Using Willow Pump With Milk Bags vs Milk Containers – What’s Best For You?

Are you wondering whether it’s best to use the Willow Pump with milk bags or whether you should invest in Willow milk containers? Let’s take a closer look at these two accessories and see which one is better for moms who are only pumping occasionally, as well as for exclusively pumping moms!

In this article I will compare the use of Willow Pump with milk bags and milk containers. Each accessory has its own benefits, and I hope my comparison will help you decide what’s more convenient FOR YOU.

If you have read my review of Willow Pump you already know how impressed I am with this smart hands-free breast pump. Now it’s time to see how to get the most out of the pump with the use of milk containers and milk bags. Let’s find out which ones are easier to use and cheaper in the long run.

This article is NOT a substitute for medical advice. It contains affiliate links.

Willow Pump With Milk Bags

When you buy the Willow smart pump you receive a pack of 24 4oz. milk bags. If you’re exclusively pumping this supply may last you only for a couple of days. If you plan on using the pump to create a small stock in your fridge, in case you need to separate from your baby, this pack may be enough for a few weeks.

Using the Willow Pump with milk bags is very convenient, because you pump directly into the bag, which also double as a storage bag.

You don’t need to pour the milk into separate container – you can toss the Willow milk bag into a cooler bag, refrigerator or freezer.

Moreover, I like the way these bags are designed. There is one-way valve which means that your expressed milk goes in, but doesn’t spills out of it. You can pump in any position: when lying down while reading a book, when playing with your little one (even if you often bend down!), when sitting down and working on a laptop or even during a stroll.

Another advantage is that these bags are self-sealing, keeping your precious nutrients in a safe and hygienic way.

For some moms a huge advantage will be the fact that these milk bags are disposable and recyclable. Once you’re done pumping, you have less parts to clean, because there are no additional containers.

Willow milk bags are definitely a wonderful solution for moms who returned to work and want to remain a good milk supply when they are away from their baby.

It’s a convenient choice for traveling moms too, because it allows to pump on-the-go. Once you’ve finished your pumping session, you can toss the milk bag into a cooler bag without the need to transfer it into another storage container (which would be really annoying when you’re out and about).

However, for EPing moms the use of milk bags may be quite expensive (the pack of 48 bags costs $23.99). So in my opinion, Willow milk bags work best for moms who pump occasionally or when you need to pump on-the go, when you’re away from your home, or traveling.

For moms who pump more frequently Willow has a fantastic, more pocket-friendly solution.

Willow Pump With Milk Containers

For moms exclusively pumping or creating breast milk freezer stash, the Willow milk containers will be better option – and definitely more affordable solution in the long run.

The use of Willow Wearable Breast Pump with milk containers may be very convenient too, because once you’re done pumping, you can pour the milk into a feeding bottle and serve it to your little one, or store in the fridge or freezer.

The good news is that many feeding bottle are freezer-safe! For example Nanobebe, Tommee Tippee, and Medela bottles can be used for freezing the milk, if you purchase special lids. Some baby bottle brands also offer freezer storage bags.

>>Find out more about safe breast milk storage

>>Check my list of best baby bottles

The best thing about milk containers is the fact that they are reusable. Each container holds up two 4 oz. When you finish pumping, you simply pour the milk into a feeding bottle or other storage container, wash the Willow milk containers and you’re ready for next pumping session.

These containers are dishwasher-safe, which makes the whole process even easier.

When you buy the Willow pump with milk bags only, you need to choose the right size of the flanges to avoid nipple soreness. It’s the same case with milk containers. They are available in 3 sizes: 21 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm. If you’re not sure which size will fit you best, you can find useful tips on Willow website¹.

The containers easily connect with the pump, without any long cords allowing you to pump basically everywhere. And just like with the milk bags, you can pump in any position when using the milk containers too!

The pack of 2 milk containers – one for each breast – costs $49.99 which initially is more than a pack of milk bags, but in the long run it’s a more affordable solution because you can use the containers multiple times.

So if you are pumping frequently (or exclusively), or you are stay-at-home mom and plan on making bigger freezer stash of your breast milk, or simply prefer reusable containers over disposable bags, the Willow milk containers will be a good choice for you.

The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. The article contains affiliate links – your support helps us run this blog! All pictures of Willow Pump belong to Willow².

Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.

If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂