How long can you freeze breast milk in bottles?

Freezing Breast Milk: Guidelines and Best Practices
When it comes to storing breast milk, freezing is a practical option for many parents looking to preserve the nutritional quality of their milk while ensuring it remains safe for their baby. Understanding how long you can freeze breast milk in bottles is crucial for effective storage and usage.
Duration of Freezing
Breast milk can be safely frozen for up to 12 months when stored at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This applies to both standard kitchen freezers and deep freezers, which may maintain even colder temperatures. However, while the milk remains safe for this duration, it is recommended to use it within 6 months for optimal quality and taste.
Storage Tips
To maximize the quality of frozen breast milk, it is advisable to store it in 2 to 4-ounce portions. This practice not only helps in minimizing waste but also allows for easier thawing and feeding. Each container should be clearly labeled with the date of pumping, and if applicable, the baby’s name, especially if the milk is intended for childcare.
Thawing and Usage
Once frozen, breast milk should be thawed in the refrigerator or under warm running water. It is important to note that thawed breast milk should not be refrozen. After thawing, it should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator. Additionally, any milk that has been partially consumed should be discarded within 1 to 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Freezing breast milk is a safe and effective way to ensure that your baby receives the benefits of breast milk even when you are not able to feed directly. By adhering to these guidelines, parents can confidently store and use breast milk, ensuring their little ones receive the best nutrition possible.

Can you save breastmilk bottle if baby doesn’t finish?

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.

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.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

Can I freeze breast milk after 4 days in the fridge?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

Can I save leftover breast milk in a bottle?

With milk, if your LO doesn’t finish it, cap the bottle, put in the fridge immediately, and you can use it for their next feed. Milk can last 3 hours in the fridge if it’s been contaminated by baby eating. Since milk has live bacteria that help prevent bad bacteria from building up, it can stay safe longer.

Can you combine breast milk from different pumping sessions?

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.

How long until frozen breast milk goes bad?

If freezing the milk inside a refrigerator with a freezer that has a separate door (0°F or −18°C), milk may be frozen for up to 9 months. If the freezer is a chest or a deep freezer (−4°F or −20°C), milk may be frozen for up to 12 months.

Why can’t you use frozen breastmilk after 6 months?

Keep in mind that research suggests that the longer you store breast milk — whether in the refrigerator or in the freezer — the greater the loss of vitamin C in the milk. It’s also important to note that your breast milk changes to meet your baby’s needs.

What can I do with leftover breast milk that my baby didn’t drink?

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.

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.