We get the question all the time, "Why should I get a dedicated breast pump bag instead of a regular tote?" We asked a couple of our pumping mama Brand Ambassadors for their thoughts on the topic. Read on to see what they had to say!
Q: For mamas who are wondering if they really need a dedicated breast pump bag versus just using a regular handbag or tote bag for their pump - What do you see as the benefits of having a breast pump bag?
A: Sierra, Meagan and Mayra answer below.
Sierra -
If you’re wondering if you need a specific bag, my short answer is YES!
I use a lot of bags, and even have a side hobby of selling a popular brand of totes and bags. I would still recommend a Sarah Wells Bag for pumping.
These bags are specifically designed for the job, with the right amount of pockets for your pump and accessories, and the thermal pockets are a must, especially if you’re a commuter.
If you were to use a regular handbag or tote, chances are you would need more than one… a bag for your pump, a bag for used parts, a bag for clean parts, a thermal for the milk, etc.
You get the idea! As a bonus, many Breast Pump Bags are not only beautiful, but also well made and can be reused in the future.
Meagan -
I was previously using a tote bag for my pumping accessories and it was a black hole of a mess. Absolutely nothing was organized. I couldn't find any one specific thing I was looking for without unloading half of the bag - it was just a messy disaster.
Since receiving my Sarah Wells bag, I have actually been able to combine my purse, pump tote, and diaper bag all into one incrediblely organized and attractive package! Sarah Wells Bags are clearly designed with mom in mind.
In my opinion, the Breast Pump Bags are designed to help keep things organized, visible, and easy to access. It makes all the difference when it comes to a time crunch as well.
Most moms who return to work find themselves pumping on an extremely tight schedule with no time to waste fumbling around searching for the supplies they need. And personally, I have delayed let downs when I am feeling stressed and pressed for time.
These pump bags make it possible to quickly get what you need set up with just a few zips of the bag; allowing more time to pump and focus on what's important - like breathing, haha!
Mayra -
When going to work and pumping, you deal with carrying extra things and you find yourself having to pause your workload in order to pump.
Now with my Claire, I no longer have to carry all these extra things such as the cooler for the milk I pump, storage for the actual pump, zip lock bags for the dirty parts, bottles and/or storage bags, and not to mention the pumping parts.
The Claire is definitely a game changer for me. I can store everything in just one bag. It has also saved me time, so I don't worry about taking out the pump from the other bag or taking out the cooler.
Carrying my pump and all the accessories has become a part of my every day life and the Claire has made things a lot easier.
This video shows a glimpse of everything I can fit into my Claire Breast Pump Bag.
We want to hear from YOU!
Why do you (or would you) find a dedicated breast pump bag helpful in your pumping journey?
Comment on this blog and we'll automatically enter you to win your color choice of a Claire breast pump bag! Contest closes 12/25/17 at 11:59pm ET. Open to all countries.
167 comments
Yes a breast pump bag is totally helpful! I used a duffle bag with my 1st and it was awful to carry and had no organization. I got the kelly bag and the backpack carry with all the organization has made pumping at work so much easier!
I exclusively pumped with my first born for 2 years and having a pump bag made life easier. Everything was organized and all in 1 place to grab and go. I receny gave birth and I currently dont have an exclusive pump bag I just throw it in the baby bag but its a hassle when its time to pump if and when I actually go out lol but I will definitely be getting one for when I return to work to make it easier for me while on the go daily.
I am not the most fashionable person; and thus it is difficult for me to put together an outfit let alone a purse or diaper bag that has everything I need for a four month old, three year old, and myself. The constant changing of where my keys and wallet and other essentials are from purse to backpack to pump bag daily is inconvenient and sometimes stressful now that I am back to work part time. It would be so great to have ONE bag that is functional and stylish!
A dedicated pump bag is important and especially a Sarah wells bag because it is more organized. My dedicated pumping bag came with my pump and I added a pump around which helped organize it much better. I would still love a Claire because of the side pockets for the pump (instead of just in the main compartment like I have it now) and because the ability to put it on luggage and on teacher cart handles is amazing. I am definitely team dedicated pump bag!
I would love a bag specifically for my pump and accessories! I take my pump with me when we go to my family’s homes and I have to either put everything in my daughter’s diaper bag or put it in a grocery store bag. It just seems very unsanitary doing it this way so I have to clean everything before I am able to pump.