
- Throw the sealed milk bag into your insulated Ceres Chill Chiller or your insulated pump zipper with a frozen ice pack inside. That’s all!
How to Organize Breast Pump Bag
If possible, keep one zipper for breast milk storage. This zipper would include an ice-pack and breast milk bags.
Another zipper could include the diaper changing mat/muslin cloth, your breast pump, and a small bag of breast pump accessories.
Finally, the third pocket could be used for your organic nipple balm, reusable bamboo nursing pads, and personal items like your wallet, phone, chapstick, etc.
If you have a large pump like the Spectra S2, you might want to consider a bag with 4 zippers/pockets, since the pump will take up a lot of space.
Top 5 Best Breast Pump Bags
1. large breast pump backpack
This Large Breast Pump Backpack is perfect if you have the Spectra S1 or Spectra S2.
If your breast pump bag doesn’t come with an insulated pocket for your ice pack and breast milk bags, check out the Medela Breast Milk Cooler. I like this cooler for a pump on-the-go bag because it is compact and not too tall to fit into a breast pump bag.
2. Large Over-the-shoulder breast pump bag
Alternatively, if you have a large breast pump like the Spectra S1 or Spectra S2, this is a great Over-The-Shoulder Large Breast Pump Bag with a similar, large breast pump compartment as the breast pump backpack has above.
Bonus: This bag has a laptop sleeve, a changing mat, and an extra strap to make the bag a cross-body if you’d like!
3. Mini pump backpack
The Claremont Bag by Idaho Jones can be used as a diaper bag or a pump on-the-go bag!
Use code: KATELYN10 to save 10% on any bag from Idaho Jones.
I love that this bag comes with a matching changing mat and velcro straps to attach it to your stroller if needed!
4. Pretty pink pump backpack
Are you interested in a “pretty in pink” Breast Pump Backpack?!
When using this backpack, you can use the bottom compartment for your ice pack and breast milk storage.
Then, in the main zipper, you can add your breast pump, small bag full of your breast pump accessories, and the changing mat/muslin blanket.
Plus, this pretty pink pump backpack even comes with a matching changing mat!
5. Practical breast pump backpack
Here is another Large Breast Pump Backpack.
However, I find this one unique because it is extra practical having a laptop sleeve, luggage strap, and removable divider for more options on how to organize your breast pump bag!
Does a Pump Bag Count as a Carry-On?
According to the TSA, a breast pump is considered a medical device and does NOT count as one of your carry-on bags, so you should be able to carry your breast pump bag and another personal bag, like a purse, without a problem.
However, your cooler might count as a carry-on item if it is separate.
Questions or Comments?
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below👇🏻
Talk soon, mama!
– Katelyn Lauren
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DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something through my links at no cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer for more info.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
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