What to pack in your pump bag
By The Zomee Team · Updated September 25, 2026 · 4 min read
Your pump bag needs your charged pump, a second set of parts, extra duckbill valves, a cooler with frozen ice packs, cleaning wipes, and a spare shirt. Pack it the night before.
If you're going back to work, our pumping at work guide covers when to pump and what to ask HR.
Pump gear
All four Zomee pumps run on rechargeable batteries, so charge yours before you pack it. If you pump with the Mother's Nature™ W1, pack its magnetic charging cables. Regular USB cables won't fit.
Many moms find a second set of parts helpful, because parts should be completely dry before you put your pump back together. Even a little moisture can affect suction.
Duckbill valves wear out with regular use, and a worn or damaged part is the most common cause of a sudden loss of suction. Keep extra valves in the bag.
Before you leave, check for these:
- Your pump, charged
- The charging cables or adapter your pump includes
- A second set of parts, with breast shields in your size
- Extra duckbill valves
Milk storage
Keep your milk in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs. The CDC says milk can be stored that way for up to 24 hours when you're traveling. Once you're home, use it right away, refrigerate it, or freeze it.
Our Packable Breast Milk Cooler and Storage Bottles includes a cooler bag, two ice packs, and four storage bottles with caps.
Pack one bottle or storage bag for each session you plan, plus a spare. The CDC recommends labeling each one with the date you pumped, and your baby's name if the milk goes to childcare. Our milk storage guidelines cover how long milk keeps in the fridge and freezer.
For your milk, pack these:
- An insulated cooler
- Frozen ice packs
- A bottle or storage bag for each session, plus a spare
- A pen for labeling
Cleanup supplies
The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before you pump. If soap and water aren't available, it recommends a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. It also recommends wiping the countertop, pump dials, and power switch with disinfectant wipes, especially if you use a shared pump.
The CDC also says to clean pump parts after every use. If you wash them at work, it recommends a clean wash basin and brush used only for infant feeding items. Never put the parts directly in the sink.
Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes can help clean pump parts when you don't have soap and water. They're alcohol-free and individually wrapped. Even with wipes, the CDC says parts that touch milk should be washed with dish soap and warm water before you use them again.
If you can't wash parts at work, pack a clean set for each session. At home, wash the washable parts in warm water with mild dish soap, and let them air dry.
For cleanup, pack these:
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Disinfectant wipes for the countertop, dials, and power switch
- Cleaning wipes for pump parts
- A zip bag for used parts
- A wash basin and brush, if you wash parts at work
Things for you
Wear a bra you can pump in. The 2-in-1 Pumping Bra lets you pump hands-free with any of the four Zomee pumps.
Pack these for yourself:
- A spare shirt
- Nursing pads
- A water bottle
- A snack
Where to get help
Call The Mom Line™ at 1-888-662-7159 for pump, sizing, parts, and support questions. Real moms and certified lactation consultants answer it.
For feeding or supply concerns, talk to a lactation consultant (IBCLC), and for pain or fever, call your provider.
Questions moms ask
Can I store pumped milk in the office fridge?
Yes. The CDC says freshly pumped milk keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store it toward the back, not in the door.
Can I pump while my W1 is charging?
No. If you need to charge your W1 at work, charge it between sessions.
Do I need to sanitize my pump parts every day?
The CDC recommends sanitizing pump parts at least once daily for extra germ removal, especially if your baby is under 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. For older, healthy babies, it says daily sanitizing may not be necessary if you clean the parts carefully after each use. Sanitize only after cleaning, by steaming the parts or boiling them for 5 minutes, and check the manufacturer's instructions first. The W1's warming breast shields are the exception: hand wash them only, and never boil, steam, or microwave them.
Do I need a special pump bag?
No. Any bag with room for your pump, parts, and cooler works. Our Pumping Tote Bag is durable canvas with a secure zippered pocket, wipes clean, and measures 15 by 13 by 5 inches.
What if pumping starts to hurt?
You should never feel pain while pumping, and flange size is one of the first things to check. If none of the sizes included with your pump fits, we'll send you a pair in your size for free with Perfect Fit Promise™. If it still hurts after a size change, call your provider.
