How long can you store breastmilk in the fridge?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in the Fridge
Storing breast milk properly is crucial for maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. For mothers who express milk, knowing how long it can be stored in the refrigerator is essential for ensuring that their babies receive the best possible nutrition.
Duration of Storage
Breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This guideline is based on the recommendation that the fridge should be maintained at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) or lower. If the temperature fluctuates above this level, the milk should ideally be used within six hours to ensure its safety.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that fresh breast milk may remain usable for up to eight days if the fridge temperature is consistently kept at the optimal level. However, to maximize freshness and minimize the risk of spoilage, it is generally advised to consume or use the milk within the four-day window.
Handling Leftover Milk
If your baby does not finish a bottle of stored breast milk, the leftover milk can be safely used within two hours after feeding. Beyond this timeframe, it should be discarded to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
Best Practices for Storage
To ensure the best quality of stored breast milk, it is recommended to use clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags. Labeling the containers with the date of expression can help keep track of how long the milk has been stored. Additionally, placing the milk at the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most stable, can help maintain its quality.
In summary, while breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, adhering to proper storage practices and monitoring the fridge temperature are key to ensuring that the milk remains safe and nutritious for your baby.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

Can you mix breast milk from different pumping sessions?

But you can rest assured that combining breast milk from different days is acceptable in most cases—as long as you take precautions to ensure your environment, hands, breast pump, and collection containers are clean.

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 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.

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

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.

Do I need to wash pump parts every time?

The CDC and most breast pump manufacturers recommend cleaning pump parts thoroughly after every use to help protect babies from germs.

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 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).