If you are a new parent who refrigerates breast milk, mastering the skill of how to warm breast milk from the fridge is essential. This comes in handy any time you go back to work, have to share up feeding duties at night, or when it is impossible to feed directly from the breast. This blog will show easy ways of warming refrigerated breast milk without losing all the good nutrients within.
Four Methods to Warm Breast Milk from the Fridge
Warming breast milk doesn't have to be daunting. Here are four tested ways to make sure your baby's milk reaches the right temperature. Each method has its different advantages; hence, you can think of using the one that fits well in your routine.
Method 1: Using a Bottle Warmer
A bottle warmer would be a convenient gadget for busy parents, as it could have provided a speedy and consistent heating process. The Momcozy bottle warmer, for example, simplifies this process with the following easy steps:
- Fill the warmer with water to the indicated level.
- Place the bottle of cold breast milk in the warmer.
- Select the appropriate setting for breast milk.
- Wait for the warmer to finish its cycle, typically 3-5 minutes.
- Gently swirl the bottle to mix the milk.
- Test the temperature on your wrist before feeding.
Method 2: Running Hot Water
This method is straightforward and doesn't require any special equipment:
- Hold the sealed bottle of breast milk under warm running tap water.
- Rotate the bottle to ensure even warming.
- Continue for 1-2 minutes or until the milk reaches body temperature.
- Dry the outside of the bottle with a clean towel.
- Gently swirl the milk to mix any separated fat.
- Check the temperature on your wrist before feeding.
Method 3: Warm Water Bath
This technique is gentle and helps maintain the milk's nutritional quality:
- Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water.
- Submerge the sealed bottle of breast milk in the water.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes, depending on the milk's initial temperature.
- Occasionally swirl the milk in the bottle.
- Remove the bottle and dry it with a clean towel.
- Test the temperature before offering it to your baby.
Method 4: Room Temperature Method
This passive warming technique requires some planning but is very gentle:
- Remove the bottle of breast milk from the fridge.
- Place it on a clean, room-temperature surface.
- Allow it to sit for 30-60 minutes, depending on room temperature and milk volume.
- Gently swirl the milk to redistribute any separated fat.
- Check that the milk isn't too warm before feeding.
Each of these methods has its merits. The bottle warmer is quick and consistent, running water is simple and accessible, the warm water bath is gentle and effective, and room temperature warming is the most hands-off approach. Using whichever method best suits your situation, of course, never overheating milk in the process to preserve valuable nutrients.
How to Warm Breast Milk from the Freezer
Warming frozen breast milk is a bit more complicated compared to warming refrigerated milk. Essentially, warming frozen breast milk is a two-step process: thawing and warming.
Step 1: Thawing Frozen Breast Milk
The best method of thawing frozen breast milk is by transferring it into the refrigerator. It is a gentle approach in thawing the milk, and you will not damage the nutritional value. The slow thaw inhibits the proliferation of bacteria and, at the same time serves for forward planning.
To thaw in the refrigerator:
- Move the frozen milk container to the main body of the fridge.
- Allow 12-24 hours for it to thaw completely.
- Use the thawed milk within 24 hours.
- Use a bottle warmer with a defrost function. Some bottle warmers, like Momcozy's Nutri Smart Analog Baby Bottle Warmer, support direct thawing of breast milk with a dedicated defrost mode.
If you need the milk sooner:
- Hold the frozen milk container under cool running water.
- Gradually increase the water temperature to lukewarm (not hot).
- Gently swirl the container to mix the milk as it thaws.
Never use hot water for quick-thawing, as it can damage the milk's nutrients and create hot spots.
Step 2: Warming the Thawed Milk
Once your breast milk is thawed, warm it using one of these methods:
- Bottle Warmer: Place the bottle in the warmer and follow the device's instructions.
- Running Warm Water: Hold the bottle under warm running tap water, rotating it for even warming.
- Warm Water Bath: Place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Room Temperature Method: Let the milk sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
Never refreeze thawed breast milk. Also, avoid the use of a microwave because it can create dangerous hot spots and destroy nutrients. Always check the temperature before feeding your baby.
The following steps will help your baby receive all the benefits of the carefully stored breast milk. It's time to let the little one enjoy nutritious meals from milk that has been frozen recently or months ago.
Do You Have to Warm up Breast Milk From Fridge?
No, it is not necessary. Contrary to general belief, there is no rule cast in stone as far as heating refrigerated breast milk goes. Many parents are shocked when they realize that cold or room temperature milk is just fine and safe to drink.
Temperature Preferences
Other babies simply do not mind cold milk taken directly from the refrigerator, while others may frown at such a thing and prefer it at lukewarm temperature. This is often because of the familiarity of freshly expressed breast milk, which naturally occurs at body temperature.
Benefits of Warming Breast Milk
There are situations where warming the milk could be advantageous:
- Comfort: The familiar warmth can offer comfort for a young infant still getting accustomed to a bottle.
- Fat Distribution: Heating can mix the fat that separates when milk is stored and help your baby receive a uniform blend of nutrients.
- Easier Digestion: Warm milk may be easier for some babies to digest, potentially reducing issues like gas or reflux.
- Temperature Consistency: Warming milk to body temperature (around 98.6°F or 37°C) can provide a consistent feeding experience, mimicking direct breastfeeding.
- Improved Acceptance: Some babies may be more willing to take a bottle if the milk is warm, especially if transitioning from breastfeeding.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Some studies suggest that warm milk may be easier for babies to absorb certain nutrients.
It's important to note that most babies prefer breast milk at body temperature, which is approximately 98.6°F (37°C). However, any temperature between 92°F to 100°F (33°C to 38°C) is generally considered acceptable.
The choice to warm breast milk or serve it cold depends on your baby's preferences and your family's routine. Try different temperatures of milk and watch for your baby's reactions to determine their preference. The more regular you are with feeding rituals, the easier it is to establish a comfortable routine for you and the baby.
Can I Warm Breast Milk in a Microwave?
No, you should never heat breast milk in the microwave. This is highly dangerous and can affect your baby's health and the quality of the milk.
Microwaving can create hot spots in the milk that may burn your baby's mouth even if the bottle feels cool to your touch. Microwaves heat breast milk too hot and can destroy valuable nutrients and antibodies in the milk, decreasing the health value of the milk for your baby. Microwaving alters the molecular structure of milk proteins, which has an adverse effect on digestion for your baby.
Can Breast Milk be Warmed on the Stove?
Although it is possible to warm up breast milk using a stove based water bath method, there are some precautions to take. You can warm the breast milk by setting the bottle or bag in a pot of warm water on the stove, but never place the milk container directly in the pot or heat the milk on the stove.
In using this method, great caution has to be taken not to heat the milk too high, which may result in the destruction of great nutrients and antibodies. Heating directly on the stove causes the temperature to rise very quickly and unevenly, creating hot spots that might burn a baby's mouth. It also makes reaching the right temperature throughout difficult.
Warm water baths or bottle warmers not directly on heat sources are recommendable for safer warming. These methods provide a more controlled and even warming, which is important in preserving the nutritional content of the milk and for your baby's safety.
Can I Refrigerate Warm Breast Milk?
No, it is not advisable to refrigerate warm breast milk. Allow the milk to cool off for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This would stop the growth of bacteria within the milk and ensure that the quality is good.
After it has cooled, transfer the milk to a clean, covered container and store in the back of the refrigerator where it's coldest. Label with the date. Properly stored, breast milk stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days at 40°F or below.
How Long Does Warmed Breast Milk From Fridge Last?
The defrosted chilled breast milk should be consumed within 2 hours. If there is some leftover milk beyond this limit, it has to be discarded due to safety concerns about your baby's health.
If your baby does not finish his feed, the residual milk in the bottle must be used within an hour. You cannot refrigerate it again because during feeding, bacteria might have entered from your baby's mouth into the milk.
Always check the temperature of warmed milk before a feeding. Never reheat breast milk more than once. Warm only the amount that you think your baby will eat so you won't waste any.
Warm Breast Milk Safely for Your Baby!
Proper warming of the milk keeps your baby safe and retains the nutritious level of milk. Some best ways are bottle warmers and a bath of warm water, while some to totally avoid are microwaves and stoves. After cooling, refrigerate the milk; use the warmed milk within two hours. Keep an eye on the temperature which your baby prefers. Just a few simple steps to safely feed your little one with nutritious feedings.
