Parents Choice Breast Milk Bags

As a new parent, finding the right breast milk storage bags can feel overwhelming. With so many options on the market, how do you know which ones are actually safe, effective, and easy to use?

After testing out a bunch of different bags when my baby was born, the Parents Choice Breast Milk Bags quickly became my favorite. I found them to be very durable, leakage-proof, and cost-effective compared to some other name brand bags.

So if you’re researching breast milk storage bags, I wanted to share my experiences with and guide to using the Parents Choice ones. I’ll cover how these bags work, their key features and benefits, and some tips and tricks I’ve learned from using them for months now with my daughter.

Let’s get started!

An Overview of Parents Choice Breast Milk Bags

Parents Choice is the generic brand from Walmart that makes a wide range of baby products, from diapers to formula to breastfeeding supplies. Their breast milk storage bags come in packs of 150 for around $20, making them very affordable compared to other brands.

The bags themselves are made from thick, BPA-free plastic and can safely hold and freeze up to 6 ounces of breast milk. Each bag has measurement markings on the side so you can easily track how much you’re pumping.

They also have a double zipper seal to prevent leaks and spills, which gives great peace of mind when storing these precious bags. The bags stand upright thanks to a flat base, taking up less space in the freezer.

Overall, these bags provide great quality and reliability at a fraction of the price of many competitors. Based on my experience, here are the key benefits:

Durable and thick plastic: Prevents rips or punctures from small ice crystals when freezing.

BPA-free: Safe for mom and baby.

Double zipper seal: Creates an airtight, leakproof closure.

Measurement markings: Allows you to track pumping output and baby’s intake.

Stand up base: Takes up less space in the freezer.

Affordable price: Approximately 10 cents per bag, great value for money.

I’ve found these bags to be very effective and dependable for storing several months’ worth of milk. But before I get into usage tips, let’s go over some common questions about using any type of breast milk storage bags.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Milk Storage Bags

If you’re new to pumping and storing breast milk, some important questions likely come up. Here are answers to some of the key FAQs about using breast milk bags:

How long does breast milk last in the bags?

• In the refrigerator: Up to 4 days
• In the freezer: Up to 6 months

How many ounces can you store per bag?

Most brands, including Parents Choice, recommend storing 3-6 ounces per bag. Storing smaller amounts can help prevent waste if baby doesn’t finish a full bag.

Can you reuse the bags?

No, you should use a new sterile bag each time to prevent milk contamination. The bags are designed for single use.

Do the bags need to be washed first?

You don’t need to wash brand new bags before first use. However, be sure to wash your hands before handling them.

Do the bags need to be sterilized?

The Parents Choice bags are pre-sterilized, but always check the label to be sure with any brand.

Can you pump directly into the bags?

Yes, most brands are designed to attach directly to the pump flange for easy pumping and storage.

How do you thaw frozen breast milk bags?

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under warm running water. Never microwave bags as this can destroy nutrients.

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go through how to actually use the Parents Choice bags for storing your breast milk.

How to Use Parents Choice Breast Milk Bags

Using proper storage guidelines is crucial for preserving your milk and the important nutrients it contains. Here are my best tips for success with the Parents Choice bags:

Prepping the bags

• Wash your hands before handling bags and pump parts.
• Use a clean work surface and avoid touching the inside of the bags.
• Label each bag with the date pumped and quantity.

Pumping directly into bags

• Ensure flange fits properly onto the bag spout.
• Double check for a tight seal to prevent leaks or spills.
• Watch the measurement markings to know when to stop pumping.
• Remove full bag and seal immediately after pumping.

Sealing the bags

• Lay bag flat and push out excess air.
• Align the zipper and close both zippers fully.
• Press along entire zip area to ensure a tight seal.

Storing and freezing the bags

• Refrigerate any bags you plan to use within 4 days.
• Flatten bags and stack in the freezer, placing newest bags behind older ones.
• Try to use oldest frozen milk first to avoid waste.
• Do not overstuff freezer as this can impact milk nutrients.

Following these steps consistently has worked very well for me. It takes a little practice to get comfortable with the pumping and sealing process, but once you get the hang of it, these bags make storage super easy.

However, even when using the best bags, leaks and accidents sometimes happen. Here are my tips for avoiding common breast milk storage mistakes:

Troubleshooting Breast Milk Storage Mishaps

Despite your best efforts, no storage system is foolproof. Here is how I’ve dealt with some common mishaps:

Accidentally pumped too much milk

• Split milk evenly between 2 bags rather than overfilling.
• Use extra milk within 4 days so it doesn’t go to waste.

Pumped milk smells or tastes soapy

• Milk is likely contaminated due to improper cleaning.
• Discard milk if it tastes or smells bad.
• Review proper pump cleaning guidelines.

Bags leaked in the refrigerator

• Ensure zippers are fully closed and sealed after pumping.
• Discard any contaminated milk that leaked out.
• Wipe out fridge shelves with hot soap and water.

Bags leaked in the freezer

• Discard any bags that leaked or have ice crystals.
• Transfer safe frozen bags to a new freezer bag.
• Defrost freezer to clean milk residue.

Forgot to label bags

• Try smelling milk to identify age based on scent.
• Taste milk cautiously to identify freshness.
• When in doubt, discard unmarked bags.

Don’t feel discouraged if you make some mistakes in the beginning – storing milk takes practice! The key is learning from any mishaps so you can prevent losing precious breast milk.

Maximizing Milk Storage with Parents Choice Bags

Once you get into a good pumping and storage groove, you may end up accumulating a lot of breast milk! Here are my top tips for handling large volumes of milk with these bags:

Organize your freezer stash

• Sort bags by date into larger freezer bags.
• Put oldest milk in front to use first.
• Keep inventory of supply and update as you use bags.

Create extra space as needed

• Use up oldest frozen milk to make room for new bags.
• Drink extra milk yourself or use for baths.
• Donate excess milk to other moms in need.

Avoid wasting milk

• Portion milk into smaller 2-4 oz bags.
• Combine multiple smaller bags for one feeding.
• Repurpose extra milk into baby food as baby starts solids.

Rotate out old bags

• Use frozen milk within 6 months for best quality.
• Set reminders to use up stash before it expires.
• Always smell and taste test old milk before feeding.

With some organization and planning, you can easily build up a great stash of milk without any going to waste!

How Parents Choice Bags Compare to Other Brands

As a new mom, I tried out a few different bag brands besides Parents Choice. Based on my experience, here is how the Parents Choice bags stack up:

Lansinoh Bags

• More expensive
• Pre-sterilized
• Thinner plastic prone to breakage
• Comparable leakage protection

Medela Pump and Save Bags

• Double-zip seal less secure
• Harder to get a tight seal
• Durability on par with Parents Choice
• Higher cost per bag

Kiinde Twist Pouches

• Allow direct pumping like Parents Choice
• Storage pouches are reusable
• Small opening can cause spills
• More parts to clean

Dr. Brown’s Breast Milk Storage Bags

• No double zipper for extra protection
• Need to purchase adapter for pumping
• Views are mixed on durability

Overall, I found the combination of value, usability, and durability hard to beat with the Parents Choice bags. The double zipper gives me peace of mind against leaks, which is a top priority when I’m pumping and storing my milk.

Helpful Accessories for Breast Milk Storage

A few handy accessories can make pumping and storing breast milk much easier:

• Standing bottle rack: Keeps bags upright in the fridge.
• Milk storage trays: Provides structure when stacking bags to prevent spills.
• Permanent marker: For labeling bags clearly.
• Bag spreader: Opens bags fully for easy pouring.
• Funnel: Allows neat transfer from bag to bottle.
• Cooler pack: Keeps milk cold if transporting.

Investing in some affordable accessories makes your milk storage system more efficient and organized. Definitely take advantage of them!

Cleaning Parents Choice Breast Milk Bags

While the Parents Choice bags are designed for one time use, you may want to reuse any bags that remain completely clean after pumping for storing other items.

To clean, turn the bag inside out and wash with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Hang to fully air dry before reusing. As always, inspect closely for any dirt or residue before using a second time.

When in doubt, grab a new sterile bag to avoid contaminating your milk. But lightly reusing very clean bags can be an eco-friendly way to cut down on waste.

Final Tips for Breast Milk Storage Success

Here are a few final tips as you embark on your breast milk storage journey with Parents Choice bags:

• Start slow: Don’t buy huge packs of bags too early. Try a smaller box first to make sure you like them.
• Have a pen ready: Always label bags immediately after pumping before you forget!
• Store flat: Freeze bags lying flat in a single layer to prevent punctures.
• Prevent freezer burn: Use oldest milk first and avoid opening the freezer frequently.
• Be diligent: Follow guidelines carefully and discard milk at any sign of spoilage.
• Give it time: There is a learning curve so don’t get discouraged by initial mistakes!

Storing your liquid gold takes some practice but is so worthwhile to help feed your baby. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll be an expert in no time.

I hope this guide gives you a great starting point for using Parents Choice Breast Milk bags successfully. They have worked incredibly well for me during my breastfeeding journey. I think you’ll find them to be a safe, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly milk storage option.

Here’s to many happy months of pumping ahead! You’ve got this, mama.