Can I put breast milk back in the fridge if still cold?

Can I Put Breast Milk Back in the Fridge If Still Cold?
When it comes to the safe storage of breast milk, many parents find themselves navigating a maze of guidelines and recommendations. One common question that arises is whether it’s safe to put breast milk back in the fridge after it has been warmed but remains cold. The answer is nuanced and depends on a few key factors.
Understanding Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
Breast milk is a precious resource, and ensuring its safety is paramount. According to health experts, freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or cooler. However, once breast milk has been warmed, the rules change slightly. If the milk has been warmed but not fed to the baby, it can be returned to the fridge for a limited time.
Key Considerations for Re-refrigerating Breast Milk
1. Warmed Milk: If breast milk has been warmed and not offered to the baby, it can be safely returned to the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. This guideline is crucial for parents to remember, as it allows for some flexibility in managing feeding schedules.
2. Milk That Has Touched the Baby’s Mouth: If the milk has been offered to the baby, the situation is different. In this case, it should be discarded if it has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This precaution helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can occur once the milk has been introduced to the baby’s mouth.
3. Cold Milk: If breast milk was previously refrigerated and then warmed, but remains cold (not exceeding room temperature), it can be safely stored again in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This is particularly relevant for parents who may have warmed milk for a feeding but then decided to postpone it.
Practical Tips for Storing Breast Milk
– Use Appropriate Containers: Always store breast milk in clean, BPA-free containers with tight-fitting lids. Label each container with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness.

– Monitor Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature to maintain the quality and safety of the milk. A thermometer can help you verify that it stays at or below 40°F (4°C).
– Avoid Re-warming: Once breast milk has been warmed, it should not be re-warmed multiple times. This practice can increase the risk of bacterial growth and compromise the milk’s safety.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, you can put breast milk back in the fridge if it has been warmed but remains cold, as long as it has not been offered to the baby. Adhering to these guidelines not only ensures the safety of the milk but also supports the health and well-being of your little one. As always, when in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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.

Can breast milk come out of fridge and go back in?

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 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.

Does breast milk need to cool before refrigerating?

Once breast milk is cooled, keep it cool until it is used. Breast milk that has been transported in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs can be refrigerated or frozen. Breast milk frozen with dry ice can be transferred to the freezer or to the refrigerator if you plan to use it in the next few days.

Can unfinished breast milk be refrigerated?

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 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 can I do with breast milk my baby doesn’t finish?

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 you put breast milk in the fridge after sitting out?

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.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge if baby doesn’t finish?

You can refrigerate expressed milk if baby did not finish the bottle. The recommendation is to use it at the next feeding. If at the next feeding it is not used, it is recommended to discard it. The main thing is that breastmilk has antibodies and properties that ensure that bacteria does not grow.