Can I put an unfinished breastmilk bottle back in the fridge?

Can I Put an Unfinished Breastmilk Bottle Back in the Fridge?
When it comes to the delicate matter of storing breast milk, parents often find themselves navigating a maze of guidelines and recommendations. One common question that arises is whether it’s safe to put an unfinished bottle of breast milk back in the fridge after a feeding. The answer, while straightforward, is rooted in safety concerns regarding contamination and bacterial growth.
The Guidelines on Reusing Breast Milk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk that has been offered to a baby should ideally be used within two hours of the feeding. This recommendation stems from the risk of bacterial contamination that occurs once the milk has been exposed to the baby’s mouth. The CDC emphasizes that once a baby has started feeding from a bottle, the milk can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, making it unsafe for future use.
Experts, including pediatricians and lactation consultants, generally advise that any leftover milk from a feeding should be discarded rather than stored for later use. This is because the milk can be contaminated not only by the baby but also by handling during the feeding process. The consensus is clear: if your baby doesn’t finish a bottle, it’s best to throw it away.
Storage Safety and Best Practices
Breast milk is safe to store in the refrigerator for up to four days when properly handled and chilled immediately after expression. However, once the milk has been warmed or has been in contact with the baby, the clock starts ticking. The recommendation to discard unfinished milk is primarily to prevent any potential health risks associated with bacterial growth.
For parents looking to maximize the use of expressed milk, it’s crucial to follow best practices for storage. This includes chilling milk right after it’s expressed and avoiding storage in the door of the fridge, where temperatures can fluctuate.
Conclusion
In summary, while it may seem wasteful to discard unfinished breast milk, the safety of your baby should always come first. The risk of contamination is significant enough that health authorities recommend against putting an unfinished bottle back in the fridge. Instead, aim to prepare only what your baby can consume in one sitting, and always prioritize safe handling and storage practices to ensure the health and well-being of your little one.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.

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.

Can you put a bottle back in the fridge after warming it?

You cannot refrigerate it again once it warms– it doesn’t matter the method. Increased temperature gives bacteria a chance to multiply. The time limits are generally what is thought to be of as safe levels.

What happens if my baby doesn’t finish his bottle?

In this case, there is nothing to worry about. Babies each have their own routine that develops over time. Some babies sleep so much they may skip some feedings, especially during the first 2 to 3 weeks. This means they will have a hard time getting all the milk they need.

What if my baby is not finishing the bottle overnight?

Some babies have a habit of falling asleep without finishing their bottle. This is not a problem unless they are waking and demanding a feed frequently or not gaining weight or are losing weight, or not passing adequate amounts of urine.

Can I put an unfinished bottle of breast milk back in the fridge?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after heating it up?

Exposing your baby to potentially harmful levels of bacteria could lead to foodborne illnesses. And since breast milk is a living food full of microbes (as well as the sugars those microbes like to feed on), it’s best to play it safe and never refrigerate warmed breast milk.

What if my baby didn’t finish the bottle of breast milk?

If baby does not finish the bottle during a feed, the recommendation is milk may be reused within 1-2 hours and after this time frame should be discarded to avoid transfer of bacteria from baby’s mouth to bottle (ABM, 2017).

Can you put a bottle back in the fridge if the baby doesn’t finish?

Timing: If a baby does not finish a bottle, it’s best to discard any leftover milk after one hour. If the bottle was not warmed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but it should not be re-warmed more than once.

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.