Do Breast Milk Storage Bags Contain Forever Chemicals?
As a mom who’s constantly on a mission to protect my family’s health and the planet, I get asked this question a lot: Are breast milk storage bags loaded with PFAS? In case you haven’t met them, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are those notorious “forever chemicals” that just refuse to say goodbye — they stick around in the environment and in our bodies for ages.
Here’s the scoop: major brands like Lansinoh, Medela, NUK, and Philips AVENT typically use plastics like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These plastics are marketed as BPA- and phthalate-free — hooray! — but when it comes to PFAS, manufacturers tend to keep mum. They don’t usually spill the beans on whether their chemical recipe includes these sneaky forever chemicals or other additives. Transparency? Well, let’s just say it’s about as rare as a diaper change without a surprise!
If you want to geek out on the science and get into the nitty-gritty of safe plastic breast milk storage, check out Century Life’s guide to safe plastic breast milk storage bags. It’s a great resource for curious moms like us.
Now, here’s where things get sticky (pun intended): studies have detected PFAS in the breast milk of American moms—but they don’t exactly finger breast milk storage bags as the culprit. PFAS exposure is everywhere — from food wrappers to drinking water and household items — making it a chemical scavenger hunt to find the main source. For more on this not-so-fun fact, take a peek at the Motherly article on forever chemicals found in breast milk.
If you’re anything like me and want to dodge these chemical curveballs, consider switching to glass or stainless steel containers. They’re naturally free of PFAS and microplastics, so your milk stays pure and your peace of mind stays intact. Abby’s Food Court has an awesome guide to plastic-free, non-toxic, eco-friendly breastmilk storage that’s worth bookmarking.
And for those who love data as much as I do, the PFAS Free Life database is a treasure trove of products tested for PFAS contamination.
Where to Find Glass or Stainless Steel Containers for PFAS Free Breast Milk Storage
Ready to kick those forever chemicals to the curb? Here are some trusted alternatives to traditional breast milk storage bags—think pfas free breast milk storage bags in container form—that keep your milk safe and your mama guilt at bay:
- Mason Bottle Glass Breast Milk Storage Jars (4 oz and 8 oz) — Classic, reliable, and glassy good.
- BurrBaby 8oz Glass Breastmilk Storage Jars — Mom-approved and happily BPA-free.
- Milas Keeper Glass Breast Milk Storage Bottles — Stylish, safe, and science-backed.
- Ceres Chill Luxe Milkstache — Perfect for eco-conscious mamas.
Making the switch to breast milk storage bags without microplastics isn’t just smart—it’s peace of mind in a jar (or bottle!). Let’s keep our babies safe from those sneaky forever chemicals one sip at a time.