A Guide to Storing Breastmilk Safely: Everything You Need to Know

Breastmilk is often referred to as “liquid gold,” and for a good reason—it’s packed with nutrients and antibodies that nourish your baby. But knowing how to store breastmilk safely can make all the difference in keeping it fresh and ready to use when needed.

Whether you’re heading back to work, building a freezer stash, or simply storing milk for occasional use, this guide has everything you need to know, including how long breastmilk lasts, tips for storing breastmilk, and how to keep breastmilk cold while on the go.

How to Store Breastmilk Safely

Proper storage is essential to preserve the quality and safety of your breastmilk. Follow these steps for safe handling:

1. Wash Your Hands
   Always wash your hands with soap and water before expressing or handling breastmilk.
2. Use Clean Containers
   Store milk in BPA-free plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Breastmilk storage bags designed specifically for freezing are another great option.
3. Label and Date
   Label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed. This helps you use the oldest milk first and ensures it’s within safe timeframes.

How Long Does Breastmilk Last?

The storage duration for breastmilk depends on where and how it’s stored:

• Room temperature (77°F or 25°C): Up to 4 hours
• Refrigerator (40°F or 4°C): Up to 4 days
• Freezer (-4°F or -20°C): 6 months is best, up to 12 months
  

Pro Tip: Store milk in small portions (2–4 ounces) to reduce waste and ensure it thaws quickly.

Recommended Milk Storage Bags for Freezing

For efficient freezing and thawing of breastmilk, specialized storage bags are ideal:

• Recommendation: Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
  • Pre-sterilized and BPA/BPS-free.
  • Feature a double zipper seal to prevent leaks.
  • Designed to lay flat for efficient storage and faster thawing.

Tips for Storing Breastmilk

1. Don’t Overfill
   Leave a little space in storage bags or bottles for milk to expand as it freezes.
2. Use Breastmilk Storage Bags for Freezing
   These bags are designed to lay flat, which saves freezer space and makes thawing faster.
3. Store Milk in the Back of the Fridge or Freezer
   Keep milk away from the door to avoid temperature fluctuations.
4. Mixing Milk Safely
   When combining milk from different pumping sessions, ensure all milk is the same temperature (e.g., both chilled) before mixing.
5. Thaw Gently
   Thaw frozen milk overnight in the refrigerator or by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. Never microwave breastmilk, as it can create hot spots and destroy nutrients.

How to Keep Breastmilk Cold While Traveling

Whether you’re on a road trip, at work, or running errands, keeping breastmilk cold is crucial:

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1. Use an Insulated Cooler Bag or Breast Milk Chillers
   Invest in a high-quality cooler bag equipped with ice packs to keep milk cold for extended periods.

• Recommendation: BABEYER Breastmilk Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
  • Accommodates up to six 9-ounce bottles.
  • Features a leak-proof design with a shoulder strap for convenience.
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          For longer trips, consider using a portable breast milk chiller that offers extended cooling capabilities.

• Recommendation: Momcozy 22oz Portable Breast Milk Cooler
  • Provides 360° total cooling for up to 24 hours.
  • Comes with two baby bottles for storage.

2. Add Extra Ice Packs
   Pack additional ice packs for longer outings to ensure the milk stays below 40°F.
3. Transfer to a Fridge ASAP
   As soon as you return home, transfer the milk to the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can You Reheat Breastmilk?

Yes, you can reheat breastmilk once. Use warm water to gently heat the milk, but never refreeze milk that has been thawed.

2. How Do You Know If Breastmilk Has Gone Bad?

Spoiled breastmilk often smells sour or has a soapy odor. If in doubt, it’s best to discard it.

3. What’s the Best Way to Transport Breastmilk While Flying?

Pack milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs and declare it to TSA. Breastmilk is allowed in carry-on bags, even in amounts greater than 3.4 ounces.

The Bottom Line

Storing breastmilk safely doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these guidelines for how to store breastmilk safely, how long breastmilk lasts, and tips for storing breastmilk, you can ensure your baby gets the full benefits of your milk—no matter when or where they need it.

For more expert parenting tips and resources, visit The Mother Network, your go-to guide for navigating motherhood with confidence.

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