What temperature should breast milk be stored at in the fridge?

Storing Breast Milk: Optimal Refrigerator Temperature
When it comes to storing breast milk, ensuring the right temperature is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety. According to guidelines from health authorities, breast milk should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. This temperature range is essential to inhibit the growth of bacteria and preserve the nutritional value of the milk.
Duration of Storage
Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s important to note that the back of the fridge is typically the coldest part, making it the best location for storage. Mothers are advised to regularly check the temperature of their refrigerator, as fluctuations can occur. If the appliance’s thermostat does not display the temperature, using a freestanding thermometer can help ensure that the milk is stored at the correct temperature.
Best Practices for Storage
To maximize the safety and longevity of stored breast milk, it is recommended to use containers specifically designed for breast milk storage. Avoid using disposable bottle liners or plastic bags that are not intended for this purpose, as they may not provide the necessary protection against contamination.
In summary, maintaining a refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below is vital for the safe storage of breast milk, allowing it to remain fresh and nutritious for up to four days. By following these guidelines, nursing mothers can ensure that their expressed milk is stored safely for their little ones.

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.

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 120 breastfeeding rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age.

Can breastmilk be stored at 50 degrees?

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) notes that for the purposes of safely storing breast milk, room temperature can be anywhere between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should a milk fridge be?

33°F to 38°F.
Shelf life decreases as storage temperature increases. Store all dairy products in a properly refrigerated zone at 33°F to 38°F.

What temperature should the fridge be at for breastmilk?

What temperature is safe for storing breastmilk? The CDC recommends keeping milk at a refrigerated temperature of 35-40 degrees.

What temperature does breast milk degrade?

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.

Will milk spoil at 55 degrees?

Milk. By law, when being stored in commercial environments, Grade A milk must be maintained at a temperature of 45°F or below, as bacteria in milk will grow minimally below 45°F. However, temperatures well below 40°F are necessary to protect the milk’s quality.

What happens if you don’t pump for 8 hours?

If you don’t pump or breastfeed for 8 hours, you may experience breast engorgement or some discomfort. If you’re exclusively pumping or you’re away from your baby for a period of time, it’s recommended to pump as frequently as your baby would feed to avoid discomfort and maintain milk supply.

What temperature should breast milk bottles be kept at?

Q: What temperature should my baby’s bottle be? A: Most babies prefer body temperature milk of 98.6ºF or 37ºC. For babies who suffer from colic and digestive issues, a slightly warmer bottle can help. 103º is the hottest you can warm a breastmilk bottle before damaging the nutrients.