Is it OK to put breast milk back in fridge after warming?

The Safety of Reusing Warmed Breast Milk
When it comes to the delicate matter of storing and reusing breast milk, parents often find themselves navigating a maze of guidelines and recommendations. One common question that arises is whether it is safe to put breast milk back in the fridge after it has been warmed. The answer, while nuanced, is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of infants.
Understanding the Risks
Breast milk is a precious resource, rich in nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s immune system. However, once breast milk has been warmed, it becomes susceptible to bacterial growth. According to health experts, the general consensus is that warmed breast milk should not be returned to the refrigerator for later use. This is primarily due to the risk of contamination from the baby’s mouth, which can introduce bacteria into the milk .
Guidelines for Safe Storage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines on breast milk storage. They recommend that if breast milk is warmed, it should ideally be used within two hours. If it is not consumed within that timeframe, it should be discarded to prevent any potential health risks. Some sources suggest that if the warmed milk is not used, it can be refrigerated again, but only if it is done within a specific time frame—typically within two to four hours after warming.
Best Practices for Parents
For parents, the best practice is to plan ahead. If you anticipate that your baby may not consume all the milk in one sitting, consider warming only the amount you expect them to drink. This minimizes waste and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. If warmed milk is left out for more than two hours, it should be discarded, regardless of whether it has been refrigerated again.
Consulting Professionals
Given the varying opinions on this topic, it is always wise for parents to consult with pediatricians or lactation consultants. These professionals can provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances, helping to navigate the complexities of breast milk storage and feeding.
In conclusion, while there are some guidelines that suggest it may be permissible to refrigerate warmed breast milk under certain conditions, the overarching advice leans towards caution. To ensure the health and safety of your baby, it is best to use warmed breast milk promptly or discard it if it has been left out too long.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

How long can breast milk stay out of the fridge after heating?

within 2 hours
If you thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours. Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.

Can you put baby milk back in fridge after warming?

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

Can warmed whole milk be refrigerated again?

Whatever bacteria grew while it warmed up will still be there, and will continue to grow. Refrigeration only slows down the multiplication of bacteria.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Never refreeze or reheat breast milk that’s been thawed, the CDC notes. If you’re not feeding baby immediately, keep defrosted breast milk in the fridge. If you thawed it at room temperature, the milk is good for up to two hours (after that, throw it out).

How long is a bottle good for after warming?

Throw out any prepared or ready-to-feed formula that’s been sitting out for 2 hours or more, or within 1 hour from start of feeding.

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.

Can you put breastmilk back in the fridge after heating?

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

Can you rewarm breast milk twice?

Breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen can only be heated once. Never reheat breast milk as this accumulates bacteria the more it is exposed to warmer temperatures. Breast milk that has been heated or brought to room temperature needs to be consumed within 2 hours.

Can you put breast milk that’s been sitting out back in the fridge?

And remember, freshly pumped milk that has been left unrefrigerated for longer than four hours should be thrown away, regardless of whether it’s been used in a feeding or not. Previously frozen milk should be used within 24 hours once thawed and refrigerated. If left on the counter, throw out after 2 hours.