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How warm should bottled breast milk be?

The Ideal Temperature for Bottled Breast Milk
When it comes to warming bottled breast milk, parents often seek the perfect balance between safety and comfort for their little ones. While babies can technically consume breast milk at any temperature, many prefer it warmed, mimicking the natural warmth of milk straight from the breast.
Optimal Temperature Range
The recommended temperature for warming breast milk is between 95°F and 104°F (35°C to 40°C). This range is considered safe and effective, ensuring that the milk is warm enough to be palatable for the baby without compromising its nutritional quality. Heating breast milk beyond 104°F can lead to the degradation of essential nutrients, which are vital for a baby’s development.
Methods for Warming Breast Milk
There are several effective methods to warm breast milk safely. One popular technique involves placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water. This method allows for gradual warming, which helps maintain the milk’s nutrient integrity. It is advisable to use lukewarm water and to change it out once or twice during the warming process to ensure the milk reaches the desired temperature within about 15 to 20 minutes .
Another option is to hold the bottle under warm running water. This method is quick and can also help achieve the right temperature without the risk of overheating. However, parents should avoid using a microwave to heat breast milk, as it can create hot spots that may burn a baby’s mouth and throat.
Why Temperature Matters
Warming breast milk not only enhances its taste but also aids in digestion. Cold milk can be uncomfortable for babies and may lead to digestive issues. By warming the milk, parents can provide a more soothing feeding experience, closely resembling the natural feeding process.
In conclusion, while babies can drink breast milk at various temperatures, warming it to a range of 95°F to 104°F is ideal for both safety and comfort. By using gentle warming methods, parents can ensure that their baby’s milk retains its nutritional benefits while providing a pleasant feeding experience.

Does bottled breast milk need to be warmed?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold. If you decide to warm the breast milk, here are some tips: Keep the container sealed.

What temperature should a baby drink breast milk at?

99 degrees Fahrenheit
To warm your milk, place the breast milk bottle or bag into a cup, jug or bowl of lukewarm water for a few minutes to bring it to body temperature (37 degrees Celsius or 99 degrees Fahrenheit). Alternatively, use a bottle warmer. Do not allow the temperature to go above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘FEdoZ6npF7ef0-kPj–iuQU__47′,’

Is a bottle warmer necessary for breast milk?

You can safely warm both refrigerated and frozen breast milk in warm water. Bottle warmers can also help, but may overheat breast milk. Warming stored breast milk before serving it to your baby is a personal choice.

What happens if you overheat breast milk in bottle warmer?

Once breast milk is warmed to temperatures higher than 104F/40 C (for perspective, 104F is what most of us would describe as warm, and is the normal limit for hot tubs), breast milk’s nutritional and immunological value begins to deteriorate.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.

Can cold milk make a baby gassy?

Cold breast milk or formula may cause discomfort and gas in babies with digestion issues or stomach sensitivities.

Can I warm breast milk in plastic bottle?

A bottle made from inferior quality plastic when warmed may result in chemical leaching. So use a glass bottle or a BPA-free (bisphenol A-free) plastic bottle. BPA is an estrogen-like chemical which will cause health problems, so it’s advisable to go for BPA free bottles.

How warm should baby bottle milk be?

Babies milk should be at blood temperature – approx 37 deg Celcius or 98.5 deg Farenheit. This can be tested by dropping a few drops on the inside of your wrist – if it feels hot or cold it is the wrong temperature.

At what temperature does breast milk lose nutrients?

According to this study by Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, breastmilk should not be overheated to temperatures higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), otherwise it could compromise the nutrient quality.

Do warm bottles help with gas?

The warmth may help relax the stomach muscles, reducing pressure and releasing air bubbles. Just be sure to test the temperature and make sure it’s not too hot.

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.

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