What is the best way to store breast milk in the fridge?

The Best Way to Store Breast Milk in the Fridge
Storing breast milk properly is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality for your baby. With the right techniques, parents can confidently manage their milk supply while maintaining the health of their little ones.
Optimal Storage Duration and Temperature
Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is essential to keep the milk at a consistent temperature of 39°F (4°C), ideally in the back of the fridge where it is coldest, rather than in the door, which can be subject to temperature fluctuations. This careful attention to temperature helps preserve the milk’s beneficial properties.
Choosing the Right Containers
When it comes to containers, using sterilized bottles or breast milk storage bags is recommended. These bags are specifically designed for breast milk storage and are often pre-sterilized, eliminating the need for additional cleaning. It’s important to avoid using regular plastic bags or containers that are not intended for breast milk, as they may not be safe or effective.
Portion Control to Minimize Waste
To prevent waste, it’s advisable to store breast milk in small amounts. This way, you can thaw only what you need for a feeding, reducing the risk of discarding unused milk. For instance, consider storing 2 to 4 ounces per container, which is typically sufficient for a single feeding.
Labeling and Organization
Labeling each container with the date and time of expression is a smart practice. This helps ensure that you use the oldest milk first, adhering to the recommended storage guidelines. Keeping the milk organized in the fridge can also make it easier to find and use.
Handling Leftover Milk
If your baby does not finish a bottle of breast milk, it is important to use the remaining milk within two hours after feeding. Any leftover milk should not be stored again, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
In summary, by following these guidelines—storing milk in the back of the fridge, using appropriate containers, portioning wisely, and labeling effectively—parents can ensure that their breast milk remains safe and nutritious for their babies. Proper storage not only supports the health of infants but also provides peace of mind for breastfeeding parents.

Is frozen breast milk better than formula?

Breast milk is better for your baby than formula – but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

Is it better to store breast milk in bags or bottles?

Never use regular disposable bags, such as kitchen bags or those made for bottle feeding. Freezing may cause these to leak and break down. If using breastmilk storage bags, squeeze the air from the top before sealing tightly. In general, place storage bags upright in another container or the milk may leak.

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.

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.

Can I mix breast milk from different days?

Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already stored milk? You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk. However, thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.

How should you store breast milk in the fridge?

Breast milk is best stored in the back of the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C), where there are fewer temperature fluctuations. It is best to use refrigerated breast milk within 4 days. To warm breast milk from the refrigerator: Place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm water.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

Can I store breast milk in a feeding bottle?

You can even pump into the bottle, store in the fridge or freezer, and then warm your milk and feed directly from one container. Bottles can also go in your dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Why is thawed breast milk only good for 24 hours?

Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed milk, especially if it’s kept at room temperature or if the storage conditions are not optimal. Using the milk within 24 hours minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and ensures the milk is safe for your baby.