Parents Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags

Navigating the World of Liquid Gold Storage—From One Mom to Another

As I sit here typing with one hand while balancing my coffee in the other (cold, of course—what new mom gets to enjoy hot beverages?), I can’t help but reflect on my breast milk storage journey. If you’re reading this, you’re likely either preparing for a baby or already in the trenches of motherhood, specifically the pumping chapter. Either way, welcome to what I like to call the “liquid gold management system”—a critical yet often overwhelming aspect of the breastfeeding experience.

When I first started pumping, I had no idea how important the right storage bags would become in my daily routine. After trying numerous brands and dealing with heartbreaking leaks and frustrating freezer tetris, I finally found my way to Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about these budget-friendly lifesavers to help you make an informed decision for your own breastfeeding journey.

The quality of your breast milk storage bags can make or break your pumping experience—a lesson I learned the hard way after losing 8 ounces of precious milk to a leaky bag (cue the tears).

What Exactly Are Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags?

Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags are exactly what they sound like—specialized plastic bags designed specifically for safely storing expressed breast milk. They’re Walmart’s store brand offering in the breast milk storage category, making them an accessible option for budget-conscious parents.

These aren’t just any plastic bags, though. They’re specifically engineered to safely preserve every nutritious drop of your breast milk, whether you’re storing it for later that day, the next week, or months down the line. As a mom who pumped exclusively for six months before transitioning to combination feeding, I can attest that having reliable storage bags is absolutely essential.

The Parent’s Choice bags come in boxes of 100, which initially seemed like an overwhelming amount until I realized how quickly you go through them when pumping regularly. Each bag is individually sealed until use, which speaks to their commitment to cleanliness and food safety—something that became increasingly important to me as I learned more about proper milk handling.

The Safety Factor: BPA-Free and Pre-Sterilized

When it comes to anything that touches my baby’s food, safety is my top priority, and I’m sure it’s yours too. One of the first questions I had about these bags was whether they were BPA-free. The good news is yes, Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags are indeed BPA-free. This was non-negotiable for me, considering the potential health concerns associated with BPA (Bisphenol A) leaching into food, especially when heated.

Beyond being BPA-free, these bags come pre-sterilized, which was a major selling point for me. When you’re juggling a newborn, possibly recovering from birth, dealing with sleep deprivation, and trying to establish a pumping routine, the last thing you need is to worry about sterilizing storage containers. Each bag comes in its own sealed wrapper, meaning it’s ready to use right out of the box.

I remember in those early postpartum days, standing at my kitchen counter at 3 AM, bleary-eyed and trying to transfer milk from my pump parts to storage. The simplicity of tearing open a pre-sterilized bag rather than having to wash and sterilize a container first was genuinely a sanity-saver.

Capacity and Practicality: How Much Can They Hold?

Let’s talk capacity—Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags are designed to hold up to 6 ounces of breast milk. This might seem modest compared to some brands that advertise 8 or even 10-ounce capacities, but in my experience, the 6-ounce limit is actually quite practical.

When I first started pumping, I was obsessed with seeing those high numbers on my pump’s bottles. But as I learned more about proper storage and the recommended amounts for feeding, I realized that storing milk in smaller quantities is often more practical. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests feeding 1-4 ounces per feeding depending on your baby’s age, so having 6-ounce bags allows you to store appropriate feeding amounts without wasting milk when thawing.

One important note—while the bags can technically hold 6 ounces, I found it best to stick to about 5 ounces maximum. This allows room for the milk to expand when freezing and reduces the risk of the bag splitting at the seams. Nothing is more heartbreaking than finding leaked milk in your freezer after you worked so hard to pump it!

The bags feature clear measurement markings along the side, which I found to be reasonably accurate. However, I still got into the habit of measuring in the pump bottle first, then transferring to the bag. Call me paranoid, but when it comes to breast milk, I prefer to be exact!

The Freezer Test: How Do They Handle Long-Term Storage?

For many pumping moms, the ability to build a freezer stash is crucial—whether you’re preparing to return to work, wanting the flexibility for someone else to feed the baby, or simply creating an emergency supply. This means your storage bags need to stand up to freezing temperatures without compromising the milk inside.

Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags are indeed freezer-safe, and they’re designed with this purpose in mind. The plastic is thick enough to withstand the freezing process without becoming brittle or cracking—a problem I experienced with some cheaper alternatives before finding these.

In my own experience, I’ve stored milk in these bags for up to three months in a deep freezer with no issues. The CDC guidelines suggest that breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for up to 12 months, though 6 months is optimal for nutrition. While I haven’t personally tested the bags for that length of time, they seem sturdy enough to handle long-term freezing.

One aspect I particularly appreciate is how flat these bags freeze. The design allows you to lay them horizontally, creating thin, even packages of frozen milk that stack beautifully in the freezer. This was a game-changer for organizing my freezer stash compared to the awkward frozen towers I created with bottles or other storage containers.

The Double-Zip Seal: Leak Protection That Actually Works

Perhaps one of the most crucial features of any breast milk storage bag is its ability to prevent leaks. After all, breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold” for good reason—it’s precious, and losing even a small amount to leakage can be truly upsetting.

Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags feature a double-zip seal, which I found to be very reliable. The double-zipper design provides an extra layer of protection against leaks, and when properly sealed, these bags held up impressively well.

However, I must emphasize the phrase “when properly sealed.” Learning to close these bags correctly took a bit of practice. Here’s my tried-and-true method:

1. Fill the bag to the appropriate level (remembering to leave expansion room).
2. Squeeze out excess air from the top of the bag.
3. Close the inner zip seal first, making sure it’s completely closed from end to end.
4. Then secure the outer zip seal, again checking for complete closure.
5. Gently squeeze the bag near the seal to check for any potential leaks.

Taking these extra few seconds to properly seal each bag saved me countless ounces of breast milk over my pumping journey. I found that rushing the process often led to inadequate sealing and potential leaks, so this is definitely a step worth doing carefully.

The double-zip seal on Parent’s Choice bags is your first line of defense against heartbreaking milk loss—take the time to ensure it’s properly closed every single time.

Standing Upright: The Convenience Factor

A seemingly minor but surprisingly important feature of the Parent’s Choice bags is their ability to stand upright on their own. This self-standing design makes filling them significantly easier, especially when you’re trying to transfer milk directly from pump parts or bottles.

The bags have a wide bottom that provides stability, allowing you to set them down on a flat surface without needing to hold them or use a special holder. This might seem like a small detail, but when you’re sleep-deprived and trying to handle breast milk without spilling a drop, having a bag that doesn’t immediately tip over is remarkably helpful.

I found this feature particularly useful when pumping at work, where I had limited counter space in the lactation room and needed to manage multiple tasks at once. Being able to fill a bag and have it stand securely while I capped my pump parts or cleaned up made the whole process more manageable.

That said, once the bags start to fill with milk, they can become a bit top-heavy, so I wouldn’t recommend walking away from a partially filled bag. But for the filling process itself, the self-standing design is a definite plus.

How To Use Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using these bags might seem straightforward, but there are some techniques that can help you maximize their effectiveness and minimize waste. Here’s my detailed process after much trial and error:

Preparation

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any breast milk storage components.
2. Have your filled pump bottle(s) ready and a clean, flat surface to work on.
3. Remove one bag from the box, keeping others sealed until needed.
4. Inspect the bag for any holes, tears, or manufacturing defects before use.

Filling

1. Open the double-zip seal at the top of the bag.
2. If you’re using a compatible pump, you may be able to attach the bag directly to pump flanges with an adapter (sold separately).
3. If transferring from a bottle, hold the bag upright and carefully pour milk into the opening, using a funnel if needed to prevent spills.
4. Fill only to the 5-ounce line maximum, even though the bag is marked for 6 ounces, to allow room for expansion during freezing.

Sealing and Labeling

1. Squeeze out excess air from the top of the bag before sealing (this helps prevent freezer burn).
2. Seal both zipper closures carefully, running your fingers along the entire length to ensure complete closure.
3. Use the white label area to write:
   • Date and time the milk was expressed
   • Amount of milk in the bag
   • Any special notes (like if you ate something that might affect the milk’s flavor)
   • Baby’s name (important for daycare or shared freezer situations)

Storage

1. For refrigerator storage (up to 4 days): Place bags upright in a clean container to prevent tips and spills.
2. For freezer storage (up to 6 months in a regular freezer or 12 months in a deep freezer):
   • Lay bags flat to freeze, allowing milk to distribute evenly.
   • Once frozen, you can stand them up or file them vertically to save space.
   • Consider using a storage box or organizing system for your freezer.

Thawing and Using

1. Always use the oldest milk first (first in, first out).
2. Thaw frozen milk by placing the bag in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of warm water.
3. Never microwave breast milk or thaw using boiling water.
4. Once thawed, gently massage the bag to mix any separated fat back into the milk.
5. Cut or tear the bag open at the indicated corner and pour into a bottle for feeding.

One tip I discovered through experience: placing the bags in a cup or mug while filling helps keep them upright and stable, reducing the risk of spills during the transfer process.

The One-Time Use Question: Can They Be Reused?

In our increasingly environmentally-conscious world, many parents wonder about reusing breast milk storage bags to reduce waste. However, I need to be very clear on this point: Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags are designed for single use only and should not be reused.

There are several important reasons for this:

1. Sanitation: Once used, the bags are difficult to clean thoroughly enough to ensure they’re free from bacteria. Even tiny milk residue can harbor bacteria that could contaminate fresh milk.
2. Structural integrity: The material and seals are not designed to withstand multiple uses, washings, or sterilization procedures. Reusing bags significantly increases the risk of leaks or tears.
3. Safety: Attempting to clean and reuse bags might introduce cleaning chemicals or soap residue that could contaminate the milk.

I completely understand the desire to reduce waste—it’s something I struggled with throughout my pumping journey. If environmental impact is a major concern for you, you might consider:

• Using glass or food-grade silicone containers for milk that will be used within a few days in the refrigerator, saving bags primarily for freezer storage.
• Looking into reusable breast milk storage systems (though these tend to be more expensive upfront).
• Properly recycling the plastic bags if your local recycling program accepts them.

While it might be tempting to rinse and reuse, the risk of contamination or leakage simply isn’t worth it when it comes to your precious breast milk.

The Price Factor: Budget-Friendly Storage Solution

Let’s talk about one of the most compelling aspects of Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags: the price point. As a store brand, these bags are significantly more affordable than many name-brand alternatives, which was a major factor in my decision to try them.

At the time of my experience, a box of 100 Parent’s Choice bags cost around $10-12, while comparable quantities of premium brands like Lansinoh or Medela often ran $15-20 or more. For a mom who was pumping 4-5 times daily, going through approximately 20-25 bags per week, this price difference added up quickly.

Over a six-month exclusive pumping journey, I estimate I saved about $100-150 by using Parent’s Choice bags compared to premium brands. That might not sound like a fortune, but in the context of all the other baby expenses piling up, every bit of savings helped.

The question, of course, is whether the lower price comes with compromised quality. Based on my experience and the experiences of many other moms I’ve spoken with, the answer is largely no. While there are some minor differences in thickness and feel compared to premium brands, the core functionality—leak protection, freezer stability, and ease of use—remained comparable.

I did notice that occasionally a bag would have a manufacturing defect (like a small hole or incomplete seal), but this happened rarely—perhaps 2-3 bags out of every 100. Even premium brands aren’t immune to the occasional defective bag, so this didn’t strike me as a significant drawback given the cost savings.

Where to Find Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags

As a Walmart store brand, Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags are primarily available at Walmart stores and through Walmart.com. This exclusivity might be a drawback if you don’t have a Walmart nearby or prefer shopping elsewhere, but it also contributes to their lower price point.

I found that the bags were reliably in stock both in-store and online, which was important for me as I needed to replenish regularly. The ability to add them to my regular grocery pickup or delivery order was particularly convenient during those early postpartum months when getting out of the house with a newborn felt like planning an expedition.

If you’re preparing for a baby, I’d recommend stocking up on at least one box before birth if you plan to pump. While you won’t know exactly how much you’ll need until you establish your pumping routine, having them on hand from the beginning saves you from emergency shopping trips when you’re already exhausted from newborn care.

The Real Test: How Do Parent’s Choice Bags Compare to Premium Brands?

Many moms wonder how these budget-friendly bags stack up against popular premium brands like Lansinoh and Medela. Having tried multiple brands throughout my pumping journey, I can offer some honest comparisons.

Parent’s Choice vs. Lansinoh

Lansinoh bags are often considered the gold standard in breast milk storage, with their thick material and reliable double-zip seal. Here’s how Parent’s Choice compares:

• Thickness: Lansinoh bags feel slightly thicker and more substantial, though I didn’t find this translated to any practical difference in leak prevention.
• Seal: Both feature double-zip seals, though Lansinoh’s might be slightly easier to confirm closure with their distinctive “click” feel.
• Measurements: Lansinoh’s measurement markings seemed marginally more accurate in my experience.
• Pump Compatibility: Lansinoh bags can attach directly to Lansinoh pumps without an adapter, while Parent’s Choice requires separate adapters for direct pumping.
• Price: Parent’s Choice wins significantly here, often costing 30-40% less than Lansinoh.

Overall, Lansinoh edges ahead on some features, but not enough to justify the price difference for many budget-conscious parents.

Parent’s Choice vs. Medela

Medela is another premium brand with a loyal following:

• Design: Medela bags have a different shape with a tab at the top, which some find easier to handle, while Parent’s Choice has a more standard rectangular design.
• Stand-Up Feature: Both stand upright when empty, though Medela’s design seems slightly more stable when partially filled.
• Seal Type: Medela uses a different closure system than the double-zip on Parent’s Choice, which some find more secure while others prefer the zip-style.
• Volume: Medela bags typically hold up to 5 ounces comfortably, slightly less than the 6-ounce capacity of Parent’s Choice.
• Price: Again, Parent’s Choice is significantly more economical.

In my experience, both performed their core function well, with the choice coming down to personal preference on design features versus cost savings.

Real Mom Reviews: What Others Are Saying

While my experience with Parent’s Choice bags was largely positive, I wanted to include perspectives from other moms to provide a more comprehensive picture. Based on conversations with my mom groups and online reviews, here’s what other parents have to say:

Sarah, mom of twins: “The cost savings was huge for me since I was pumping for two babies. I probably went through 200 bags a month! I had a few leaks here and there, but no more than I did with the expensive brands I tried initially.”

Jamie, exclusive pumper: “I was skeptical about using a store brand for something so important, but after a friend recommended them, I gave them a try. The double-zip seal was actually better than some pricier bags I had used before.”

Tina, working mom: “I like that they freeze flat and take up less space in my work fridge and freezer. The measurements aren’t perfect, but I always measure in the bottle first anyway.”

Ashley, occasional pumper: “I had more leaking issues than with Lansinoh, but for the price difference, I just doubled-bagged the ones going in the freezer long-term and still came out ahead cost-wise.”

The consensus seems to be that while not perfect, Parent’s Choice bags offer remarkable value for their price point, with most users finding them comparable to premium brands in the functions that matter most.

Labeling and Organization Tips

One aspect of milk storage that became increasingly important as my freezer stash grew was proper labeling and organization. Parent’s Choice bags feature a white writable area at the top specifically for labeling—a simple but essential feature.

I found that regular ballpoint pens worked well on this surface without smearing, even after freezing and thawing. Some moms prefer using special breast milk storage bag labels or even masking tape for more detailed information, but I found the built-in label area sufficient for my needs.

Beyond just dating your milk, here are some organizational tips I developed over months of pumping:

1. Use a first-in, first-out system: I organized my freezer stash in chronological order, using plastic bins labeled by month to make rotation easy.
2. Color code by time of day: Some babies are sensitive to the varying composition of breast milk throughout the day. I used colored dots on bags to indicate morning, afternoon, or evening milk.
3. Note any dietary specifics: If you’ve eaten something that might affect milk flavor (like garlic or spicy food), it’s helpful to note this on the bag.
4. Record ounces clearly: I always wrote the exact amount in large numbers to make it easy to grab the right portion size when preparing bottles.
5. Freeze in varying amounts: I stored milk in 2-ounce, 3-ounce, and 4-ounce portions to accommodate my baby’s changing needs without wasting thawed milk.

Proper labeling and organization of your stored breast milk can save you time, reduce waste, and help maintain your milk’s quality over time.

Long-Term Storage Guidelines

Understanding proper storage guidelines is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your expressed breast milk. While the bags themselves are important, how you store them makes a significant difference in milk preservation.

According to the CDC and La Leche League guidelines, breast milk can be stored for:

• Room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C): 4 hours optimally, up to 6-8 hours under very clean conditions
• Refrigerator (39°F/4°C or colder): Up to 4 days optimally, 5-8 days under very clean conditions
• Freezer compartment inside refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
• Freezer with separate door from refrigerator: Up to 6 months
• Deep freezer (0°F/-18°C or colder): 6-12 months

Parent’s Choice bags performed well within these guidelines in my experience. For refrigerator storage, I found placing filled bags in a clean container prevented accidental punctures and kept my refrigerator organized.

For freezer storage, I developed a system of freezing bags flat initially (like laying books down), then once frozen, standing them up vertically in plastic containers (like filing books on a shelf). This maximized my freezer space and made it easy to see dates and amounts at a glance.

One important note: I discovered that storing bags away from the freezer door reduced the risk of partial thawing during frequent opening and closing, which can compromise milk quality over time.

The Environmental Consideration

One downside to single-use plastic milk storage bags is their environmental impact. As someone concerned about plastic waste, this aspect of pumping was difficult for me to reconcile with my environmental values.

Parent’s Choice bags are made of plastic and are not biodegradable. While the packaging indicates they’re recyclable, many recycling programs don’t accept this type of plastic, especially once it’s been used for food storage.

If environmental impact is a significant concern for you, consider:

1. Using the bags primarily for long-term freezer storage while opting for reusable containers for milk that will be used within a few days.
2. Maximizing each bag’s use by storing the full recommended amount rather than using multiple partially-filled bags.
3. Looking into mail-in recycling programs specifically for breast milk bags (these do exist, though they’re not widely available).
4. Weighing the environmental impact against other factors like cost and convenience to make the best overall choice for your family.

While not an ideal solution from an environmental perspective, the reality is that for many pumping mothers, disposable storage bags remain the most practical option during an already challenging period of life.

Final Thoughts: Are Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags Right for You?

After six months of exclusive pumping and another six of combination feeding and pumping, my overall verdict on Parent’s Choice Breast Milk Storage Bags is positive. They provided a reliable, budget-friendly solution for storing my precious breast milk, with functionality comparable to much more expensive alternatives.

These bags might be right for you if:

• You’re mindful of your baby budget and looking for cost-effective solutions
• You need a large quantity of storage bags for regular pumping
• You value basic functionality over premium features
• You shop at Walmart regularly or have easy access to their products

You might want to consider other options if:

• You’re pumping infrequently and only need a small number of bags (making the cost difference less significant)
• You need bags that directly connect to your specific pump without adapters
• You’ve had negative experiences with store brands in the past
• You prioritize premium features like thicker material or specialized designs

Ultimately, the “best” storage bag is the one that works reliably for your specific situation and needs. For many moms, including myself, Parent’s Choice offers an excellent balance of performance and value.

The journey of pumping and storing breast milk is deeply personal, and finding products that support this journey reliably is invaluable—whether those are budget options or premium brands.

Remember that whatever storage solution you choose, you’re doing an amazing job providing for your baby. The fact that you’re researching options and reading detailed reviews shows your dedication. Trust your instincts, consider your priorities, and know that with proper handling techniques, your liquid gold will be well-preserved regardless of the brand name on the bag.