Can you put breastmilk back if you take it out of the fridge?

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 to ensure their baby’s safety and health. One common question that arises is whether it is safe to put breast milk back in the refrigerator after it has been taken out. The answer is nuanced and hinges on several important factors.
The Two-Hour Rule
According to health experts, once breast milk has been removed from the refrigerator and either warmed or brought to room temperature, it should ideally be used within two hours. This guideline is crucial because, after this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly, which can pose health risks to infants.
If the milk has been left out at room temperature for longer than two hours, it is recommended to discard it rather than returning it to the fridge. This precaution helps to ensure that the milk remains safe for consumption.
What About Unused Milk?
If your baby has not finished a bottle of breast milk, the situation becomes a bit more complex. If the milk has been warmed and the baby has consumed from it, it is generally advised not to put the remaining milk back in the refrigerator. The reasoning here is that the baby’s saliva can introduce bacteria into the milk, which can multiply if the milk is stored again.
However, if the milk was poured into a bowl or container and has not been touched by the baby, some guidelines suggest that it may be safe to refrigerate the untouched portion. This distinction is important for parents to consider when managing their breast milk supplies.
Storage Duration and Conditions
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for up to 12 months, although using it within six months is preferable for optimal quality. Once thawed, however, breast milk should not be refrozen, and any thawed milk should be consumed within the same two-hour window if warmed.
Conclusion
In summary, while it may be tempting to return breast milk to the refrigerator after it has been taken out, the safety guidelines are clear: once warmed or left at room temperature, it should be used within two hours. For any milk that has been consumed from, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the remainder. By following these guidelines, parents can ensure that they are providing the safest feeding options for their little ones.

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

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

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.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

What if I forgot to put my breast milk in the fridge?

Room temperature: If the temperature is more than 78.8 F, freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Insulated cooler: With ice packs inside, breast milk can be kept for 1 day.

How long is breastmilk good after taking out of the fridge?

The Short Answer Breast milk can be safely consumed if it has been at room temperature for no more than 6 to 8 hours total, which includes all of the time the milk spends above refrigerated temperature.

Can you let refrigerated breast milk come to room temperature?

Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.

Can breast milk be warmed up 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 leave refrigerated breast milk out to warm up?

Breast milk is good at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for: Four hours for fresh breast milk. After four hours you should use, store, or discard it. Two hours for previously stored and thawed breast milk.

Can I put cold 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.

Can thawed breast milk go back in the fridge?

Breastmilk can only be frozen once. Once thawed, it needs to be used up. It can stay in the fridge for up to 48 hours after being thawed, then/or once it has been brought up to room temperature, it needs to be used up within 5–8 hours. It cannot be refrigerated again.