Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can you put warmed milk back in the fridge?

Can you put warmed milk back in the fridge?

The Safety of Refrigerating Warmed Milk
When it comes to the question of whether you can put warmed milk back in the fridge, the answer is nuanced and depends on several factors, particularly the type of milk and how it has been handled.
General Guidelines for Milk Storage
Milk, whether it’s whole, skim, or breast milk, is a perishable product that can harbor bacteria. When milk is warmed, it enters a temperature range that can encourage bacterial growth. According to food safety guidelines, once milk has been warmed, it should ideally be consumed within a couple of hours. If it has been left out at room temperature for too long, the risk of bacterial proliferation increases significantly.
Warmed Cow’s Milk
For regular cow’s milk, the consensus among experts is that if you warm milk and then do not consume it, you should not return it to the refrigerator. The primary concern is that warming milk allows bacteria to multiply, and while refrigeration can slow down this growth, it does not reverse it. Therefore, if the milk has been warmed and not consumed, it is safer to discard it rather than risk foodborne illness .
Warmed Breast Milk
The guidelines for breast milk are slightly different but still emphasize caution. If breast milk has been warmed, it can be refrigerated again, but only under specific conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that warmed breast milk should be used within two hours of warming. If it has been warmed and not consumed, it can be placed back in the fridge, but it should be used within that two-hour window to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
However, if the breast milk has been in contact with a baby’s mouth, it should not be returned to the fridge. This is because bacteria from the baby’s mouth can contaminate the milk, and putting it back in the fridge does not eliminate the risk of bacterial growth.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is technically possible to refrigerate warmed milk again, it is not advisable for cow’s milk due to safety concerns. For breast milk, it can be refrigerated again if it has not been contaminated and is used within two hours. Always prioritize safety and err on the side of caution when it comes to dairy products to avoid potential health risks.

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 you warm milk then put back in the fridge?

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.

How long is formula good for once warmed?

within 1 hour
Something else to know: If you’ve warmed up a bottle, our previous 2-hour guideline for untouched formula doesn’t apply. A heated bottle should be used within 1 hour, and any remaining should be poured down the sink after that time.

Can I put a bottle back in the fridge after heating it up?

Although it’s not well known, refrigeration can slow the growth of some bacteria. Doctors do not recommend refrigerating heated milk. This is because some of the nutrients inside the milk have been changed by the heat.

Can you rewarm milk twice?

Yes. Reheating is perfectly fine for as many times as you need. But be aware that warm milk is a better environment for bacteria to multiply, so it can spoil sooner, than a portion of milk that has never been previously reheated. Not because of th…

Is it OK to heat milk twice?

Always keep your milk refrigerated. Milk that has been left out for an extended period of time will become difficult to foam as the fat content breaks down in higher temperatures. Ensure your milk jug is rinsed thoroughly after each use. Do not reheat milk.

Can room temperature milk go back in the fridge?

Food can hang out in this zone for a bit, but after two hours, the risk of potentially harmful bacteria is significant. The clock rolls back to just one hour if the ambient temperature in the room is at 90 degrees F or higher — all to say, it’s imperative to get that milk back in the fridge as soon as possible.

Can warmed up milk be refrigerated?

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.

Can you put steamed milk back in the fridge?

If you have a lot left over, use less. Put the milk back in the fridge to keep it cold for the next beverage.

Can I put milk back in the fridge after thawing?

Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment