Can you freeze breast milk in plastic containers?

Freezing Breast Milk in Plastic Containers: What You Need to Know
Freezing breast milk is a common practice for nursing mothers who want to ensure their babies have access to nutritious milk even when they are not available to breastfeed. However, the choice of container can significantly impact the safety and quality of the milk.
Can You Use Plastic Containers?
Yes, you can freeze breast milk in plastic containers, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. It is crucial to use freezer-safe plastic containers that are specifically designed for storing breast milk. These containers should be made from BPA-free plastic to avoid any harmful chemical leaching into the milk. High-quality breast milk storage bags are also an option, as they are designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
Choosing the Right Container
When selecting a plastic container for freezing breast milk, look for those that are labeled as freezer-grade. This ensures that the container can handle the expansion that occurs when the milk freezes. For instance, if using a hard plastic container, it should have a tight-sealing lid to prevent freezer burn and contamination.
Filling the Containers
One critical aspect of freezing breast milk is to leave enough space at the top of the container. Breast milk expands as it freezes, so it is recommended to fill the container only about three-quarters full. This practice helps prevent the container from cracking or bursting due to the pressure of the expanding liquid.
Storage Duration and Temperature
Breast milk can be safely stored in the freezer for up to six months if kept at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower. It’s advisable to label the containers with the date of expression to keep track of freshness.
Best Practices for Freezing
To maximize freezer space and maintain the quality of the milk, consider using smaller containers or breast milk storage bags. This allows for easier thawing and reduces waste, as you can thaw only what you need. Additionally, avoid using regular plastic containers that are not specifically designed for freezing, as they may not withstand the cold temperatures and could compromise the milk’s safety.
In conclusion, freezing breast milk in plastic containers is not only possible but can be done safely with the right precautions. By choosing appropriate containers, filling them correctly, and adhering to storage guidelines, mothers can effectively preserve their breast milk for future use.

What kind of container can I freeze milk in?

The texture of thawed milk may be different from fresh milk, but the solids and liquid usually recombine when a person shakes or blends it. It is best to freeze milk in its original container, an airtight BPA-free container, or in tempered glass jars or bottles.

What is the best way to freeze breast milk?

Store milk in the back of the freezer or refrigerator, not the door. Freeze milk in small amounts of 2 to 4 ounces to avoid wasting any. When freezing, leave an inch of space at the top of the container; breast milk expands as it freezes.

Is it safe to put plastic bottles in the freezer?

While it may be generally thought that plastic containers that are able to handle freezing temperatures without becoming brittle are safe, we can make no guarantees. We do recommend that when a plastic container is used that you leave enough head space to account for the expansion of the media being frozen.

Is it safe to freeze breast milk in plastic bottles?

Yes, you can freeze breast milk in an airtight container such as a glass jar, hard plastic bottle, or freezer-safe bag. It is important to leave some space at the top of the container so that the milk has room to expand during freezing.

Can I store breast milk in plastic containers?

Before expressing or handling breast milk, wash your hands with soap and water. Then store the expressed milk in a clean, capped food-grade glass container or hard plastic container that’s not made with the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). You can also use special plastic bags designed for milk collection and storage.

Can I use Ziploc bags to freeze breast milk?

It is important to use breast milk-specific bags because other storage bags like Ziplocs are not sterile. Many breast pump brands or bottle brands make a version of a breast milk storage bag.

Which container is best for storing breast milk?

When collecting breast milk, be sure to store it in clean containers such as screw cap bottles, hard plastic cups with tight lids, or heavy-duty bags that fit directly into bottles. Avoid using ordinary plastic storage bags or formula bottle bags, ask these can easily leak or spill.

Is it OK to store milk in plastic bottles?

The good news is that LDPE plastic does not contain additives like BPA or similar chemicals and is generally considered a safer material (1). Make sure to buy high quality breast milk storage bags, because cheap versions may be mixed with other types of plastics.

Can you freeze breastmilk in ziplock?

Storing breastmilk in ziplock breastmilk storage bags follows similar guidelines to other containers. Refrigerate for shorter-term storage or freeze for longer preservation. Don’t forget to label with dates for easy tracking.

Is it better to freeze milk in plastic or glass?

Plastic is probably the safest choice. So you wanna freeze milk in a plastic jug, if it came in like a half-gallon or a gallon or whatever. Outside of that, the next thing you wanna make sure is you wanna leave some head room, so that way when it freezes, it has room to expand.