How to Store Breast Milk Safely: Do’s and Don’ts for New Mums

Whether you're breastfeeding full-time or pumping on a schedule, storing breast milk properly is essential for your baby's health and safety. From maintaining nutritional value to preventing contamination, the way you store your milk can make a big difference.

At Eonian Care, we’ve put together the most important do’s and don’ts of storing expressed breast milk—especially when using milk storage bags. These tips will help you avoid waste, ensure hygiene, and get the most out of every drop of liquid gold.


Do’s: Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk

Following these best practices will help preserve the quality of your milk and keep your baby safe.


1. Label Every Bag Clearly

When storing breast milk in the fridge or freezer, always label each storage bag with:

  • The date and time the milk was expressed

  • Your baby’s name (especially if donating)

  • The estimated volume

Using a permanent marker ensures that labels won’t smudge or fade.


2. Store Milk Flat and Organised

Lay milk bags flat when freezing to save space and make thawing easier. Store them in a container or organiser and rotate based on the earliest date expressed so that older milk gets used first.


3. Fill Bags Correctly—Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Fill each bag close to its recommended capacity but avoid overfilling. For example, the Eonian Care Breast Milk Storage Bags hold up to 200ml. Overfilling can lead to bag rupture when the milk expands during freezing.


4. Remove Excess Air Before Sealing

Before sealing, gently squeeze out the air from the top of the bag. This minimises freezer burn and maximises freshness while reducing the risk of leaks.


5. Double-Check the Seal

Ensure every milk bag is completely sealed. A loose zip can lead to spills, leaks, or contamination. Always close them tightly and test the seal before placing it in storage.


6. Keep a Marker in Your Pumping Kit

Having a marker on hand ensures you can immediately label your bags after pumping and storing breast milk, preventing mix-ups or forgetfulness.


Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Breast Milk

Avoid these errors to ensure your pumped breast milk stays fresh and safe.


1. Don’t Overfill the Bags

When storing breast milk in the freezer, remember that liquid expands. Overfilled bags are more likely to burst or split at the seams. Stick to the bag’s capacity—200ml for Eonian Care’s milk bags.


2. Don’t Store Bags Against Freezer Doors or on Their Side

Always place milk bags upright or flat on a shelf—not in the freezer door or wedged between items. This ensures even freezing and avoids unnecessary pressure on the seams.


3. Don’t Skip Labeling or Sealing

Never store unlabeled or loosely sealed milk bags. Improper labeling may result in expired milk being used, while unsealed bags increase contamination risks.


4. Don’t Skip Hygiene Practices

Always wash your hands and sanitise pump parts before handling milk. Clean equipment is crucial when storing collected breast milk to protect your baby’s sensitive immune system.


Why Proper Milk Storage Matters?

When done right, storing breast milk preserves its nutritional value, protects your baby from harmful bacteria, and makes feeding easier for parents who pump regularly or are building a freezer stash. It's especially important for mums who plan to donate milk to other babies in need.


Eonian Care Breast Milk Storage Bags

Looking for the best way to store breast milk in the fridge or freezer? Try our Eonian Care Breast Milk Storage Bags, designed with both safety and convenience in mind.

✅ 30-pack of pre-sterilised, BPA-free bags
✅ Compatible with wide and narrow neck breast pumps (2 included adapters)
✅ Leak-proof, extra-thick, and freezer-safe
✅ Compact, self-standing design for space-saving storage
✅ 200ml capacity—perfect for single feeding portions

Shop Eonian Care Milk Storage Bags →

 

Final Thoughts

Learning how to store breast milk after pumping doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a few good habits, you can ensure your baby receives safe, nutrient-rich milk with every feed. Follow these simple do’s and don’ts and trust in Eonian Care’s smart solutions to support your breastfeeding journey.