This invention provides for compositions for cryopreservation of human umbilical cord tissue-derived cells. The cryopreservation compositions may comprise: (a) amino acids; (b) vitamins; (c) inorganic salts; and (d) DMSO, sucrose, mannitol, and lactobionic acid. The invention also provides for kits comprising the composition and human umbilical cord tissue-derived cells and methods of cryopreserving the cells, which utilize the compositions.