How to label breastmilk for freezer?

The Importance of Properly Labeling Breastmilk for Freezing
For new parents, the journey of breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging. One crucial aspect of this journey is the proper storage of expressed breastmilk, particularly when it comes to freezing. Labeling breastmilk correctly is essential not only for organization but also for ensuring the safety and quality of the milk when it’s time to feed your baby.
Why Labeling Matters
Labeling breastmilk containers helps parents keep track of the milk’s freshness and ensures that the oldest milk is used first. This practice minimizes waste and guarantees that your baby receives the best nutrition possible. According to guidelines from health authorities, breastmilk can be safely stored in the freezer for up to six months, but it’s vital to monitor the dates to avoid using milk that has exceeded its shelf life.
What to Include on the Label
When labeling breastmilk for freezing, consider including the following information:
1. Date of Expression: This is the most critical piece of information. Write the date on which the milk was expressed to track its freshness accurately.

2. Time of Expression: Including the time can be helpful, especially if you express milk multiple times a day. This detail allows you to prioritize using the oldest milk first.
3. Volume of Milk: If you’re using different containers or bags, noting the volume can help you manage how much milk you have on hand and how much to thaw for each feeding.
4. Baby’s Name (if applicable): If you have multiple children, labeling with the baby’s name can prevent mix-ups.
5. Storage Instructions: While not always necessary, you might want to include a note about whether the milk is fresh or previously thawed, as this can affect how it should be handled.
Best Practices for Labeling
– Use Waterproof Labels: Opt for labels that are waterproof and resistant to freezer conditions. This ensures that the information remains legible even in cold temperatures.
– Permanent Marker: If you’re writing directly on storage bags or containers, use a permanent marker to prevent smudging or fading.
– Avoid Overcrowding: When placing multiple containers in the freezer, ensure that labels are visible and not obscured by other items. This organization helps in quickly identifying the milk you need.
Storage Containers
Choosing the right container is just as important as labeling. Use BPA-free plastic bags specifically designed for breastmilk storage, or glass containers with airtight seals. These options help maintain the quality of the milk and prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Properly labeling breastmilk for freezing is a simple yet effective way to ensure that your baby receives safe and nutritious milk. By including essential details like the date, time, and volume, parents can manage their milk supply efficiently and reduce waste. As you embark on this rewarding journey of breastfeeding, remember that organization and attention to detail can make all the difference in providing the best for your little one.

How do you label milk?

When storing the breast milk or pre-made formula you will want to make sure it is clearly labeled with the date (possibly time) and whether it is breast milk or formula. Be sure to write the date and time on the storage bags/bottles.

How to label breast milk for freezer?

You’re freezing it in the bottle? Milk defrosts way faster when you freeze it in milk storage bags. For freezer labeling, you could use freezer tape. I label bottles in the fridge with a dry-erase marker. But I always freeze in storage bags, which you can write on with a ball point pen or permanent marker.

What is considered a good freezer stash of breastmilk?

How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

How do you count days for breast milk storage?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Should you label breast milk AM or PM?

There’s a fairly easy fix, of course. Mothers can label their milk with the time it was pumped and coordinate infant feedings to offer morning milk in the morning, afternoon milk in the afternoon and night milk at night.

How to label breastmilk storage bags?

The nurse or lactation staff will provide you with your baby’s hospital labels which are printed with his or her name and medical record number. Date and time milk expressed. Write the date and time you pump on these labels so that the milk will be stored properly and fed within a safe period of time.

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.

Can I mix AM and PM breast milk?

Can I combine breast milk that’s pumped at different times? It’s okay to combine milk that’s pumped on the same day, but don’t mix milk that was pumped on different days.

How do you label in the freezer?

Painter’s tape and a permanent marker: These are the secret weapons of any organized home cook. Use painter’s tape to make a label that can go on any container or freezer safe bag, noting what exactly the item is (sometimes, when storing things in the freezer, it’s hard to tell) and the date the item was stored.

How to label breast milk time?

When labeling milk that will be for the refrigerator and used within those 8 days, you can use a piece of tape and pen on the bottle or one of those liquid chalkboard pens (think Starbucks or a coffee shop). This can be milk used for daycare or when mom is away/running errands or a date night that’s coming up.