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

Can I Put Breast Milk Back in the Fridge After Warming?
The question of whether warmed breast milk can be safely returned to the refrigerator is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. Understanding the guidelines surrounding breast milk storage is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your baby.
General Guidelines for Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, and proper handling is essential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days when it is freshly expressed. However, once breast milk has been warmed, the rules change slightly.
Refrigerating Warmed Breast Milk
Yes, you can put breast milk back in the fridge after warming it, but there are important conditions to consider. The general consensus among experts is that warmed breast milk should be used within two hours of warming. If the milk has been warmed and not consumed, it can be refrigerated again, but it must be used within that two-hour window.
If the milk has been warmed and left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be discarded to prevent any risk of bacterial growth. This is particularly important in warmer climates or homes where temperatures are higher, as bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Best Practices for Handling Breast Milk
To ensure the safety of your breast milk, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Warm Only What You Need: To minimize waste, only warm the amount of breast milk you think your baby will consume in one feeding.

2. Use a Bottle Warmer or Warm Water: When warming breast milk, avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald your baby.
3. Label and Date: If you are storing breast milk, always label it with the date and time it was expressed. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
4. Consult Professionals: If you have any doubts or specific concerns, consulting with a pediatrician or lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.
In conclusion, while it is permissible to refrigerate warmed breast milk again, adhering to the two-hour rule is crucial for your baby’s safety. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your breast milk remains a safe and nutritious option for your little one.

Can I put thawed breast milk back in the fridge?

If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away.

How long can breast milk be left out after warmed up?

If you thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours. 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 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 baby milk back in fridge after warming?

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

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 baby milk more than once?

Always be sure to refrigerate untouched formula and never freeze it as freezing can affect the nutrients in the mix. Formula should only be reheated one time and any leftover liquid should be tossed after that! To safely reheat formula straight from the fridge, we recommend using a bottle warmer.

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 put breastmilk back in the fridge after being warmed?

It is good for up to an hour at room temp after it has been warmed. You should not put it back in the fridge if it does not get finished (bacteria from baby’s mouth).

What to do if baby doesn’t finish bottle of breastmilk?

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. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

You can store expressed breast milk in the refrigerator overnight. Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, if breast milk is left out at room temperature (above 77°F or 25°C) for more than 4 hours, it should be discarded, as it may spoil.