Silicone vs Disposable Breast Milk Bags: Which is Better?

Silicone breast milk storage bags are ideal for many mothers who talk frequently, because they are durable, stable and cheap in the long run, while disposable bags are great because they are grab-and-go and don’t take up space in the cupboard. This week is World Breastfeeding Week, so it’s the right time to honestly compare the two, in terms of safety, coolness, cost and daily activities, and help you decide which one is right for you.

Just looking

Part	Reusable silicone bags	Disposable plastic bags
Reusability	Wash and reuse for years	One use, then throw away
Cost over time	Bottom (single purchase)	Advanced (repeat purchases)
Garbage	Less	They add up quickly
Lasting	Thick, tough and punchy	Thin, it can split or leak
Cold	Freezer-safe, lay flat	Freezer-safe, lay flat
Cleaning	It needs to be washed and dried	None (discarded)
Very good about	Regular, continuous description	Frequent use or travel

What is the difference?

Disposable breast milk storage bags are thin, sterile, single-use bags. You extract or pour the milk, seal, label and freeze, then cut the corner to pour and discard the bag. Reusable silicone bags do the same job but are made from a thick food-grade silicone that is designed to be washed, sealed and reused many times.

Both types of milk keep well in the fridge or freezer when used properly. The real difference comes in durability, cost, waste and how it fits into your daily routine.

Safety: Are both types safe for breast milk?

Yes. All silicone and disposable bags are manufactured to food-safe standards to store expressed milk. Food grade silicone is permeable, does not shrink, and holds up well in the refrigerator and at warm water temperatures. Whatever you choose, the rules of storage are the same: write the date, cool the milk before freezing, and follow the practice of thawing well. The Australian Breastfeeding Association provides clear guidance on how long breast milk can be kept warm, refrigerated and refrigerated, and our Australian Breast Milk Storage Guide summarizes the times.

Price and stability

This is where reusable silicone bags pull ahead. Disposable bags are cheap per bag, but a single pumping mother can use hundreds in a few months, and the cost of plastic waste adds up quickly. A set of reusable silicone bags is a one-stop purchase that is sustainable, easy on your budget and the environment. If you need more detail, check out our guide to creating an instant spray habit.

Freezing, melting and settling

Both types of freezer bags, which are a way to store milk. The silicone bags are thick and won’t split, leak or heat in the freezer, protecting your hard-earned cash. Thin disposable bags sometimes fail at the seams, especially when handled cold. For a little help, read how to use a breast milk storage bag, and plan how much to store, our guide to how long breast milk takes after pumping.

Check out our ways to store reusable silicone milk in reusable bags and milk bags.

Simple: honest exchange

Disposable bags have one real advantage: nothing to wash. You use it once and it’s closed, which is useful when traveling or when you take a shower and it’s the last thing you’ll encounter. Reusable silicone bags need to be washed, rinsed and dried between uses, which is a bit of an ongoing process. For many women that exchange is easier to maintain and save; for others who speak only occasionally, despair prevails.

Pros and cons

Reusable silicone bags

Advantages: stable and non-perishable, cost-effective over time, less damage, cold hardy. Disadvantages: require washing and drying, high upfront cost.

Disposable plastic bags

Advantages: no cleaning, pre-maintained, take up no cabinet space, easy to move. Disadvantages: Constantly rising costs, lots of plastic waste, thin and leaky.

Which one is right for you?

Choose reusable silicone bags if you’re talking frequently, you want to cut down on time-consuming and costly expenses, and you don’t have to worry about taking a quick shower between jobs. Choose lost bags if you only talk occasionally, walk often, or just pick up and go more than anything. Many women store small spills on trips and use reusable silicone bags for everyday storage at home.

You can check out our range of reusable silicone milk containers in reusable bags and milk bags, and they also make a thoughtful, practical addition to a new mum’s gift pack for World Breastfeeding Week.

Frequently asked questions

Are silicone breast milk storage bags better than disposable ones?

To put it formally, yes. Silicone bags are very durable, cost-effective in the long run and less harmful. Disposable bags are better for occasional use or travel because there is no cleaning involved.

Do you freeze breast milk in silicone bags?

Yes. Silicone food bags are freezer safe and can be frozen to save space. Leave a little room at the top, as the milk thickens as it freezes.

Can you reuse breast milk storage bags?

No. Disposable bags are designed for single use and cannot be properly washed and incinerated, so they must be thrown away only once. If you want a reusable option, choose silicone bags.

How do you clean reusable silicone milk bags?

Wash in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher, then store if desired and allow to dry thoroughly before using again. Make sure it is completely dry before storing.

Do silicone bags affect the quality of breast milk?

No. Food grade silicone is inert and does not enter the milk, so it does not affect the taste or quality. Follow the rules for storing and thawing milk to protect the milk itself.

Which is cheaper in the long run, silicone or disposable?

Reusable silicone bags are cheaper in the long run. They are more expensive but they are a one-time purchase, whereas disposable bags are bought over and over again and add a lot to women who talk frequently.