The 7 Best Breast Pump Bags of 2024

If you pump breast milk, whether daily or occasionally, a bag to store and tote your breast pump and all its associated accessories is a lifesaver. Bags created especially for this purpose make packing up and finding everything you need incredibly easy and convenient. 

“Anyone pumping expressed breast milk would benefit greatly from a breast pump bag,” says Amanda Leddy, RDN, CLC, a certified lactation counselor and pediatric dietitian in Flint, Michigan. You’ll want to choose a pump bag that’s comfortable to carry, fits your specific breast pump, and has a way to keep your freshly pumped liquid gold safe and cool until you can get it home. 

To choose the best breast pump bags, we spoke with parents and a lactation expert to learn about their favorites and what to look for in a breast pump bag. Then we scoured the market, researching each product’s specifications, features, materials, and quality. Our picks include bags that are terrific for toting any type of breast pump, including wearable and other portable options. 

Our Favorite Breast Pump Bags

Why We Like It

This sleek, stylish bag has all the storage you need to carry your breast pump and its accessories, plus plenty of room for personal items. The pump compartment fits all pumps on the market, while the double insulated pockets keep milk cold for up to six hours when stored with an ice pack. The inside has plenty of extra pockets to organize supplies and a secure tech sleeve for your laptop or other devices.

Two strap options allow you to hold the bag by hand or wear it as a crossbody bag for easy, hands-free carrying. And you don’t have to worry about ruining the fabric with spilled milk—the durable nylon fabric is easy to wipe clean. 

But Take Note

With this much storage space, it can get heavy and difficult to carry with the shoulder strap. While there is space for a pump of any size, larger pumps may make some interior storage (like the laptop sleeve) unusable. 

The Details:

• Material: Nylon with leather straps
• Size: 15 x 7 x 16.75 inches

Why We Like It

For a durable, comfortable backpack that can keep your pump, supplies, and milk secure, experts and moms love the Willow Pump Anywhere Bag. The bag fits Willow 3.0, Willow Go, or any wearable hands-free pump. “Its design is sleek and compact for hands-free pumping,” says Leddy, “it can hold a pump and pump supplies along with small personal items.”  

The top half of the bag keeps your pump secure, while the bottom half acts as an insulated cooler to keep up to 30 ounces of milk cold. The cooler is removable so it can be stowed separately in a refrigerator. Leddy also loves that this bag is water-resistant and has three strap configurations. It can be worn as a backpack, crossbody, or over-the-shoulder. 

But Take Note

This backpack is specifically for wearable pumps, not traditional breast pumps. 

The Details:

• Size: 15.5 x 7.25 x 14 inches
• Material: Vegan leather shell and polyester lining

Why We Like It

This oversized, zip-close tote has enough space for your breast pump and anything else you may need to carry. We love that its simple design and neutral colors go with most styles. “This bag is at a great price point of around $50 and is compatible with many different breast pumps,” says Leddy, who also loves that it’s large enough to hold a pump, supplies, and plenty of personal items.

Two interior stretch pockets can hold supplies, notebooks, or a laptop, and the small zippered interior pouch is handy for keeping keys, pens, and other small items securely stowed in an easy-to-grab location. 

But Take Note

While there’s plenty of room to store bottles and supplies, you’ll need a cooler bag to keep your milk chilled since this tote does not have insulated pockets. 

The Details:

• Size: Not available
• Material: Polyester with faux leather trim. 

Why We Like It

This fashionable backpack will last well beyond the pumping stage, and we love that it comes from a small business. In addition to being worn as a backpack, the included clips make the bag easy to attach to a stroller or shopping cart, while the trolley sleeve sees it seamlessly slip onto luggage handles, making it a great pick for travel. 

Its lower side compartment fits most electric breast pumps, and the easy-access outer pockets allow you to quickly grab everyday items like your water bottle or cell phone. Thanks to the padded tech sleeve that holds laptops up to 17 inches, you can use it as a work bag. A D-ring on the front conveniently holds keys, hand sanitizer, or accessories.

But Take Note

There’s no insulated section of this bag to keep milk cold, so you’ll need to buy a separate cooler. 

The Details:

• Size: 9.7 x 6.7 x 16.75 inches
• Material: Polyester

Why We Like It

The Kiinde Anika Pump Bag is budget-friendly and boasts tons of features. The zippered pump pocket holds most electric breast pumps and even has a grommet that allows you to charge your pump without opening the compartment. The opposite side pouch features an insulated cooler that keeps milk fresh when stored with ice packs. 

The bag itself is water-resistant and wipeable. It also has a zippered top that opens for extra storage and various side pockets to keep your accessories and supplies secure and easily accessible. 

But Take Note

This bag is a bit on the flimsy and unstructured side. 

The Details:

• Size: 14.75 x 9 .25 x 14.25 inches
• Material: Nylon

Why We Like It

This backpack fits most pumps in the convenient side pocket and has an insulated cooler for milk, a tech pocket for your laptop, and plenty of upper compartment storage for all your accessories and work needs. The top opens “doctor bag style,” so you can easily use one hand to grab what you need, and the numerous pockets keep everything secure and easy to locate. 

Wear it as a backpack, or carry this all-in-one pump bag with the large top handle. The outer nylon shell is easy to wipe clean and comes in three neutral colors to match any professional aesthetic. 

But Take Note

The side pockets that hold the pump and cooler “float” inside the bag instead of being separate compartments. This could lead to small items like keys getting lost in the bottom of the bag. This design also means you must remove everything from the top part of the bag when putting your pump back into the side compartment. 

The Details:

• Size: 13.5 x 7 x 16.5 inches
• Material: Nylon

Why We Like It

If you’re looking to buy a pump and bag all in one, the Medela Pump in Style is one of the best. “This bag kept all my things for my pumping journey in one place and made it very convenient to travel with, which made things so much easier,” says Casey Schmitt, a mom from Saginaw, Michigan, who stores everything from nursing bras, breastfeeding balms, covers, blankets, and nursing pads in the tote. 

In addition to seamlessly storing the included Medela pump, the bag also comes with a removable insulated cooler with contoured ice packs that fit snuggly around the four included breast milk bottles, keeping everything fresh and cold. 

But Take Note

The bag is not sold separately, which is inconvenient if you already have the pump or the bag gets damaged and you need a replacement. 

The Details:

• Size: 14.25 x 7 x 11.75 inches
• Material: Not disclosed

Our Review Process 

To find the best breast pump bags, we reviewed the top options on the market. We made our selections based on input from experts and pumping parents, as well as by assessing each product on the following criteria:

• Size and pockets: A breast pump bag should be big enough to hold your pump and accessories, with space for other items you may need for yourself or your baby, such as breast pads, a pumping bra, wallet, phone, and keys. “Something too small would require another bag, and moms don’t need the hassle of another bag!” Leddy adds. We prioritized bags with specific pockets for cold storage, personal items, and electronic devices because they can prevent you from carrying several bags. 
• Material: A breast pump bag is bound to get messy, especially when used with multiple children. We looked at the material’s durability, water resistance, and ease of cleaning. 
• Style: Since a breast pump bag will likely be carried everywhere, we looked for sleek, minimalist bags that match any style and don’t necessarily announce their contents.

Our Experts

We asked parents what they love about their breast pump bag and how they decided which one to purchase. We also spoke with an expert to learn more about what to look for in breast pump bags and how to use them safely when it comes to breastmilk pumping and storage. Our expert for this article was Amanda Leddy, RDN, CLC, a pediatric dietitian and certified lactation counselor in Flint, Michigan.  

Factors to Consider When Buying a Breast Pump Bag

• Size and Capacity: You want a bag large enough to fit your specific pump, its accessories, and some personal items. 
• Insulation: “Make sure that your breast milk is kept safe and at a cool temperature during travel and day-to-day activities,” says Leddy. Choose a bag with an insulated compartment or space to hold a separate cooler. 
• Style: Do you want an over-the-shoulder tote or a backpack? Depending on how you plan to use your bag, its overall look may be a deciding factor. Along with the type of bag, pay attention to the style, colors, and straps. “Bags with thick straps that are crossbody or backpack are usually the most comfortable to carry,” says Leddy. 
• Pump Type: While most breast pump bags have space for electric breast pumps, some are only for small wearable or manual pumps, and others can hold only specific brands. Before buying a breast pump bag, ensure it’s compatible with your breast pump. 

How to Use a Breast Pump Bag Safely

One of the most important aspects of pumping on the go is keeping your breast milk cool until you can get it to a refrigerator or freezer. Breast milk must be stored and cooled properly to keep it safe for the baby to consume. “Breastmilk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with freezer packs for up to 24 hours per the CDC guidelines,” says Leddy. Choose a breast pump bag with an insulated storage container or pocket that can hold milk and ice packs or one with enough space to tuck in a separate cooler. 

Other Breast Pump Accessories to Consider

In addition to a breast pump, there are plenty of other accessories you may find helpful on your breastfeeding journey. Consider pumping bras or nursing bras for easy pumping and breastfeeding access, breast milk bags for convenient breastmilk storage, and lifelike bottles to help your breastfed baby easily accept bottle feedings. When packing your pump bag, be sure to include items like tubing, bottles, nipple cream, breast pads, an extra shirt, hand sanitizer, and wipes.  

Why Should I Buy a Bag for My Breast Pump? 

A bag dedicated to your breast pump and all its accessories can make life much easier, especially if you pump regularly. A pump bag can be handy whether you mostly pump at work and need a commuting bag, or you just want a compact, central place to keep everything for home pumping sessions. They can also be useful for longer trips, whether for work or vacation.

Can I Use My Breast Pump Bag as a Diaper Bag? 

Some breast pump bags are large enough to double as diaper bags. If you want to carry just one bag for your breast pump, supplies, and baby’s items, choose a bag with enough space and compartments to house everything in an organized fashion. 

Are There Breast Pump Bags Designed to Carry Frozen Breast Milk?

Not all breast pump bags are specifically designed to carry breast milk and keep it cold, although many do feature coolers. Look for bags with closed and insulated compartments or enough space to hold a separate cooler. While frozen breast milk will begin to thaw when outside a freezer, keeping the bottles in an insulated bag with several contoured ice packs should buy you plenty of time to get to a refrigerator. Never refreeze thawed milk.

Who We Are

Kelsey Kunik, RD, is a mom of two, registered dietitian, freelance writer, and nutrition consultant. She breastfed and pumped for both of her babies, adding personal insight into the unique experience of a mom who has experienced combination feeding. She used her experience as a consumer, insights from other parents, research, and expert interviews to write this article.