Can you refrigerate breast milk after taking it out?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage: Can You Refrigerate After Taking It Out?
When it comes to the delicate process of storing breast milk, many parents find themselves navigating a maze of guidelines and recommendations. One common question that arises is whether breast milk can be refrigerated again after it has been taken out. The answer is nuanced and hinges on a few critical factors.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource for feeding infants, and its storage requires careful attention to safety. Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to four hours and can last in the refrigerator for up to four days at a temperature of 40°F (4°C). This flexibility allows parents to manage feeding schedules without compromising the milk’s quality.
What Happens When You Take It Out?
Once breast milk has been taken out of the refrigerator, the clock starts ticking. If the milk is warmed, it is crucial to understand that it should not be refrigerated again. According to experts, warmed breast milk should not be refrozen or refrigerated again after it has been heated. This guideline is in place to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can occur when milk is repeatedly cooled and warmed.
Thawing and Reusing Breast Milk
For breast milk that has been frozen and then thawed, the rules are slightly different. Thawed breast milk can be refrigerated and used within 24 hours after it has completely thawed. This means that if you take breast milk out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator, you have a full day to use it before it needs to be discarded.
Best Practices for Parents
To ensure the safety and quality of breast milk, parents should adhere to the following best practices:
1. Avoid Refreezing Warmed Milk: Once breast milk has been warmed, it should be consumed or discarded and not returned to the refrigerator.

2. Monitor Time: Keep track of how long breast milk has been out at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If it has been more than four days in the fridge or four hours at room temperature, it should be discarded.
3. Use Proper Containers: Always store breast milk in clean, airtight containers to minimize the risk of contamination and preserve its nutritional value.
4. Label and Date: When storing breast milk, label containers with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness.
In conclusion, while breast milk is a remarkable source of nutrition for infants, its storage requires careful consideration. Once taken out and warmed, it cannot be refrigerated again, emphasizing the importance of proper handling to ensure the health and safety of your baby. By following these guidelines, parents can confidently navigate the complexities of breast milk storage.

How long is refrigerated breast milk good for after taken out?

According to the AAP, once your milk is in the refrigerator, you have up to four days to use it. After the four days are up, you’ll need to discard it. Once your milk is taken out of the fridge, feed it to your baby within 4 to 8 hours.

Can I store unfinished breast milk in fridge?

Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to five days in clean conditions. However, use or freezer storage within three days is optimal.

Can you store breast milk in bottles with nipples and cap in the fridge?

Tightly cap bottles. Do not store bottles with nipples attached. Label each container with your baby’s name and the date and time the milk was expressed.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

How long can breastmilk sit out after thawed?

Don’t leave frozen breast milk to defrost at room temperature. 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.

Can thawed breast milk be refrigerated again?

If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away.

Can I put a half-finished bottle back in the fridge?

In short, no. It’s best not to keep part of a bottle for later. Health Canada recommends using a bottle within two hours of starting a feed. If your baby doesn’t finish all of their feed, throw away the rest.

Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after sitting out?

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 you save breast milk if baby doesn’t finish bottle?

How do I store and serve leftover breast milk? Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

If, after feeding your baby, you’re left with half or a quarter of a bottle, you can reuse it, but only if you’re going to do so quite soon. The CDC advises reusing leftover breast milk within two hours of the last feeding. If it’s longer than two hours, you should throw it away. Do not freeze and reuse later.