In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Searching for a stylish bag to tote around the best breast pump throughout the day? We considered over 20 bags and narrowed it down to 6 impressive and fetching bags for this roundup. Packing your pump and pumping gear can be a major hassle, and fitting other supplies in the same bag can be beneficial. Therefore, finding a utilitarian bag with style can be a game-changer. We tested bags for ease of use, quality, bulk, and style to rank them. Whether you want a simple, lightweight tote or a bag that fits the kitchen sink, we've got you covered.
Whether you're relying on baby bottles or nothing more than boobs, our nursing gear list includes all the essentials to help support you and your little one. Don't forget to grab the best baby bottle brush for easier cleaning.
Editor's Note: This breast pump bag review was updated on May 31, 2024, checking availability and pricing.
The Sarah Wells Abby is a terrific choice if you're looking for a well-organized and professional-looking bag. Its two exterior pockets are ideal for storing small items like a phone and keys. The interior boasts a separate laptop compartment (fitting up to a 15" laptop), a zippered pocket, and two open pouches. It has two generous insulated side pockets. One side is for pump storage and is large enough to fit a Spectra pump (though it is pretty snug). The other insulated compartment is perfect for storing expressed milk. We managed to pack enough gear for a full day out with plenty of room to spare in this spacious bag. The Abby is also handy even after your pumping days are over. The insulated pockets can be snapped up and out of the way to create more room for use as an alternative to a best diaper bag, overnight bag, or camera bag. Also, if the bag doesn't work for you, there is a 100% satisfaction guaranteed lifetime warranty.
We found the tote handles comfortable, but the shoulder strap could use extra padding and may grow uncomfortable if your pump and supplies are heavy. We also recommend being mindful about overloading this breast pump bag, as the spacious interior can lead to a heavy load. Those who prefer a more comfortable option with padded straps should consider the roomy Sarah Wells Kelly. Some users reported durability issues with the Abby, noting problems with the zipper, the stitching on the handle coming undone, and the white and blue stripes “bleeding” into one another. We didn't encounter these problems during testing, but you should check for them upon arrival. If you need to return or exchange a product, the Sarah Wells team will greet you with excellent customer service.
The Nanobébé Duet is a combination breast pump bag and diaper bag. It comes with accessories such as an insulated bottle holder and a changing pad with wipe storage, making it a perfect contender for both jobs. A unique design aspect of the Duet is the dual-level construction. This feature allows for easier access to different bag parts without digging through a jumble of junk. We appreciate the high-quality materials used and think this highly versatile bag will last through years of wear.
The main drawback of having two smaller compartments is that they do not accommodate items some moms consider essential, such as a large Spectra breast pump or a laptop. If you need a larger capacity bag, the Sarah Wells Kelly likely has all the space you need. If you want to use this tote with a top-ranked breast pump, we recommend double-checking the dimensions of your pump before purchasing. We love everything else about this bag, and if the minimal limitations don't bother you, the Duet is perfect for moms who want a tidy and orderly pumping bag.
The Sarah Wells Kelly is an extra-large bag with enough room for a hospital-grade pump and a 17-inch laptop. There is enough space for the pump to stay inside the bag during use, and the insulated pocket can keep milk cool for up to 6 hours when paired with an icepack. We like Kelly's multiple carry methods; you can use it with a tote strap, shoulder strap, or padded backpack straps. The metal hardware, wipable fabric surface, and metal feet create handy functionality and an easy-to-use bag. With several outside pockets to keep personal items within reach for quick retrieval, we think finding a better bag for many supplies is hard.
The Kelly is an average-weight bag, but the roomy interior is all too tempting to overfill, so you might end up with a heavier load than you desire. It is also more expensive than some other contenders. For a less expensive option, we like the Nanobébé Duet, which offers great organization. We wish the Kelly bag had padded tote straps on par with its impressive backpack strap padding for added versatility. Despite these few critiques, we like the style and functionality of this bag and think it is a must-have for moms with larger pumps or hospital-grade needs.
The Kelly has a large main compartment and a place for your laptop and other supplies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Compare Products
Pumping at work can be a big hassle, luckily the right bag can make it easier and more efficient.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Breast Pump Bags
We spent more than 100 hours researching and hands-on testing the breast pump bags we reviewed. We honed in on several issues we think you should consider when searching for the perfect breast pump bag. We evaluated the bag quality, whether or not it could fit the large Spectra breast pump, whether a laptop could fit inside, and overall functionality and ease of use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
The breast pump bag round-up team is led by our founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier. Dr. Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. She is instrumental in product selection and testing to narrow the product field to the absolute best contenders. Dr. Spurrier has been testing diaper and breast pump bags for more than seven years. The team is rounded out by Senior Review Editors, Wendy Schmitz, and Abriah Wofford. Wendy is a mother of two and has a degree in biology. She uses her experience in scientific testing to analyze and test products with a critical eye. Abriah joined the GearLab team in 2015, helping evaluate the ease of use, features, functionality, and quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Analysis and Test Results
Our analysis explores the pros and cons of more than 30 competitors before narrowing the field to 8 options for testing. We tested these breast pump bags for quality, functionality, and size to determine our favorites.
Group photo of some of the bags tested in our breast pump bag review including some now discontinued previous award-winners.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Taking your breast pump out on the town isn't ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. A great bag can ease the load of lugging it around and make it less of a chore. Pump use is increasing, and many moms don't realize how many choices they have when transporting their pump. Using separate bags for work, lunch, pump, and parts - can be annoying. Consolidating your supplies into one lovely and professional-looking bag is key to decreasing daily frustrations.
In 2015, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released compelling data about working mothers. The labor force participation rate of working moms with children under three was 61.4%. The popularity of breastfeeding has risen due to the health and cost benefits. Labor laws mandate the availability of proper pumping facilities for breastfeeding mothers and adequate time to pump without a strike against the employee. Also, now that many health insurance companies cover breast pump costs, many working mothers choose to express milk when they go back to work so their baby can continue to have breast milk even when maternity leave is over.
Here the Ju-Ju-Be Be Supplied is fully loaded. The numerous pockets help to keep everything in its proper place.
Pictured here is the Sarah Wells "Abby". Even after loading it up with all of our supplies, there was still room to spare in this spacious bag.
What's the Best Value?
A breast pump bag can be a significant investment, depending on your budget. You want to make sure you are making a decision that you will be happy with over the long run. The Nanobebe is our budget pick for this category because we feel it strikes a good balance between quality and price. It lacks a few features that you may find in more expensive bags, but overall it is easy to use and durable enough to last through multiple children. You can spend anywhere from $30 up to $200 on a bag, but most bags will get the job done. It comes down to your preferences and your budget.
Key clips can help simplify your life and improve a bag's organization.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
A bag is just a bag until you add the valuable details that turn it into something unique. Features such as these can make life much easier by increasing the bag's overall functionality. They can change an ok bag into a fantastic bag by organizing, separating, holding, insulating, etc. Ease of cleaning and maintenance is also an essential factor.
Most of the bags we tested have quite a few features. However, that does not always mean they are easy to use. Our favorite bags have features like metal feet and key rings, dedicated places for a wallet or phone, insulated pockets, helpful enclosures, carrying options, water bottle holders, and easy-clean fabrics. All these are features that make a difference in how enjoyable a product is to use. The Sarah Wells "Abby" earned high scores for ease of use and has metal feet, a key clip, a water bottle pocket, and an insulated pump pocket.
Water-resistant material is helpful, but some bags take it further and offer machine-washable fabric. Whether through accidental spills or inclement weather, your bag will encounter liquids. The last thing you want to fuss with is getting stains out of the fabric, especially if you have a busy schedule.
The Type A has very liquid repellent fabric, which helps it stay clean.
Sarah Wells "Lizzie" bag absorbs the water.
Quality
The quality of your bag plays a significant role in how long you can use it and how well it works during that time. On average, pumping at work takes 15-25 minutes each time, approximately three times a day. That means you'll use the bag frequently, and it will go with you almost everywhere with you until your baby no longer drinks breast milk. The last thing you want is to purchase a bag that falls apart after a few weeks of use. We believe it is worth spending a bit more to buy a better bag initially rather than purchasing a lesser-quality bag multiple times.
The Mommore Breast Pump Bag earned a lower score for quality. It feels slightly flimsy and has reported breaking zippers and some quality control issues.
The small zippered pocket on the outside of the Type A may not holder larger smartphones but is good for keys and other small items.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Style
There is no need to sacrifice style for functionality. Feeling confident and stylish carrying your supplies can influence how often you bring them or use them. If you find a tote you like, you'll want to use it through pumping, diapers, and possibly longer. Luckily, as pumping has become more common, more breast pump bags are available today than ever before. So whether you want a practical, purely-for-function item or something more stylish, you don't need to look far. There are options to fit a variety of styles.
We gave better scores to bags with classy designs that fit a broader range of styles without looking too “mom-ish.” The Nanobébé Duet and Sarah Wells Abby all earned high marks in this metric. These bags have a clean, well-structured frame that won't look frumpy.
Weight and Bulk
Finding the perfect-sized bag with a functional capacity can be more challenging than expected. Just because a bag is large doesn't always mean it translates to usable space. Higher-quality materials tend to weigh more; however, they don't need to be a burden. The padding and carry style of the straps can significantly affect how comfortable a bag is to transport. The Nanobébé Duet and Sarah Wells "Abby" both scored low in this metric. They are relatively heavy bags, and the straps don't have a lot of extra padding. However, they have well-organized interiors, and some parents find that the tradeoff is worth it.
A superior combo is a large bag with excellent organization features. An easily accessible organization plan can help streamline your pump breaks and decrease stress. After much testing, we think the sweet spot is around 15" wide, 8-10" deep, and about 11.5-12" tall. Many of the options listed here are within this range, with some size variation to accommodate those who like more (or less) space.
The Nanobebe Duet is a professional-looking bag that will fit all your pumping needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight as an Ease-of-Use Factor?
Finding a happy medium between functionality and size is essential. You want a bag that will meet all of your needs without feeling bulky and heavy.
The average weight for the group is close to 1.4 lbs. The weight difference between the lightest bags and the heaviest is only about two pounds, which may not seem like a lot. However, once you add a pump, supplies, your personal supplies, and a laptop, those two pounds can make the difference between a bag you love and one you hesitate to use because it's too darn heavy. Weight is even more important to consider if you commute by train or intend to walk long distances with your pump.
Carrying a diaper bag, work bag, breast pump, purse and child can really weigh you down. Finding a good breast pump bag that you can carry your essentials will help lessen your load.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Which Bag is Right for Me?
Everyone has their personal style and pumping preferences, and there is a bag to accommodate most tastes. When choosing a bag, you will want to consider a few factors. How long do you plan to plan to be away from home? Do you need an insulated compartment to store expressed milk? How much room do you want for personal items? Depending on your pumping plans, budget, and style, your best choice could be vastly different than other mothers, and each bag has something unique to offer.
Pictured here are a few of our top performers. In the back are the Sarah Wells “Abby”, the Kaylaa Premium, and the “The New Yorker” by Charlie G. The front two are the Ju-Ju-Be Be Supplied (now discontinued) and Dr. Brown's Carryall.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We tested multiple breast pump bags to compare how well they adapt to a full-time mom's needs. We tried various brands in each bag to see what fit (or didn't) and packed up the gear we think moms will want or need for a day away from home. Our personal items lists include various things that we believe are essential for moms.
We attempted to fit all these items into each bag and then took notes on storage, capacity, and organization.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Personal Essentials
Multiple-key keychain
Wallet
Mobile phone & charger
Water bottle
Snacks
Tablet
Laptop and cord
Lipstick/Makeup
Pen
Lotion
Because it is difficult to determine how well a bag will work in real life and how functional it is, we recommend laying hands on a product when possible. Try it out in-store, or order from an online retailer with a flexible return policy.
The Kelly, shown here with the Spectra pump, holds all available breast pumps on the market including many larger hospital-grade pumps. the pump can stay in the bag during use, which is a nice feature and not always the case with every bag.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Breastmilk is known as the “liquid gold” of baby feeding. This makes it a valuable commodity that moms work overtime to provide for their babies. Being apart from your little one has many challenges when your baby is young, and the need to pump to collect milk or keep up your milk supply can make it all the more challenging. Utilizing a breast pump can help keep up supply and create a backstock for when you are away from your baby. We recommend choosing your breast pump first (this is the key component to the whole operation) and then figuring out how to carry it. This approach can help you find the best combination of pump and bag that will work for the long haul to keep you rich in milk.
