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

Understanding the Guidelines for Storing Heated Breast Milk
When it comes to the delicate process of feeding infants, especially with breast milk, safety and hygiene are paramount. A common question among new parents is whether they can put breast milk back in the fridge after it has been heated. The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors.
General Recommendations
The consensus among experts is that once breast milk has been warmed, it should ideally be used within a specific timeframe. According to guidelines, warmed breast milk should be consumed within two hours if it has not been touched by the baby. If the milk has been warmed and remains unused, it can be returned to the refrigerator, but only under certain conditions. Specifically, if the milk has not been contaminated—meaning the baby has not drunk from it—it can be refrigerated again for up to four hours .
Bacterial Growth Concerns
One of the primary concerns with reheating and re-refrigerating breast milk is the potential for bacterial growth. Heating breast milk can encourage the proliferation of bacteria, which poses a risk to the infant’s health. Therefore, many health professionals advise against repeatedly warming and cooling breast milk. The general guideline is that once breast milk is warmed, it should either be used or discarded to minimize any health risks .
Practical Tips for Parents
For parents navigating this process, it’s essential to be mindful of how breast milk is handled. If you find yourself in a situation where you have warmed milk but your baby does not consume it, consider these tips:
1. Use It Promptly: If the milk is warmed, aim to use it within two hours. This minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
2. Refrigerate If Unused: If the milk has not been consumed and is still within the safe timeframe, it can be placed back in the fridge for up to four hours.
3. Consult Professionals: When in doubt, consulting a pediatrician or lactation consultant can provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is technically possible to refrigerate warmed breast milk again if it has not been contaminated, the safest practice is to use it promptly or discard it if it has been left out for too long. By adhering to these guidelines, parents can ensure they are providing the safest feeding options for their little ones.

Can I rewarm breast milk twice?

When it come to heating up breast milk, it’s generally recommended that you only reheat breast milk once, maybe twice. The reasoning for this is that each time you heat and cool the milk, it can potentially degrade the quality and nutritional value.

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.

Is it OK to heat milk twice?

Always keep your milk refrigerated. Milk that has been left out for an extended period of time will become difficult to foam as the fat content breaks down in higher temperatures. Ensure your milk jug is rinsed thoroughly after each use. Do not reheat milk.

Can you put heated milk back in the fridge?

If your baby does not finish a feeding, you should throw away the leftover breast milk in the bottle. Warmed breast milk CAN NOT be refrigerated again. Although it’s not well known, refrigeration can slow the growth of some bacteria. Doctors do not recommend refrigerating heated milk.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Never refreeze or reheat breast milk that’s been thawed, the CDC notes. If you’re not feeding baby immediately, keep defrosted breast milk in the fridge. If you thawed it at room temperature, the milk is good for up to two hours (after that, throw it out).

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 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.

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 I put breast milk back in the fridge after warming?

If it’s not used, it should be thrown away. “Once your milk is warmed, the ability of the milk to inhibit bacterial growth is decreased, so it is not recommended to place your milk back in the refrigerator,” explains Andria. “The baby’s mouth touching the milk leads to bacterial growth in the 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.