How do you date breast milk?

Understanding the Dating of Breast Milk
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for infants, providing essential fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. However, when it comes to storing and using expressed breast milk, understanding how to date it properly is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of the baby.
The Importance of Proper Storage
Breast milk can be stored for varying lengths of time depending on the method of storage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines that are essential for parents and caregivers. Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for about four hours. If refrigerated, it can last for up to four days. For longer storage, breast milk can be frozen, where it remains safe for six months in a standard freezer and up to 12 months in a deep freezer.
Dating Expressed Breast Milk
To effectively date breast milk, caregivers should follow these steps:
1. Labeling: Each container of expressed breast milk should be clearly labeled with the date and time it was expressed. This practice helps in tracking how long the milk has been stored and ensures that older milk is used first, adhering to the “first in, first out” principle.
2. Using Appropriate Containers: It is recommended to store breast milk in clean, BPA-free bottles or breast milk storage bags. These containers should also be labeled to avoid confusion.
3. Monitoring Storage Conditions: The environment in which the milk is stored plays a significant role in its longevity. For instance, breast milk stored in a refrigerator should be kept in the back, where the temperature is most consistent, rather than in the door, which is subject to temperature fluctuations.
Signs of Spoilage
Even with proper dating and storage, breast milk can spoil. Caregivers should be vigilant for signs of spoilage, which may include an off smell or changes in color or consistency. If there is any doubt about the milk’s safety, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Conclusion
Dating breast milk is a straightforward yet essential practice that ensures infants receive safe and nutritious feedings. By labeling containers, adhering to storage guidelines, and being aware of spoilage signs, caregivers can confidently manage expressed breast milk, providing the best for their little ones.

How do you read milk date?

The standard format is MMDDYY, where “MM” refers to the month, “DD” refers to the date, and “YY” refers to the year. So if a product says 101525, it means that the product expires on October 15, 2025.

Is 2 year old breast milk still good?

Research has found that breast milk retains its nutritional quality for the entire duration of breastfeeding. Plus, its composition may change based on the needs of your growing child. For example, one study found that the nutritional content of breast milk mostly stays the same during the second year of life.

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.

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 happens if a baby drinks old breast milk?

Based on research published on the Unair website, breast milk that is stored for a long time can be contaminated by various bacteria. One of them is E. coli. This bacteria can cause digestive tract infections such as diarrhea.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

How do you know if the breast milk is expired?

Like regular cow milk, breast milk also smells sour when has spoiled. It should be noted that frozen breast milk has a soapy or metallic odor when it defrosts, however this doesn’t mean it’s spoiled, even though your baby may be hesitant to drink it due to the change in smell.

How do you date and time breast milk?

1. Label the bottle in the fridge with the date using a dry erase marker 2. Swirl the milk together to mix the fat evenly 3. Use a bottle for accurate measuring 4. Label bag with date and size (you can also separate AM and PM milk but I do not) 4. Use a flange to pour the milk into the bag 5.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breast milk?

Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

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.