Top Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Breast Milk Storage Options
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Looking back, which breastmilk storage option would I choose?
Glass jars, hands-down!
A Note to You, From a Breastfeeding Mama…
I exclusively breastfed, and am still breastfeeding, my 2 1/2 year old daughter. If you have a new baby, or are still nursing your toddler, I am here to tell you that you are doing a great job, and your baby is so lucky to have you! I know that it isn't always easy - and I see you!
I am a Registered Nurse, and when I went back to work part time after my maternity leave ended (4 months postpartum), I began my pumping journey! I have tried out many different products for storing breast milk, and eventually found a routine that worked for me!
So, What is Chemical Leaching?
My top priority when it comes to storing breastmilk is my daughter's safety, and my second priority is choosing a kinder option for mother earth!
Plastic storage bags and bottles can leach harmful chemicals when heated or scratched - even in those "safer plastics" that claim to be "non-toxic". Think about it...what is plastic made from? Chemicals. When they remove one harmful chemical from their formulation (BPA for example), they fill that gap on their ingredient list with something else - and chances are that in 10 years, that something else will be on the list of dangerous cancerous causing chemicals to look out for and avoid.
These chemicals can cause endocrine disruption and early puberty (which increases the risk for reproductive cancers) - which is why I created this list of safer alternatives for our little ones.
If single use plastic breastmilk bags, plastic bottles, or plastic containers are your only option, you are absolutely helping your little one by choosing options that are free from BPA, BPS, phthalates, PVC and heavy metals.
Hazardous Options:
Plastic containers that contain any BPA, BPS, phthalates or PVC
Better Options:
Plastic free from BPA, BPS, phthalates or PVC
Best & Safest Options:
Are Silicone Bags Safe?
Silicone bags are certainly a safer and significantly more sustainable alternative to plastic - but there is a potential area of concern here that is noteworthy:
The risk and rate of chemical leaching increases when silicone products come in direct contact with fatty substances - and breastmilk's composition is approximately 3-5% fat. These fatty acids contribute to your baby's brain development, and are so so important - but they may not be doing us any favors when it comes to storing our liquid gold in silicone containers.
I have done my research, and I feel that the risk is low enough that I would feel comfortable storing my breastmilk in silicone bags - but I do prefer glass jars over silicone bags.
So, What Can We Do?
We can choose safer alternatives for our babies. Knowing which harmful products and chemicals to avoid is half the battle - now you just need to decide which safer alternative will work best in your home!
While it makes my heart sad to know that companies, who are surely aware of these things, still market their chemical leaching products to our babies, I am thankful to the companies on this list who put in effort to protect our little ones from these health risks.
The Best Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Ways to Store Breast Milk
1. Glass Jars and Bottles
Glass containers are the safest option for breastmilk storage. They will not leach any harmful chemicals into your breastmilk - zero plastics here! Glass is also infinitely recyclable - so in terms of sustainability, it is the best option as well!
When I first started pumping, I was using the plastic breast milk storage bags that you pump directly into (made by Willow), and then freezing the milk in them directly - I didn't know then what I do now. And looking back, I really wish I didn't! Storing breastmilk in glass is so much safer than any other material, and if we are blessed with a second child, I will forgo plastic breastmilk bags all together!
Here are some of my favorite glass jar options (we use Ball and Weck jars in our home)
(affiliate links)
2. Stainless Steel
This OG Breast Milk Cooler by Ceres Chill is a great option for when you are on the go. It is made with stainless steel, keeps breastmilk at a safe temperature for up to 20-hours with 27-ounces of breastmilk, and can hold up to 34-ounces! When you get home you can transfer your milk into a container of your choice!
Double-walled stainless steel outer body
Stainless steel inner chamber
BPA-free
BPS-free
DEHP-free
Lead-free
(affiliate link)
3. Zip Top Silicone Breast Milk Storage - Made in the USA
Zip Top Silicone Breast Milk Storage Bags are crafted from 100% pure non-toxic, food grade silicone. They are made in the USA. These silicone bags are also endlessly reusable, which makes them a more sustainable option!
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article - there are potential concerns with storing breast milk in silicone due to the fatty nature of breast milk - but these are certainly a safer option than a plastic alternative!
I know many mamas that are comfortable with storing their breast milk in silicone bags, and these are a great option because they are free from the following:
BPA-free
Lead-free
PVC-free
Latex-free
Phthalate-free
(affiliate link)
4. Junobie Infant/Toddler Milk Storage Bags
Here is another silicone option for you! These Junobie breastmilk storage bags are made from 100% food-grade silicone and have a wide opening for easy pouring. Junobie bags are both dishwasher and freezer safe.
By choosing silicone bags over a plastic alternative, you are protecting your little one from many harmful effects of single-use plastic. And when comparing plastic breastmilk storage bags to food-grade silicone, silicone is absolutely the better choice!
These reusable bags are:
BPA-free
BPS-free
PVC-free
Lead-free
Latex-free
Phthalate-free
Some Breastmilk Safety Reminders for All Mamas…
Fresh Breastmilk is Safe:
At room temperature for 4 hours
In an insulated cooler for 24 hours
In a refrigerator for 4 days
In a freezer for 3-6 months
In a deep freezer for 6-12 months
To Warm or Thaw:
place in a bowl of warm (not hot) water to preserve nutrients
never microwave breastmilk (risk for hot spots that can burn your baby's mouth)
Be sure to read these safety tips for Storing Human Milk from La Leche League International for the most up-to-date information.
Some of My Favorite Breastfeeding Products . . .
I also wanted to share some of my favorite breastfeeding and pumping essentials with you. These have made such a difference for me while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and pumping are big jobs, and I want you to have all the resources and support you need to have a beautiful breastfeeding journey with your little one(s)!
Silverette Nursing Cups
These Silverette Nursing Cups (affiliate link) have quite literally SAVED my nipples more times than I can count. From an initially poor newborn latch to cluster feeding, there were many times where my nipples were sore and needing some TLC. From my very first use, my sore nipples were immediately soothed by these silverettes, and I have sworn by them ever since. They are my #1 recommendation to ALL breastfeeding mamas. I keep them in my nightstand to this day, just in case!
Pro tip: Express some colostrum or breastmilk into your Silverettes before wearing for extra soothing and healing magic!
They also have the sweetest recycling program where you can send back your Silverettes at the end of your breastfeeding journey, and they will turn them into a silver charm for you - a beautiful, sentimental reminder of your breastfeeding journey with your little bear cub.
100% hand-made in Italy
Made from 925 silver (aka sterling silver)
Willow 360 Hands Free Breast Pump
The Willow 360, Wearable Breast Pump is my absolute favorite - looking back, I would absolutely buy it again! It is effective, comfortable and hands-free.
Totally wearable, fits fully in bra with no cords!
Hospital-grade suction
Auto-adjusting smart suction
Direct pump control, app control, or apple watch control
100% leak proof
360 mobility while wearing (you can literally do yoga while you pump...not that I ever have...but knowing that I can...haha!)
You can use my referral link below for a discount on your order!