Can you put an unfinished breastmilk bottle back in the fridge?

Can You Put an Unfinished Breastmilk Bottle Back in the Fridge?
When it comes to the delicate matter of storing breastmilk, especially after a feeding session, parents often find themselves grappling with questions about safety and best practices. One common query is whether it is safe to put an unfinished bottle of breastmilk back in the refrigerator. The answer is nuanced and rooted in guidelines from health authorities.
Understanding the Risks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastmilk that has been offered to a baby should ideally be used within two hours of the feeding. This recommendation stems from concerns about bacterial growth. Once a baby has begun feeding, saliva can enter the milk, introducing bacteria that can multiply if the milk is not consumed promptly.
Health experts generally advise against reusing unfinished breastmilk. The consensus is that any milk left in the bottle after a feeding should be discarded. This is primarily to prevent the risk of contamination and ensure the safety of the milk for the baby.
Storage Guidelines
Breastmilk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days if it has not been previously warmed or offered to the baby. However, once the milk has been warmed or partially consumed, the clock starts ticking. The CDC emphasizes that warmed breastmilk should not be left out for more than two hours and should not be refrozen or reheated more than once.
Best Practices for Parents
For parents navigating this issue, the best practice is to prepare smaller bottles of breastmilk that are more likely to be consumed in one feeding. This approach minimizes waste and reduces the risk associated with leftover milk. If a baby does not finish a bottle, it is safest to discard the remaining milk rather than returning it to the fridge.
In summary, while the convenience of reusing unfinished breastmilk may be tempting, the potential health risks make it advisable to err on the side of caution. Discarding any leftover milk after a feeding is the safest route to ensure your baby’s health and well-being.

Can you put a bottle back in the fridge if the baby doesn’t finish?

Timing: If a baby does not finish a bottle, it’s best to discard any leftover milk after one hour. If the bottle was not warmed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but it should not be re-warmed more than once.

Can you put a bottle back in the fridge after warming it?

You cannot refrigerate it again once it warms– it doesn’t matter the method. Increased temperature gives bacteria a chance to multiply. The time limits are generally what is thought to be of as safe levels.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after being out?

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 happens if my baby doesn’t finish his bottle?

In this case, there is nothing to worry about. Babies each have their own routine that develops over time. Some babies sleep so much they may skip some feedings, especially during the first 2 to 3 weeks. This means they will have a hard time getting all the milk they need.

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.

What if my baby didn’t finish the bottle of breast milk?

If baby does not finish the bottle during a feed, the recommendation is milk may be reused within 1-2 hours and after this time frame should be discarded to avoid transfer of bacteria from baby’s mouth to bottle (ABM, 2017).

Can I put an unfinished bottle of breast milk back in the fridge?

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.

What if my baby is not finishing the bottle overnight?

Some babies have a habit of falling asleep without finishing their bottle. This is not a problem unless they are waking and demanding a feed frequently or not gaining weight or are losing weight, or not passing adequate amounts of urine.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after heating it up?

Exposing your baby to potentially harmful levels of bacteria could lead to foodborne illnesses. And since breast milk is a living food full of microbes (as well as the sugars those microbes like to feed on), it’s best to play it safe and never refrigerate warmed breast milk.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

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.