What is a milk storage bag? Can it be reused? What is the effect of milk pumping?

Many mothers are wondering if they should use milk storage bags? Is it effective and safe? Learn more about milk storage bags with Tnhelearning.edu.vn in this article!

What is a milk storage bag?

Milk storage bags are pre-sterilized storage bags, used to store and preserve a certain amount of milk . The bag is made from high quality plastic, 100% natural plastic, BPA free. Therefore, mothers can rest assured when using and safe for babies.

The milk storage bag easily closes with a convenient zip lock for storage and emptying when it’s time to feed your baby.

Benefits of using milk storage bags

• Safe, non-toxic to babies : Milk storage bags are made of high-quality plastic, BPA-free, safe for babies and children.
• Easy and convenient opening and closing: Convenient zip lock design, you just need to swipe the edge of the bag the mouth of the bag will stick tightly. And when you want to pour milk into the bottle, you just need to separate the edge to be able to use it.
• Preserves the nutritional integrity of breast milk, if used correctly. At the same time ensure hygiene factors, avoid causing diarrhea, vomiting when feeding.
• Compact design, easy to carry with you. Therefore, when going to work, going to work, mom can also bring it.
• Bags often have a specific capacity for mothers to keep track of how much milk they express. In addition, milk storage bags do not take up too much space when stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Why use milk storage bags to store breast milk instead of plastic or glass milk storage bottles?

With milk storage bottles made from high-quality BPA-free plastic with a convenient screw cap, it is easy for moms to change the nipple and feed the baby immediately. Possibility to be recycled and reused many times after proper sterilization.

However, the way to preserve breast milk using a long-term milk storage bottle is not very beneficial to the health of the baby because of the following limitations:

• The time to clean and sterilize the bottle is completely done by hand, so it is both time consuming and not safe.
• Takes up space and space to store milk in the refrigerator or freezer
• Storing milk in a plastic or glass milk storage bottle for a long time will not be beneficial to the health of the baby if the mother does not sterilize it properly.
• In the long term, bacteria that accumulate in the walls of bottles that are still used to store milk will affect the quality of milk , causing respiratory and immune diseases.
• If long-term storage, it will be economically costly to invest in bottles

Meanwhile, milk storage bags have more outstanding advantages :

• Low price.
• Using BPA-free plastic material, so it is safe to use with babies and children
• Diverse models , types and brands to suit the different needs of mothers of all segments.
• Most milk storage bags on the market today are equipped with sterilization features and limit the growth of bacteria when first opening the bag.
• The product has a signal line when the milk is warmed to a moderate temperature to help the mother easily identify to let the baby drink immediately.

• The mouth of the milk storage bag has a fully sealed zip lock , making it easy to store milk in a vacuum condition.
• Ability to store milk safely, keeping the integrity of nutrients in breast milk
• Because it is only used once, the milk storage bag does not cause bacterial milk poisoning like normal containers.
• It does not take up much space when storing and storing breast milk in the refrigerator, freezer.
• You can put the bag in the mouth of the pump’s bottle to store milk right after pumping.

Comparison table between milk storage bags and milk bottles:

Comparative Criteria	Milk storage bag	Milk bottle
Environmental friendliness	Not environmentally friendly.	Because it is made of plastic, when not in use, it needs to be handled appropriately to protect the environment.
Material	BPA-free virgin plastic makes it safe to use with babies and young children.	High quality BPA free plastic.
Used Time	Use 1 time.	Can be used many times.
Price	Low price.	Not too high, but if long-term storage, it will be economically expensive to invest in bottles.
Cleaning frequency	Since it is used once, there is no need to clean it after use.	Time to clean and sterilize the bottle is completely done by hand after each use.
Safety for babies	Ability to store milk safely , keeping the integrity of nutrients in breast milk	Storing milk in a milk storage bottle for a long time will not be beneficial to the health of the baby if the mother does not sterilize it properly.

Note when choosing to buy milk storage bags

Factors determining quality milk storage bags

A quality milk storage bag will need to meet the following milk storage time and temperature recommendations:

• Room temperature: above 26 degrees Celsius, 1 hour.
• Room temperature with air conditioning: below 26 degrees Celsius, 6 to 8 hours.
• Insulated cooler bag: Up to 24 hours.
• Refrigerator: 48 hours.
• Freezer compartment: 2 weeks.
• Freezer compartment with separate door: 3 to 4 months.
• Freezer: 6 to 12 months .

How to choose the right milk storage bag

• Choose a milk storage bag made of safe materials , 100% natural plastic that does not contain harmful BPA
• Use a bag with a capacity suitable for the amount of breast milk you want to store , avoiding waste or shortage. In particular, do not put new milk into old milk

• Choose a bag with a sturdy, spill-proof zipper , so the bag can stand firmly inside the refrigerator. At the same time avoid leaking milk causing waste.
• Choose a product that is compatible with the breast pump. Being able to easily attach to a breast pump is the way to go. This ensures you have the least amount of milk spilled and little or no germs come into contact with your milk.
• Choose products with lines so that you can easily determine the amount of use.
• Choose to buy milk storage bags with famous and reputable brands in the market.
• Should refer to the experience from previous mothers on mother and baby forums, …
• Select products, ensure reasonable price but still have enough quality when using.

Are milk storage bags reusable?

Most milk storage bags should not be reused , that is, the mother should only use it to store milk once and then discard it. Reasons why you should not reuse:

– After the mother used to store milk for the baby once, it means that the bag is no longer safe . Because when mom defrosted, the bag was no longer sterilized like it was in the beginning

Milk storage bags are only used to store milk in the refrigerator. If the mother wants to store milk when pumping milk to bring home from work or take it somewhere, she should use sterilized high-grade plastic and glass bottles.

Notes when using milk storage bags

When using a milk storage bag, to ensure the safety and hygiene of your baby’s milk supply, you should note a few things:

• Make sure your hands are clean before opening the bag.
• Absolutely, the mother should not blow into the bag before putting the milk in, it will cause the sterilization of the bag to be lost.
• Each milk storage bag should be labeled with a date and used before the new expiration date.
• Milk should not be stored for too long . Milk stored in milk storage bags can be stored for 6-8 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the refrigerator, and 2 weeks in the freezer. If the safe storage time is over, the mother should throw away the milk, do not give it to the baby.

• Absolutely do not use the microwave to warm milk , because the microwave will remove the perfect antibodies in breast milk.
• Leftover breast milk after an hour, if you don’t feed the baby again, you have to throw it away
• Milk after thawing must be used up, not frozen.
• Mothers should not feed their babies directly into the milk storage bag

Above is useful information about milk storage bags and questions that many mothers are facing. If you still have any questions. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!