Can you put breast milk from the fridge to the freezer?

Can You Put Breast Milk from the Fridge to the Freezer?
When it comes to storing breast milk, understanding the proper guidelines is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of your baby. One common question among breastfeeding parents is whether it’s safe to transfer breast milk from the refrigerator to the freezer.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk can be stored in various ways depending on how soon it will be used. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer-term storage, freezing is recommended, where breast milk can last for about six months for optimal quality, and up to 12 months is acceptable .
Transferring Milk: The Do’s and Don’ts
The general consensus among experts is that once breast milk has been refrigerated, it should not be refrozen if it has already been thawed. However, if the milk has been stored in the fridge and has not been previously frozen, it is safe to transfer it to the freezer. This means that if you have expressed milk that has been sitting in the fridge and you decide you won’t be using it soon, you can freeze it to extend its shelf life.
Important Considerations
1. Contamination Risks: If breast milk has been warmed or partially thawed, it should not be refrozen. This is because warming can introduce bacteria, and refreezing can lead to the growth of harmful pathogens.
2. Storage Containers: Always use appropriate containers for storing breast milk. The CDC advises against using disposable bottle liners or plastic bags not designed for breast milk storage.
3. Thawing and Reusing: If you thaw breast milk, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before it needs to be discarded. The countdown for this time starts once the milk is completely thawed.
4. Best Practices: To minimize waste, it’s advisable to store breast milk in smaller portions. This way, you can thaw only what you need, reducing the risk of having to discard unused milk.
Conclusion
In summary, you can safely put breast milk from the fridge into the freezer if it has not been previously thawed or warmed. This practice helps ensure that your milk remains safe for your baby while maximizing its shelf life. Always adhere to storage guidelines to maintain the quality and safety of breast milk, ensuring your little one receives the best nutrition possible.

How long can breast milk be left out after refrigerated?

Storing breast milk after expressing
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 take breast milk out of the fridge then put back?

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 you combine breast milk from different days to freeze?

According to Verywell Family, it is safe to combine breast milk from different pumping sessions if the milk is collected and stored under clean conditions and the baby is full-term and healthy. However, it is not recommended to combine milk that has been stored for more than 24 hours.

Can you freeze breast milk after it’s been refrigerated?

After 4 days of refrigeration, your breast milk should be used or thrown away. Breast milk properties slow the growth of bad bacteria. These properties begin to decline after a few days of refrigeration. If you think you won’t use breast milk within a few days, freeze it as quickly as possible.

Can you transfer breast milk from the fridge to the freezer?

Freshly expressed milk can go straight into the freezer Breast milk can be frozen up to 6 to 12 months You can thaw milk that has been in the freezer in the fridge. Once the milk has thawed in the fridge you have 24 hours to use it Once breast milk has been warmed up it can be out for 2 hrs.

Can I combine 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 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.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after 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.

How to thaw breast milk from the refrigerator?

Thawing Breastmilk
To thaw more quickly or to heat refrigerated milk, hold the container of milk under warm running water. Or place it in a cup, pot, bowl, or basin of warm water. Don’t thaw milk in very hot water or in the microwave. This decreases some of the healthy properties of the milk.

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.