How long can I store breast milk in the fridge before freezing?

Storing Breast Milk: Guidelines for Refrigeration Before Freezing
When it comes to storing breast milk, understanding the proper guidelines is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality. For parents and caregivers, knowing how long breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator before freezing is an essential aspect of managing feeding schedules and maintaining the health of their infants.
Refrigeration Duration
Breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This timeframe is based on the understanding that breast milk retains its quality and safety when kept at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). However, for optimal freshness and to minimize the risk of spoilage, it is recommended to use refrigerated breast milk within 24 hours of expressing it.
If you anticipate that the milk will not be used within this period, it is advisable to freeze it immediately after expressing. Freezing breast milk preserves its nutrients and prevents bacterial growth, making it a safe option for later use.
Best Practices for Storage
To maximize the quality of stored breast milk, consider the following best practices:
– Storage Containers: Use clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags specifically designed for this purpose. Ensure that containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination.

– Placement in the Fridge: Store breast milk in the main body of the refrigerator rather than the door, where temperatures can fluctuate more significantly.
– Labeling: Always label containers with the date and time of expression. This practice helps in managing the milk’s freshness and ensures that older milk is used first.
Transitioning to Freezing
Once the decision is made to freeze breast milk, it can be stored in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below for up to 12 months. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to use frozen breast milk within six months. When thawing frozen milk, it is important to do so in the refrigerator and to use it within 24 hours after thawing.
In summary, while breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, using it within 24 hours is ideal. If not used within this timeframe, freezing is the best option to ensure the milk remains safe and nutritious for your baby.

How long can breast milk sit out after being refrigerated?

And remember, freshly pumped milk that has been left unrefrigerated for longer than four hours should be thrown away, regardless of whether it’s been used in a feeding or not. Previously frozen milk should be used within 24 hours once thawed and refrigerated. If left on the counter, throw out after 2 hours.

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

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

Yes, you can store the the milk in a clean bottle with the teat/nipple attached.

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.

How long can breastmilk be in the fridge before freezing?

Storing breast milk after expressing
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.

Can I pump into the same bottle all day?

Milk stays good for 4 hours if you leave it at room temperature after pumping. So, you can pump into the same bottle within the 4 hours timeframe. Once the 4-hour timeframe has elapsed, you can either give the milk to your baby or store it in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

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.

Can I mix left and right breast milk?

Combining breast milk from different expressions can be convenient, especially if you’re only getting a small amount at each session. Just make sure you’re not adding too much to your storage containers.

Can you freeze breast milk from 2 different days?

If you combine breast milk from different days, be sure to cool your fresh breast milk before adding it to the previously refrigerated milk. Make sure the container of combined milk is labeled with the date the older milk was pumped. Store it in the freezer if the oldest milk was pumped more than four days ago.