Top Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Breast Milk Storage Options
A Note to You, From a Breastfeeding Mama
First of all—hi, mama. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re somewhere in the thick of breastfeeding or pumping, and I just want to tell you: you’re doing an amazing job. Whether you’re nursing a tiny newborn or chasing a toddler while still breastfeeding (hi, that’s me—I’m still nursing my 2 ½-year-old!), I see you. And your little one is so lucky to have you.
I’m a Registered Nurse, and when I went back to work part-time after maternity leave, I entered the world of pumping—and quickly realized just how overwhelming it can be to figure out safe, eco-friendly ways to store breast milk. After trying all the things, I found a rhythm and a few products that I genuinely love and trust.
This post is my little gift to you: a guide to the best non-toxic and eco-friendly breast milk storage options. Because your baby’s health and our planet’s future both matter.
Check out the Top 10 Non-Toxic & Breathable Breastfeeding Covers for Moms on the Go!
What is Chemical Leaching (and Why Should We Care)?
Here’s the thing—plastic storage bags and bottles are everywhere. But plastics, even the so-called “safer” ones, can leach harmful chemicals into your milk, especially when heated, scratched, or frozen.
Many companies tout “BPA-free” labels, but here’s the truth: when they take one harmful chemical out, they often replace it with another we’ll all learn about years later. That means what feels “safe” today may turn out to be harmful tomorrow.
These chemicals can disrupt hormones, mess with your baby’s endocrine system, and even increase risks for reproductive issues down the line. And when it comes to something as precious as breast milk (aka liquid gold), that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
For more information on the dangers of plastics, check out this post on Moms Clean Air Force: Chemicals in Plastics Damage Babies’ Brains, Experts Warn
Are Silicone Bags Safe for Breast Milk?
Silicone is often marketed as a safer, more sustainable choice—and in many ways, it is. It’s endlessly reusable and doesn’t contain the same harmful substances that plastics do.
That said, there’s a catch worth knowing: silicone can leach at higher rates when in direct contact with fatty substances. And since breast milk is naturally 3–5% fat (which is amazing for brain development!), this is something to consider.
Personally, I feel the risk is low enough that I’d use silicone bags when needed, especially over plastic breast milk bags—but I do prefer glass jars when I can.
Check out the 10 Best Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Baby Bottles!
The Best Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Breast Milk Storage Options
If you’re ready to ditch the single-use plastics and choose safer alternatives, here are my top recommendations:
1. Glass Jars and Bottles
Glass is hands-down the safest choice. It’s free from plastics, won’t leach harmful chemicals, and is endlessly recyclable (hello, sustainability!).
When I first started pumping, I used plastic bags you pump directly into, then froze them. If I could go back, I’d skip them entirely and start with glass. It gives me so much peace of mind.
2. Stainless Steel
If you’re pumping on the go, the Ceres Chill Breast Milk Cooler is incredible. It’s made from stainless steel, keeps milk cold for up to 20 hours (while holding 27 ounces of breastmilk), and can hold up to 34 ounces.
It’s double-walled, free from BPA, BPS, DEHP, and lead—and a total game-changer for busy moms.
3. Zip Top Silicone Breast Milk Storage - Made in the USA
Made in the USA, these Zip Top silicone bags are endlessly reusable and crafted from 100% food-grade silicone.
While silicone has that fatty-milk caveat I mentioned earlier, these are still a much safer and more sustainable choice than plastic.
They’re free from BPA, PVC, latex, lead, and phthalates—and I know plenty of moms who swear by them.
4. Junobie Infant/Toddler Milk Storage Bags
Another silicone option worth considering, Junobie bags are freezer- and dishwasher-safe with a wide opening (so much easier for pouring).
Made from 100% food-grade silicone, they’re free from the bad stuff (BPA, BPS, PVC, lead, latex, phthalates).
Reusable, safer than plastic, and super practical—what more could you ask for?
Some Breastmilk Safety Reminders
To Warm or Thaw:
place in a bowl of warm (not hot) water to preserve nutrients
never microwave breastmilk (risk for hot spots that can burn your baby's mouth)
Be sure to read these up-to-date safety tips for Storing Human Milk from La Leche League International.
Check out The 10 Best Organic Nursing and Maternity Bras!
Practical Tips for Safe and Sustainable Breast Milk Storage
As new moms, we work so hard to pump and save every ounce of that precious breast milk—so the last thing we want is for it to be compromised by unsafe storage. I learned quickly that how we store our milk matters almost as much as pumping it in the first place.
If you’re just getting started with breast pumps and storage, here are some tips that have helped me (and can make a positive impact on both your baby and Mother Earth):
Choose glass bottles or small mason jars over plastic bottles or containers. Glass storage containers won’t leach bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, or microplastics into your baby’s breastmilk, even with long-term contact. I love Weck jars and Ball mason jars with stainless steel lids. They’re easy to clean with soft bristle brushes or soft sponges, and you can reuse them for baby food later!
Try reusable silicone storage options. Products like the Haakaa silicone milk storage bag, Junobie reusable breastmilk storage bags, or silicone ice cube trays (like MyMilk trays) are designed to keep baby’s breastmilk safe without contributing to the pile of plastic freezer bags in landfills. These are leakproof, easy to thaw in a bowl of warm water in just 2–3 minutes, and hold up well to everyday use.
Organize for success. An organization box can help keep your frozen milk neatly arranged in the freezer. Always label with the date, rotate older milk to the front, and always use breastmilk within the recommended time frame.
At the end of the day, safe storage isn’t just about protecting your little one from endocrine disruption or other health risks—it’s also about making thoughtful choices that reduce waste and protect the natural environment for the long run. Every decision, whether it’s swapping to a glass bottle or choosing a reusable storage bag, really does have a ripple effect.
My Favorite Breastfeeding Products
I also wanted to share some of my favorite breastfeeding and pumping essentials with you. These have made such a difference for me while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and pumping are big jobs, and I want you to have all the resources and support you need to have a beautiful breastfeeding journey with your little one(s)!
Silverette Nursing Cups
These have quite literally saved my nipples more times than I can count. From an initially poor newborn latch to cluster feeding, there were many times where my nipples were sore and needing some TLC. From my very first use, my sore nipples were immediately soothed by these silverettes, and I have sworn by them ever since. They are my #1 recommendation to ALL breastfeeding mamas. I keep them in my nightstand to this day, just in case!
Pro tip: Express some colostrum or breastmilk into your Silverettes before wearing for extra soothing and healing magic!
They also have a recycling program where you can send back your Silverettes at the end of your breastfeeding journey, and they will turn them into a silver charm for you - a beautiful, sentimental reminder of your breastfeeding journey with your little one.
100% hand-made in Italy
Made from 925 silver (aka sterling silver)
Willow 360 Hands Free Breast Pump
The Willow 360, Wearable Breast Pump is my absolute favorite - looking back, I would absolutely buy it again! It is effective, comfortable and hands-free.
Totally wearable, fits fully in bra with no cords!
Hospital-grade suction
Auto-adjusting smart suction
Direct pump control, app control, or apple watch control
100% leak proof
360 mobility while wearing (you can literally do yoga while you pump (not that I ever have, but it’s cool to know that I can haha!)
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, mama, what matters most is that you’re nourishing your baby. If plastic bags are your only option right now, please don’t feel guilty—you’re still giving your baby the best gift possible: your milk.
But if you’re ready to take the next step toward safer, more eco-friendly breast milk storage, these options—glass, stainless steel, and reusable silicone—are great places to start.
Here’s to protecting our babies’ health, caring for the planet, and supporting each other through this beautiful, messy, exhausting, amazing breastfeeding journey.
Latest on the blog
