One of the most important skills a new parent may learn is the proper storage of breast milk. This is because, when a mother is not around to feed directly, it ensures that the baby gets nutritious meals. It covers the basic aspects of how one can store expressed milk-from storing in the refrigerator at home to storing on-the-go. You will be enlightened on techniques for refrigerating and freezing, and common questions about the handling of expressed milk will be answered.
How to Store Breast Milk in the Fridge
Storing breast milk in the refrigerator is an important skill for new parents. Here's how to do it properly:
Select Appropriate Containers
For refrigerated breast milk, use clean, food-grade glass bottles or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Avoid containers with the recycling symbol 7, as they might contain BPA. Many parents find breast milk storage bags convenient and practical.
Mark and Date Your Milk
Label each container with the date you expressed the milk. If your baby is in child care, also include your baby's name on the label. To keep your supply fresh, use the oldest milk first.
Place Milk in the Right Spot
Place containers in the rear of the main compartment of the refrigerator. The door of the refrigerator is not a good place to store milk because the temperature varies more often.
Combine Milk Safely
If you need to combine milk from different pumping sessions, first refrigerate the newly pumped milk and then add it to previously refrigerated milk. Combine only milk that has been expressed on the same day.
Prepare Milk for Use
When you are ready to give the refrigerated milk, gently swirl the container to mix in any separated fat. You can warm up the milk by placing the container in a bowl of warm water or by using a bottle warmer. Remember that heating breast milk directly on the stove or in the microwave is out of the question because doing so destroys the nutritional properties.
How to Store Breast Milk in the Freezer
Freezing breast milk will allow you to keep a long-term supply for your baby. Most working parents and those that will build up a stock do this method.
Choose the Right Containers
Use special breast milk storage bags or hard plastic containers with tight lids. The ones that are BPA-free and designed for breast milk storage are the best. Do not freeze in glass because the glass may crack.
Leave Space for the Milk to Expand
As you fill up your container, allow an inch or so of space at the top. Frozen breast milk expands, and this extra space at the top prevents the container from bursting.
Write Down Important Information
Label the date and amount of milk in the container. This will let you know which is oldest and should be used first and how much the baby is getting in each serving.
Freeze in Small Amounts
You should store your milk in small portions, about 2-4 ounces each. This way, you only need to thaw what your baby will eat in one feeding without wasting any milk.
Put the Milk in the Right Place
Freeze the milk bags flat. This saves space and allows for quicker thawing later. Place the milk in the back of the freezer where it remains coldest. Do not store it in the freezer door.
Keep Your Frozen Milk Organized
Place older milk in front, with newer milk in the back. You'll use the oldest milk first this way to help you keep your supply fresh.
How to Store Breast Milk on the Go
Storing breast milk when one is traveling or out of the house may require some extra planning. Here are ways to keep your milk safe and fresh when you're out and about:
1. Use Insulated Coolers or Bags
Whenever you are outside and far from your home, the best companion is an insulated cooler or a breast milk bag that is specially designed. Such containers maintain the temperature of your milk at a constant value. Momcozy's Portable Breast Milk Cooler for Outdoor is an excellent tool that eliminates the need for ice packs, making storage more convenient.
2. Pack Milk Containers Properly
Before you leave your house, have the breast milk sealed in clean leak-proof containers. If using plastic bags, squeeze out air extra at sealing so that they will not leak. Place these in the center of the cooler and surround with ice packs.
3. Monitor Temperature
In other words, try to keep the milk at 59°F or 15°C, or cooler. If you will be away for more than just a few hours, periodically check the temperature of your cooler. You may need to refresh the cool packs to keep the storage temperature within the proper range.
4. Plan Ahead for Longer Trips
For longer travel, it is good if you plan ahead of time about your destination. Is there refrigerator or freezer facilities available? Sometimes your hotel may also have a mini-fridge, which can be very ideal for storing breast milk.
5. Handle Freshly Expressed Milk Carefully
You may allow your freshly expressed milk to sit at room temperature for a period of four hours provided you will be giving it shortly. If not, immediately bring down the temperature in your container with insulation.
6. Consider Gel Packs for Air Travel
When flying, gel ice packs are sometimes allowed through the security checkpoint along with you. These really come in handy during flight travel for keeping your milk cool. You will want to confirm with your airline about flying with breast milk and cool packs with them.
How Long Can Breast Milk Last in Different Storage Conditions?
The storage duration of breast milk varies based on temperature and environment. Here's a simple guide to help you keep your milk safe and fresh:
Storage Duration Table
| Storage Method | Temperature | Duration |
| Room Temperature | Up to 77°F (25°C) | Up to 4 hours |
| Insulated Cooler Bag | 5-39°F (-15-4°C) | Up to 24 hours |
| Refrigerator | 39°F (4°C) or lower | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer (Regular) | 0°F (-18°C) | 3-6 months |
| Deep Freezer | -4°F (-20°C) | 6-12 months |
Extra Tips:
Write the expression date on each container.
- Don't mix fresh milk with frozen milk.
- Leave space at the top of containers for milk to expand when freezing.
- Use thawed milk within 24 hours and don't refreeze it.
These guidelines help ensure your baby has safe, nutritious breast milk available, whether you're at home or out and about.
How to Store Colostrum in the Fridge
Colostrum, which is the first milk of your body that is produced for the newborn, is, of course, a very valuable thing. Storing it properly will provide your baby with its rich nutrients and antibodies.
1. Collect and Prepare
Wash your hands well. Using a clean syringe or small container, collect the colostrum. On each container, label the date and time. For small amounts, syringes work best. For more colostrum, small glass or plastic containers are good. It is not recommended that you use regular breast milk bags since the colostrum might stick to them.
2. Put in the Refrigerator
Store colostrum in the back of the refrigerator where it's coolest. Don't store it in the door. You may store fresh colostrum in the refrigerator up to 48 hours.
3. Add New Colostrum
If you express more colostrum on the same day, you may add it to the container of colostrum that is already in the fridge. Let the new colostrum cool in the fridge before mixing with older colostrum.
4. Use Stored Colostrum
When you need to use the colostrum, gently mix it. Warm it by setting the container in warm water. Do not heat it in a microwave because this will destroy the colostrum.
If it will be more than 48 hours before you are using the colostrum, you are able to freeze it to store it for longer. Even small amounts of colostrum are beneficial to your baby, so do not worry if you only collect a little.
How to Use Breast Milk from the Fridge
When it's time for your baby to have this breast milk that has been in the fridge, here is how you go about making it safe and comfortable for your little one:
1. Check the Date
Use the oldest milk first. Always check the date on the container. If it has been in the refrigerator more than 4 days, it is best to discard. This helps your baby get the freshest milk and also helps you to manage your milk supply.
2. Warm the Milk
Breast milk needn't be warmed up, but most babies appear to like it at body temperature. Place it in a bowl of warm water, run it under warm water, or you may want to invest in a bottle warmer. A portable bottle warmer such as the Momcozy is useful for outings/trips.
3. Mix Gently
After heating, gently swirl the milk to combine any fat that has separated. Do not vigorously shake the bottle. Swirling helps distribute the components of the milk without denaturing the proteins. If lumps are present, they should dissolve with light mixing.
4. Test the Temperature
Put a few drops on your wrist-the test area. The milk should feel warm and never hot. This is an important step to make sure you will not burn the mouth of your baby. If the milk feels too warm, let it cool for a few minutes before testing again.
5. Feed Promptly
Use warmed milk within 2 hours. Discard leftover milk after feeding. This allows for a margin of safety from bacterial overgrowth of the milk. If you know that your baby will not finish a bottle, you may try warming smaller portions to avoid wasting milk.
6. Never Microwave
Never heat breast milk in the microwave. It will create hot spots and can destroy the nutrients in it. Microwaving actually can kill some of the helpful antibodies and proteins found in the milk, too. It is always better to use less violent methods of warming to preserve all the goodness of your breast milk.
What Are the Best Breast Milk Storage Containers for the Fridge?
Storage bags are best for storing breast milk in the fridge. They take up less space than bottles or containers, so you can store more in the same fridge space. This is very effective when you pump often or have limited space in your fridge. Most breast milk storage bags, like Momcozy, feature other useful innovations in design, such as a double zipper to prevent leaks and a temperature indicator that changes color with the changing temperature of the milk to show if it is at the right temperature for your baby.
These bags are also very convenient in storage. It's really easy to fill and seal these bags, and at the time of use, just transfer the milk into a bottle. Most storage bags are pre-sterilized and meant for one-time use, which reduces the risk of contamination. They usually have space to write down the date and amount of milk, helping you keep track of your oldest milk and how much you have stored.
FAQs about expressed breast milk storage
Can i freeze breast milk that's been in the fridge?
Yes, you can freeze expressed milk after it has been in the fridge, but you will need to do this within 4 days of expressing. Transfer into the freezer as soon as you are aware you will not be using it shortly. Label with new date, then freeze. Once frozen, use within 6 months for best quality.
Can i store leftover breast milk in the fridge?
It is not recommended to store leftover breast milk that your baby has drunk from. Bacteria from your baby's mouth can contaminate the milk. If your baby is feeding from a bottle and does not finish it, then it may be used within 2 hours or discarded. For future feedings try storing milk in smaller amounts to reduce waste.
How long can freshly expressed breast milk sit out?
Freshly expressed milk can sit out at room temperature, up to 77°F (25°C), for 4 hours. If the room is warmer, the time should be shorter. It is always best practice to put the milk in a refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible when not using it immediately.
Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated milk?
You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated milk, but always cool the fresh milk in the refrigerator first. Once it is cold you can then add it to milk expressed on the same day. Do not add warm freshly expressed milk directly to cold milk as this may cause the cold milk to warm, possibly encouraging bacterial growth.
How to store expressed milk at work?
At work, you can keep your expressed milk either in a cooler with frozen packs, or if available, in a refrigerator. Keep it in either storage bags or clean containers labeled with the date. If there is a shared refrigerator at work, your breast milk needs to be in a tightly sealed container labeled with your name. Keep expressed milk in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze it if you won't use it in that time.
Can I transfer breast milk from fridge to freezer?
Yes, you can move breast milk from the refrigerator to the freezer but do this within 4 days of expression. When you move it to the freezer, relabel with the new date. Remember that milk expands when it freezes, so allow for some space at the top of the container. Frozen milk is best used within 6 months for optimal quality.
How can I transport expressed breast milk?
An insulated cooler bag with ice packs will do for transportation of the expressed milk. This keeps the coldness of the milk for 24 hours. Conversely, you can use dry ice if traveling longer. Ensure the containers of milk are tightly sealed to avoid leakages. Refrigerate or freeze upon arrival. For a more convenient option, consider using Momcozy's Portable Breast Milk Cooler, which maintains temperature without ice packs.
Secure Your Baby's Nutrition!
From refrigeration to freezing and on-to-go storage, you are prepared to feed your baby a nutritious meal at any time. Keep in mind to use clean containers, label your milk, and store for the duration to assure safety. Be it storage bags, bottles, or syringes, proper handling of each gives the best of your milk to your baby. Feel free to go back to this guide if you ever need a little review.
