Breast milk is important for your baby's health, so it's crucial to handle it correctly. In our guide, we'll explain how to manage breast milk thawed in the fridge efficiently. You'll learn how long it stays usable in the fridge and whether it's okay to refrigerate it again after it’s been thawed (which is generally not advised). We’ll guide you through the best practices for thawing and heating breast milk while keeping its nutrients intact. Our guide also takes a closer look at a variety of concerns: how long thawed breast milk can stay fresh in the fridge, what to do in case of a power outage, and how to identify spoiled milk.
How Long Can Thawed Breast Milk Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
When you're handling thawed breast milk, it's key to keep track of how long it stays fresh in the fridge for your baby's health. Thawed breast milk should stay fresh in the fridge, which is set at 40°F or cooler, for up to 24 hours. It's a good idea to place it at the back of your refrigerator to help keep the temperature steady. Make sure not to freeze it again once it’s thawed out. If you see the milk's fat has separated, just give the bottle a gentle mix with a swirl. Paying attention to these details ensures your baby gets the full benefits of the milk.
Can You Put Thawed Breast Milk Back in the Freezer?
No, once breast milk has been thawed, do not re-freeze it.
Why Thawed Breast Milk Can Be Unsafe
When breast milk gets thawed, the temperature change from the frozen to the liquid state may create an avenue for bacteria to grow if not properly handled. Refreezing or re-refrigerating it further increases the risk of bacterial infection because it passes through changes in temperature favorable to bacteria. Moreover, the freeze-thaw cycle may break down some of the components in the breast milk thawed in the refrigerator that are vital for your baby's health and development.
Use Thawed Breast Milk Quickly to Keep Baby Healthy
To keep your baby safe, use thawed breast milk within 24 hours if kept in the fridge. If you have thawed more milk than your baby actually needs, it's better to err on the side of caution. Offer it within the safe window, and if it isn't used, discard it rather than take any chances with the health of your baby. In this way, the quality and safety of the milk are preserved to make sure the baby gets all the benefits without harm.
How to Use Thawed Breast Milk
Using thawed breast milk correctly is essential when bottle-feeding your baby. It’s not just about safety; it’s also about making sure your little one gets all the nutrients they need. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Make Sure Breast Milk is Warm and Comfy for Baby
When breastfeeding isn't an option, thawed breast milk from the fridge is the next best thing. Give the milk at body temperature to the baby before feeding. Do not shake the bottle hard; instead, swirl it gently so that the milk will mix up accordingly.
2. Feed Your Baby with Thawed Milk within a Day
Thawed milk is best used when it is fresh out of the refrigerator. Try to get through it within 24 hours, or two hours if you have already warmed it up. If your baby doesn't finish a bottle of warmed milk, for example, you would do well to remember that you have two hours to use the remaining milk before it is discarded.
3. Leftover Milk Should Be Used ASAP - Within Two Hours
If your baby prefers milk warm, bottle warming in a bowl of warm water or with a bottle warmer may help. Always test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it is just right, not too hot for your baby.
4. Once Thawed, Don't Put the Breast Milk Back in the Freezer
Avoid storing thawed breast milk for future use. It can't go back into the freezer, and you shouldn't leave it in the fridge for a long time. Always plan to only thaw an amount you believe the baby will drink to decrease waste.
5. Always Smell and Look at the Milk Before Giving it to Your Baby
Lastly, do a quick smell and color check on breast milk thawed in the fridge before offering it to your baby. If something seems off, it’s safer to throw it away. This step makes sure your baby gets the nutrition they need safely.
How to Thaw Breast Milk From Fridge?
Thawing breast milk carefully is vital to ensure your baby gets the best in terms of health and nutrition. Here are a few safe methods to warm up the milk, preserving its essential nutrients for your little one's benefit:
Method 1. Quickly Thaw Breast Milk with Warm Water
For a speedy thaw, use warm water methods to defrost breast milk safely. You can either hold the sealed container under running water that's no warmer than 99°F (37°C), starting with a cooler temperature and gradually increasing, or you can place the bag or bottle in a bowl of warm water, ensuring the same temperature limit. Both approaches gently warm the milk without overheating, helping to protect its essential nutrients.
Method 2. Overnight Fridge Thawing for Breast Milk
When you need to defrost breast milk, the fridge is a safe and reliable option. Normally, it takes about 12 hours for breast milk to thaw completely in the refrigerator. This slow process helps preserve the milk's quality and nutrients, ensuring that your baby gets all the benefits of the milk when it's time to feed. Just plan ahead and move the milk from freezer to fridge the night before or in the morning if you're planning to use it later in the day.
Method 3. Thaw Breast Milk Easily with a Baby Bottle Warmer
Make thawing breast milk a breeze with the Momcozy 6-in-1 Fast Baby Bottle Warmer. Simply pop in your frozen milk, pick how much milk you have, and hit the 'THAW' button. The warmer quickly thaws and heats the milk, then keeps it warm for a whole day. It's an easy, no-fuss way to get your baby's bottle ready whenever you need it.
How to Warm Stored Breast Milk
Getting stored breast milk warm and ready to drink is key for a happy, healthy feeding time. There are four easy ways to do this, whether you're out with your baby or at home. You can use a handy portable bottle warmer like the Momcozy Cordless Portable Baby Bottle Warmer when you're on the move, or simply warm the milk in a bowl of water if you're at home. The goal is to get the milk just right - warm but not too hot, without losing any of the good stuff that's in it. Here's how you can warm up your baby's milk safely:
Method 1. Heat Milk on the Move with Momcozy: To warm breast milk thawed in the fridge on the go, the Momcozy Cordless Portable Baby Bottle Warmer is a top choice. Charge it for about 170 minutes, select the right adapter for your bottle from the five provided, set your desired temperature within the range of 90℉ to 122℉, and let the smart sensor technology gently warm the milk. Designed for travel, this food-grade, BPA-free warmer can heat a 4oz bottle up to 6-14 times on a full charge, offering a safe and reliable way to prepare your baby's meal wherever you are.
Method 2. Warm Milk in a Bowl of Warm Water: Fill a bowl with warm water—not higher than 99°F so the nutrients can be preserved—and set the sealed bottle in it. Change the water when it cools down with more warm water until the milk reaches the right temperature.
Method 3. Quickly Warm Milk Under Running Tap Water: Keep the bottle under the running tap water at cool water that gradually gets warmer but is never hot. Simultaneously, this method performs the two purposes of thawing and heating faster than the previous technique of a warm water bowl.
Method 4. Heat Milk Gently in a Stovetop Water Bath: When warming breast milk on the stove, it's important to use a water bath method instead of direct heating. To do this, fill a pot with water and warm it on the stove just until it's hot but not boiling. Then, take the pot off the heat and place the bottle of breast milk in the warm water. Never put the bottle directly in the pot to heat; always use the water as a buffer to protect the milk's nutrients.
FAQs About Breast Milk Thawed in Refrigerators
Q1: Why is thawed breast milk only good for 24 hours?
Thawed breast milk is like a ticking clock; it can only be safely given to your baby for 24 hours while in the fridge. This is because once thawed, the temperature of the milk allows potential bacteria to start growing. To keep your baby safe and the milk nutritious, stick to this golden rule.
Q2: How long is breast milk good in the fridge if power goes out?
Caught in an outage, your fridge will keep things cool for about four hours—so long as you keep the door closed. If, after that time, the power is not on, use a cooler with ice packs to keep the milk cold. Breast milk that has stayed at a fridge temperature of less than 40°F can still be used; otherwise, it is better to get rid of it.
Q3: How do I know if my frozen breast milk is bad?
Trust your senses on this one. If thawed breast milk from the fridge has a sour smell or presents discoloration, it’s best to throw it away. Also, if it's been stored longer than recommended guidelines allow, it’s safer to err on the side of caution and not use it.
Q4: Can I combine breast milk from different days?
Absolutely! Combining breast milk pumped at different times is fine, but make sure to cool the freshly pumped milk before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk. This keeps the temperature consistent, and there is less chance of bacterial growth.
Making the Most of Thawed Breast Milk From the Fridge
Caring for a baby is a big job, and every drop of breast milk is a labor of love. Remember to use that liquid gold from the fridge within a day, warm it with a tender touch, and if something seems off, trust your gut and let it go. It's okay to blend milk collected on different days, just chill the fresh milk before mixing it in. These simple steps are your daily dance of nourishment and care. As you feed your baby, cherish the quiet connection. Watch in wonder as they grow a little stronger each day—your love in every bottle.
