Tips For Freezing & Refrigerating Breast Milk
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Page ContentBy: Dina DiMaggio, MD, FAAP
When it comes to breast milk, how you store it depends on how soon you want to use it. Here are some helpful guidelines for storing your breast milk safely.
How to safely store & prepare breast milk
Before expressing or pumping: Wash your hands and all storage containers thoroughly. Label the date the breast milk was expressed on each container (also include your child's name if you are giving the milk to a child care provider). Talk with your child care provider about how they require breast milk be stored and labeled.
Store breast milk in small batches, ideally 2 to 4 ounces to prevent waste. Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.
Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed. 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. 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. Microwaving breast milk is not safe due to the risk of scalding your baby with hot milk.
Freeze breast milk if you will not be using it within 48-72 hours. Breast milk expands as it freezes, so do not fill the milk all the way to the top of the storage container. Remember, store the milk in the back of the freezer, not the door.
If freezing the milk inside a refrigerator with a freezer that has a separate door (0°F or −18°C), milk may be frozen for up to 9 months.
If the freezer is a chest or a deep freezer (−4°F or −20°C), milk may be frozen for up to 12 months.
To thaw breast milk from the freezer: Put the bottle or bag in the refrigerator overnight, hold it under warm running water, or set it in a container of warm water. Remember that heating breast milk in microwaves is not safe.
Once breast milk is thawed, it can be stored in a refrigerator; it is best used within 24 hours, but may be used within 48-72 hours.
The rule of 4s for breast milk storage
We know breast milk storage can be confusing, so here is a more conservative approach that you can also go by (and easily remember): 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator!
Storing Fresh Breast Milk: AAP Guidance at a Glance | |||
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Place | Temperature | How Long | Keep in Mind |
Countertop, table | Room temp (up to 77°F) | Up to 4 hours is best. |
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Refrigerator | 39°F or colder | Up to 4 days is best. |
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Freezer | O°F or colder | Up to 9 months |
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Deep freezer | -4°F or colder | Up to 12 months |
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Editor's Note: Although these breast milk storage guidelines are appropriate for babies born premature and those who are hospitalized, hospitals may have their own rules. If you have specific questions, discuss these guidelines with your baby's pediatrician and/or hospital.
AAP breastfeeding recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about 6 months. Once you add solid foods to your baby's diet, continue breastfeeding as long and you and your baby desire, for 2 years or beyond.
Find more tips on breast milk storage and whether you need to "stash" it in this Healthy Children Podcast episode:
More information- Ask the Pediatrician: How long can baby bottles sit out at room temperature?
- Expressing Breast Milk at Work: Tips for Nursing Parents
- How to Clean Your Breast Pump & Keep It Germ-Free
- Milk Storage Guidelines (AAP.org)
About Dr. DiMaggio |
Dina DiMaggio, MD, FAAP, is a board certified pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of NYC and at NYU Langone Medical Center. She is the co-author of The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, a comprehensive manual written by a team of medical, nutrition and culinary experts. Follow her on Instagram @Pediatriciansguide. Tag » How Long Is Reheated Breast Milk Good For
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