Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after sitting out?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
When it comes to the delicate matter of breast milk storage, parents often find themselves navigating a maze of guidelines and recommendations. One common question arises: Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after it has been sitting out? The answer is nuanced and hinges on several important factors.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, and its safety is paramount. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days at a temperature of around 40°F (4°C). However, once breast milk has been warmed or has been at room temperature, the rules change significantly.
The Risks of Reusing Breast Milk
If breast milk has been warmed or has been sitting out at room temperature, it is generally advised to discard any unconsumed milk from the bottle. This is because the milk can become contaminated through contact with hands, surfaces, or the baby’s mouth, creating a potential breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The CDC emphasizes that once breast milk has been offered to a baby, it should not be returned to the fridge for later use.
Specific Guidelines for Different Scenarios
1. After Warming: If breast milk has been warmed and not consumed, it can be safely returned to the fridge only if it has been within four hours of warming. Beyond this timeframe, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly.
2. Room Temperature: If breast milk has been left out at room temperature for up to four hours, it is still considered safe. However, if it has been out longer than that, it should be discarded.
3. Storage Practices: To maximize the safety and longevity of breast milk, it is recommended to store it in glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Labeling each container with the date and time of expression can help keep track of freshness.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for infants, its storage and handling require careful attention to safety guidelines. Once breast milk has been warmed or offered to a baby, it is best practice to discard any leftover milk rather than returning it to the fridge. By adhering to these guidelines, parents can ensure that they are providing the safest possible nourishment for their little ones.

Can you warm up refrigerated breast milk twice?

Breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen can only be heated once. Never reheat breast milk as this accumulates bacteria the more it is exposed to warmer temperatures. Breast milk that has been heated or brought to room temperature needs to be consumed within 2 hours.

Can you put milk back in fridge after room temperature?

Freshly pumped milk can be out for 4 hours before needing to be refrigerated. Milk that has been refrigerated but is now out is good for 2 hours. You should never re-refrigerated milk that has been refrigerated and brought out to room temperature.

Can I put unfinished milk back in the fridge?

If, after feeding your baby, you’re left with half or a quarter of a bottle, you can reuse it, but only if you’re going to do so quite soon. The CDC advises reusing leftover breast milk within two hours of the last feeding. If it’s longer than two hours, you should throw it away. Do not freeze and reuse later.

How long can milk sit out for a baby?

Type of Breast Milk or Formula	Place and Temperature
Freshly expressed or pumped breast milk	Up to 4 hours	Up to 4 days
Thawed breast milk from freezer	Up to 2 hours	Up to 24 hours
Prepared infant formula	Up to 2 hours after preparing (1 hour if your baby has already started feeding)	Up to 24 hours

Can you put baby milk back in fridge after warming?

Once a bottle is prepared or taken from the fridge for feeding, use the formula within 1 hour or throw it out. You cannot re-refrigerate formula once it has been warmed or reaches room temperature. The reason experts recommend you throw away unused formula is because bacteria can begin to grow.

Can you refrigerate breast milk after its been out?

We know breast milk storage can be confusing, so here is a more conservative approach that you can also go by (and easily remember): 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator!

Can I save breastmilk that baby didn’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.

Is milk still good if left out for 4 hours?

In general, perishable foods like milk should not sit out of the refrigerator or cooler for longer than two hours. Cut that time down to an hour in the summer if the temperature reaches 90 degrees F. After that time frame, bacteria can start to grow.

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

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

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.