In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Sarah Wells Kelly Review

A lightweight yet roomy and versatile carry bag that can hold larger pumps while you use them, and is comfortable to carry
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Sarah Wells Kelly Review (The Kelly has a large main compartment and a place for your laptop and other supplies.)
The Kelly has a large main compartment and a place for your laptop and other supplies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $130 List
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Manufacturer:   Sarah Wells
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Dec 19, 2019
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 6
  • Ease of Use - 35% 7.0
  • Quality - 25% 6.0
  • Weight/Bulk - 25% 7.0
  • Style - 15% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Sarah Well Kelly is a large versatile bag that can carry everything you need for a full day at work or on the go. The Kelly includes a large side pocket that fits every pump on the market including some large hospital-grade pumps. The pocket is also insulated and when paired with ice packs can keep items cool for up to 6 hours. This bag also has space for a laptop and other supplies with pockets to help keep everything organized. The Kelly is a stylish bag that doesn't look like a pump bag and it can be used as a backpack, tote or shoulder carry bag, depending on your personal choice. This Sarah Wells bag is somewhat spendy, so it might not be the best choice for moms on a budget. However, it is nicer quality than most of the competition and its ability to hold most everything means you can use it long after your pumping days are over making the higher price worth the investment. Our best breast pump bags review offers more details on how the Kelly compares to competitors.
REASONS TO BUY
Well-padded straps
Metal feet
Multiple carry options
Wipes clean
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to adjust straps
Only one insulated pocket

Compare to Similar Products

 
sarah wells kelly
This Product
Sarah Wells Kelly
Awards Top Pick Award
Perfect for Larger Pumps
Editors' Choice Award
Our Favorite for Organization
Best Value Award
Quality On a Budget
  
Price $130 List
$130.00 at Amazon
$200 List
$199.00 at Amazon
$50 List$54 List
$39.99 at Amazon
$50 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Versatile carry bag with roomy interior that holds larger pumps and wipes cleanThis bag has top notch quality to the last detail, and will keep pumping moms happyA well-structured bag made with quality materials that will lastA roomy interior will fit everything you need for a day out, although it lacks some organizational featuresA simple bag that holds what you need to pump on-the-go without breaking the bank
Rating Categories Sarah Wells Kelly Sarah Wells Abby Nanobébé Duet Mommore Breast Pump... Dr. Brown's Carryall
Ease of Use (35%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
Quality (25%)
6.0
7.0
7.0
2.0
4.0
Weight/Bulk (25%)
7.0
3.0
3.0
7.0
7.0
Style (15%)
5.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
3.0
Specs Sarah Wells Kelly Sarah Wells Abby Nanobébé Duet Mommore Breast Pump... Dr. Brown's Carryall
Dimensions 12.25"W x 7"D x 15"H 16.75"W x 7"D x 15"H 17.3"W x 6"D x 13.8"H 16"W x 8"D x 12"H 12.5"W x 7"D x 15.7"H
Weight 1.4 lbs 2.5 lbs 2.4 lbs 1.6 lbs 1.4 lbs
Carry Style Tote/Backpack Tote/Crossbody Tote Tote/Crossbody Tote
Laptop Friendly Yes - 17" Yes - 15" No Yes Yes - 15"
Spectra Friendly Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Machine Washable No No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Sarah Wells was a pumping, working mother in 2011 when she identified a need for a new kind of breast pump bag. She wanted something she could use to carry her pump, accessories, and work supplies. Spurred by the lack of options, in 2013 she designed her first bag, Maddy, naming it after her daughter.

Performance Comparison



sarah wells kelly - the kelly can hold most breast pumps we've tested, including larger...
The Kelly can hold most breast pumps we've tested, including larger hospital-grade pumps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Kelly is an easy to use bag with a variety of carrying styles to choose from and multiple pockets for better organization. The side pocket is large and holds almost any brand pump including hospital-grade options that end to be larger. You can use the pump in the pocket and the pocket also functions as an insulated compartment for milk.

The tote/shoulder handles on the Kelly ar canvas and not padded...
The tote/shoulder handles on the Kelly ar canvas and not padded. These could become uncomfortable if the bag is full of heavy items or you carry it for a longer time.
The luggage carry handle on the Kelly is somewhat padded but you...
The luggage carry handle on the Kelly is somewhat padded but you likely won't want to use it if the bag is full or used with a laptop.
The Kelly has padded shoulder straps for backpack-style carrying and...
The Kelly has padded shoulder straps for backpack-style carrying and the hardware is solid and works well.

This bag has padded shoulder straps, functional hardware, and wipes clean with a wet cloth. It is large enough for a standard laptop, pump, accessories, and other personal items so it is the only bag you need to carry.

The hardware on the Kelly is nice looking, well-constructed and...
The hardware on the Kelly is nice looking, well-constructed and works well.
The Kelly has nice metal feet that are stylish and functional for...
The Kelly has nice metal feet that are stylish and functional for keeping your bag bottom cleaner.

Quality


This bag has a stylish look that disguises its true purpose and we feel most people won't have a clue on what it hides inside. The material on the Kelly feels durable, and the zippers and attention to detail are functional without a hiccup. The shoulder strap clips and metal feet are solid and look as if they will withstand the test of time. Some users remark that the shoulder straps can slip in backpack mode, but this appears to be user-dependent and potentially a product of poor adjustment or fitting. Sarah Wells offers a lifetime warranty in the event you have any problems with your bag.

sarah wells kelly - while the kelly is one of the largest bags, it is not the heaviest...
While the Kelly is one of the largest bags, it is not the heaviest. However, given its size, it will be easy to create a heavy bag if you fill it full.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Bulk


The Kelly weighs 1.4 lbs when empty and is large enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. This makes it one of the largest bags, but it isn't the heaviest. However, given the roomy interior, there is potential that you'll be lugging a significantly heavy bag. There are several bags in this roundup that are heavier and a few with equal weights. The padded shoulder straps in backpack mode will help you carry the Kelly should you pack it full, but the tote handle may not be enough if the bag is full or combined with your laptop. The bag is large and roomy, and we like the versatility of the style and pockets, but if you want a small, easy-to-carry bag it may not be the one for you.

sarah wells kelly - the sarah wells kelly can fit a laptop and other mom supplies in the...
The Sarah Wells Kelly can fit a laptop and other mom supplies in the main compartment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Features


The Kelly has a large side pocket for ump and milk. The pocket is large enough for most pump accessories, or you can pin it to the side if you don't need it. The exterior also has a small front pocket perfect for keys or smartphones and is an ideal location for work badges or other quick-access items you don't want to be lost in the larger main pocket. The pocket even includes an interior key clip to prevent accidental key loss.

The Kelly includes a key clip to help keep keys close at hand and...
The Kelly includes a key clip to help keep keys close at hand and prevent them from getting lost.
The Kelly has an expandable side pocket perfect for water bottles.
The Kelly has an expandable side pocket perfect for water bottles.

There is an exterior water bottle holder on the opposite side from the pump pocket, and the interior has a laptop sleeve and a roomy main compartment. The bottom has metal feet to prevent it from resting on the ground, and there are handles for carrying the bag as a tote, backpack, or over one shoulder. The backpack straps are well-padded and comfortable, though somewhat hard to adjust as the padding can get in the way. The pump pocket is designed to help keep things cool with an insulated lining and includes ice packs for up to 6 hours of cooling.

sarah wells kelly - the kelly bag is a nice looking bag with attention to detail and...
The Kelly bag is a nice looking bag with attention to detail and professionalism not found in much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Style


The Kelly has a professional yet casual style that doesn't give away its pumping purpose. This bag looks like a professional bag, but the backpack carry style keeps it casual and fun. With the versatile carry options and organization features, we think the bag has the style and features to be used for years to come, long after your pumping days are over.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
 

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