Can you freeze Kiinde milk bags?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Yes, Kiinde milk bags can be safely frozen to preserve breastmilk for later use. The Kiinde milk storage bags are designed specifically for freezing breastmilk. Freezing stops bacterial growth and allows milk to be stored for up to 6 months in a freezer set at 0°F or below.

Can Kiinde milk bags go in the freezer?

Yes, Kiinde milk storage bags are freezer-safe and can withstand freezing temperatures. The bags are made from durable materials that won’t crack or leak when frozen.

Kiinde bags have a double zipper seal and secure snap closure to prevent spills or contamination of breastmilk during freezing and storage. The oxygen barrier in the bag also protects against oxidation and nutrient loss.

Kiinde states that their breastmilk bags are safe for storing milk in the freezer for up to 6 months. Their bags have been rigorously tested under freezing conditions to ensure they maintain integrity and prevent freezer burn of milk.

How to freeze breastmilk in Kiinde bags

Follow these steps to safely freeze breastmilk in Kiinde bags:

Pump breastmilk into Kiinde bag following instructions for proper use.

Seal the bag tightly using the double zipper seal and press out excess air.
Label bag with date pumped and quantity.
Place flat in freezer, taking care that milk bags are not squashed or punctured by other items.

Frozen milk can be stored in a back-of-freezer for 6 months at 0°F or below.

Tips when freezing Kiinde bags:

Leave 1-inch space at top of bag to allow for expansion as milk freezes.

Store small 2-4oz quantities to avoid waste – milk expands during freezing.
Double bag for extra protection and place in rigid freezer container.
Lay bags flat rather than standing up to maximize space.

Thawing and warming frozen breastmilk

To thaw frozen Kiinde bags of breastmilk:

Refrigerator thaw: Place bag sealed in freezer in fridge for 8-12 hours, or overnight.
Quick thaw: Hold sealed bag under cool running water or place in bowl of warm water for 5-10 mins.

Do not microwave bags to thaw or warm milk.
Gently swirl thawed milk to mix separated fats.
Once thawed, use milk within 24 hours.

To warm refrigerated breastmilk:

Place sealed bag in bowl of warm water for a few minutes until warmed to body temperature.
Avoid overheating – check temperature before feeding.

Use warmed milk within 1-2 hours.

Why freeze breastmilk?

There are several reasons mothers may want to express and freeze breastmilk in Kiinde bags:

To build a reserve supply for times when you are away from baby

For when milk supply is higher than baby’s needs
To store extra milk when weaning from breast
For when supplementing with formula

To provide breastmilk after mom returns to work
To donate extra milk to a milk bank

Freezing breastmilk enables moms to provide breastmilk for longer durations rather than supplementing with formula. It also provides peace of mind knowing you have back-up milk available.

Benefits of Kiinde for freezing breastmilk

Kiinde milk storage bags offer several advantages for safely freezing and preserving breastmilk:

Durable material – Withstands freezing without cracking or leaking.
Double seals – Zipper and snap-lock prevent spills and contamination.

Flat storage – Takes up less space in freezer than bottles.
BPA/BPS-free – No chemicals leach into breastmilk.
Preserves nutrients – Oxygen barrier protects milk quality.

Accurate markings – Easy to track amounts frozen and fed.

Many moms prefer Kiinde bags over plastic bags and containers for their superior ability to preserve milk during freezing and storage. The bags minimize freezer burn and retain nutrients better.

Using frozen breastmilk in Kiinde bags

Once thawed, frozen breastmilk stored in Kiinde bags can be used:

In bottles – Pour thawed milk into clean bottle to feed baby.
For cup/spoon feeding – Milk can be thawed and fed without transferring from bag.
In cereal or purees – Add small amounts of milk for extra nutrition.

Frozen breastmilk does not need to be used in the same order it was pumped. Oldest milk can be used first but is not essential.

Be sure to follow guidelines on fridge/room temperature storage times for thawed milk, and proper warming methods. Never save unfinished bottles of thawed breastmilk.

Storing frozen Kiinde bags

To get the full 6 month freezer lifespan from Kiinde breastmilk bags:

Freeze bags flat stacked in back of freezer where temperature remains most consistent.
Avoid freezer door storage which exposes milk to higher temperature fluctuations.
Store at 0°F or colder – a deep freezer is ideal.

Turnover freezer stock as you add new milk to use oldest bags first.

Kiinde bags can withstand some flexibility in freezing temperatures but colder is better for maximum preservation. Monitor your freezer temperature and adjust as needed.

Kiinde bag guidelines

Kiinde offers these guidelines for safely using their breastmilk bags:

Once opened, milk should be used within 4 hours if refrigerated.
Seal bags tightly before storing.
Refrigerated milk is good for up to 8 days from date pumped (at 39°F or below).

Frozen milk lasts 6 months in freezer set at 0°F or below.
Thaw frozen milk overnight in fridge or quickly under warm water.
Gently swirl milk after thawing to reincorporate separated milkfat.

Only thaw amount needed for feeding and use within 24 hours.
Do not refreeze thawed milk.

Always follow storage guidance from Kiinde and guidelines from the CDC and AAP regarding breastmilk handling, freezing and thawing.

Troubleshooting frozen Kiinde bags

Cracked or leaking bags

If you notice leaks or cracks in Kiinde bags after freezing, some potential reasons include:

Overfilled bag put strain on seals during freezing.
Bag was laid flat on top of other frozen items, leading to cracks.

Double zipper seal not fully closed before freezing.

To prevent leaking bags: leave headspace when filling, stack carefully in freezer, and double check zipper is fully sealed. Discard any bags that leak or crack during freezing and thawing.

Lipase issues

In some cases, frozen breastmilk may develop an unpleasant soapy taste after thawing due to high lipase levels. To prevent this:

Scald milk lightly (to 145-150°F) prior to cooling and freezing.
Add milk to fresh milk right after pumping to dilute lipase.
Freeze in smaller 2-4oz bags to limit unpleasant taste to smaller amounts.

Frozen milk separates

It is normal for breastmilk to separate into layers during freezing. The cream will rise to the top due to lower density. Gently swirl bags after thawing to reincorporate milkfat – do not shake vigorously. The milk is still perfectly safe to use when separated.

Conclusion

Kiinde breastmilk bags are a convenient option for moms who wish to build a freezer stash and store milk long-term. The double-sealed bags are durable and withstand freezing without cracking or leaking. Kiinde allows milk to be frozen flat, taking up minimal space. Always follow guidelines for storing and thawing to preserve milk quality and nutrients. With proper handling, Kiinde bags safely preserve breastmilk for 6 months in the freezer.