Is the fridge hack safe?

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The pumping fridge hack is touted as a time-saver for mamas, but CDC guidelines raise safety concerns.

By Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN August 19, 2023

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Any mama who’s ever pumped knows how time-consuming it can be—especially if you do it multiple times a day or exclusively pump. Even with all the amazing pumping gear available that does make things easier, the constant washing, rinsing, sterilizing and drying feels never-ending—and honestly, there are already so many other things on the to-do list.

So it’s no surprise that when you’re in the thick of it, any tips to save some time become appealing. Enter the fridge hack, not a new invention but an old trick that pops up regularly in mom groups and social media as a time-saving strategy for pumping mothers. But is this method really safe for your baby? Here’s what to know.

Related: We found the best wearable breast pumps so you can pump hands-free

The fridge hack is a pumping storage method where instead of washing and sterilizing all the pumping parts after each session, you give them a quick rinse and put them straight back into the fridge in a zip-top bag or other airtight container.

The idea is that the cold temperature prevents bacterial growth, so you can reuse the parts the next time you pump, possibly repeating this multiple times a day before you fully wash everything at the end of the day. Mamas who use this technique do so as a time-saving measure—especially on a quick break at work or on the go.

Related: Exclusively pumping is still breastfeeding, mama—and here are 5 ways to make it easier

The language on the CDC website is a little fuzzy regarding the fridge hack, as they don’t explicitly say you should never do it—but in general, this practice is discouraged and should only be used as an in-case-of-emergency situation.

The CDC guidance for best practice is to wash pump parts after every session to keep your baby safe from bacteria that could be introduced to pump parts. However, the CDC does state that if you don’t have the time to clean between sessions, you can rinse the parts (or wipe with a clean paper towel if you don’t have access to a sink), place them in a sealed bag, and put them directly in the fridge.

Note: If your baby is immunocompromised or under 2 months old, the CDC does not recommend using this method at all and instead recommends washing parts after each session.

The CDC recommendations are designed to limit the potential of exposing a baby to bacteria that could grow on the pump parts when not cleaned properly. Although cases when a baby did get seriously ill from improperly washed pump parts weren’t necessarily related to the fridge hack, the CDC errs on the side of caution.

Breast milk naturally contains components that help protect it from becoming contaminated with germs—called its bacteriostatic capacity. This is one reason you can leave fresh milk on the counter for four hours or less in a room-temperature environment. But these anti-bacterial properties wear off over time.

While refrigeration does slow bacterial growth, it doesn’t stop it completely. The CDC states that there aren’t any studies specifically looking at whether the fridge hack of rinsing or wiping off parts and storing between pumping sessions is safe enough to stop bacterial growth.

Related: 13 pumping essentials every mama needs to know about

If you’re pumping multiple times daily, you can also save time by purchasing several sets of pump parts to keep on hand. This way, you don’t have to go through a full clean after each session but wash everything at the end of the day.

Specialized pump wipes are also an option when you need something fast or if you don’t have access to a sink and soapy water (although wipes still don’t take the place of a thorough clean).

The fridge hack is one of those things you’ll hear conflicting opinions about. Just like some mamas choose to eat deli meat or sushi while pregnant, we all have different levels of risk tolerance. But based on the CDC guidelines, your best bet is to play it safe and clean your pump parts after each use (and you can always chat with your pediatrician if you want to discuss it further).

With a higher capacity than the Willow 3.0 (5 ounces or 7 ounces per side, if you spring for the larger containers), the Willow Go is an all-around favorite thanks to the fact that it’s dishwasher-safe, has no external wires or tubes, and operates on a connected app. It’s leak-proof for movement within 45º, and you can control the suction on each pump individually for optimal output. The clear front design lets you see how much milk you’ve pumped—especially helpful.

“I found the design to be very respectful of women’s lives and impressively convenient as a busy mama. It’s honestly so much more woman-centered than the tethers and tubes of a traditional pump,” says Liz Tenety, co-founder of Motherly, the host of The Motherly Podcast and a mom of five.

As far as downsides go, the Willow Go isn’t completely spill-proof like the Willow 3.0, has more parts that need cleaning and can be kind of finicky to set up. Though it is quite a bit cheaper, and is more likely to be covered by more insurance plans (breast pumps are also eligible for reimbursement with your FSA/HSA card).

Capacity: 5 or 7 ounces per side (10 or 14 ounces total)

Covered by insurance: A portion or all may be covered, but you can check your plan here

App connectivity: Yes

Hands down, the Elvie pump is quieter than most other options, which, if you’re pumping through meetings or calls or while trying to get a baby to sleep, can be key. A connected app can help monitor suction modes, milk volume and session timing, and you can pump right into the container, which each holds 5 ounces.

Reviewers say one charge can get them through at least 3 pumping sessions, and the pumps charge using a micro USB cable, which you probably have lying around somewhere (good if you can’t find the ones it came with during those late-night sessions).

It’s pricey, similar to the Willow, but the shape is compact, making it one of the more discrete options. “I exclusively pump, and wanted to find a wearable pump so that I can be hands free, cord free, so that I can go about daily tasks and play with my daughter. I started using it at 9 months postpartum. After giving it a few weeks’ use, it works well, it actually feels more like breastfeeding than any other pump I’ve used,” says reviewer Dawn.

If you’re not ready to shell out for the Elvie double pump, you could opt for a single hub only, and just switch sides.

Capacity: 5 ounces per side (10 ounces total)

Covered by insurance: A portion or all may be covered, depending on your plan

App connectivity: Yes

The Elvie Stride also wins points for being easy to use, though like the Freemie Liberty II, it contains tubing that connects to a clip-on pump motor. It’s hands-free but not fully wireless, but moms swear by the suction. “I loved it,” says Zoey W., mom of two, “though it was a little awkward to use.”

Even with the tubes, Jess V., mom of two, said the Elvie Stride made pumping more bearable. “I could take a remote call and wear it without anyone knowing,” she shares, adding that it was pretty easy to clean and that the Elvie team has great customer service. “If something breaks, they’ll replace it,” says Jess, which is one less worry to cross off your list.

Capacity: 5 ounces per side (10 ounces total)

Covered by insurance: A portion or all may be covered, depending on your plan

App connectivity: Yes