Can I put heated breastmilk back in the fridge?

Can I Put Heated Breastmilk Back in the Fridge?
When it comes to the delicate matter of storing breastmilk, especially after it has been heated, many parents find themselves grappling with questions about safety and best practices. The short answer is that it depends on how long the breastmilk has been out after being warmed.
Understanding the Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastmilk that has been heated can be safely returned to the refrigerator if it has not been left out for more than two hours. This guideline is crucial because it helps minimize the risk of bacterial growth, which can occur when milk is warmed and then left at room temperature.
However, if the milk has been warmed and left out for longer than two hours, it is generally advised to discard it. The rationale behind this is that while refrigeration can slow bacterial growth, it does not reverse any growth that may have occurred while the milk was warm. This is particularly important to consider, as infants have more sensitive immune systems compared to adults, making them more susceptible to foodborne illnesses.
Practical Considerations
In practical terms, if you find yourself in a situation where you have heated breastmilk but your baby is not going to consume it, the best course of action is to return it to the fridge immediately, provided it has been less than two hours since it was warmed. This approach not only helps in preserving the milk but also reduces waste, which can be a significant concern for breastfeeding parents.
Conversely, if the milk has been out for an extended period, such as during a feeding session or if it was forgotten on the counter, it is safer to err on the side of caution and dispose of it. Many parents share experiences on forums, noting that while some have successfully reused warmed milk without issues, the consensus leans towards following established guidelines to ensure the health and safety of their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is permissible to refrigerate heated breastmilk again if it has been out for less than two hours, any longer than that poses a risk that is best avoided. Adhering to these guidelines not only safeguards your baby’s health but also provides peace of mind for parents navigating the complexities of breastfeeding and milk storage.

Can you put already warmed breast milk back in fridge?

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 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 you save breast milk after it has been heated?

According to the CDC, warmed breast milk should be used within two hours of warming. If the milk has been warmed but not used, it should be discarded. It is not recommended to reheat breast milk that has already been warmed as this can cause a loss of nutrients and increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Can you refrigerate breast milk after thawing and warming?

Once breast milk is thawed, it can be stored in a refrigerator; it is best used within 24 hours, but may be used within 48-72 hours.

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 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.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

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 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.

How long can breast milk sit out after being warmed?

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.