Sarah Wells Bags FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We have the answer (or we will find it for you). Ask away!
HSA/FSA
YES, some are! We have authorization (HSA/FSA Merchant Category Code - 5047 Medical Supplies) to accept HSA and FSA debit cards directly on our website (YAYYYYYYY).
Please note that the majority of our products and partner products qualify under the IRS "Lactation Expenses as Medical Expenses" authorization (Announcement 2011-14) but not everything we sell qualifies. Specifically, you may be able to use your HSA/FSA for:
• Breast pump bags with cooler compartments
• Breastfeeding bras
• Breastmilk cooler bags and wet/dry bags that have cooler bag capabilities
• Ceres Chill breastmilk chillers (coolers)
• Spare breastmilk ice packs for cooler bags
The types of items that do not qualify are: stickers, non-breastfeeding clothing (beanies, crewnecks), etc. If the products do not "assist lactation" they do not qualify. In this case you'll need to check out with those items separately using a standard payment method.
Please know that while we are authorized to accept HSA/FSA cards for eligible products, the decision to approve or deny a transaction is up to the card issuers and HSA/FSA plan. Your plan and card can still decline your purchase through our site, even if you're buying an eligible product. (For instance, some plans might require you to only purchase through a pharmacy provider that they partner with.)
If your card gets declined, or it is accepted but you are asked for additional information to substantiate the purchase, please reach out to us at customerservice@sarahwellsbags.com. We may not be able to facilitate that payment method through, but we can provide you with an itemized receipt and other information that you can use to validate the purchase and/or request a reimbursement after purchase with a standard payment method.
Right now, our website platform is not able to accept 2 forms of payment, we are very sorry! If you are trying to purchase HSA/FSA eligible and non-eligible items together, you'll need to checkout twice to separate the items. If your combined total meets our free shipping threshold and you encounter a shipping charge because of this, just get in touch with your two order numbers (one paid on HSA/FSA and one standard payment method) and we'll gladly reimburse the shipping fee. Thank you!
Bags
Please refer to the individual product descriptions for specific bag sizing. Or, reference our webpage "Which Bag is Right for Me?" here: Bag Comparison Chart.
All bags have one or two foil-lined insulated side pockets (exactly what you would find in a cooler bag or lunchbox), which is sandwiched between the two pieces of bag lining. Our testing shows that these insulated side pockets, with an ice pack or two, will keep bottles of refrigerated milk cold (or begin cooling recently pumped milk) for up to six hours (varied based on external temperatures).
However, if you would rather use an external cooler bag (we know some moms like to keep their breastmilk in a cooler in a fridge for long periods), our side pockets and/or main compartment will hold a wide range of coolers or thermal bags, including our very own Cold Gold breastmilk cooler bag.
We also encourage you to read the recommended guidelines for storing, cooling and freezing breastmilk here.
Allie is made from neoprene giving her insulation properties. You can keep milk cold in your Allie bag by pairing her with a fully frozen Sarah Wells ice pack. Place the ice pack inside the tufted elastic pocket in the back along with your milk for up to 6 hours of chill time. Isn’t neoprene cool?!
We would always recommend that you use resources like The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), KellyMom and The Center for Disease Control (CDC) for proper guidelines on breast milk storage.
A central goal of ABM is the development of clinical protocols, free from commercial interest or influence, for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. We are including milk storage guidelines recommended by ABM for reference in the table below.

Please Note: These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient.
The Cold Gold cooler has been tested to keep breast milk cold for up to 8 hours in an average climate with the use of the included Sarah Wells Ice Pack. Pumping mamas should place their Cold Gold coolers in a refrigerator if at all possible during the day.
We would always recommend that you use resources like The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), KellyMom and The Center for Disease Control (CDC) for proper guidelines on breast milk storage.
A central goal of ABM is the development of clinical protocols, free from commercial interest or influence, for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. We are including milk storage guidelines recommended by ABM for reference in the table below.

Please Note: These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient.
Sarah Wells bags are manufactured with durable materials such as nylon, neoprene, vegan leather and 100% real leather (Abby only). There is no need to add protective products to the exterior of your bag.
To clean nylon bags (Abby, Norah, Kelly, Lizzy, Suzy):
We have found the best way to remove spills from your bag (inside or outside) is to rub gently with a damp cloth (with a small amount of dish or hand soap). The Abby bag 100% real leather handles, accents and cross-body strap should be cleaned with any standard leather cleaner. These bags are NOT machine washable.
To wash, dry and remove creases from your neoprene pump bags (Allie):
Let’s get your Allie bag ready for a plunge into your washing machine. First, tuck the gold buckle back into the front pocket in order to protect the metal from scratches. Unzip all of your bags zippers so that she can get the deep cleaning she deserves. Allie only likes to be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water so make sure you set your washing machine appropriately. Remember to wash with like-colors.
Now that your Allie bag is washed, what’s next? Quick, remove her as soon she’s spun her last spin in your washer! Be forewarned: Allie does not like to wait; if forgotten in your washer, she may crease. One more halt, do not put your Allie in the dryer! Please hang your bag from the top loop and re-clasp the gold buckle in order to maintain Allie’s figure while she’s air drying. Remember to open all of her zippers to help facilitate the drying process. Once done, Allie’s ready for her next pumping adventure!
Let’s pamper those creases out of your Allie bag, but first a gentle reminder: patience is key. Begin by hanging your Allie bag from her top loop in a place where she can breathe and take 24 hours to herself. By simply doing this, the majority of Allie’s creases will work themselves out on their own. A bag after my own heart!
What NOT to do....
Allie likes a good spa day, but she does not take well to extreme measures. Do not iron, steam, or apply heat to your bag. This will melt Allie to an unrecognizable state of her former self. While Allie enjoys the beach/pool, she does not enjoy laying out for prolonged exposure. Remember Allie is made out of neoprene that means that heat, salt and sunlight can accelerate the deterioration of her aesthetic. Let’s keep our Allie bag beautiful!
To machine wash the Cold Gold cooler bag or Pumparoo wet/dry bag:
* Empty the bag and turn it inside out to protect any embellishments or zippers.
* Use a mild detergent and cold water on a gentle cycle.
* Avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
* Once the cycle is complete, lay the bag flat or hang it to air dry.
* Do not put it in the dryer.
We deeply believe that the pumping mom experience should be supported by our products, and not be a hassle!!! We offer a TRUE lifetime warranty on all of our pump bags, cooler bags and wet/dry bags purchased on our website here AND through Amazon (US & Australia), our international distributors (please contact them directly) and any retail partners (like DMEs and boutique stores).
This means, if there are any manufacturing defects or material failures, we will replace your bag with another bag of the same or similar value. Read our full warranty policy here. We have you covered! And, get in touch with our seriously fantastic customer service team if you need any support.
We're sorry to hear that the bag or accessory didn't work out for you! If there is anything at all we can do to make the experience better, please reach out to our lovely customer service team.
We do know that returns happen, and we're here to make that easy for you too. Simply follow this link and initiate your return, presuming it falls within our return policy.
Bras
Yes, absolutely, we have size charts to help guide you for both styles of our bras. Please see below for charts and do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team for customized help.
JOURNEY Size Chart Here
GOALS Size Chart Here
We're sorry to hear the size or style did not work out for you! If you are within the "try on" period of 30 days from receipt of your bra, you can exchange or return your bra.
For hygienic reasons, any bras that are returned should be unworn (other than to try on) and unwashed, in new condition, and in their original packaging. Head to our Returns Center to make a FREE exchange (yay!) for a different style and/or size -- or to start your return.
Please note: Free Bra Exchanges are only applicable on orders shipped to US addresses. If you need an exchange on a bra for an international order please reach out to our team. If you have any further questions please reach out to our Customer Service Team for assistance.
Sarah Wells stands behind all of our products. We are so confident they will hold up to #pumpinglife that we have an Exceptional Warranty on all of our bras. This warranty will cover 100% of the material and workmanship of your bra. Please note, this will not include normal wear and tear through standard use, such as:
1. Spills
2. Accidental tears
3. Accidental Stains
4. Damage caused by a washer or dryer or through other methods of cleaning your bra
This warranty on our bras is valid for up to 1-year from the date of receipt of the bra.
The Exceptional Warranty only extends to the original purchaser of the Sarah Wells bra when purchased from Sarah Wells Bags directly or one of our authorized retail partners. Due to limited supplies, we cannot grant replacements on items that are out of stock. In this case, we will replace your bra with another style or credit the amount you spent towards a gift card.
Final Sale Items
Unfortunately, once you purchase an item from the Final Sale section of our website the item cannot be returned.
This is due to the deep discount offered and/or the seasonality of an item. Thank you for understanding!
Good news- the answer is YES! If you purchase a bra from the Final Sale section, you may still make a FREE exchange for size only. Start the process through the Exchange Center Here.
We do not accept returns on Final Sale bras due to the deep discount offered and/or the seasonality. Thank you for understanding!
Please note: Free Bra Exchanges are only applicable on orders shipped to US addresses. If you need an exchange on a bra for an international order please reach out to our team. If you have any questions please reach out to our Customer Service Team.
Swimwear
We're sorry to hear the Journey Swim Top did not work for you- whether it be size or style!
Please Note: The pre-sale return period for Journey Swim Tops (in new, unused condition) is 10 days after tracking shows delivered. Please try your suit on upon arrival and take advantage of our FREE exchanges, or complete and ship a return within the same time period.
Thank you for understanding that this is a product for which our small business can only re-sell swim tops during a short seasonal period. If you have any further questions please reach out to our Customer Service Team for assistance.
Ordering & Shipping
Yes! We are a global brand and ship our bags worldwide!
CANADA: you can checkout directly from our website here with FREE shipping & a $15.00 USD upfront charge (flat rate) for Canadian duties (we prepay these for you).
We are also a Verified Seller on eBay, which ships to most international destinations at a lesser cost than buying shipping through us directly. You can view our items for sale here! International shipping costs can range from $20-$80 USD depending on your international location. (Note that any international duties are also your responsibility.)
AUSTRALIA: we are on Amazon Australia! Please check there first and if you don't find what you are looking for, reach out to us.
SINGAPORE: we are proudly partnered with Mama Warehouse to serve our Singapore customers. Please check their stock first, and if you don't see what you are looking for, reach out to us.
BRUNEI & MALAYSIA: we are proud partners with BNPieces to serve our Brunei & Malaysia customers! Please check their stock first, and if you don't see what you are looking for, reach out to us.
We love a deal too! Throughout the year, we run a variety of sales and promotions. Join us on our social media channels for the latest and greatest. In the meantime, healthcare workers, police/fire/EMT, teachers and military pumpers can access an everyday discount found on this page of our website. (Thank you for your service!)
We totally get it! Sometimes you find an order mistake or have a change of heart. We typically can cancel orders within an hour of the order being placed; please reach out to our epic customer service team ASAP if you have a problem and we'll see what we can do!
Our favorite thing in the world is talking to the pumping community! You can reach us easy peasy right here on email or text us at (571) 946-9507.
Outlet
We have outlet sales in February and September each year. Follow along on our social media channels for specific dates! Outlet is located at a different website here.
Alas, Treet codes are unredeemable on the outlet sale; however, you can treat yourself at www.sarahwellsbags.com with your code. You deserve it!
Alas, reward points are unredeemable on the outlet sale; however, you can treat yourself www.sarahwellsbags.com with your points. You deserve it!