Are you pumping breast milk while at the office? Do you spend a lot of time out and about with your baby? You could be in the market for finding the best breast milk cooler there is available. I spent some time reviewing the different coolers out there and the PackIt Freezable Baby Bottle Cooler for Breastmilk and Formula was my best pick.
Keeping breast milk cool and fresh is on the top of every mom’s mind when expressing and storing breast milk. As parents, we’re always looking for practical solutions to simplify our lives. Using the best breast milk cooler available is one of those products which can make your parenting a breeze.
- My Top Picks
- Best Breast Milk Cooler Buying Guide
- Best Overall – PackIt Freezable Baby Bottle Cooler for Breastmilk and Formula
- Best for Convenience – Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set
- Best for Dual Purpose – Cooluli Concord Blue 20 Liter Compact Cooler Warmer Mini Fridge
- Best Value – Zohzo Breastmilk Compact Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
- Best for the Stylish Mom – Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
- FAQ
- Conclusion
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – PackIt Freezable Breastmilk and Bottle Cooler
- Best for Convenience – Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transporter
- Best for Dual Purpose – Cooluli Concord Portable Refrigerator
- Best Value – Zohzo Breastmilk Cooler Bag Pack
- Best for the Stylish Mom – Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler
Best Breast Milk Cooler Buying Guide
As a parent, you want to make sure your expressed breast milk is stored properly whenever you’re out and about. A breast milk cooler is convenient and keeps your breast milk cool for most of the day. But buying the right one can make you feel overwhelmed especially when you see how many there are on the market! I’ve put together this short buyer’s guide to help you pick the right one. I’ve covered what a breast cooler is and what you should look out for when looking at its features.
What is a Breast Milk Cooler and Why do You Need One?
The breast milk cooler is a must-have for every mom who is on the go. It’s a convenient item for storing expressed breast milk while out and about with your baby. It’s perfect if you’re pumping milk while at the office. Just pop into the cooler and place it into your fridge when you return home in the evening.
Expressed breast milk should not sit at room temperature for longer than 4 – 6 hours. Having a breast milk cooler on hand allows you to express wherever you are knowing you can safely store your milk for a few hours. If you’re taking a long road trip, storing your milk in a breast milk cooler gives you peace of mind knowing your baby’s milk will stay fresh until you reach your destination. I’m putting this out there for all you moms who are interested in donating breast milk.
Watch the video below to find out more. Having a breast milk cooler is an absolute necessity if you’re going to be donating your milk.
What are the Different Types of Breast Milk Coolers?
Breast milk coolers come in a range of different types.
You can pick from the mini-fridge which could have a freezer compartment. Or, the cooler/warmer models which give you the option of keeping your breast milk cool while warming it up when you need it. If you’re looking to store your breast milk for longer than a day, the refrigerator or mini fridge is your best bet.
If it’s for ease of convenience while on a short trip out with your baby, a variety of insulated breast milk coolers could be your solution. When traveling you want to make sure your breast milk cooler has AC/DC adapters – this allows you to charge your cooler with the standard wall socket or a cigarette lighter socket in your car.
How to Pick the Right Breast Milk Cooler
Here I’ve highlighted the features you should look out for so you can choose the right breast milk cooler for your needs.
- Dimensions: One of the reasons you’re looking for a breast milk cooler is for convenience when out and about. The size of your cooler is important. All the products reviewed were compact with the Cooluli Concord Portable Refrigerator being the largest.
- Insulation: The PackIt Freezable Breastmilk and Bottle Cooler offered the best insulation with freezable gel built into the bag. The other products are well-insulated with ice packs included except for the Cooluli Concord Portable Refrigerator.
- Storage capacity: As the Cooluli Concord Portable Refrigerator is bigger than the other breast cooler bags, its storage capacity was the best. However, compared to the Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transporter, Zohzo Breastmilk Cooler Bag Pack and the Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler which can all accommodate 4 x 5oz breast milk bottles, the PackIt Freezable Breastmilk and Bottle Cooler is able to take larger bottles with its collapsible divider.
- Pricing: Compared to the similar features being offered in the PackIt Freezable Cooler, Zohzo Breastmilk Cooler Bag Pack and Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transporter, the Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler was the most expensive breast milk cooler reviewed.
Best Overall – PackIt Freezable Baby Bottle Cooler for Breastmilk and Formula
The best feature of this product is that you can fold it and store it in your freezer overnight. No ice packs are needed. The cooling design with non-toxic freezable gel built permanently into the walls of the bag will keep your breast milk cool for hours during the day. Simply fold it, store in the freezer for 12 hours and it’ll be completely frozen in the morning. A clear front pocket allows you to label your bag, making it easily identifiable at a glance. It’s easy to clean too – simply wipe down with a damp cloth. The top carrying handle makes it easy to transport and can be clipped onto totes, backpacks, and strollers for handle-free convenience.
Who It’s For
Ideal for moms and caregivers on the go whether at work, the daycare, or at home.
Why You Should Consider It
While not only being fully freezable, this cooler bag can pack larger bottles by folding down the interior freezable divider. It has been designed to hold 4 x 5oz breastmilk bottles. It can accommodate the Medela 5oz bottles. It features a zip-close for locking in cool, dry air.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 7.48 x 5.51 x 8.46″
- Weight: 1.54 lbs
- Materials: Nontoxic poly canvas, PVC-, BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Internal divider useful for separating items
- Can fit into your everyday larger bag
Cons
- Gel packs make the bag heavier than other products
- Tends to defrost quicker if not kept in a cool place during the day
- Can trigger airport security alarms at check-in!
Best for Convenience – Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set
This product is not only recommended as the #1 breastmilk storage product by physicians in the U.S but it includes an ice pack, 4 x 5oz/150ml breast milk bottles with lids. The cooler bag has been designed for easy transportation. This product is well-priced and ideal for those early morning preparations before heading to work or dropping your baby off at the daycare. No more searching for bottles or ice packs to fit the bag. You can’t go wrong with this cooler for your breast milk storage needs.
Who It’s For
A very good all-in-one cooler for moms transporting breast milk from work to home or to leave at daycare.
Why You Should Consider It
Being a father myself, I understand the need for convenience. I loved the fact that this cooler bag included the breast milk bottles and ice pack which have been custom-made to fit the bag. What’s more, if you’re a Medela breast pump bag user, this cooler will fit inside as well.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.1 x 5.3″
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Materials: Plastic, BPA-, Phthalate-, Latex-, Lead-Free
Pros
- Keeps milk cool up to 7 hours
- Compact
- Can be used to carry baby food (without the bottles)
Cons
- Ice pack “sweats” causing condensation in the bag
- Bottles included warped in the microwave sanitizer
- Not interchangeable with other bottle brands
Best for Dual Purpose – Cooluli Concord Blue 20 Liter Compact Cooler Warmer Mini Fridge
I’ve included this product in my review even though it’s not your conventional insulated breast milk cooler. But it’s still convenient, lightweight and portable. And, its dual purpose as a cooler and a warmer caught my attention.
Who It’s For
This ideal for parents looking for ultra-versatility from their products.
Why You Should Consider It
A sleek, compact and portable mini fridge, this product is ideal for road trips, vacations or plugging into the nursery or office. I’m always interested in environmentally friendly products and this one has excellent energy-saving features.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 11.4 x 13.8 x 16″
- Weight: 17.16 lbs
- Materials: Glass-paned door
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Large storage capacity (20 liters)
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons
- No seal on the door
- Expensive alternative to insulated products
- Compression noise could get irritating
Best Value – Zohzo Breastmilk Compact Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
It’s a cheap product so you can’t go wrong with this breast milk cooler if you’re looking for all the features but saving on the cost. It includes a reusable ice pack and a wet/dry bag for those extra items you want to carry.
Who It’s For
For the mom looking for convenience and value when carrying stored breast milk.
Why You Should Consider It
This product is compact and keeps breast milk safe and cold. It’s compatible with most 5oz breast milk bottles. The ice pack’s special contoured shape maximizes contact with the bottles, keeping your milk colder for longer.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.5 x 3.4″
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Materials: Polyester
Pros
- Easy carry handle
- Business card/ID card slot
- Fits easily in the Lauren Breast Pump Bag side pocket
Cons
- Only holds 5oz bottles
- Smaller than other similar products
- Zipper not long-lasting
Best for the Stylish Mom – Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
For those moms wanting to look stylish while out and about, this is the cooler product for you! It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It matches perfectly with your Sarah Wells breast pump bag too.
Who It’s For
It’s simply perfect for moms looking for a stylish breast milk cooler!
Why You Should Consider It
This product ticked all the boxes for cooler requirements. The new improved ice pack keeps breast milk cool up to 8 hours. It’s easy to clean and durable. It has an adjustable and detachable handle and extra storage pockets.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5″
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Materials: Nylon, BPA-, PVC-, phthalate- and lead-free
Pros
- Handle clips allows for attachment onto other items
- Sturdy
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Negative Amazon customer reviews
- Expensive compared to products with similar features
- Does not fit into the Lizzy bag range
FAQ
How long can you keep breast milk in a cooler bag?
Cooler bags are designed to keep your breast milk cool for short periods of time. While it’s safe to keep your milk in a cooler bag for up to 24 hours it’s recommended you transfer your milk to a fridge within 6 – 8 hours.
Will airlines let me carry my breast milk cooler on board with me?
Yes, but it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before arriving at check-in to avoid any last-minute hassles.
How can I keep my breast milk cool while traveling?
A breast milk cooler bag is your ideal solution for traveling while a mini fridge that can be plugged into your cigarette car socket while you’re on a long road trip is another great option.
Conclusion
The PackIt Freezable Baby Bottle Cooler for Breastmilk and Formula was my best pick simply because I loved the idea of folding it and putting it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, all you’ll have to do is pull it out and pack the bottles in. That, in my opinion, makes it the coolest breast milk cooler on the market. Which one will you be picking?
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
