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
I didn’t have one last time but I’m really excited to get an Abby this time around! I plan on it being my work bag and pump bag and the blue stripe is sooo pretty!!
I do think it’s easier to have a dedicated pumping bag just so you know everything you need is in one place. Or at least hope you packed everything you need in one place! I have used a backpack so I can hold my laptop, the pump, and a cooler. While it works, it certainly not the most stylish solution and it does involve unpacking the pump for each use. I switched to a Medela bag which is OK but requires me to carry it as well as my backpack for my work laptop. A one-bag option is definitely recommended!
I definitely found having a pump bag made pumping much easier. I pumped with an extra diaper bag as my pump bag for the first 3 months and it was not as organized and much more cumbersome. I had to take my pump out each time and it just didn’t fit in there right (Spectra pump). I splurged on my floral Lizzy and pumparoo when it was first released with the great promo codes and wish I had gotten a SW bag sooner!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Having a breast pump bag has made all of the difference in sustaining our breastfeeding journey. When I had my first child, the pumps were sold with bags and my insurance did not cover a pump. It was nice to have everything contained, but the bag was not attractive and the seams were fraying. With my next two kiddos, a pump was covered, but no bag provided. I tried many bags I had at home, but always just felt like the “bag lady”. Now, with my current littlest one, my floral lizzy makes me feel organized, relaxed, and confident. Everything I need is in one space. I get compliments in the elevator at work, at conferences I have attended, and even in my treatment space from my patients’ parents. And, I make sure I spread the word and encourage others to consider the life changing nature of the expertly designed Sarah Wells Bags! Thank you!!
P.S. I know that I will continue to get great use out of my bag even after our breastfeeding journey ends. ?
Like Meagan, getting a dedicated breast pump bag was a game changer for me because it saved me from being a bag lady – my diaper bag, pumping bag, and purse could all be combined into one bag! A regular, old tote bag wouldn’t do that for me (trust me, I tried!). In the morning, I even use the insulated pockets to carry my overnight oats for breakfast, and in the evening, I use them to carry home my pumped milk. My breast pump bag is a necessity!