When traveling or flying with breast milk, having a reliable cooler is crucial. It should be waterproof, spacious, well-insulated, portable, and equipped with sturdy carry straps if used as a carry-on. Coolers come in different sizes and materials, including soft-sided and hard-sided options.
We’ll be discussing the best coolers for breast milk to help make your decision a little easier. We understand how important it is to keep your little one’s milk at the right temperature, and we’ve researched and tested the best coolers to ensure your breast milk stays fresh, safe, and ready for feeding time.
Our Top Picks
- Best Budget Breast Milk Cooler: J.L. Childress MaxiCOOL Breastmilk Cooler
- Best Breast Milk Cooler For Large Bottles: Skip Hop Baby Bottle Bag
- Best Breast Milk Cooler With Ice Pack: Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
- Best Small Breast Milk Cooler: FlexiFreeze Pocketbook Breastmilk Cooler
- Best Freezable Breast Milk Cooler: PackIt Freezable Baby Bottle Cooler
- Best Breast Milk Cooler For Multiple Bottles: Lekebaby Breast Milk Cooler Bag
- Best Breast Milk Cooler For Travel: Columbia Badger Ridge Insulated Baby Food and Bottle Tote
- Best Breast Milk Cooler For Strollers: nanobebe Breastmilk Baby Bottle Cooler
- Best Multi-Purpose Breast Milk Cooler: Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Bag
- Best Breast Milk Cooler Container: Breastmilk Chiller Reusable Storage Container
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Coolers For Breast Milk Picks
J.L. Childress MaxiCOOL Breastmilk Cooler – Best Budget Breast Milk Cooler
- Easy to clean
- This is a good-sized bag if you only want to put four bottles and an ice pack in it
- It’s well-insulated and keeps the bottles cold
- The snap on the handles
- A bit tippy
The J.L. Childress MaxiCOOL Breastmilk Cooler is designed to keep up to three wide-body bottles, three sippy cups, or four standard bottles. And the cooler tote features a leak-proof liner that is free of harmful chemicals such as PVC, lead, and phthalates and is easy to clean as the liner is removable.
The front pocket provides additional storage for bibs, burp cloths, or personal items. Plus, the Max I cool comes with a reusable ice pack and is fully insulated, making it an ideal choice for storing breast milk and compatible with small manual breast pumps. The snap handle allows for easy attachment to backpacks, diaper bags, and strollers.
Skip Hop Baby Bottle Bag – Best Breast Milk Cooler For Large Bottles
- 2 zippers
- Fits 2 large bottles
- Discrete design
- Leakproof
- Not ideal if you have 3 or more bottles
Equipped with an attached freezer pack, this insulated bag is the perfect bag for keeping your child’s beverages and snacks either warm or cold for extended periods. This bag can comfortably fit two large bottles, which is ideal for keeping sippy cups and munchies cool for hours.
You can easily wipe away any spills or crumbs, which makes this bag a hygienic choice for busy parents. To access one or both of the bottles, you can use the two-way zippers that provide a convenient opening for quick and easy access. Additionally, there’s an interior mesh storage pocket where you can keep other essential items such as bibs, pacifiers, or snacks.
The adjustable strap makes it easy to attach to a stroller or carry on your shoulder, and the bag’s easy-to-open design means you can retrieve items with one hand while keeping your other hand free to manage your little one.
Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag with Ice Pack – Best Breast Milk Cooler With Ice Pack
- Comes with a freezer brick
- Adjustable clip handle
- Beautiful floral design
- Easily fits multiple bottles
- Not ideal for large bottles
The Cold Gold breast milk cooler is the perfect complement to their Sarah Wells breast pump bag and the Pumparoo wet and dry bag, and its simple, stretched-cube-like form with rounded edges makes it easy to pack and carry.
The bag’s top handle is robust and detachable, thanks to its dual O rings and opening clasp, so you can easily connect it to other objects. And the best part? You can mix and match their cooler bags with their breast pump bags in a single color or choose bags of the same color and design to create a coordinated set that suits your style.
The outside fabric of these bags can be wiped down with a damp towel dipped in hot, soapy water, just like the inner lining.
FlexiFreeze Pocketbook Breastmilk Cooler – Best Small Breast Milk Cooler
- Great for short trips outside
- Super compact design
- Will fit into any breast pump bags
- Will keep bottles cold for hours
- Won’t fit big bottles
The Pocketbook Cooler comes pre-filled with 16 ice cubes made with actual, pure, filtered water sourced from the United States. But what sets this cooler apart is its special gel material, which is 35% more effective than water when frozen.
To use the Pocketbook Cooler, simply unzip it and lay it flat in your freezer with the frozen ice cubes inside. Once the cubes are fully frozen, zip them up and you’re ready to go! Slip it into your handbag or purse to discreetly transport your breast milk wherever you need to go.
The sleek and understated design of this purse cooler allows you to carry up to two miniature hospital bottles, many popular breastfeeding baggies, or even a Ziploc bag with ease.
PackIt Freezable Baby Bottle Cooler – Best Freezable Breast Milk Cooler
- Definitely functional. Increases the longevity of this keeping things chilled
- Fits 4 small milk bottles with ease
- Easy to use and hold in hand as well since these are like lunch bags with a strap
- Well-built bag with a nice design
- Won’t fit tall bottles
This breastfeeding cooler is a game-changer with its unique non-toxic, freezable gel that is infused into each bag’s walls as part of Packit’s ground-breaking cooling technology. Measuring 5.5 inches in height and 6.5 inches in width, it can easily fit four (4) 5 oz breastfeeding bottles.
To use, simply fold it flat and place it in the freezer overnight for a duration of 12 hours. Once it’s frozen, its top carrying handle and zippered closing will keep the cold, dry air inside. The gel and gel liner used to create this soft-sided cooler is 100% safe and harmless.
Lekebaby Breast Milk Cooler Bag – Best Breast Milk Cooler For Multiple Bottles
- The ice pack stays cold for a long time
- This fits great inside a freezer or fridge drawer
- The attachable strap is handy and fits inside the zipper
- You can easily put six 6oz bottles with the ice pack without the inner cooler bag
- A bit bulky
With an adjustable strap designed for comfortable shoulder carrying, this bag can accommodate up to six large baby bottles.
The bag features two types of zippers with an open design to make putting things in and taking them out a breeze. The front zipper allows for easy placement of the breastfeeding bottle, while the top zipper provides convenient access. Additionally, the bag contains a small zippered pocket on the front to keep other essentials within reach.
Crafted from 600D Oxford fabric, this bag is durable and weather-resistant. The interior is lined with premium aluminum foil, which maintains the temperature of the contents for a longer period, and the insulation is made of EPE foam, which provides effective insulation to ensure the milk stays fresh.
Columbia Badger Ridge Insulated Baby Food and Bottle Tote – Best Breast Milk Cooler For Travel
- Very durable
- Great size for travel
- A lot of space
- Discrete design
- Only 1 color is available
The Columbia Badger Ridge Insulated Baby Food and Bottle Tote is designed with a Therma-Flect radiation barrier and high-density thermal insulation, this tote ensures that its contents remain cool for hours. Not only is it highly functional, but the tote is also easy to clean thanks to its easy clean lining.
The bag is equipped with several accessory compartments, making it easy to store all of your baby’s necessities in one place. To ensure maximum comfort while carrying, the tote features a cushioned handle and an adjustable shoulder strap.
nanobebe Breastmilk Baby Bottle Cooler – Best Breast Milk Cooler For Strollers
- Beautiful and easy to pack for outings
- Good for short trips
- Has a little pocket at the bottom to store a baby spoon or nipple
- Easy to clean
- This won’t fit a lot of bottles
With an airtight, three-layer insulated liner; baby bottles and milk bags can stay warm or cold for hours, while the wipeable material ensures easy clean-up.
The strap easily attaches to a stroller or diaper bag, making it convenient for trips to the park or daycare. And the two-way zippers allow for single or double-bottle access, while leak-proof engineering keeps bottles upright to prevent leakage.
Furthermore, the internal mesh pocket provides ample space for additional feeding supplies, such as breast pump components, pacifiers, bottle nipples, and more, while holding up to three bottles. An ice pack is also included for added convenience.
Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Bag – Best Multi-Purpose Breast Milk Cooler
- A lot of space
- Multipurpose bag
- Side pockets
- Great for pumping mamas
- Doesn’t come with ice packs
The Momcozy all-in-one lunch bag breast milk cooler presents a dilemma for us. While we appreciate its ability to hold up to six drinks, snacks, and lunch in a single bag, as well as the option to expand its size with a detachable panel, the spacious upper half may not be suitable for leaving at daycare or taking to work, as it takes up a considerable amount of refrigerator space.
This may make it challenging to store in certain situations. Nonetheless, it can still be a useful mid-sized cooler for various occasions, such as picnics and weekends.
Breastmilk Chiller Reusable Storage Container – Best Breast Milk Cooler Container
- It eliminates ice packs to chill pumped milk in absence of a fridge
- Stores milk cold
- Can be re-used as a Thermos when done pumping
- Simple to use
- The price is a bit steep for what it is, especially if you aren’t using the ice chamber as intended
This high-quality milk storage container is constructed from food-grade stainless steel with a powder-coated exterior, sealed with bismuth and copper, and free of harmful substances such as BPA, BPS, and DEHP. It can keep milk cool for more than 20 hours and is available in sizes ranging from 12 ounces to 34 ounces, making it a great option for busy parents who are always on the go.
You only need to pack one container in your backpack and pump milk directly into it. This container is compatible with most narrow-mouth pumps and nipples, and you can even feed your baby directly from the lid.
However, if you have a wide-mouth pump, you will need to use a wide-to-narrow neck adapter. This chiller attachment does not come with an adapter, pump, or nipple assembly, and the inner chambers are not designed to function as a chiller. The manufacturer recommends only manually washing this by hand as well.
How To Choose The Best Cooler For Breast Milk?
- Size: The size of the cooler will depend on how much breast milk you plan to store and for how long. A larger cooler may be needed for longer trips or if you plan to store a lot of milk.
- Soft/Hard-Sided: Soft-sided coolers are lightweight and easy to carry, but they may not provide as much insulation as hard-sided coolers. Hard-sided coolers, on the other hand, are more durable and provide better insulation, but they may be heavier and bulkier.
- Insulation: Look for coolers with high-quality insulation that can keep breast milk cold for an extended period. Some coolers even come with removable ice packs to help keep the milk cold.
- Ease Of Cleaning: Consider the ease and frequency of cleaning when selecting a cooler. A cooler that requires daily cleaning with hot, soapy water may not be as convenient as one that can be wiped down easily.
- Bag Style: The inclusion of a clip or shoulder straps can make it easier to attach or carry the cooler. There are various cooler styles available to match your preference.
- Chilled Time: Think about how long you will need to refrigerate your breast milk securely. Will you store your milk in the refrigerator and use the cooler for transport, or will you keep your milk in the cooler all day? Are you planning to travel and need to keep the milk cold for an extended period of time?
Do You Need A Breast Milk Cooler?
If you’re a breastfeeding mother who pumps milk and frequently travels with it, you may need a breast milk cooler to ensure that your milk stays fresh and safe to use. Breast milk is a perishable item that can spoil quickly, especially when exposed to warm temperatures. A breast milk cooler can help keep your expressed milk at the appropriate temperature and protect it from spoiling when you’re on the go.
Having a breast milk cooler can also provide peace of mind, knowing that you have a safe place to store your milk and that it will be ready for use when you need it. Additionally, some daycares, workplaces, or travel destinations may require you to bring a cooler for your breast milk, so having one on hand can help you comply with regulations and ensure that your baby has access to healthy milk.
How Long Can Milk Stay In A Cooler?
Breast milk can stay in a cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1). It’s important to keep the temperature inside the cooler at 39°F (4°C) or lower to maintain the quality and safety of the milk.
Can Babies Drink Cold Breastmilk?
Yes, babies can drink cold breast milk (3). In fact, many babies prefer it at room temperature or slightly chilled. As long as the breast milk has been properly stored and has not exceeded its expiration date, it is safe to give it to the baby at the temperature they prefer.
Can You Bring Ice Packs For Breast Milk On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring ice packs for breast milk on a plane. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), ice packs are allowed in carry-on and checked bags (3). The TSA recommends that ice packs should be completely frozen when you bring them through security, and they may need to be screened separately. It is also a good idea to place the ice packs in a plastic bag or wrap them in a towel to prevent any condensation from getting on other items in your bag.
