How long should I store breast milk in the fridge?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in the Fridge
Storing breast milk properly is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality for your baby. When it comes to refrigeration, the guidelines are clear and straightforward.
Duration of Storage
Freshly pumped breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is recommended to keep the milk in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent, ideally at 39°F (4°C). While some sources suggest that it’s best to use the milk within 24 hours for optimal freshness, the four-day guideline provides a bit more flexibility for busy parents .
Thawed Milk Considerations
If you have frozen breast milk that you’ve thawed, it’s important to note that this milk should be used within 24 hours of thawing. This timeframe starts once the milk is completely thawed, not from the moment it is removed from the freezer .
Best Practices for Storage
To maximize the shelf life of breast milk in the fridge, consider these best practices:
– Use appropriate containers: Store milk in clean, BPA-free bottles or bags specifically designed for breast milk storage.
– Leave space for expansion: When filling containers, leave about an inch of space at the top, as breast milk expands when frozen.
– Label your milk: Always label containers with the date and time of pumping to keep track of freshness.
Conclusion
In summary, freshly pumped breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, while thawed milk should be consumed within 24 hours. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your baby receives safe and nutritious milk.

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.

Why discard breast milk after 2 hours?

Milk storage guidelines recommend discarding leftover breast milk after two hours because of the potential for bacterial contamination from your baby’s mouth.

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 2 hour rule for breast milk?

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. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items.

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.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

How long should I keep breast milk 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.

When can I go 6 hours without pumping?

4-6 months
It is generally best to avoid stretches longer than 5-6 hours without breastfeeding or pumping for at least the first 4-6 months.

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).

How long should I pump for?

Many women find that pumping for about two minutes after the last drop of milk is an effective way to stimulate more milk, however, avoid pumping for longer than 20 – 30 minutes at a time. If you need more milk, pump more frequently, rather than longer.