How cold should fridge be for breast milk?

The Ideal Temperature for Storing Breast Milk
When it comes to storing breast milk, maintaining the right temperature is crucial for ensuring its safety and quality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that breast milk should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower. This temperature range is essential because it helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby preserving the milk’s nutritional value and safety for your baby.
Duration of Storage
Breast milk can safely remain in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maximize its freshness and safety, it’s advisable to chill the milk immediately after expressing it. This practice not only helps maintain the milk’s quality but also extends its shelf life within the fridge.
It’s important to note that the door of the refrigerator is not the best place for storing breast milk. The temperature in the door can fluctuate due to frequent opening and closing, which may compromise the milk’s safety.
Freezing for Longer Storage
For longer-term storage, breast milk can be frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or colder. In this environment, breast milk can last significantly longer than in the fridge, making it an excellent option for mothers who want to store milk for extended periods.
Feeding from the Fridge
When it comes to feeding, some parents wonder if it’s acceptable to give their baby breast milk straight from the fridge. The good news is that babies can drink breast milk that is cold, at room temperature, or warmed slightly. While many parents choose to warm the milk to body temperature for comfort, it is not strictly necessary .
In summary, keeping your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) is key to safely storing breast milk for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Whether you choose to warm the milk before feeding or serve it cold, your baby will be just fine.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

What is the best fridge setting for milk?

Milk, no matter if it’s whole or skim, is best kept at around 37°F, which, depending on your fridge, usually means somewhere in the back on a lower shelf.

What is the 4 4 4 rule for breast milk?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

How cold does the fridge need to be for breastmilk?

40°F

What is the best temperature for breast milk?

Freshly expressed milk can remain at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours, or up 6 to 8 hours if very cleanly expressed; however, it is best to chill as soon as possible. Breast milk is best stored in the back of the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C), where there are fewer temperature fluctuations.

What temperature should fridge be for baby milk?

Safely store bottles
Make up bottles following steps to safely prepare baby formula. Place cooled bottles in the back of the fridge. Make sure the temperature of the fridge is 5 degrees Celsius or less.

What temperature should my fridge be for milk?

around 37°F
Where to store milk in the fridge. You probably already know to store milk in the fridge. But where in the fridge matters. Milk, no matter if it’s whole or skim, is best kept at around 37°F, which, depending on your fridge, usually means somewhere in the back on a lower shelf.

What is the 2 hour rule for breast milk?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items.

What is the ideal temperature for breast milk for baby?

around 99 degrees Fahrenheit
Before serving thawed breast milk to your baby, you may decide to warm it up. You should opt for somewhere between room temperature and body temperature. But make sure it’s not too hot—around 99 degrees Fahrenheit is a good guideline.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.