Can breast milk go back in fridge after being warmed?

Understanding the Safety of Reusing Warmed Breast Milk
When it comes to the delicate process of feeding infants, especially with breast milk, safety is paramount. One common question among new parents is whether warmed breast milk can be returned to the refrigerator after being heated. The answer is nuanced and hinges on several important guidelines.
The General Rule: Use or Discard
The consensus among experts is clear: once breast milk has been warmed, it should ideally be used within a specific timeframe or discarded. According to guidelines, warmed breast milk should be consumed within two hours of being heated. This is because, during the warming process, the milk can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which poses a risk to the infant’s health.
Refrigeration After Warming: The Conditions
While some sources suggest that it is technically possible to refrigerate warmed breast milk again, this is contingent on strict adherence to time limits. If the milk has been warmed and not consumed, it can be placed back in the fridge only if it is done within the two-hour window. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly, making it unsafe for reuse.
Storage Best Practices
To maximize the safety and quality of breast milk, it is recommended to chill it immediately after expression. Storing it in the main body of the refrigerator, rather than the door, helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for preventing spoilage.
Consulting Professionals
Given the complexities surrounding breast milk storage and safety, parents are encouraged to consult with pediatricians or lactation consultants for personalized advice. These professionals can provide tailored guidance based on individual circumstances, ensuring that both mother and baby are supported in their feeding journey.
In summary, while there are some allowances for refrigerating warmed breast milk, the safest practice is to use it promptly or discard it to protect the health of your baby.

How long can refrigerated breast milk sit out after being warmed?

Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.

Can you put baby milk back in the fridge after warming?

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

Can you reheat milk that has already been heated?

If heated milk is left sitting in the temperature danger zone, bacteria and other harmful pathogens multiply quickly. You might think that reheating this same milk again above the 60 degrees will kill off any bacteria that may have grown during this time. This is simply not true.

How long is formula good for once warmed?

within 1 hour
Something else to know: If you’ve warmed up a bottle, our previous 2-hour guideline for untouched formula doesn’t apply. A heated bottle should be used within 1 hour, and any remaining should be poured down the sink after that time.

Can warmed whole milk be refrigerated again?

Whatever bacteria grew while it warmed up will still be there, and will continue to grow. Refrigeration only slows down the multiplication of bacteria.

Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after warming?

Healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants and pediatricians, generally recommend against refrigerating breast milk again once it has been warmed. This is because once breast milk is warmed to a typical feeding temperature, bacterial growth will accelerate.

What to do with leftover warmed breast milk?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts. See Breast Milk Storage and Preparation for more information.

Can you rewarm breast milk twice?

Breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen can only be heated once. Never reheat breast milk as this accumulates bacteria the more it is exposed to warmer temperatures. Breast milk that has been heated or brought to room temperature needs to be consumed within 2 hours.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

How long can you keep breast milk after it’s been warmed up?

Warmed breast milk will typically need to be used within two hours of warming it. Finding a reliable, plastic-free storage bottle for your breast milk is critical to safely storing your liquid gold. You can thaw frozen breast milk in the fridge under running or in warm or hot water.