Babies can make feeding time a happy and very stressful experience as well when they are crying and need milk. At home, at the house of grandma, or when you have to run some errands, it is important to know how to warm breast milk without harming your baby, but in a safe and efficient way.
Here you will find all the information you should know, such as how to thaw frozen breast milk or how to warm formula, how to use a bottle warmer with the newborn, and why some infants like warm bottles. We shall also point out what is needed, such as the Momcozy Superfast Portable Breast Milk and Water Warmer to Travel to make the process quicker and easier.
Can Newborns Drink Cold Breast Milk or Cold Formulas?
Yes, babies can drink cold breast milk or formula, but it should be stored well. Your baby will not get an upset stomach when you feed it with cold milk or get any medical issues. Indeed, parents are finding it convenient to feed fridge-cold bottles, particularly in the late-night feed, where speed is the most important factor to consider.
Nevertheless, it has a few reasons why you may still decide to warm a bottle:
- Comfort and familiarity: Warm milk is inherent with breastfeeding and hence a warm bottle is more familiar and comforting.
- Comfortable feeding: Some babies feed better when the milk is warm, making feeding smoother.
- Calms delicate stomachs: Warm milk can suppress gas, irritability and pain in delicate infants.
- Sleep habits: Take a warm bottle before bedtime. This will help your baby fall asleep easily, as it will know that it is sleep time.
When your baby is content with cold milk, then there is no need to warm it. Omitting this step can help nighttime feeds be less time-consuming and easier.

How to Thaw Breast Milk
When you keep breast milk in the freezer, the first thing that you need to do is thaw it before heating it. Safe thawing does not spoil nutrients; it also helps to avoid the development of bacteria.
Refrigerator chilling (safest method)
- Store the frozen milk in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- It can be used for 24 hours once fully thawed.
- Do not refreeze breast milk which is thawed.
Fast method (cold water bath)
- Take a sink or bowl of cold water.
- Bury the milk bag or bottle, which is taped.
- Add or change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Important safety tips:
- Do not warm at room temperature as bacteria can multiply fast.
- It is advisable to avoid using microwaves that may cause dangerous hot spots and ruin important nutrients.

How to Warm Breast Milk
After thawing or removal of the milk from the fridge, it is important to warm the breast milk properly to ensure that it is heated evenly as well as preserved with its natural goodness.
Warm water bath
- This is a time-tested technique, which is safe and efficient:
- Prepare a bowl or a container of warm (not hot) water.
- The sealed bottle or bag is placed in the water for 5- 10 minutes.
- Swirl the bottle gently to combine the torn off fats. Shake it not too hard, as delicate proteins may be destroyed.
Use a portable bottle warmer.
- The bottle warmer makes it easier to do so, particularly when you are on the move.
The Momcozy Superfast Portable Travel Breast Milk and Water Warmer is perfect for busy parents. It warms bottles in equal parts within a matter of a few minutes and eliminates overheating.
Why parents love it:
- Compact and travel-friendly.
- Quick drying of night feeds or evenings.
- Exact temperature regulation to maintain the food safety of milk.
- It can be used with breast milk and formula, so this device can be considered a multitasker in terms of daily feeding.
Running water method
- Place the closed bottle in warm running water and spin it to warm.
- Check test temperature prior to feeding.
This process is fast, and may be wasteful of water, and not convenient at night or in transit.
Do You Have to Warm Up Formula?
No, there is no need to make the warming formula safe. The formula can be served cold, warm or at room temperature.
Nevertheless, most parents heat formula to:
- Make feeding times more comfortable for their baby.
- Equilibria with the temperature of natural breast milk.
- Assist in choosing picky infants who refuse cold bottles.
- After all, it is a matter of preference for your baby, as well as your family routine.
How to Warm Up Formula
And here is the surest method of heating formula without injury to its nutritional value:
Step 1: You must make the formula right.
- In the case of powdered formula, combine with pre-boiled water, which is cooled to 158°F (70 °C) to kill harmful bacteria.
- Take the preciseness of the formula packaging.
Step 2: Warm the bottle safely
- A warm water bath or a bottle warmer is used.
- Do not use boiling water, which may burn the formula.
Step 3: Test before feeding
- Shake gently to mix.
- Put a little of it on your inner wrist--it must not be hot.

How to Use a Bottle Warmer
Bottle warmers have transformed the idea of being able to warm bottles regularly and quickly.
Step-by-step:
Step 1: The first use of the manual requires careful reading.
Step 2: Pour water where the warmer demands it.
Step 3: Put the bottle into the heating room.
Step 4: Choose the right environment of breast milk or formula.
Step 5: Allow the cycle to pass, then monitor the temperature.
Step 6: Wash the warmer so that it does not accumulate bacteria.
Best Baby Bottle Warmer
When deciding on an infant bottle warmer, consider such characteristics as portability, speed, and safety. Use the Momcozy Superfast Portable Breast Milk & Water Warmer for Travel.
Momcozy Superfast Portable Breast Milk & Water Warmer for Travel stands out because:
- It heats bottles within a few minutes.
- It is small to fit in a diaper bag.
- It eliminates overheating thus preserving milk as safe and healthy.
Mleko Matki & Woda Szybkie Podgrzewanie Długa Bateria2.248,99 zł PLN
This warmth makes preparation a simple affair for parents who are always on the move, be it in the car, restaurant, or even on vacation.
Can You Microwave Formula?
No, never microwave formula and breast milk. Here's why:
- There are hot spots that are dangerous and may burn your baby.
- Microwaving eliminates vital nutrients in breast milk.
- Inequality in heating can lead to bottle spills or explosions.
- Use either warm water baths or a bottle warmer that is safe and reliable.
FAQs
Why Does Your Baby Prefer a Warm Bottle?
The babies are naturally used to body-temperature milk since that is what they get when they are breastfeeding. Feeding becomes easier and more comfortable for the baby with a warm bottle.
How Warm Should a Baby Bottle Be?
The optimum temperature is 98-104 deg F (37-40 deg C) - near body temperature. In case you do not have a thermometer, check it by putting a few drops on your wrist. It must not be hot, but should be warm and comfortable.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Breast Milk?
To remember the rules of storing breast milk, it is possible to use the so-called 3-3-3 rule:
- 3 hours at room temperature
- 3 days in the refrigerator
- 3 months in the freezer
Always write the date that the milk was pumped in.
What's the Quickest Way to Warm Breast Milk?
A portable bottle warmer, such as the Momcozy Superfast Portable Warmer that heats milk evenly in minutes, is the fastest and safest method.
How Long Does It Take for Breast Milk to Warm Up?
- Warm water bath: 5-10 minutes
- Bottle warmer: 3-5 minutes
- Running water: About 5 minutes
How to Warm Up Breast Milk Without a Warmer?
In case you do not have a bottle warmer:
- Put the bottle or bag into a vessel of hot water.
- Swirl gently to mix the milk.
- Do not boil water or use the microwave.
Conclusion
Babies are supposed to be given food in a loving way without any form of stress. Although babies can safely take cold formula or breast milk, it is usually easier and more comfortable to warm the food and beverage.
Babies will never run short of the warm milk they need in your arms, which you have just the right tools and equipment to make on-site, at home or traveling.