Can you put breastmilk back in the fridge after warming it up?

The Dilemma of Warming and Storing Breast Milk
For new parents, the journey of breastfeeding and managing breast milk can be filled with questions and uncertainties. One common query that arises is whether it is safe to put breast milk back in the fridge after it has been warmed. The answer is nuanced and hinges on several important factors.
Understanding the Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to infants. However, its handling requires careful attention to safety guidelines to prevent bacterial growth. According to experts, once breast milk has been warmed, it should ideally be consumed within a certain timeframe. The general consensus is that warmed breast milk can be safely stored again, but only under specific conditions.
Key Guidelines for Reusing Warmed Breast Milk
1. Time Limit: If breast milk has been warmed, it should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly. If the milk has been warmed and then not used, it is advisable to discard it rather than refrigerate it again.
2. Refrigeration After Warming: While some sources suggest that it is permissible to refrigerate warmed breast milk again, this is contingent on how long the milk has been at room temperature. If the milk has been warmed and then immediately placed back in the fridge within the two-hour window, it can be reused later. However, if it has been left out longer, it should be discarded to ensure the baby’s safety.
3. Nutritional Integrity: It’s important to note that repeated warming and cooling can affect the nutritional quality of breast milk. Each time breast milk is heated, some of its beneficial properties may diminish, which is a consideration for parents who are keen on providing the best nutrition for their infants.
Expert Recommendations
Experts emphasize the importance of following strict guidelines when it comes to breast milk storage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear recommendations on how to handle breast milk safely. They advise that once breast milk has been warmed, it should be treated with caution to avoid any potential health risks for the baby.
In summary, while it is technically possible to refrigerate warmed breast milk again, it is crucial to adhere to safety protocols regarding time limits and storage conditions. Parents should always prioritize their baby’s health by being vigilant about how breast milk is handled, ensuring that it remains a safe and nutritious option for feeding.

Can you put breast milk that’s been sitting out back in the fridge?

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.

Can you reheat baby milk more than once?

Always be sure to refrigerate untouched formula and never freeze it as freezing can affect the nutrients in the mix. Formula should only be reheated one time and any leftover liquid should be tossed after that! To safely reheat formula straight from the fridge, we recommend using a bottle warmer.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Never refreeze or reheat breast milk that’s been thawed, the CDC notes. If you’re not feeding baby immediately, keep defrosted breast milk in the fridge. If you thawed it at room temperature, the milk is good for up to two hours (after that, throw it out).

Can I rewarm breast milk twice?

When it come to heating up breast milk, it’s generally recommended that you only reheat breast milk once, maybe twice. The reasoning for this is that each time you heat and cool the milk, it can potentially degrade the quality and nutritional value.

Can warmed whole milk be refrigerated again?

Whatever bacteria grew while it warmed up will still be there, and will continue to grow. Refrigeration only slows down the multiplication of bacteria.

Can you put baby milk back in fridge after warming?

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

Can I put warmed up breast milk back in the fridge?

Warmed milk from the fridge should be used within two hours. If it’s not used, it should be thrown away. “Once your milk is warmed, the ability of the milk to inhibit bacterial growth is decreased, so it is not recommended to place your milk back in the refrigerator,” explains Andria.

Can unfinished breast milk be refrigerated?

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 you save breast milk after it has been heated?

Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.

Can you put unfinished breast milk back in the fridge?

There isn’t any conclusive evidence on whether or not this is safe, but some experts (and lots of moms) say it’s okay to stick an unfinished bottle back in the fridge to reheat and reuse at the next feeding. (If baby doesn’t drink it all at the next feeding, toss it.)