Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How long does breast milk last after taking out of fridge?

How long does breast milk last after taking out of fridge?

Understanding the Shelf Life of Breast Milk After Refrigeration
Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, and understanding how to store it safely is crucial for both the health of the baby and the mother’s peace of mind. When it comes to the longevity of breast milk after it has been taken out of the fridge, several factors come into play, including the temperature and the duration it has been at room temperature.
Freshly Pumped Breast Milk in the Fridge
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 8 days if it is kept at a consistent temperature of 4°C (39°F) or lower. However, once this milk is removed from the fridge, its shelf life changes significantly.
Duration at Room Temperature
When breast milk is taken out of the fridge, it can safely remain at room temperature—defined as around 25°C (77°F)—for up to 4 hours. If the milk has been left out for longer than this period, it is advisable to discard it to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
Impact of Previous Storage Conditions
It’s important to note that the initial storage conditions of the breast milk can affect its longevity once it is removed from the fridge. For instance, if the milk has already been at room temperature for 2 hours before being refrigerated, its overall shelf life decreases. In such cases, the milk may only last 3 to 4 days in the fridge after being taken out.
Thawed Breast Milk
For breast milk that has been previously frozen and then thawed in the refrigerator, it must be used within 24 hours. If thawed at room temperature, it should be consumed within 2 hours . This is crucial for maintaining the milk’s safety and nutritional quality.
Best Practices for Storage
To ensure the best quality and safety of breast milk, mothers are encouraged to store it in clean, airtight containers and label them with the date and time of expression. This practice not only helps in tracking the freshness but also aids caregivers in managing milk supplies effectively.
In summary, while breast milk is a remarkable source of nutrition for infants, its storage requires careful attention. After being taken out of the fridge, it can last for up to 4 hours at room temperature, but this duration can be affected by prior conditions. Following these guidelines helps ensure that the milk remains safe and beneficial for the baby.

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 long can breastmilk sit out after thawed?

Don’t leave frozen breast milk to defrost at room temperature. Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.

How long is breastmilk good after thawing?

within 24 hours
Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘sRpoZ8r8He61wN4P2sH2iAw__30′,’

How long does breast milk last after taken out of the fridge?

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 long is a bottle good for after taking out of the fridge?

Bottles are good for 2 hours out of the fridge, 1 hour after starting to drink.

Can you put a half drank bottle of breast milk back in the fridge?

If, after feeding your baby, you’re left with half or a quarter of a bottle, you can reuse it, but only if you’re going to do so quite soon. 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.

Can you let breastmilk go from fridge to room temp?

The can be left at room temperature – 77°F or cooler – for up to four hours.

Can you put breastmilk back if you take it out of the fridge?

Freshly pumped milk can be out for 4 hours before needing to be refrigerated. Milk that has been refrigerated but is now out is good for 2 hours. You should never re-refrigerated milk that has been refrigerated and brought out to room temperature.

How long does baby milk stay out of the fridge?

Type of Breast Milk or Formula Place and Temperature
Freshly expressed or pumped breast milk Up to 4 hours Up to 4 days
Thawed breast milk from freezer Up to 2 hours Up to 24 hours
Prepared infant formula Up to 2 hours after preparing (1 hour if your baby has already started feeding) Up to 24 hours

Why is thawed breast milk only good for 24 hours?

Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed milk, especially if it’s kept at room temperature or if the storage conditions are not optimal. Using the milk within 24 hours minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and ensures the milk is safe for your baby.

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.

Leave a Comment