The Best 5 Breast Pump Bags for Working Moms

It’s 10:30am and I walk into someone else’s office, pull out 1,000 different gadgets from my zoo bag (more to come on that), unplug the Glade air freshener from the wall and replace it with my twisted up, almost broken cord to my breast pump. I face the giant, open windows on the third floor hoping no one from the parking lot has super-sonic vision and begin to pump.

Once I’m done, I make sure not to spill even one drop of the precious milk I just pumped while juggling two plastic cones (flanges is the proper term, but I feel cone is more accurate) on my boobs and a storage bag. I then throw all the pieces I’ve used into a Ziploc bag and put the bag of milk in the company provided fridge. Finally, I wrap the cord back around the plug in a really shitty way (hence the reason it’s probably going to break) and throw it all in my zoo bag to do it all over again in a few hours. #workingmomlife

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Pumping at the Office #ohhowfun

Sound familiar? Pumping at work is not fun. I don’t care what anyone says. Who feels comfortable with having their boobs out in the same air your co-workers breathe? It’s just weird. Sure, your employer may be following all the applicable laws around breast feeding to make it as comfortable as possible for you, but it’s still awkward AF. 

But, it’s part of that #momlife for a lot of us and we do what we have to for our kiddos. It was after my third day back at work that I realized I was making this already inconvenient task even worse for myself.

I’ll be real, I did not think I needed a breast pump bag when I went back to work. I was legit using a reusable grocery bag that you get as a gift from a local zoo (yes, seriously). Quickly, (and I mean real quick) I realized this was not functional or practical. As a working mom who commutes to the office, I needed something that could be a one stop shop. On my first day back to the office I rolled up with a small side purse, a lunch bag cooler, a laptop bag, and then my fake breast pump bag. #toomuchforthismama 

So, I started researching all the best breast pump bags for working moms. If you’re like me, you probably left your actual diaper bag at home so whoever is watching the new baby has all they need, ready to go. I needed something functional and practical, but reasonably priced. Hell, I already spent enough money on my fabulous Petunia Pickle Bottom backpack diaper bag (which I do LOVE by the way) and just needed something to supplement that. 

I honestly didn’t even realize there were so many different style bags specific to holding a breast pump. But, let me tell you, having a pocket that specifically fits your breast pump is a GAME CHANGER. I never knew! With my cheap zoo bag it was just a longer and more difficult process than it needed to be. The most annoying part was having to take the pump out of the bag to set it up then having to put it back in the bag while pumping to muffle the sound because when I turned it on you’d swear I had a license to operate heavy machinery. It was an inconvenience and I knew I was not taking good care of an expensive pump at the same time. 

After getting a proper breast pump bag, my pumping sessions were so much easier and I would finish them faster too. I knew I couldn’t be alone in using my zoo bag so I wanted to share the top 5 breast pump bags I found with all the working moms out there. You really can’t go wrong with any of these as they all have a specific compartment for your pump which was the number one feature I knew I needed. I included a compact option as well as I know some moms just want something smaller and may not be lugging a laptop to and from work.

Now, no matter which option you choose, make sure you measure your pump’s dimensions and compare them to the bag’s dimensions just to be sure your pump will fit. Most pumps should fit, but to be sure, check out the specs first. I’ve included the bags overall dimensions below as well. 

The Affordable Breast Pump Bag

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

Overall Bag Dimensions: 15.5 x 13 x 8 inches

Pros:

• Great price for the quality
• Side pocket opens for pump (my favorite!)
• Large capacity
• Easy to clean
• Mesh drawstring bag included
• Wide exterior pocket
• Zip down side panel for using as a mat
• Picture holder so you can see your little while pumping (known to help with let down)

Cons:

• Has a laptop sleeve, but some reviews didn’t think it was padded enough

The Compact Breast Pump Bag

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 stars

Overall Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.9 x 2.7 inches

Pros:

• Great compact option if you have a manual or small pump
• Comes in 9 different colors/patterns
• Can turn into a backpack with added straps
• Bottom is insulated for easy transition from storing milk to using it as a lunch bag later
  • Also has 2 insulated pockets in main compartment
• USB charging port

Cons:

• Not the best option if you want to store a large pump or other work accessories (check dimensions before buying)

The Fashionista Breast Pump Bag

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 stars

Overall Product Dimensions: 15″H x 7″W x 16.75″L

Pros:

• Sarah Wells bags are designed with input from mamas who pump!
• Comes in 4 on-trend colors for those fashionista mamas
• Side pocket opens for pump (my favorite!)
• Durable & easy to clean
• Great quality
• Lifetime warranty!
• Stylish (no one will ever know this is designed for a breast pump)
• 8 organizational pockets
• Fits most portable pumps
• Fits up to 15” laptop

Cons:

• A bit more pricey, but the reviews on quality justify the price

The Backpack Breast Pump Bag

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 stars

Overall Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.7 x 15.3 inches

Pros:

• 100% leak proof lining material 
• 5 color options
• Cushioned back and straps for comfort
• Rear anti-theft pocket to keep valuables safe
• 2 side mesh pockets
• Double-decker design makes organization easy
• Neutral design for moms and dads
• Fits most portable pumps 

Cons:

• Can’t store laptop
• Does not convert into side or shoulder purse

The Functional Breast Pump Bag

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 stars

Overall Product Dimensions: 15.7” x 11.8”x 7.9″; Staging mat: 23.6” x 11.8″

Pros:

• Fits up to 15” laptop
• Stylish design
• 3 insulated pockets
• Large capacity (12 pockets)
• Great price!
• Side pocket opens for pump (my favorite!)
• Water & tear resistant material
• Back strap for easy travel!
• Straps also easily attach to stroller handles
• Removable padded shoulder strap
• Fits most portable pumps

Cons:

• Only comes in gray and black (is that even a con??)