Can You Put Breast Milk Back in the Fridge? Understanding Safe Storage Practices
Yes, breast milk that has been offered to a baby but not finished can generally be put back in the fridge, but only under specific conditions and for a limited time frame. It’s crucial to understand the guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the milk.
Why Proper Breast Milk Storage Matters
Breast milk is a nutritional powerhouse for infants, providing essential antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients crucial for their development. Proper storage is paramount to preserve these beneficial components and prevent bacterial growth, which can make your baby sick. Mishandling breast milk can lead to the loss of its immunological properties and increase the risk of contamination. Breast milk contains living cells and therefore follows different rules than formula.
Guidelines for Reserving Leftover Breast Milk
The guidelines for refrigerating leftover breast milk primarily focus on limiting bacterial growth and ensuring safety. Factors like room temperature, the length of exposure, and the baby’s health play significant roles. It is important to always err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby’s health and consider discarding milk if you have any doubts.
The Recommended Process
Here’s a step-by-step guide on handling leftover breast milk:
- Time is of the essence: The sooner you refrigerate the leftover breast milk, the better.
- One-hour rule: Generally, breast milk left out at room temperature for more than one to two hours should be discarded. This is reduced if it’s particularly warm or humid.
- Cleanliness is crucial: Ensure the bottle and your hands are clean before handling the milk.
- Storage: Store the leftover milk in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is most consistent.
- Labeling: Clearly label the milk with the date and time it was initially expressed, not the date it was offered to the baby. This will help track how long it’s been stored.
- Discard if uncertain: If you’re unsure how long the milk has been out, or if it smells sour, it’s best to discard it.
Factors Affecting Refrigeration Safety
Several factors influence how safe it is to refrigerate leftover breast milk:
- Temperature: Room temperature accelerates bacterial growth. Keeping milk refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower is crucial.
- Baby’s Health: If your baby is premature, immunocompromised, or has a weakened immune system, stricter guidelines may apply. Consult your pediatrician for specific advice.
- Contamination: Introducing bacteria from the baby’s mouth can affect the milk’s stability. The longer the milk has been exposed to the baby’s saliva, the higher the risk of contamination.
- Storage Container: Always use clean and sterile containers specifically designed for storing breast milk (BPA-free plastic or glass).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving Milk Out Too Long: Forgetting about the milk and leaving it at room temperature for an extended period.
- Refrigerating After Two Hours: Exceeding the recommended time frame for refrigerating leftover breast milk.
- Mixing Old and New Milk: Avoid combining fresh milk with leftover milk.
- Freezing Leftover Milk: Do not freeze leftover milk that your baby has already started drinking from.
- Ignoring Temperature Guidelines: Failing to maintain the refrigerator’s temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
Storage Guidelines for Expressed Breast Milk
| Storage Location | Ideal Storage Duration | Acceptable Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature (77°F) | Up to 4 hours | Up to 6-8 hours |
| Refrigerator (40°F) | Up to 4 days | Up to 8 days |
| Freezer | 6-12 months | 12 months is acceptable |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “lipase” effect, and does it impact the safety of refrigerating leftover breast milk?
Lipase is an enzyme present in breast milk that helps digest fats. Some mothers have high lipase levels, which can cause milk to develop a soapy or metallic taste after refrigeration or freezing. While it may change the taste, it doesn’t make the milk unsafe to drink. However, if your baby refuses the milk due to the altered taste, you might need to scald the milk before refrigeration or freezing to deactivate the lipase.
How do I know if the leftover refrigerated breast milk has gone bad?
The easiest way is to smell the milk. Fresh breast milk has a sweet, mild scent. If it smells sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded. It’s also a good idea to check the date and ensure it’s within the recommended storage timeframe.
If my baby only took a few sips, can I still refrigerate the rest?
Yes, you can refrigerate the rest as long as it’s within the one- to two-hour rule after the baby started drinking. However, be aware that the risk of bacterial contamination is still present, so it’s best to use it sooner rather than later.
Can I mix freshly expressed breast milk with already refrigerated leftover breast milk?
It’s generally not recommended to mix fresh milk with leftover refrigerated milk. It’s better to store them separately to avoid warming up the refrigerated milk unnecessarily. If you need to combine them, cool the fresh milk in the refrigerator first before mixing.
What is the best container to use for storing leftover breast milk?
The best containers are made of BPA-free plastic or glass and specifically designed for breast milk storage. These containers are easy to clean and sterilize. Avoid using disposable bottle liners or regular plastic bags.
Can I reheat leftover breast milk in the microwave?
Never reheat breast milk in the microwave. Microwaving can create hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth and destroy important nutrients and antibodies. It is best to warm milk by placing the bottle in a warm water bath.
What if the milk separates after refrigeration?
It is normal for breast milk to separate into layers after refrigeration, with the fat rising to the top. Gently swirl the bottle to mix the layers before feeding. This separation does not indicate that the milk has gone bad.
Are there any specific guidelines if my baby is sick?
If your baby is sick, it’s even more important to follow strict hygiene and storage guidelines. Consult with your pediatrician for specific recommendations based on your baby’s condition. They may suggest discarding milk more readily to minimize the risk of further illness.
Does freezing kill bacteria in breast milk?
Freezing does not kill bacteria in breast milk. It only slows down their growth. Any bacteria present before freezing will still be there after thawing, so it’s important to start with fresh and properly stored milk.
What if I don’t remember when the breast milk was initially expressed?
If you’re unsure when the milk was initially expressed, it’s best to discard it. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby’s health. Always label milk clearly to avoid confusion.
If the power goes out, what should I do with the refrigerated breast milk?
During a power outage, try to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible to maintain a cold temperature. Breast milk can typically stay safe in the refrigerator for up to four hours without power. If the power is out for longer, it’s best to discard the milk. Frozen breast milk can typically last for a few days in a freezer if kept unopened.
How does freezing and thawing impact breast milk quality?
Freezing and thawing can slightly reduce some of the immunological properties and nutrients in breast milk, but it remains a highly nutritious option for your baby. Thaw breast milk in the refrigerator or under cool running water. Never refreeze breast milk that has already been thawed.