What temperature should breastmilk 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 harmful bacteria that could compromise the milk’s integrity and the health of the infant consuming it.
Duration of Storage
Freshly pumped breast milk can be safely stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s important to place the milk in the back rather than the door, as the temperature can fluctuate more in the door due to frequent opening and closing. This four-day window allows parents to manage their milk supply effectively while ensuring that the milk remains safe for their baby.
Practical Tips for Storage
To maintain the optimal temperature, it is advisable for parents to regularly check their refrigerator’s settings. If the appliance does not display the temperature, using a freestanding thermometer can help ensure that it remains at the recommended level. Additionally, proper storage containers are vital; using clean, BPA-free bottles or bags specifically designed for breast milk can help preserve its quality.
In summary, storing breast milk at the correct temperature not only extends its usability but also safeguards the health of the baby. By adhering to these guidelines, parents can confidently provide their infants with the benefits of breast milk, even when they are not able to breastfeed directly.

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.

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 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.

At what temperature is milk no longer safe?

Prevention. Choose pasteurized milk and dairy products, making sure to read labels carefully. Refrigerate perishable foods at 40°F or colder to slow bacterial growth. Bacteria can multiply rapidly if left at room temperature or in the “Danger Zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

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.

At what temperature does breastmilk 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.

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.

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.

What temperature should a fridge be for breast milk?

Freshly expressed milk can remain at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours, or up 6 to 8 hours if very cleanly expressed; however, it is best to chill as soon as possible. Breast milk is best stored in the back of the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C), where there are fewer temperature fluctuations.

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.