The Best Breast Pump Bags to Keep All Your Pumping Gear Together

Sarah Wells makes some of the most-loved breast pump bags on the market, and the Kelly is super popular among pumping parents. It’s got all the space and organization you’d need and it fits the Spectra S2 pump, which is a huge selling point for many parents, because it’s one of the most popular breast pumps out there. “I needed a bag to hold my Spectra pump, Ceres Chill and a spare pair of pump parts for a solo trip. This bag was perfect! Easy to travel with and tons of room for everything I needed!” It fits most other pumps as well, but the Spectra is a rather bulky pump that many parents have trouble fitting in their bags.

There’s a zip-down dedicated pump pocket, a laptop pocket for screens up to 17”, easy-to-clean nylon material and a thermal-lined pocket for storing breast milk, which can keep it cool for up to six hours with the addition of an ice pack.

The biggest complaint parents have about this bag has to do with the design on the lining—it was mentioned in quite a few of their reviews. “I wish the pattern on the inside was a little more "grown-up" or neutral,” one wrote. And at $140, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. But most parents agree that it’s well worth the cost, sharing they use it for a general work bag or even as a backup diaper bag.

Some pumpers prefer a tote bag over a backpack style for a breast pump bag because they have both hand straps and a longer shoulder/crossbody strap. And sometimes, they can hold just as much stuff—if not more—than a backpack. While Spectra breast pumps are a popular pump pick for Babylist parents and among pumping parents in general, that’s only a small part of why this is our top breast pump tote pick. 

The All in One Pump and Accessories Carrying tote has a deep main compartment that’s designed to fit all Spectra breast pump models, and it fits most other breast pumps too. There’s also a 13” laptop pouch, plenty of room for pump parts and accessories and a reinforced shoulder strap. 

Pro tip: if you’re getting a Spectra pump through insurance, see if your plan offers a bundle upgrade that includes this tote!

Looking to spend a little less on a breast pump bag? This backpack is priced at around $40 and holds everything you need when you’re pumping on the go. Pumping parents rave about all the storage pockets and its plentiful space for most major pump brands. A few even say there’s enough space to hold a few diaper bag essentials in a pinch as well. The backpack features lightweight and comfortable straps (which come in handy when you’re lugging around a pump and all its parts). It also has a lined bottom compartment to hold ice packs and expressed milk, with one parent raving, “[It] holds more than needed, and is well enough insulated to keep milk cold for a 10+ hour drive (with [an] ice pack).” 

Unlike some pumping bags, this one doesn’t have a zip-down compartment for larger pumps like the Spectra; you’ll have to store it inside the bag’s main compartment. Parents’ biggest gripe is that the cooler portion isn’t lined with water- or leak-proof material, so if anything spills it’ll get everything else wet. “Would have given 5 stars but the cooler compartment gets wet when [bottles leak]. But overall I like how functional this bag is!” A few also mention the zipper gets stuck easily, which can be a pain when you’re in a hurry.

There are a few must-have features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a breast pump bag for work, and the Abby hits them all. You’ll need a bag that’s easy and comfortable to carry (check), something with plenty of storage space (check, again) and an elevated style, especially if you work in a more formal office setting (also, check!). “This bag made an anxious life event (returning to work as a first time momma) go much smoother!” one parent raved in their review.

Many parents say the style is what won them over—turning this bag into a small way to make the return to work feel a little more exciting. “I splurged on this pump bag as I got prepared to go back to work. The bag that came with my pump bag was junk and didn't have room for all of the items I needed!” They also specifically call out that this bag looks like a classic work tote and not “a baby/nursing accessory.”

Other things to love about this breast pump bag include thermally lined pockets on either side, real leather shoulder straps, a laptop compartment for screens up to 15” and a luggage sleeve.

The biggest downside to this bag is the price tag. At just over $200, it’s not the most affordable option. “I went back and forth on purchasing this! My only regret is not buying it sooner! You can wipe it out, it fits everything, and has a long strap for easier carrying!” another parent wrote. But if you’re looking for something that functions as a work bag and a pump bag, it may be worth it.

If you’re looking for a breast pump bag that doesn’t look like a breast pump bag, the Radley delivers. Designed with thoughtful details (“SO. MANY. POCKETS, according to one parent review) and modern style, this backpack is equal parts fashion and function. Parents especially love that it doesn’t scream “pump bag,” making it a great pick for work and even after your pumping days are over.

The Radley features two roomy compartments (with a removable center divider so you can combine them into one), 16 total pockets and a water-resistant, easy-to-clean lining. It’s made of vegan leather and has a structured silhouette that helps it hold its shape. Aside from the divider, one feature parents call out is that the popular Ceres Chill fits perfectly in the side pockets.

There’s a designated pump pocket, insulated bottle pockets and plenty of space for pump parts. It also has a sleeve for up to a 12-inch laptop, which makes it work-friendly. “I was specifically looking for something that could fit my laptop without having the whole interior of the bag be open (can still have the divider inside when holding a laptop),” one parent shared in their review. It has padded, adjustable backpack straps and hidden D-rings that let you convert it to a shoulder or crossbody bag. 

The biggest downside to this bag is that it’s not exactly budget-friendly. However, many parents mention in their reviews it was a nice “treat yourself” splurge that made returning to work a little sweeter. One wrote, “I was really nervous about getting this bag as I had high expectations. And dang was it worth it.” 

Another parent said it was heavy before packing it up, which made it even heavier when all of their things were in it: “If I were to need to carry this bag the whole day, I will most [likely] struggle with the weight.” If you’re looking for another stylish option, we also love the Petunia Picklebottom 2-in-1 Provisions pump backpack.

A breast pump bag made specifically for a wearable pump isn’t a must-have, but it’s a definite nice-to-have that’s really convenient if you’re a hands-free pumper. This one from Willow is made specifically for the brand’s wearable pump, but nothing’s stopping you from using it with whatever wearable you choose—the bag also fits other popular wearable pumps. There are two dedicated pouches for a wearable pump and one really unique feature: a detachable milk cooler that stores up to 30 ounces of milk. The bag can be worn three ways (backpack, crossbody or shoulder) and is made out of vegan leather, which gives it an elevated look.  

While this bag has great organization for wearable pumps, it’s specifically for wearables—standard pumps won't fit. A few parents also called out a tight fit and tricky zippers. “The zippers are very hard to move, and the upper compartment is pretty small if you’re trying to pack anything more than just your pumps,” one parent said in their review. Another parent had a similar complaint about the pump pockets, saying, “I liked the idea of individual pockets for each pump in the top, but they are so tight it can be hard to get them in.”