What temperature should breast milk be in the fridge?

The Ideal Temperature for Storing Breast Milk
When it comes to storing breast milk in the refrigerator, maintaining the right temperature is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality. According to guidelines from health authorities, breast milk should be stored in a refrigerator that is set to 40°F (4°C) or below. This temperature range helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and preserves the milk’s beneficial properties for your baby.
Importance of Proper Storage
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for infants, and improper storage can lead to spoilage or contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that a refrigerator’s temperature should be monitored regularly, especially if the appliance does not have a built-in thermometer. Using a freestanding appliance thermometer can help ensure that the milk is kept at the optimal temperature.
Duration of Storage
Once breast milk is stored in the refrigerator, it can typically remain safe for consumption for up to four days. However, for longer storage, freezing is recommended, where breast milk can last for several months. It’s essential to label containers with the date of expression to keep track of freshness.
Warming Breast Milk
When it comes time to feed your baby, many parents wonder about warming the milk. While breast milk can be served cold or at room temperature, if you choose to warm it, the ideal temperature is somewhere between room temperature and body temperature. This approach helps to ensure that the milk is comfortable for the baby without overheating it.
In summary, keeping breast milk at or below 40°F in the refrigerator is essential for maintaining its safety and quality. Regular monitoring of the refrigerator’s temperature and proper storage practices will help ensure that your baby receives the best nutrition possible.

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.

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 breastmilk?

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?

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.

What is the 2 hour rule for breast milk?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items.

What temperature should breast milk be?

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(‘sIloZ7abO8GzwPAPov2ukQY__28′,’

Can breast milk be stored at 40 degrees?

Chilling and freezing breast milk to proper temperatures is one of the best ways to slow the growth of bacteria. To be sure that your refrigerator is doing its job, keep its temperature at 40°F or below. The freezer should be at 0°F.

What is the 4 4 4 rule for breast milk?

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.

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.

How to go from 5 pumping sessions to 4?

Gradually decrease your pumping sessions.
If you pump five times per day, eliminate one session so you are only pumping four times per day for the next few days. Give your body those few days or longer to adjust, and then drop another pumping session so you are only pumping three times per day.