Choosing the right breast milk storage bags is crucial for new mothers. This review compares four popular brands: Philips Avent, Boots, Baby One, and Autumnz, offering a detailed look at their features, pricing, and overall usability. We delve into the pros and cons of each, considering factors like bag size, material durability, seal reliability, and ease of labeling, to help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and pumping habits. Whether you're a high-volume producer or have a lower milk supply, finding the perfect bag can significantly impact your breastfeeding journey.This honest and comprehensive review is based on a mother's personal experience with each brand. We explore practical considerations, such as capacity, ease of use, and the importance of accurate measurement. From the quirky design of the Avent bags to the impressive sturdiness of the Autumnz option, we provide a detailed comparison, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses to guide you towards the best breast milk storage bag to meet your specific requirements and budget. Read on to discover which brand emerged as the top choice and why.
Pros And Cons
- Large capacity (up to 250ml).
- Too large for users with low milk supply.
- Intimidating size for some users.
- Comes in various sizes.
- High-quality, thicker plastic.
- Sturdy zip lock.
- FDA approved material.
- Medical grade sterilization.
- Cheap price.
- Visually motivating for users with low milk supply.
- Simple to use.
- Good value (when purchased at a discount).
- Plastic is not sturdy.
- Capacity can vary depending on how the bag is packed.
Read more: Top 10 Breast Milk Storage Bags 2017: A Comprehensive Review
Philips Avent Breast Milk Bags
The Philips Avent breast milk bags came with my Philips Avent double electric breast pump. I purchased an extra pack because I wanted to have plenty on hand. They cost around seven Singapore dollars for 25 bags, which I purchased online from a third-party seller.
The bags are uniquely shaped, resembling a milk bottle. However, I found the included tag with spaces for date, time, and volume rather impractical. The design necessitates opening a flap to access the zipper, leaving the plastic tag dangling uselessly. I prefer to simply write the date, time, and amount directly on the bag.
While the tag's purpose remains a mystery to me, the bags themselves have a decent capacity. The material seems acceptable, though not exceptionally sturdy.
Boots Breast Milk Storage Bags
I purchased these Boots bags online based on a friend's recommendation. The price was also seven dollars for 40 bags. These bags boast a higher capacity, holding up to 250 milliliters.
Personally, I found the 250ml capacity excessive for my needs, as I have a relatively low milk supply. The large size felt somewhat intimidating and unnecessary. However, mothers with a higher milk supply might find them beneficial for combining pumping sessions.
The size makes it suitable for consolidating milk from multiple pumping sessions, making it a good choice for high-volume milk producers.
Baby One Breast Milk Storage Bags
I used Baby One bags for a month and found them quite convenient. The packaging is in Korean. I obtained them from another mom for a good deal; 80 bags for 10 dollars (compared to online prices of around 30 dollars).
These bags are straightforward to use: peel, fill, and label. I simply write the amount pumped, date, and my name (for shared fridges). I advise against solely relying on visual estimations of milk volume; always measure first.
The plastic isn't incredibly sturdy, so I recommend pouring from your pump bottle while noting the volume to ensure accurate measurement.
Autumnz Breast Milk Storage Bags
My favorite is Autumnz. I love its aesthetics and the fact that it comes in various sizes (e.g., 150ml, 7oz, 12oz). The quality is superior to the others; the plastic is thicker and the zip seal is much more robust and reliable.
The thicker, more sturdy plastic provides increased confidence in its leak-proof nature. The price is also very reasonable—about $4.20 for 25 bags when purchased in bulk.
Even though I have a low milk supply, the Autumnz bags are psychologically satisfying to fill, providing a visual representation of the day's output, which boosts my morale.
Conclusion: Which Breast Milk Storage Bag is Best?
Ultimately, the best breast milk storage bag depends on individual needs and preferences. Mothers with high milk supply might appreciate the larger capacity of the Boots bags, while those with low supplies may find the Autumnz bags more satisfying to fill.
The Baby One bags are a solid middle ground, providing good value and ease of use. The Avent bags, while functional, are let down by the impractical tag.
For me, the Autumnz bags win, offering superior quality, a reasonable price, and a design that's both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The thicker plastic is reassuring, and the reliable zip seal is a significant advantage.