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
We travel a lot! These bags would be super handy for my Spectra and accessories!
Having a pump bag is a tremendous necessity!! I have a desk job that requires me to travel between buildings. Having a dedicated pump bag and even better an all in one bag that can hold a computer helps me from forgetting a bag when you are in the game of carrying multiple bags! A dedicated pump bag can also assure you can get a pump in when you are able to carry back up supplies as well as a manual pump if no power outlet or the million other scenarios that happen to a pumping momma!
I love having a bag dedicated to pumping! With my first baby I used a thin bag made out of canvas that wasn’t near big enough. I was constantly trying to stuff all of my needed accessories into the bag and they would just be overflowing out of the top. Besides not being protected, the parts were visible to everyone and I would frequently drop my ziplock freezer bag full of wet parts out of it. I love that I have dedicated pockets in my new pump bag for all of my necessary things. I know exactly which pocket or compartment they go in and everything stays organized and neat. Another bonus of my pump bag is knowing that my Spectra pump is nice and cushioned in its own little protective pocket.
Yes! A million times, yes. Because my Mommy brain doesn’t work in different categories, it’s multitasking 24/7. So I need a bag that multitasks too. I need a bag that holds pumping supplies, work supplies, the random stuff I would other wise forget (again…Mommy brain), and keeps me organized while I try to produce and store life sustaining food for my baby. No big deal. Yes, you need a pump bag. To have one less thing on your plate when your plate is overflowing. My Sarah wells bag has made the hard adjustment to working mom, that much easier. I simply couldn’t do this pumping gig without it.
Yes! Having a specific pump bag has been great. Before, i had to make sure i packed everything i needed before i walked out the door and now with everything in one bag, i dont have to think about it. A weeekend away, i realized i for the storage bags and i basically had to go out and buy bags just so imwouldnt be dumping my pump session. Having the other accessories to go with it has been awesome too. I love the pumparoo bag because i can discretely carry my pump items to the bathroom to wash it.i didnt think having a pump bag was necessarily but its definitely worth the investment not only for me but for my baby.