If you've recently found yourself looking around your kitchen and thinking, Wait…why is EVERYTHING plastic? you're definitely not alone.
Bottles. Pump parts. Flanges. Milk storage bags. Pitchers. Coolers. It can feel like plastic is involved in nearly every part of pumping and storing breastmilk.
And with more conversations happening around microplastics, you may be wondering if you should be making changes to your pumping routine.
First: you do not need to throw away every plastic bottle, pump part, and storage bag you own.
Research into microplastics and their potential effects on human health is still evolving. The FDA says micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in foods and human samples, but current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that the levels detected in foods pose a risk to human health. There are also significant gaps in how microplastics are measured and studied. [1]
So this isn't about creating another thing for pumping moms to worry about.
Instead, if reducing the amount of plastic in your family's routine is important to you, there are a few simple swaps you can make—without completely overhauling the pumping system that's already working for you.
.png)
Simple Swaps for Your Breastmilk Routine to Reduce Plastic While Pumping
1. Swap Plastic Bottles for Glass or Stainless Steel
One of the easiest places to start is with the bottles you're using to feed your baby.
Glass baby bottles are widely available, and there are also stainless steel options if you're worried about glass being dropped or broken.
And you don't necessarily need an entirely new bottle system.
My tip: You can often find silicone sleeves for glass bottles. If you're nervous about your baby eventually throwing or dropping a glass bottle—and yes, that day WILL come—a silicone sleeve can add some protection and make the bottle easier to grip.
The CDC considers clean, food-grade glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids appropriate for storing expressed breastmilk, so switching to glass is an option rather than a requirement for safely storing your milk.
What I'd look for:
If you're ready to swap your bottles, you don't need to completely reinvest your feeding setup. Look for an option that's easy to clean, works with the nipples you baby already likes when possible, and realistically fits into your routine.
Top recommended glass bottle: I like these bottles (the plastic version, too) and are my top recommended bottles for babies.
Recommended stainless steel bottle (add discount code: ONEPUMP10): These fit to Spectra parts, and are ligther than glass. You can pump directly into these and there are markings on the inside of the bottle.
Silicone bottle sleeves: Great if you want the benefits of glass but are nervous about bottles getting dropped. These fit my recommended bottles.
2. Consider Silicone Flanges
Your breast pump itself may contain plastic, but there are some components you can swap depending on your pump setup.
One option is using silicone flanges rather than traditional hard plastic flanges.
Silicone flanges aren't right for every person or every pump, so make sure anything you choose is compatible with your pump and that you're still getting an effective, comfortable fit.
And remember: your flange fit matters. Material isn't more important than fit. I would rather see you comfortably and effectively pumping with a plastic flange that fits than struggling with a silicone flange simply because you're trying to eliminate plastic.
RELATED READING: Finding The Right Flange: Eliminate discomfort, increase supply, and (finally) pump in peace.
3. Choose a Non-Toxic Soap for Washing Bottles and Pump Parts
If you're already reevaluating what you're using around your baby's feeding supplies, you may also decide to take a look at your dish soap.
Choose a soap appropriate for washing bottles and feeding equipment, and make sure you're thoroughly rinsing everything after washing.
More importantly, follow proper cleaning practices for your bottles and pump parts.
The CDC recommends thoroughly cleaning infant feeding items after use and allowing them to air-dry completely before storing them in a clean, protected area. [3]
You don't need a complicated 14-step cleaning routine. Clean equipment, appropriate soap, thorough rinsing, and proper drying go a long way.
What We Use for Bottles + Pump Parts:
You don't need a special cabinet full of products just because you're pumping. Choose something that cleans effectively, rinses well, and works for your family. My pick is the Dapple bottle soap. It cuts through the breastmilk fat, gets bottles clean, and is fragrance-free.
4. Store Breastmilk in Glass Containers When It Makes Sense
If you're currently using a pitcher method or storing larger quantities of milk in the refrigerator, consider using a glass pitcher or mason jar instead of plastic. This is probably one of the easiet swaps to make.
According to the CDC, expressed breastmilk can safely be stored in breastmilk storage bags or clean, food-grade containers made from either glass or plastic with tight-fitting lids.
If you're using glass, make sure the container is designed for food storage, closes securely, and can safely handle the temperatures you're exposing it to.
And always continue following proper breastmilk storage guidelines regardless of the container you choose.
What I look for:
I like a glass pitcher that has a handle to make my life easier, and I also like the option of a pitcher with a mixer (like the Papablic mixing pitcher). Both of these are great options.
5. Don't Panic If You're Still Using Plastic
Maybe you already own 15 plastic bottles.
Maybe your favorite pump uses plastic flanges.
Maybe disposable breastmilk storage bags are what make pumping manageable while you're at work.
Keep using them.
Reducing plastic does not have to mean eliminating plastic.
The CDC continues to recommend breastmilk storage bags and clean, food-grade glass or plastic containers as appropriate storage options for expressed breastmilk.
We're not trying to turn feeding your baby into another impossible standard.
If you want to make swaps, make the ones that fit easily into your routine.
6. If You Freeze Milk in Plastic, Transfer It Before Warming
If you currently freeze breastmilk in storage bags, you don't necessarily need to stop.
Breastmilk storage bags are incredibly convenient—especially if you're building a freezer stash or have limited freezer space.
Instead of completely changing your storage system, you may choose to transfer thawed milk into your preferred bottle or container before warming it.
Regardless of what container you're using, avoid microwaving breastmilk. The CDC recommends thawing milk overnight in the refrigerator, in lukewarm water, or under lukewarm running water. Microwaving breastmilk can create hot spots that may burn your baby's mouth and can damage some of the milk's nutrients.
And remember: breastmilk doesn't actually need to be warmed at all. It can be served cold or at room temperature if your baby accepts it.
My recommendations for milk storage:
Plastic storage bags: these are BPA + BPS free
Silicone storage bags: resuable, food-grade silicone breastmilk bags.
.png)
7. Swap Your On-the-Go Storage When You Can
Your pumping routine doesn't only happen at home.
If you're pumping at work, traveling, or simply leaving the house for the day, you can also look at what you're using to transport milk.
Instead of disposable plastic bottles or bags for every outing, you may prefer:
- A stainless steel breastmilk thermos or chiller
- Reusable silicone breastmilk storage bags
- Glass bottles when practical
Just don't let reducing plastic override proper temperature control.
The CDC says freshly expressed breastmilk can be transported in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. Once you reach your destination, the milk should be used, refrigerated, or frozen.
This is one area where I'm a big believer in buying something that actually makes your life easier. Depending on how long you'll be out and how much milk you're carrying, a breastmilk thermos / chiller makes my life so much easier. Simply add milk as you pump throughout the day, and if your baby is with you, pour as needed. The Willow Portable Breastmilk Cooler is my top pick and you can cool two ways - by using the included ice pack, or fillling the inner chamber with ice.
You Don't Have to Replace Everything Overnight
If reducing plastic in your pumping and breastmilk routine is something you want to do, start with one or two swaps that actually make sense for your life.
Maybe that's switching to glass bottles.
Maybe it's using a glass pitcher in the refrigerator.
Maybe it's transferring frozen milk out of a storage bag before warming it.
Or maybe the system you're currently using is what allows you to keep pumping—and changing it would make your life substantially harder.
That's okay too.
There is still a lot researchers are learning about microplastics and human health, and this isn't something pumping parents need to panic about.
Finding swaps that work for you and your family can still help reduce plastic in your routine without making breastfeeding more stressful.
Because pumping is already enough work. We don't need to turn your breastmilk storage containers into one more thing keeping you up at night.
SHOP ALL OF TAMARI'S BREASTMILK STORAGE + PUMPING PICKS → Reducing Microplastic Swaps
This post contains affiliate links, which means One With The Pump may earn a commission when you purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. We only share products we genuinely recommend for pumping and feeding families.
