How long will breast milk stay frozen in a deep freezer without power?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in a Power Outage
When it comes to the safety and longevity of breast milk stored in a deep freezer during a power outage, several factors come into play. The primary concern is maintaining the milk’s safety and nutritional quality, especially for infants who rely on it for their development.
Duration of Safety Without Power
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if a deep freezer is full and remains unopened during a power outage, it can keep food, including breast milk, safe for approximately 48 hours. This timeframe is crucial for parents to consider, as it allows for some leeway in case of unexpected power failures.
Long-Term Storage Guidelines
For long-term storage, breast milk can be safely kept in a deep freezer at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or lower for up to 12 months. However, the ideal recommendation is to use the milk within three to six months to ensure the best quality and nutrient retention. While the USDA states that food kept frozen at sufficiently low temperatures remains safe indefinitely, the nutritional value of breast milk can diminish over time.
Post-Thawing Considerations
Once breast milk has been thawed, it is important to use it within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator. This countdown begins only after the milk is completely thawed, emphasizing the need for careful planning when managing stored milk.
Conclusion
In summary, during a power outage, a full deep freezer can keep breast milk safe for about 48 hours if left unopened. For optimal long-term storage, aim to use frozen breast milk within three to six months, although it can technically remain safe for up to 12 months. Always remember to monitor the thawing process and adhere to the 24-hour usage guideline post-thawing to ensure your baby’s health and safety.

How do you know if breast milk has gone bad in the freezer?

Expressed human milk may undergo odor changes when stored. Parents sometimes describe expressed or defrosted milk as smelling odd – metallic, soapy, or even rancid.

How long will a full deep freezer stay frozen without power?

approximately 48 hours
A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘s2RoZ7fDFuCOwPAP5I_J8QI__35′,’

How long is milk safe after power outage?

Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power or 2 hours after the temperature rises above 41 °F. At any time, discard spoiled, moldy food and anything that does not look or smell right.

How long will milk last in the fridge without power?

Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power or 2 hours after the temperature rises above 41 °F. At any time, discard spoiled, moldy food and anything that does not look or smell right.

How to save frozen breast milk during power outage?

If you do lose power, try to keep the milk from thawing . Fill empty spaces in your freezer or cooler with dry ice, “blue ice,” bags of ice, or snow. Covering the cooler with towels or blankets will help keep it insulated.

How do I keep my chest freezer cold during a power outage?

Buy dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should keep an 18 cubic foot, fully stocked freezer cold for two days.

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 frozen breast milk stay out?

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

How long can you leave a deep freezer unplugged?

It’s not unusual for freezer foods to stay frozen for up to two days in a chest freezer that is full. A freezer that is mostly empty will not provide as much protection to keep foods frozen. The quality of insulation in the freezer walls will also affect how long foods will stay frozen when the freezer is unplugged.

How long is breastmilk good in a deep freezer without power?

Do not dump it! Your freezer should stay frozen 24-48 hours after power goes out. Your breast milk is good for 24 hours after it completely thaws and can be refrozen even if it has partially thawed. I lost power for 5 days a few months ago and my stash remained frozen (with the use of ice) that whole time.