Where should breast milk be stored in the fridge?

Proper Storage of Breast Milk in the Fridge
Storing breast milk correctly is crucial for maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. When it comes to refrigeration, there are specific guidelines that parents should follow to ensure that expressed breast milk remains safe for their babies.
Ideal Location in the Fridge
The best place to store breast milk in the fridge is at the back, rather than in the door. This is because the back of the fridge maintains a more consistent temperature, which is essential for preserving the milk’s quality. The door, on the other hand, is subject to temperature fluctuations every time it is opened, which can compromise the milk’s safety.
Temperature Considerations
Breast milk should be stored at a temperature of 39°F (4°C) or lower. Under these conditions, freshly pumped breast milk can be safely kept for up to four days. It’s important to monitor the fridge’s temperature regularly to ensure it remains within this safe range, as higher temperatures can lead to bacterial growth, posing a risk to the infant.
Containers for Storage
When storing breast milk, it is essential to use appropriate containers. Glass or hard plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids are recommended, as well as special breast milk storage bags. These containers should be clean and sanitized before use to prevent contamination.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Parents should also avoid placing breast milk in the fridge door, as mentioned earlier, and should keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Additionally, it’s advisable not to store breast milk at temperatures higher than 77°F (25°C) for any length of time, as this can increase the risk of spoilage.
In summary, for optimal storage of breast milk in the fridge, place it at the back where temperatures are stable, ensure it is stored at or below 39°F, use appropriate containers, and avoid the fridge door to maintain its quality and safety for your baby.

Is it OK to store breast milk in bottles in the refrigerator?

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 you mix breast milk pumped the same day?

It is best to cool freshly expressed milk before combining it with older, previously cooled or frozen milk. Also consider storage duration guidelines for breast milk. For example, if combining cooled milk pumped on different days, base the duration of storage on when the older milk was first stored.

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 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 you store breast milk in bottles with nipples and cap?

Tightly cap bottles. Do not store bottles with nipples attached. Label each container with your baby’s name and the date and time the milk was expressed. Put several bottle bags in a larger airtight plastic bag to prevent them from sticking to the freezer shelf.

How to store breast milk after pumping?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

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

Breast Milk Temperature and Duration

Location	Temperature	Duration
Countertop, table	Room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C)	4 hours
Insulated cooler bag	5-39°F or -15-4°C	24 hours
Refrigerator	40°F or 4°C	4 days

Where should you store milk in the fridge?

Milk, no matter if it’s whole or skim, is best kept at around 37°F, which, depending on your fridge, usually means somewhere in the back on a lower shelf. You may need to store the milk on its side so that it fits easily. Avoid keeping milk in one of the door’s shelves.

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.

Where is the best place to store breast milk in the fridge?

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.