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How do you take refrigerated breast milk on the go?

Taking Refrigerated Breast Milk on the Go: A Comprehensive Guide
For breastfeeding parents, the ability to transport refrigerated breast milk safely is crucial for maintaining the health and nutrition of their babies while on the move. Whether it’s a day out, a trip to work, or a family gathering, understanding how to properly store and transport breast milk can alleviate stress and ensure that your little one receives the best nourishment.
Understanding Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This timeframe is essential to ensure that the milk retains its quality and nutritional value. For longer trips, freezing breast milk is an option, as it can be stored in a deep freezer for up to 12 months, although using it within six months is recommended for optimal quality.
When preparing to take breast milk on the go, it’s important to start with freshly expressed milk that has been promptly refrigerated. This helps to maintain its safety and nutritional integrity.
Choosing the Right Containers
Selecting the appropriate containers for transporting breast milk is vital. Use breast milk storage bags or hard plastic containers that are specifically designed for this purpose. These containers should be BPA-free and have tight-sealing lids to prevent leaks. It’s advisable to label each container with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness.
Cooling Options for Transport
When transporting refrigerated breast milk, keeping it cool is essential. Here are some effective methods:
1. Insulated Cooler Bags: Invest in a high-quality insulated cooler bag. These bags can keep breast milk at a safe temperature for several hours. To enhance cooling, include ice packs or gel packs that can be frozen and placed alongside the milk containers.
2. Thermal Bottles: If you’re using bottles, consider thermal bottles that are designed to maintain temperature. These can be particularly useful for short trips.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: When traveling, ensure that the breast milk is kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, as this can raise the temperature and compromise the milk’s safety.
Handling and Warming Breast Milk
Once you reach your destination, if the milk needs to be warmed, do so safely. The best method is to place the container in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Avoid microwaving breast milk, as this can create hot spots that may burn your baby.
If the milk has been warmed, it should be used within two hours and should not be refrigerated again. This is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and ensure your baby’s safety.
Final Tips for Success
– Plan Ahead: Always plan your outings with enough time to express and refrigerate milk before leaving.
– Check Temperatures: If you’re unsure about the temperature of the milk during transport, use a thermometer to ensure it remains below 40°F (4°C).
– Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the latest guidelines from health organizations regarding breast milk storage and transportation to ensure you’re following best practices.
By following these guidelines, parents can confidently take refrigerated breast milk on the go, ensuring their babies receive the nourishment they need, no matter where life takes them.

How to carry breast milk while travelling?

Transporting your breast milk. Take expressed milk home or to a childcare setting in bottles or bags, inside a cooler bag with a freezer pack. If your ice packs are defrosting then ask for a bag of crushed ice from a fast food outlet or cafe.

How to take refrigerated breast milk on the go?

When you’re moving from place to place, the best way to store breast milk is in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. Many moms like to use pre-sterilized, sealable bags that are specially designed for storing breast milk.

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

within 2 hours
Once you’ve taken breast milk out of the fridge or freezer and either warmed it up or allowed it to come to room temperature, use it within 2 hours. It’s not safe to use breast milk that’s been left out longer than that, and you should get rid of it if it has.

How to take breast milk when going out?

Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

How do you transport breast milk from fridge?

It is best to seal your breast milk bottles in ziploc bags and then pad them with crumpled up newspaper inside your cooler of dry ice. You can print out a FedEx shipping label online. I have heard of people shipping breast milk on regular ice via overnight US mail.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.

How long can you travel with refrigerated breast milk?

24 hours
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How to transport breast milk on a road trip?

Packing your frozen milk
If you are traveling by car, consider using the following process to pack your milk: Use a well-insulated cooler that will hold your milk. Line the bottom of your cooler with newspaper. Place your milk bags in the cooler.

Can you take breast milk out of fridge and bring to room temp?

Breast milk should be ok up to 8 hours at room temperature. Unless it is particularly warm in your home or you already had it in the fridge for almost the maximum time it should be fine.

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.

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