Can you put breast milk in the fridge and then in the freezer?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage: Fridge to Freezer
When it comes to storing breast milk, many parents find themselves navigating a maze of guidelines and recommendations. One common question is whether it’s safe to put breast milk in the fridge and then transfer it to the freezer. The answer is nuanced, but with the right information, parents can ensure their baby’s nutrition remains safe and effective.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, rich in nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s development. To maintain its quality, proper storage is crucial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to use it later, freezing is a viable option, extending its shelf life to about six months in a standard freezer and up to a year in a deep freezer.
Fridge First, Then Freeze: The Recommended Approach
The CDC and other health experts recommend that breast milk should ideally be cooled in the refrigerator before being transferred to the freezer. This method helps maintain the milk’s quality and safety. When breast milk is placed directly into the freezer without first being chilled, it can lead to uneven freezing, which may affect the milk’s nutritional properties.
Why Cooling Matters
Cooling breast milk in the fridge before freezing serves several purposes. First, it allows the milk to reach a stable temperature, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. When milk is stored at room temperature for too long before freezing, it can become a breeding ground for harmful pathogens. By chilling it first, parents can mitigate this risk and ensure that the milk remains safe for their baby.
Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk
1. Use Appropriate Containers: Always store breast milk in clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags designed for freezing. This helps prevent contamination and ensures the milk remains safe for consumption.
2. Label and Date: Clearly label each container with the date and time of expression. This practice helps parents keep track of how long the milk has been stored, ensuring they use the oldest milk first.
3. Avoid Refreezing: Once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. If your baby does not consume the milk, it is best to discard any leftover milk from the bottle to prevent contamination.
4. Thawing Safely: When it’s time to use frozen breast milk, thaw it in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald your baby.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is indeed possible to put breast milk in the fridge and then transfer it to the freezer, following the recommended guidelines is essential for maintaining its safety and quality. By cooling the milk first and adhering to best storage practices, parents can confidently provide their babies with the best nutrition possible.

Can you combine breast milk from different days to freeze?

Yep, you’re right! You can definitely combine frozen milk from different days/bags, as long as all the milk you’re mixing is already frozen or has been thawed to the same temperature. The advice about not mixing fresh with frozen is more about making sure the milk is handled safely.

How long is breastmilk good once out of the fridge?

4 hours
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 I freeze breast milk after refrigerating?

Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

How long can breast milk sit out after being refrigerated?

And remember, freshly pumped milk that has been left unrefrigerated for longer than four hours should be thrown away, regardless of whether it’s been used in a feeding or not. Previously frozen milk should be used within 24 hours once thawed and refrigerated. If left on the counter, throw out after 2 hours.

How long can you store breast milk in fridge and freezer?

in the fridge for up to 8 days at 4C or lower (you can buy fridge thermometers online) – if you’re not sure of the temperature of your fridge, or it is higher than 4C, use it within 3 days. for 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge. for up to 6 months in a freezer, if it’s -18C or lower.

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

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.

Can I pump into the same bottle all day?

Milk stays good for 4 hours if you leave it at room temperature after pumping. So, you can pump into the same bottle within the 4 hours timeframe. Once the 4-hour timeframe has elapsed, you can either give the milk to your baby or store it in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Can you combine breast milk from different pumping sessions?

If you combine breast milk from different days, be sure to cool your fresh breast milk before adding it to the previously refrigerated milk. Make sure the container of combined milk is labeled with the date the older milk was pumped. Store it in the freezer if the oldest milk was pumped more than four days ago.

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.

Can you mix breast milk at different temperatures?

“Mothers can mix warm milk and cold, or even consider pooling milk from 24 hours together, which may help even out variability in nutrients due to pumping time or breast emptying (which influences fat content of the milk).”