The Silicone Pump Collects—It Doesn’t Store
A silicone breast pump like the Lansinoh Silicone Breast Pump is designed to catch milk that leaks from the opposite breast during feeding. It uses natural suction to stay in place and can collect up to 4 ounces hands-free. But the collector itself is not a storage container. Once you’ve finished feeding or the pump is full, pour the milk into a breastmilk storage bag or bottle for safekeeping.
This distinction matters for food safety: the silicone pump is not meant to hold milk for later. The included lid is for keeping dust and debris out between uses, not for sealing milk in the collector. So your first storage step is always to transfer the milk.
How to Transfer and Store the Milk You Collect
Follow these steps each time you use the silicone pump to keep the milk safe and your routine smooth.
- Finish the feeding session: Leave the pump in place while your baby feeds on the other side. The suction holds it securely, and the neck strap adds extra security against spills.
- Remove the pump carefully: Break the seal gently and lift the pump away. Keep it upright to avoid spilling the collected milk.
- Pour the milk into a storage bag or bottle: Transfer the milk directly from the pump’s spout into a breastmilk storage bag or bottle. The built-in spout helps prevent spills.
- Label and refrigerate or freeze: Note the date and time on the storage container. Refrigerate or freeze promptly according to your local breast milk storage guidelines.
What About Freezing Milk from a Manual Pump?
If you’re using a manual pump, the same transfer principle applies: pump into a clean container, then pour into a storage bag or bottle designed for freezing. The Lansinoh Silicone Breast Pump is not a manual pump—it’s a milk catcher—but the storage step is similar. Always use containers intended for breast milk storage, and leave some headspace in bags to allow for expansion.
Product Details That Affect Storage
- Silicone Breast Pump: The Silicone Breast Pump is not meant to be used for storage. You must transfer milk to a storage bag or bottle; the collector itself is not a storage container.
Silicone Breast Pump - Silicone Breast Pump: The included lid is designed to prevent dust and debris from entering the pump when not in use, and may also be used as a base. It is not meant to cap the collector to store milk. Don’t rely on the lid to seal milk inside the pump—always pour it out.
- Silicone Breast Pump: The pump has a built-in spout and suction base to prevent spills. The spout makes pouring into a storage bag or bottle easier and less messy.
- Silicone Breast Pump: The Silicone Breast Pump can collect up to 4 ounces of extra breastmilk hands-free. Knowing the capacity helps you plan when to empty the pump during a feeding.
Cleaning Before and After Storage
Clean the silicone pump thoroughly after each use to prevent residue buildup. Wash all components immediately in hot soapy water or on the top rack of a dishwasher. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry completely before the next use. Before first use, sanitize by placing the pump in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove, cool, and air dry. You can also use a microwave-safe steam sanitizing bag.
A Note on Letdown Milk and Storage Times
Milk collected from the opposite breast during letdown is the same as milk from the feeding breast—it can be stored together. However, if you collect small amounts throughout the day, you can combine them in one storage container as long as you chill the fresh milk first and add it to the already-chilled milk. Always follow established breast milk storage guidelines for refrigeration and freezing times, as those depend on your specific situation and local health recommendations.
