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5 Types of Breast Milk Containers

5 Types of Breast Milk Containers  BreastfeedingPlace.com   #breastmilk #babyWhen you’re ready to pump breast milk for your baby, you’ll need to find a good storage container for the milk. There are a lot of breast milk container options on the market, and it’s a good idea to experiment and see what container, or set of containers, works best for you.

5 Types of Breast Milk Containers

1.) Bottles – Bottles designed specifically for storing breast milk are a great option because they can twist right onto your breast pump, then twist or snap onto the bottle’s nipple without having to transfer the milk. They come in many shapes and sizes, and their rigid form gives you an accurate reading of how much milk you’re pumping. They’re also reusable, which will save you money and protect our environment. Look for bottles that are BPA free (like these) to protect your little one’s health.

2.) Bags – Bags also come in many shapes and sizes and are often designed to attach to your breast pump for easy pumping and storing. They come pre-sterilized and disposable and have a label so you can note when you pumped. Plus, they take up less room in your cabinets than cylindrical containers, and even your freezer, depending on how you store them. Some of the more unique options come with a tear-and-pour spout on the side or a twist-top that locks onto almost any breast pump. Look for bags that are BPA free and dual-layered, and bonus if they have a double zipper (like these).

Never use regular zippered food storage bags as the plastic from those could leach into the milk. They’re also flimsy and easy to tear.

3.) Breast Milk Trays – At first glance, breast milk trays look like ice cube trays. However, breast milk trays are specifically designed to hold human milk, usually come BPA free, and each serving is measured out for you at one ounce (like these). Just pour your expressed milk into each cubby, snap on the lid, and stick it in your freezer. When you’re ready to feed, pop out a breast milk cube or stick and put it in the bottle. Breast milk trays are reusable, and after you’re done breastfeeding, you can re-purpose the trays for baby food or ice cubes.

4.) Plastic Tubes or Cups – Plastic tubes and cups are designed to twist onto your breast pump and catch your expressed milk. After you pump, you can twist or snap on their lids and store them. These containers are cheaper than the bottles, so you can buy a good amount of them for a decent price. Plus, you can reuse the cups later as dry snack storage or to freeze baby food in. The tubes are great for colostrum or NICU babies as they tend to measure in milliliters (like these).

5.) Drop-in Bottle Liners – Drop-in bottle liners are disposable bottle liners that collapse as your baby drinks from the bottle, minimizing the amount of air he or she receives with the breast milk. Freezable bottle liners made specifically for storage can be pumped into, stored in the freezer, then attached to the bottle for feeding time. Make sure you purchase liners made specifically for storage, as regular drop-in liners weren’t made to store and freeze breast milk.

When choosing a storage container, pick the one (or more!) that you think will best protect your milk and is most convenient for you or your baby’s caregiver to use and clean up. Remember that milk expands when it freezes, so leave a little room — about an inch or two — at the top of any container when you pump. Always label your milk, and use up the oldest milk first. For recommendations on how to heat up your thawed breast milk, see these tips.

What types of breast milk containers have you tried? Which work best for you?

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A mom of four with one current breastfeeder, Stephanie loves to share her breastfeeding, birthing, and child-rearing experiences with anyone who asks. She is an experienced copywriter, editor, and blogger who hopes her words will reach others while glorifying God. Feel free to drop her a line at ForgetiveOkaasan@gmail.com

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