I wrote a post awhile ago on Stylish Breast Pump Bags. Before becoming a mom, I was once a fashionable person who carried nice bags. I loved having a nice purse, and once the needs of a baby entered the picture I needed to find nice bags for my new role – mom!
I am not fond of carrying multiple bags at once (purse, diaper bag, pump bag) for all my needs so it has been critical to not only find nice diaper bags, but stylish breast pump bags. This is what led me to write my first post on different fashionable breast pump bags. One of the bags I wrote about was the Sarah Wells “Maddy” Breast Pump Bag. Well, that bag has been retired and Sarah Wells recently came out with two new models. I got the chance to check the Sarah Wells “Annie” Breast Pump Bag, and I am very excited to review it here.
I love Sarah’s story of how she developed her business. As a new mom she really hated toting her breast pump to work in a boring pump bag. She couldn't find an all in one bag that would store her breast pump separately and let her carry everything else she needed. While the black bag that comes with most breast pumps is perfectly functional for carrying a pump; it’s not the greatest to use as a purse or for schlepping everything you need for a day out including your pump, office accessories, purse items and lunch. With this dilemma in mind she set out to create a bag that was fashionable, functional and could meet all of those needs.
While I personally do not tote a pump to work, I have taken my breast pump on many trips and this bag works equally well for that purpose. So without further ado, my review of the Sarah Wells “Annie” Breast Pump Bag.
The "Annie" Breast Pump Bag specs
The first thing I was impressed with when I opened this bag is how large and roomy it is yet it does not look too large. If you are used to carrying around diaper bags this is very similar in size but it does not feel bulky. It's about 14 x 7 x 14 inches and has room for everything you need.
This bag comes in a faux leather, so it's easy to wipe clean but still looks stylish. It comes in black with silver hardware or you can get it in a bright blue color. The inside is a bright purple, which is a great color for finding things easily inside your bag.
There is a medium size pocket on the front outside of the bag which would be great for a phone, and a zipper pocket for other small items on the inside.
I really love having the option to wear my bag on my shoulder or across my body with a longer strap. This bag does not disappoint, with comfortable rounded shoulder straps and a removable long cross body strap.
There are two thermally lined pockets on either side of the bag. A pump can fit in one pocket and the other can be used for pumped milk and other supplies. The thermal lining will keep milk cold for up to six hours with an ice pack. How awesome, no need for a separate cooler!
The pockets on either side have a little clear photo pouch where you can add a picture of your baby to see while pumping. Sarah left a little card there with some helpful pumping tips which is very thoughtful.
This bag claims to fit most portable breast pumps in the side pocket easily. My Ameda Purely Yours pump, bottles, flanges and power adapter fit in the insulated side pocket with room to spare.
So what else do I love about this bag?
I love how stylish it looks and feels and it is very lightweight (well until you overload it like I tend to do). The materials feel durable and while I have not had it for long it seems it will hold up well. It definitely does not feel like a pump bag but it functions like one. I am able to leave my Ameda Purely Yours in the side pocket and just pull out the bottles and flanges for pumping which is a great feature.
I tested this bag out with all of my normal baby supplies, my supplies, and items I would take on a trip. Here I have my laptop as well as all my stuff in the center section. I have an ice pack, pumping bra and extra storage bottles in the other outside thermal pocket.
This bag can also make a great diaper bag on its own
Here I have both of my kid's cups, my makeup bag, wallet, diaper clutch with diapers and wipes, and a changing pad. There is still plenty of room for my cell phone and keys. This is what I carry on a daily basis and there was still plenty of room in the side pockets for extras.
