Can you put refrigerated breast milk back in the fridge after warming?

The Guidelines on Refrigerating Warmed Breast Milk
When it comes to the delicate process of feeding infants, particularly with breast milk, safety and hygiene are paramount. A common question among breastfeeding parents is whether they can put refrigerated breast milk back in the fridge after it has been warmed. The consensus among health professionals is clear: once breast milk has been warmed, it should not be refrigerated again.
Understanding the Risks
The primary concern with re-refrigerating warmed breast milk is the potential for bacterial growth. When breast milk is warmed, it reaches a temperature conducive to bacterial proliferation, especially if it remains at room temperature for an extended period. According to guidelines from health authorities, any leftover milk that has been warmed and not consumed should be discarded rather than returned to the fridge. This is particularly crucial because bacteria from the baby’s mouth can contaminate the milk during feeding, and simply refrigerating it again will not eliminate these bacteria.
Time Limits for Safety
If breast milk has been warmed, it is generally recommended to use it within two hours. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly, making it unsafe for the baby. Some sources suggest that if the milk is not consumed within this timeframe, it should be thrown away to ensure the baby’s safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while the idea of saving warmed breast milk for later use might seem practical, the health risks associated with bacterial contamination make it inadvisable. Parents are encouraged to follow strict guidelines: warm only what you need, and discard any leftover milk after feeding. This approach not only protects the infant’s health but also ensures that the quality of breast milk remains uncompromised.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

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 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 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 you reheat breast milk once cooled?

If you’re reheating milk that’s been refrigerated, use warm running water to take off the chill. You can also heat a pot of water on the stovetop, and place the bottle or bag into the water. Don’t heat the breast milk directly on the stovetop, and never make breast milk hot enough to boil.

How long can refrigerated breast milk sit out after being warmed?

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.

How long can you keep breast milk after it’s been warmed up?

Warmed breast milk will typically need to be used within two hours of warming it. Finding a reliable, plastic-free storage bottle for your breast milk is critical to safely storing your liquid gold. You can thaw frozen breast milk in the fridge under running or in warm or hot water.

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 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 you put breastmilk back in the fridge after warming?

You cannot refrigerate it again once it warms– it doesn’t matter the method. Increased temperature gives bacteria a chance to multiply. The time limits are generally what is thought to be of as safe levels.