When it comes to breastfeeding and pumping, proper storage of breast milk is crucial for preserving its nutritional value and avoiding contamination. One common question new moms have is how soon freshly pumped milk needs to be refrigerated or frozen. Here we’ll provide some quick answers on ideal timeframes, best practices, and safety tips for refrigerating breast milk after pumping.
Quick Answer
The general guideline is to refrigerate or chill freshly pumped breast milk within 4 hours. The sooner it is chilled after pumping, the better. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pumped milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Refrigeration is important for slowing bacteria growth. Freezing is recommended for long-term storage.
4 Key Things to Know
Here are some key things to keep in mind when refrigerating pumped breast milk:
1. Chill Milk Within 4 Hours of Pumping
Pumped milk should be chilled as soon as possible, ideally within 1 hour. The CDC considers milk safe for 4 hours at room temperature, but chilling sooner is better. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature. Refrigeration helps slow bacteria growth.
2. Use Proper Storage Containers
Store pumped milk in clean containers approved for breast milk, like bags and bottles designed for breast milk storage. Make sure to label containers with the date pumped before refrigerating. Avoid using ordinary plastic bags or formula bottles, which could contaminate the milk.
3. Use Milk Within 3-8 Days When Refrigerated
Freshly pumped milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 8 days before use. The timeline depends on conditions like temperature regulation. Well-chilled milk toward the back of the fridge will last longer. Display the use-by date prominently on the storage bag or bottle.
4. Know When to Discard Milk
Discard milk if it smells sour or spoiled upon refrigeration. Also toss milk if left unrefrigerated for longer than 4 hours. When in doubt, remember “When in doubt, throw it out.” Feed smaller amounts first to check the taste before giving a full bottle of refrigerated breast milk to your baby.
Why Chill Milk Quickly?
Breast milk is the optimal primary nourishment for infants in the first 6 months. It provides complete nutrition along with vital compounds to protect baby’s health and development. However, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria at room temperature. Rapid chilling helps prevent spoilage and bacterial contamination.
Slows Bacteria Growth
Cooling pumped milk reduces the growth of bacteria. Refrigeration at 39°F or below dramatically slows the growth of bacteria. Freezing at 0°F stops bacteria completely. Storing at room temperature allows bacteria to proliferate rapidly.
Preserves Nutrients
Proper chilling preserves the nutritional integrity of pumped breast milk. Lipase enzymes in milk can begin breaking down nutrients after pumping. Cold storage helps inhibit enzyme activity and nutrient loss prior to feeding.
Avoids Contamination
Rapid refrigeration also protects against contamination from other foods, dust, germs, etc. Left unrefrigerated, milk is more likely to pick up contaminants from the air, countertops, or other surfaces in the kitchen.
Keeps Milk Safe
Safe refrigeration prevents foodborne illnesses. If contaminated milk is left unrefrigerated too long, bacteria like Staph, Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can grow to dangerous levels. Proper chilling keeps milk safe for your baby to drink.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these best practices for pumping, storing, and refrigerating your breast milk safely:
1. Pump Milk Using a Clean Pump
Ensure all pump parts have been thoroughly washed and sterilized before use. Wash hands before handling pump and collection bottles. Pump milk using a clean, dedicated pump.
2. Transfer Milk to Storage Containers
Pour freshly pumped milk into storage bags, bottles, or other breast milk containers. Leave 1 inch of space at the top for expansion during freezing. Seal containers well.
3. Label Containers with Date and Time
Label each container with the date and time the milk was pumped before refrigerating. This allows you to use the oldest milk first and follow “first-in, first-out” guidelines.
4. Chill Milk Promptly
For best quality and safety, store milk in the refrigerator within 1 hour of pumping if possible. Milk can be safely left at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
5. Place Milk Toward Back of Refrigerator
Arrange milk containers toward the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is coldest. The optimal temperature for storing breast milk is 39°F or lower.
6. Use Within 3-8 Days of Pumping
For refrigeration, use pumped breast milk within 3 to 8 days. Discard any spoiled, curdled, or bad-smelling milk.
7. Consider Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For storage beyond 3-8 days, freeze breast milk immediately after pumping for longest preservation. Frozen milk stays safe for 6-12 months in a deep freezer at 0°F.
Helpful Refrigeration Tips and Reminders
- Refrigerate milk immediately after feeding your baby rather than letting it sit out.
- Store milk toward the back of the fridge, never in the door.
- If bringing milk home from a trip, refrigerate immediately or use a cooler bag.
- When thawing frozen milk, chill in the refrigerator overnight versus at room temperature.
- Once thawed, use refrigerated milk within 24 hours.
- Never save milk from a used baby bottle for reuse.
- Discard any milk that smells bad, curdles, or looks discolored.
Storing Refrigerated Breast Milk Safely
Proper refrigeration and storage helps keep pumped breast milk safe and nutrient-rich. Follow these refrigeration safety guidelines:
Set Fridge at Correct Temperature
Make sure refrigerator temperature is set to 39°F or colder. Use a fridge thermometer and adjust as needed. The optimal temperature for storing pumped milk is 32-39°F.
Designate Shelf Space
Designate a refrigerator shelf specifically for breast milk storage containers. This prevents contamination and keeps milk accessible.
Follow Food Safety Rules
Practice general refrigerator food safety. Throw out old food. Wash spills immediately. Keep refrigerator clean and organized.
Limit Door Openings
Minimize opening the refrigerator door to maintain interior cold temperature. Retrieve pumped milk quickly then close door.
Avoid Freezer Section
Do not store milk containers in refrigerator freezer section. The temperature fluctuations can impact milk quality and safety over time.
Common Pumping and Refrigeration Questions
How long can breast milk sit out at room temperature?
The CDC says pumped milk can safely remain at room temperature for 4 hours. Refrigerate or chill within 1 hour if possible.
Can breast milk be left unrefrigerated overnight?
No, do not leave expressed milk out overnight or for longer than 4 hours. Always refrigerate milk within 4 hours of pumping.
Is it safe to add freshly pumped milk to already refrigerated milk?
Yes, it’s safe to combine chilled milk with freshly pumped milk as long as the chilled milk still falls within recommended storage times of 3-8 days.
How long does breast milk last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored milk lasts 3-8 days refrigerated. Follow “first-in, first-out” and use refrigerated milk within this timeframe.
Can you freeze breast milk after refrigerating?
Previously refrigerated milk can be frozen but it’s best to freeze milk immediately after pumping. Refrigerate no more than 3 days before freezing.
Can you reuse breast milk left in a bottle?
No, never save or reuse breast milk remaining in a baby bottle after a feeding. Milk in the bottle is considered used and should be discarded.
Proper Refrigeration by Milk Type
Proper refrigeration timeframes can vary based on the type of pumped breast milk:
| Milk Type | Room Temp Storage | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshly Pumped Milk | Up to 4 hours | 3-8 days | 6-12 months in deep freezer |
| Thawed Milk | Up to 1-2 hours | 24 hours after thawing | Do not refreeze |
| Leftover Milk in Bottle | Immediate refrigeration | No later than 1 hour after feeding | Never refreeze or save leftovers |
These timeframes help ensure safety and optimal nutrition. Always label milk containers with type and date pumped.
Refrigeration Guidelines for Breast Milk
Follow these proper refrigeration guidelines when storing pumped breast milk:
- Chill milk within 1 hour of pumping, if possible.
- Refrigerate immediately after baby feeds, do not let sit out.
- Store milk toward the back of the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate at a temperature of 39°F or colder.
- Use refrigerated milk within 3-8 days of pumping.
- Discard any spoiled, curdled or bad-smelling milk
- Freeze for long-term storage of 6-12 months.
- Never reuse leftover milk from baby bottles.
- Follow strict refrigeration rules for optimal safety.
Conclusion
Proper refrigeration is key for preserving breast milk safety and nutrition. The overarching rule is to chill freshly pumped milk as quickly as possible, always within 4 hours. Refrigerate immediately after pumping, label containers, store toward the back of the fridge, use refrigerated milk within 3-8 days, and discard any spoiled milk. Follow refrigeration timelines carefully, and freeze milk for long-term storage. With the right refrigeration approach, you can safely store precious breast milk to nourish your precious baby.