Can I take breastmilk out of the fridge and then put it back in the fridge?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage
When it comes to the safe handling of breast milk, many parents have questions about the best practices for storage and reuse. One common query is whether it’s safe to take breast milk out of the fridge and then put it back in. The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors, including the temperature of the milk and how long it has been out of refrigeration.
Safe Temperature Guidelines
Breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator at around 40°F (4°C) for up to four days. It’s crucial to chill the milk immediately after expressing it to maximize its freshness and safety. However, once breast milk has been removed from the fridge, its safety window begins to change.
If breast milk is taken out of the refrigerator and left at room temperature, it should ideally not exceed 6 to 8 hours in total time above refrigerated temperatures. This total includes any time it spends warming up to room temperature. If the milk has been warmed and not consumed, it can be returned to the fridge, but there are specific guidelines to follow.
Reusing Breast Milk
If you take breast milk out of the fridge and it has been warmed but not fed to the baby, you can put it back in the fridge if it has been at room temperature for less than two hours. If it has been left out longer than that, it is recommended to discard it to ensure the baby’s safety.
Moreover, if the milk has been heated and then cooled again, it should not be reheated more than once. This is to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can occur when milk is repeatedly warmed and cooled.
Practical Tips for Parents
To ensure the best practices for breast milk storage:
– Store milk in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is more stable, rather than in the door, which can fluctuate with frequent opening.
– Label containers with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness.
– Avoid leaving milk out for extended periods; if in doubt, it’s safer to discard it than risk your baby’s health.
In summary, while it is possible to take breast milk out of the fridge and put it back in under certain conditions, adhering to strict guidelines regarding temperature and time is essential for ensuring the milk remains safe for your baby.

Can you take breast milk out of the fridge and put back in?

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

Can you let refrigerated breast milk come to room temperature?

Breast milk that’s been stored in the refrigerator, whether it’s been previously frozen or not, can be reheated if you would like to give your baby warm milk. But know that breast milk does not need to be given to your baby warm. It’s OK to feed your baby breast milk that’s chilled or at room temperature.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after my baby drinks from it?

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 warm up breast milk and put it back in the fridge?

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.

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.

Is it okay to put breast milk back in the fridge after warming?

Can warmed breast milk be refrigerated again? Once you’ve taken breast milk out of the fridge or freezer and either warmed it up or allowed it to come to room temperature, use it within 2 hours. It’s not safe to use breast milk that’s been left out longer than that, and you should get rid of it if it has.

Can I put thawed breast milk back in the fridge?

Once you thaw frozen breast milk you can put it in the fridge but it’s only good for 24 hours ish then. Just thaw it with lukewarm water so it doesn’t get “warm” or partially thaw it and leave it in the fridge to thaw the rest.

Can you mix refrigerated breast milk from different days?

Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already stored milk? You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk. However, thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.

How long is breastmilk good once removed from fridge?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Can you put milk back in the fridge after drinking?

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.