What to Pack in Your Breast Pump Bag
Pumping moms figure out pretty quickly that new parent life will include pumping in less-than-ideal spots—at work, while traveling, at grandma’s—and that even short trips will require mobile pumping supplies.
Having a packing routine and knowing what’s essential for pumping on-the-go will make trips out of the house less stressful, and will prevent accidentally forgetting a crucial pump part. Our breast pump bag checklist will keep you organized and ensure your bag is prepped for stress-free pumping.
The Spectra S1 is an ultra quiet and hospital grade pump (meaning it’s powerful enough to fully empty your breast and will make pumping sessions way more efficient). A rechargeable three hour battery is ideal for mobile pumping, and its massage mode imitates a nursing baby and makes pumping less uncomfortable. (Don’t forget your power cord!)
Spectra Premium Accessory Kit Replacement Parts
Having an extra set of pump parts handy is a good thing, no matter where you’re pumping. But the amount you may need will depend on how frequently you’ll pump and your wash routine: If you plan to clean your pump parts immediately and reuse after every session, you’ll need less; if you plan to use clean parts every pump session you’ll need more.
It’s worth noting that in 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created guidelines for keeping your breast pump clean. They recommend washing parts between every session as soon as possible.
Make sure you have enough empty bottles and caps to get through every pumping session. While most breast pumps do include milk storage bottles, it’s likely you’ll want extras while pumping on-the-go to avoid extra clean up and the need to transfer milk to storage bags.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
If your electric breast pump suddenly goes on the fritz, you’ll need a backup plan to avoid serious discomfort and engorgement. The Medela manual pump is efficient, quiet, and easy to clean.
Medela Quick Clean Breastpump & Accessory Wipes
When you need to pump somewhere without a sink or place to wash your pump parts, you’ll need a quick way to clean up that doesn’t require water. These portable wipes allow for easy hygienic cleaning and will help prevent tough-to-clean milk build up. Just remember that you’ll still want to do a thorough scrub with soap and water before using the parts again.
You’ll want to wash and sanitize your hands before each pumping session. This Zoey Naturals sanitizer effectively kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals and cleanses without water. It smells like a dream and won’t leave your hands feeling sticky.
OXO Tot On-the-Go Drying Rack with Bottle Brush
If you’re traveling and know you’ll be able to use a hotel sink (or have access to a sink at your workplace), this travel kit will make cleaning up away from home less of a hassle. A compact case opens into a drying rack for bottles and pump parts with ventilation for quick drying, and a full-size bottle brush and silicone nipple are tucked neatly inside. Just remember, always wash bottles and pump parts in a clean basin used exclusively for infant feeding items, and never directly in the sink.
PackIt Freezable Mini Lunch Bag
If you have a fridge available, you may not necessarily need to use a cooler (breast milk is fine at room temperature for up to four hours), but it can be helpful if you aren’t heading straight home or you want to contain spills. The PackIt Freezable Mini Lunch Bag is lined on all sides with built-in freezable gel, so your milk will be kept cool for up to ten hours. And it’s roomy enough to hold multiple bottles.
Dr. Brown’s Disposable Breast Pads
These soft and disposable breast pads will prevent leaks and are super absorbent, ensuring that you stay dry and comfy. A sticking backing keeps them from shifting inside your bra, and each set of two pads is wrapped together so you’ll always have a matching pair ready when on-the-go.
Simple Wishes Adjustable Hands Free Pumping Bra
The Simple Wishes pumping bra is incredibly easy to put on—just zip it up in the front—and has enough stretch to wear over nursing bras for convenient hands free pumping without needing to change (especially awesome if there’s no dedicated lactation space available). The oversized 10” velcro band allows for a customized fit as your postpartum body changes, as well.
If you’d rather not have to deal with an additional bra meant just for pumping, the Bodily Do Anything Bra is a hybrid nursing bra that’s our favorite option for all-day wear. For pumping sessions, just slip the flanges through openings in the side of the bra cups; for nursing, just unclip the flaps like a traditional nursing bra. Its front adjustment means you won’t need to be double jointed to get a comfy and custom fit.
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
Slathering a nipple balm on flanges makes for a way more comfortable pumping session. 100% organic Earth Mama Nipple Butter is buttery, full of good-for-you botanicals, lanolin-free, and non-sticky. It moisturizes dry skin (try it on your lips or elbows!), keeps your nipples happy, and is safe for your baby—no need to wash before nursing sessions.
Skip Hop Grab & Go Wet/Dry Bag
You’ll need to keep your pump parts and bottles stored between pumping sessions, and Skip Hop’s wet and dry bag will keep them clean, organized, and contained. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option (as opposed to single-use plastic zipper bags).
Copper Pearl Knit Swaddle Blanket
A blanket can provide coverage while pumping, keep you warm in chilly spaces, and prevent milk from leaking onto your clothes. Copper Pearl’s swaddle blankets are super soft and extra-large, so they’re large enough to drape across your shoulders and cover your entire upper body. (They’re also our favorite blanket for newborn swaddling.)
Wondering how much you’ll need to pump while at work? A typical schedule may look like:
- If returning to work after three months, three pumping sessions lasting about fifteen minutes each (plan to pump every three hours).
- At six months, two pumping sessions lasting 20-25 minutes (morning and afternoon).
- At nine months, one pumping session lasting 30-45 minutes (midday).
Adjustment (of course) may be required to accommodate your work schedule and your milk supply level.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re Type A—or just have room to spare in your bag—these extras will prove useful:
- In-a-pinch milk storage bags if you forget bottles (or don’t have enough).
- An extra top for you just in case you leak or spill while pumping.
- Snacks and a water bottle, because breastfeeding requires major calorie loading and serious hydration.
- A small hand towel so you’ll have a clean spot to lay out your bottles and pump parts.
- Your phone (looking at a photo of your baby can help with let-down).
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at [email protected].