Can I leave breast milk out and then refrigerate?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
When it comes to the storage of breast milk, proper handling is crucial to ensure the health and safety of your baby. Many parents wonder about the safety of leaving breast milk out at room temperature and then refrigerating it. Here’s a detailed exploration of the guidelines and best practices.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk can be stored in various ways, including at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Each method has specific time frames that dictate how long the milk remains safe to use.
1. Room Temperature: Freshly expressed breast milk can be left out at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for up to four hours. After this time, the milk may no longer be safe for consumption.
2. Refrigeration: Once breast milk has been refrigerated, it can last for up to four days at temperatures below 4°C (39°F). However, it’s essential to note that breast milk should not be left out for an extended period before refrigerating it.
Can You Leave Breast Milk Out and Then Refrigerate It?
The general consensus among health professionals is that if breast milk has been left out at room temperature for more than four hours, it should not be refrigerated and used.
– Why is this important? Bacteria can multiply rapidly in milk left out too long, raising the risk of foodborne illnesses in infants. To maintain the nutritional quality and safety of breast milk, it’s best to adhere strictly to the recommended guidelines.
Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk
To ensure that your expressed breast milk remains safe for your baby, follow these best practices:
– Label and Date: Always label containers with the date and time of expression. This helps keep track of how long the milk has been stored.

– Use Clean Containers: Store breast milk in clean, BPA-free bottles or storage bags designed for breast milk.
– Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Minimize the time milk spends at room temperature before refrigerating it.
– Thawing Frozen Milk: If you’re thawing frozen breast milk, do so in the refrigerator or by placing the container under warm running water. Do not refreeze thawed milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while fresh breast milk can be left out for a limited time, it is vital to refrigerate it promptly if not used. Leaving it out for more than four hours poses a risk that should not be taken lightly. By following these guidelines, parents can ensure their little ones receive safe and nutritious breast milk. Always consult with healthcare providers if there are uncertainties about breast milk storage and safety.

How long can milk sit out for a baby?

Type of Breast Milk or Formula	Place and Temperature
Freshly expressed or pumped breast milk	Up to 4 hours	Up to 4 days
Thawed breast milk from freezer	Up to 2 hours	Up to 24 hours
Prepared infant formula	Up to 2 hours after preparing (1 hour if your baby has already started feeding)	Up to 24 hours

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

Can I refrigerate breast milk after thawing?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

What is the 2 hour rule for breast milk?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items.

Should you let breast milk cool before refrigerating?

Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.
Freshly expressed milk can remain at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours, or up 6 to 8 hours if very cleanly expressed; however, it is best to chill as soon as possible.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after being out?

Don’t put leftover breast milk back in the fridge to use later or refreeze it. It’s important to follow safety guidelines for breast milk because bacteria can grow in it if you leave it out for too long.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How long can breast milk stay out before being refrigerated?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Can you put breastmilk straight into the fridge?

Breast milk can be stored in a sterilised container, or special storage bags – remember to label and date it. Store it in small quantities to avoid wasting any. Your breast milk can then be kept: at the back of the fridge – not the door – for up to 8 days (at 4C or colder)

Can I save breastmilk that baby didn’t finish?

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.