Breast pumping is a lot of work for a new Mom, but a nice and stylish bag for your pump can brighten things up just that little bit. While also making your life a lot more convenient!
There is a lot of stuff you have to bring with you to be able to pump milk every day. For the working Mom especially a specialty breast pump bag can help keep things organized, and most importantly help keep your expressed milk cool so it remains safe for your baby to consume.
We have included more items on our list than we usually would. This is for two reasons:
- The included features may be more important than pure performance and longevity to ensure the bag is practical.
- A bag to match your wardrobe may differ from my taste.
So have fun browsing the designs we have included below!!
In this article we will be reviewing the following breast pump bags:
- Sarah Wells Kelly Convertible
- Charlie G New Yorker
- Bananafish Madison
- jay elle by J.L. Childress
- MOMIGO
- Sarah Wells Lizzy
- Momcozy
- JuJuBe Be Supplied
- Luxja
- Dr. Brown’s Carryall
Styles of Breast Pump Bag
There are two basic styles of breast pump bags: the tote bag and the backpack.
Tote
Just picture the typical diaper bag. The tote breast pump bag style is very similar to this. You can also find some very stylish breast pump tote bags that look like a slightly smaller overnighter.
You just pack it up, throw the strap over your shoulder, and you’re good to go.
There aren’t typically as many small compartments on the outside like you would find on a diaper bag. There is usually a main compartment that holds all of your little bits and pieces you need to take on your outing.
Inside this bit main area, there may be some smaller pockets and pouches to keep your things organized.
You may also find insulated inner pockets or the entire bag itself could be insulated for safe milk storage.
On the outside, you will usually find a large zippered area designated for breast pump storage.
Most breast pump tote bags have a pocket big enough to fit all of the popular breast pump brands, but you always want to check your measurements before purchasing.
Backpack
With so many mothers on the go these days, we are starting to see more and more backpacks being used rather than the traditional diaper or breast pump tote bags.
Using a backpack allows you to have both hands free to carry your baby and evenly distributes the weight across both shoulders instead of just one.
Slightly different from the tote bag with its storage options, the backpack breast pump bag typically contains two compartments.
The main compartment is used for storing your pump and any other essentials you may need to take with you on your outing.
The second compartment is a lower cooler compartment that is insulated for safe milk storage.
The only downside to backpack breast pump bags is that they don’t always hold as much as the tote bag does. While the extra cooler compartment is nice, you lose a lot of volume overall with these smaller bags.
How to Choose a Breast Pump Bag
Let’s take a look at the criteria you should consider before making your breast pump bag purchase.
Size of your breast pump
Unless you are only pumping occasionally with a manual breast pump, chances are you have a relatively bulky electric pump you will be taking with you on the go.
Most breast pump bags have storage compartments big enough to accommodate most major pump brands, but you will still want to measure and check for compatibility.
Capacity vs. portability
Understandably, two of the main things you are looking for when it comes to breast pump bags are capacity and portability. You want to make sure your bag will fit everything you need while remaining easy to carry.
With most breast pump bags, you will get both to a certain degree. However, as we pointed out previously, the style of breast pump bag you choose may make a difference between capacity and portability.
Tote bags are a great choice if you are looking to take a lot with you on your outing. Not only will your pump, all of its pieces, and a couple of bottles fit, but you can also bring all of your baby’s essentials as well, like diapers, a change of clothes, extra pacifiers, toys, blanket, and more (in most cases).
With a breast pump backpack, you are a little more limited on space since they are typically smaller.
You can still bring a few diapers and a change of clothes in most cases, but you won’t have nearly the same amount of volume available to you.
When it comes to portability, however, you are likely better off with a backpack.
Carrying a large and somewhat heavy tote bag puts a lot of pressure on only one shoulder at a time. It may also be difficult to store it under your stroller when you are out and about with your baby.
Breast pump backpacks are much easier to carry, evenly distributing the weight of the bag across both shoulders. And with its smaller size, the backpack will likely fit in the undercarriage area of the stroller.
Internal compartments
Nothing is more nerve wracking than digging through a seemingly bottomless bag looking for that one thing that will calm your little one’s tears – their favorite toy, pacifier, etc. – and not being able to find it quickly enough.
It can also be frustrating when you only have a short break at work to pump and you can’t find all of your pump pieces easily enough.
You will probably want to look for a breast pump bag that has internal compartments to store everything you need.
You can keep all of your small and essential pieces organized while keeping the bigger items easy to access.
Most breast pump bags will have a few internal pockets and pouches to store bottles, small pump pieces or pacifiers, and even your phone and wallet.
Insulation
When you are breast pumping, you not only need to have a place for your pump but you also need to consider where to store your pumped breast milk until you are able to get it home.
Most breast pump bags have some sort of insulated area for pumped milk. Some breast pump backpacks have an entire cooler compartment on the underside of the bag.
Other bags may be completely insulated so you can store your milk wherever it fits. And some bag models will just have a couple of insulated pockets for bottle storage.
You will want to look at each breast pump bag individually to determine which has the right type and amount of storage you will need.
Style
One of the best features of the breast pump bag when comparing to a normal diaper bag is the fact that they are usually pretty stylish.
This can be a big deal when you are working in a professional environment and want a bag that looks classy and chic with your work attire.
You can find several breast pump bags in muted, neutral colors and minimal patterns. There are even some available that you will find on our list that feature very sleek and fashionable design elements.
On the other hand, there are also some backpack styles available in a wider color range if something a bit brighter is more your style as well.
Best Breast Pump Bags of 2024
1. Sarah Wells Kelly Convertible
Sarah Wells makes a lot of great breast pump bags, but this one is by far the best. The Kelly convertible bag stands out for its unique design; you can use it as both a tote bag and a backpack.
No need to decide one over the other.
It is a bit on the expensive side, but with the versatility it offers, it’s almost like you’re getting two bags in one.
You get all of your storage necessities with this bag: an XXL zippered side pocket for your electric breast pump, a large main compartment that can even fit a laptop while carrying your breast pump, several interior pouches, and two exterior pouches to carry all of your necessities.
Pros
- Comes in four stylish designs
- Converts between tote bag and backpack
- Fits most electric pump models
- Easy to clean materials
- Covered by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- More expensive than other comparable bags
- Pump causes a bit of asymmetrical weight distribution
- Only fits laptops smaller than 15”
- Straps aren’t the best quality
2. Charlie G New Yorker
The New Yorker bag by Charlie G is a classy alternative to some of the more colorful and patterned diaper and breast pump bags.
With its classic black color, it should go with just about any outfit in your closet.
Charlie G advertises that this bag is compatible with all portable mass market pumps, including the Medela Pump in Style, Spectra, and Ameda pumps.
There are two insulated lower compartments that can be used for your pump as well as a small cooler for milk storage.
In the main compartment, you do not need to worry about losing your keys and other small items at the bottom of the bag.
There are several slide pockets on the inside to keep your personal and baby items organized and easy to find.
Pros
- Classy business style
- Two lower insulated compartments
- Plenty of interior organization
- Fits all portable mass market pumps
- Large main compartment for all baby needs
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Only comes in black
- Bag collapses in on itself instead of remaining upright and open
- Zippers are stiff
3. Bananafish Madison
The Madison breast pump bag from Bananafish is a great choice if you are looking for a casual backpack without a lot of busyness and color.
This bag can hold most of the major breast pump brands, including Medela and Spectra, either in the large side compartment or in the main top compartment.
There is no insulated area, so you will need to bring a small cooler. You should be able to fit a cooler and your pump in the bag together, but it may just be a little tight depending on the pump you use.
There are a couple of other outside pockets, one on the front and one on the side.
These aren’t very deep, but they can be great for organizing your smaller bits and pieces, including the hosing for your pump.
Pros
- Casual backpack style
- Comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps
- Large side compartment for pump or cooler
- Plenty of organization for smaller items
- Neutral color palette
Cons
- Opposite side pocket doesn’t offer much space when cooler and pump are in the bag
- Some pumps will only fit in the main pocket, not side compartment
- Front and side pocket do not expand
- Stitching is a bit weak
4. jay elle by J.L. Childress
Breast pump bags can get messy, especially when you have to pack up wet pump parts and if you have a dreaded spill.
The jay elle breast pump bag by J.L. Childress will take away the worries of having a dirty bag.
The black nylon bag is very easy to wipe down both inside and is water resistant to help prevent staining.
It also comes with several additional bags and pouches to keep everything organized, including a special wet bag to keep all of your wet pump parts separate and a bag for all of your smaller pump parts and accessories.
You will also get a special cooler that fits breast milk bags or bottles with adjustable dividers to keep bags upright.
Pros
- Comes with additional organizational bags
- Includes a cooler with breast milk bag storage pockets
- Water-resistant and wipeable nylon
- Discreet design
- Large side compartment fits most breast pump models
Cons
- Handles are a little flimsy
- Skinny handles aren’t always comfortable on the shoulder
- Only comes in one color
- Not many interior pockets and pouches
5. MOMIGO
Looking for something that isn’t too bulky but still covers all of your breast pumping needs? This backpack design from MOMIGO may be just what you are looking for.
Not only is it affordable and available in 5 different colors, but the overall design is pretty well thought out for pumping mothers.
The lower compartment is a completely insulated cooler, which is perfect for storing breast milk and even your lunch if necessary.
Most pumps should fit in the exterior front compartment, which also has a small pocket on the inside for hose or phone storage.
The back zippered compartment is not very deep, but it can be the perfect place to keep your iPad, phone, wallet, and other personal necessities.
Pros
- Comes in 5 different colors
- Entire backpack is completely insulated
- Exterior is water-resistant
- Bottom compartment for cold milk storage and front compartment for breast pump
- Comfortable straps and back padding
Cons
- Doesn’t fit much beyond the pump and bottles
- Zippers are flimsy
- Stitching isn’t high quality
- Not all pump models will fit
6. Sarah Wells Lizzy
Another great breast pump bag from Sarah Wells is their Lizzy tote. You get the same quality and design patterns that you would expect from the brand but at a slightly cheaper price than the Kelly convertible bag we looked at earlier.
The large side compartment fits most portable pumps on the market, including Medela, Spectra S1 and S2, and Ameda.
You also have plenty of organization and storage area in the main compartment for all of your essentials. There is even a sleeve for your laptop.
With the durable and easy to clean materials and Sarah Wells’ lifetime warranty, your bag is sure to last as long as you will need it.
Pros
- Large side compartment fits most breast pumps
- Easy to clean and wipe down materials
- Covered by a lifetime warranty
- Comes in a variety of colors and patterns
- Adjustable shoulder strap
Cons
- Bag caves in making it hard to see the pump in the side compartment
- Very tight fit for the Spectra pumps
- Over time the fabric may yellow from the zipper metal
- No padding on the shoulder strap
7. Momcozy
You don’t need to worry about running out of space in your breast pump bag with this tote from Momcozy.
Its simple design and neutral color palette makes it very discreet and easy to take to work or use as a carry on for your next flight.
There are two sizes available for this bag, both the large 15.7 liter bag and the extra large 20 liter bag. It may be a bit cumbersome for your short trips, but when you are planning a full day out or staying overnight somewhere, you will be happy to have the extra space.
With 12 pockets, you will have no problem organizing all of your pumping, baby, and personal necessities. These pockets include 2 large side compartments that fit most portable breast pumps and possibly a small cooler for milk storage.
If you don’t want to bring a cooler, the bag also has 3 insulated bottle pockets. There is even an internal laptop sleeve.
Pros
- 12 pockets, including two side compartments for breast pump
- Fits most portable breast pumps
- Includes 3 internal insulated bottle pockets to keep milk cool
- Made with waterproof materials
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- Laptop sleeve only fits up to a 13” computer
- Strap wears out quickly
- Top zipper is a bit weak
- Bag is difficult to close when full
8. JuJuBe Be Supplied
Similar in style and design to the Sarah Wells bags, this breast pump tote from JuJuBe offers a casual and discreet method of transporting your breast pump between home and work.
The side breast pump pocket fits most standard breast pumps.
There isn’t much organization available within the main compartment, but there is one zippered pocket inside and a “Mommy” pocket with a key fob to keep the things you need most easily accessible.
One of the best things about this bag is the thought they put into their materials.
The Agion treated interior resists bacteria, mold, and mildew – a nice feature when you are transporting liquids on a regular basis – and the exterior is treated with Teflon to resist stains.
Pros
- Pump compartment fits most standard pumps
- Comfortable memory foam shoulder pad on adjustable messenger strap
- Materials resist stains and bacteria growth
- Mommy pocket keeps necessities easy to access
- Machine washable
Cons
- A little too small to fit many baby necessities
- All pockets only have a single zipper
- Very expensive for such a simple design
- No insulation for milk cooling
9. Luxja
If your budget is your biggest concern when it comes to choosing a breast pump bag, this backpack from Luxja is the perfect option for you.
Similar to most of the other backpack designs we looked at, this one has two main compartments: one in the upper half of the bag and the other in the lower.
However, this bag is a little different as the lower compartment is designed to hold the breast pump.
This can actually a great idea since it will stay wide open and allow you easy access to adjust your pump as needed. However, this is only feasible when there are no bottles or milk in the top section.
The entire bag – both the upper and lower compartments – is made with leakproof lining.
You don’t need to worry about ruining the outer material of your bag in the event of spilt milk and it is very easy to wipe out and clean when accidents happen.
Pros
- Two methods of carry with handles and backpack straps
- Interior lining is insulated and leakproof
- Plenty of pockets to storage and organization
- Bottom pump pocket fits most standard breast pumps
- Comes in 5 different colors
Cons
- Top compartment doesn’t hold bottles well if the pump isn’t in the bottom to support
- Shoulder straps are short and not padded
- Doesn’t make sense to open the bottom section for the pump when there are bottles on top
- The bag itself is not insulated
10. Dr. Brown’s Carryall
The final bag on our list is very similar to the Momcozy tote but just a little bit cheaper.
The Dr. Brown tote bag offers a simple and discreet design that will allow you to take your pump and essentials to and from the house whenever you need to.
The side “pockets” actually form a compartment that goes all the way through the bottom of the bag.
This feature makes this bag highly versatile, even allowing it to be used as a gym bag to carry your yoga mat or add a breast pump bag that fits most standard pumps.
You can fit just about everything you will need for your day out in the large main compartment. There is space for a laptop and an interior pocket to help organize all of your small pump pieces and personal items.
Pros
- Simple, discreet design
- Very affordable
- Large side compartments run completely along the bottom of the bag
- Interior pocket for storage and organization
- Fits most standard pumps and bottle cooler
Cons
- Cannot be immersed in water
- No insulation or bottle storage options
- Only fits up to 13” laptop comfortably
- Material is rough
Breast Pump Bag FAQs
What else do I need to fit in the bag?
The main thing you will need space for in your bag is your breast pump and components – hoses, flanges, power cord (if not battery operated), and whatever it used to catch the milk for your pump model (bag, bottle, etc.). What you will need to carry beyond this will vary depending on what your usual outings look like.
If you are going out with your baby, you will need additional diapers, wipes, pacifiers, clothes, toys, blanket, and anything else you would usually pack in your diaper bag.
If you are just going to work, you may not need as much extra stuff. You may just need space for the things you usually carry in your purse, like your phone, wallet, small toiletries, and so on.
How long will insulation keep milk cool?
When it comes to breast milk, you need to always store it properly so that your baby doesn’t get sick from bacteria growth.
Even though it comes out of your body warm, you will need to keep it cool until you are ready to feed it to your baby.
An insulated cooler with ice packs can keep your milk cool for up to 24 hours. This can give you peace of mind during the work day if there is no refrigerator available to you and if you forget to put it in the fridge or freezer right away when you get back home.
It is critical that you follow proper breast milk refrigeration practices. Leaving your milk in an insulated cooler beyond 24 hours is too risky.
If you do happen to leave it longer, it is best just to dump it to prevent any risk of bacteria growth in the milk that could make your baby very sick.
Final Word
Breast pump bags should be an essential for every pumping mother. They keep all of the things you need for pumping, baby care, and personal use in one place, making your outings hassle-free by only needing to remember and carry one bag.
There are so many great options available to you, with a variety of bag styles that will fit your storage needs, fashion preferences, and overall budget.
You are sure to find just what you are looking for to make your breast pumping life a little bit easier.
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