How to Safely Store, Freeze and Thaw Breast Milk (2022)

If you are a breastfeeding mom, you know the importance of storing and freezing breast milk. Breast milk is packed with nutrients that are essential for your baby’s growth and development. It can be difficult to know how to store and freeze breast milk properly, but don’t worry, we’re here to help!

There is a lot of confusion surrounding breast milk storage. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to store, freeze and thaw breast milk. We will also provide some tips on how to make sure your breast milk stays fresh and safe for your baby.

When storing expressed breast milk, what kind of container should I use?

Expressed breast milk can be stored in several different containers. If you are choosing a container, it is important to consider how long you intend to store it (in a refrigerator or freezer) and where you intend to store it.

To reduce wasting milk, breast milk should be stored in small amounts (2 to 4 ounces) in the following types of containers:

Glass containers (mason jar): You can use any type of glass jar (such as a mason jar) with a screw-on lid. Be sure to leave an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. You can find glass jars specifically designed for storing breast milk, or you can recycle baby food jars.

Plastic containers: Any type of Hard-sided clear plastic container with a tight-fitting lid can be used to store breast milk. They are generally considered to be a better alternative to glass containers for many people. Ensure that breast milk is stored in clear plastic bottles. If you see a bottle with the recycle symbol 7 (indicating it may be BPA-containing), do not use it. You can find BPA-free bottles at most major retailers.

Bottle Storage (feeding bottle): Breast milk can be stored in feeding bottles if it will be refrigerated and used within 7 days. Several types of screw-top lids are available for securing breastmilk bottles after it has been pumped directly into them. There are some feeding bottles that also include a nipple lid that can be used to feed the baby directly. It is best to store your milk in bottles if you plan to give it to your child after pumping or within 5-7 days of storing it.

Freezer bags: Breast milk can also be frozen in storage bags. It is very important to purchase freezer bags designed specifically for freezing expressed breast milk. Among the three storage options, this one is most likely to leak.

Additionally, if the bag is warmed in water, the water level could go over the seal at the top of the bag, which could cause contamination of the milk. To ensure the safety of breast milk freezer bags, follow these tips:

• Use a double bag when you’re storing things in thin storage bags.
• Ensure that all breast milk containing storage bags are placed in a hard plastic storage container with a lid in the freezer.
• Breast milk should never be stored in ordinary plastic storage bags or bottle liners. Make sure you use nursery bags specifically designed for storing your milk.
• Make sure that the water does not go over the top of the bag when warming the bag. By doing so, the bag is prevented from leaking water. If you see cloudy water when you warm your milk, there’s probably been a leak, so throw away that bag.

Make sure the container you choose has a tight seal, regardless of which option you choose. Be sure the lid or seam (if you’re using a freezer bag) is tightly sealed before storing.

How should expressed breast milk be stored?

Each container should be labeled with the date you expressed breast milk using waterproof labels and ink. Your baby’s name should be written on the label if you are storing expressed milk in his or her child care facility.

The coolest place to store the containers is in the back of the refrigerator or freezer. You can temporarily store milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs if you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer. Breast milk expands as it freezes, so do not fill the milk all the way to the top of the storage container.

You should fill each container with enough milk to feed your baby during one feeding. In the beginning, you might use 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters), and then adjust as necessary. Additionally, you may want to prepare smaller portions for unexpected situations or delays in regular feedings – from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (30 ml to 60 ml). Don’t overfill containers with breast milk since it expands as it freezes.

Is it possible for freshly expressed breast milk to be added to already stored milk?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be added to refrigerated or frozen breast milk. Whenever possible, chill or freeze the freshly expressed breast milk before adding it to previously chilled or frozen breast milk. It is not recommended to add warm breast milk to frozen breast milk because it may partially thaw the frozen breast milk.

What is the shelf life of expressed breast milk?

It depends on how you store expressed breast milk how long you can safely keep it. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• At room temperature. You can keep freshly expressed breast milk at Room temperature: up to 4 hours Refrigerator: up to 3 days Freezer: up to 6 months Breast milk thawed in refrigerator: If you thaw your frozen breast milk in the refrigerator, you can keep it there for up to 24 hours, or at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• An insulated cooler. In an insulated cooler with ice packs, freshly expressed breast milk can be stored for up to one day.
• In the refrigerator. Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in the back of a refrigerator. Ideally, the milk should be consumed within three days or frozen.
• In a deep freezer. You can store freshly expressed breast milk in a deep freezer for up to 12 months. It is, however, best to use the frozen breast milk within 6 months of freezing.

Studies suggest that storing breast milk in the freezer or refrigerator for a long period of time decreases its vitamin C content.

As your baby grows, your breast milk changes to cater to his or her needs. Keep in mind that as a baby grows older, breast milk expressed when he or she is a newborn will no longer be able to satisfy their needs as completely as when they are a newborn. In addition, infants who are preterm, sick, or in the hospital may require different storage guidelines.

What is the best way to thaw breast milk?

The oldest milk should be thawed first. The night before you intend to use the frozen container, place it in the refrigerator. Warm milk can also be heated under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water.

Can you microwave breast milk?

It is not recommended to microwave or cook a frozen bottle very quickly. There may be some parts of the milk that are too hot, and others that are too cold. There has also been some research suggesting that rapid heating can affect the antibodies in milk.

Can you boil or cook breast milk?

Breast milk should never be boiled or cooked. Boiling or cooking breast milk destroys many of the important nutrients and antibodies that are found in raw milk. Additionally, it can change the taste and smell of breast milk, making it less palatable for babies.

Further research is needed to determine whether previously frozen milk can be frozen again after it has been thawed. In spite of this, many experts recommend discarding thawed milk after 24 hours if it hasn’t been used.

How does thawed breast milk differ from fresh breast milk in terms of smell or appearance?

You might notice a slight difference in the color of your breast milk depending on your diet. It is also possible to detect a difference in the texture and odor of thawed breast milk when compared to freshly expressed milk. If you feed it to your baby, it will still be safe for him or her. It might help to shorten the storage time if your baby refuses thawed milk.

Can you store breast milk in Ziploc bags?

It is possible to store breast milk in Ziploc bags, but it is not recommended. The reason for this is that the bags are not designed for storing breast milk and there is a risk of contamination. Breast milk is a precious commodity, and it should be stored in a clean and sterile environment.

If you must store breast milk in Ziploc bags, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the milk and be sure to label the bags with the date and time that the milk was expressed. Additionally, it is important to note that breast milk should not be stored in Ziploc bags for more than 24 hours.

How long can you store breast milk in Ziploc bags?

You can store breast milk in Ziploc bags for up to 24 hours. However, it is not recommended to store breast milk in Ziploc bags for longer than this because there is a risk of contamination. If you must store breast milk for longer than 24 hours, it is best to use a breast milk storage bag that is specifically designed for freezing. These bags are made of durable material that will protect your milk from freezer burn and contamination. Additionally, most storage bags have a double-zip seal that will prevent leaks.

Can I just use cheap plastic grocery bags?

The short answer is no, you should never use cheap plastic bags to store breast milk. The best way to store breast milk is in BPA-free bottles with disposable liners. This allows you to only have to wash one bottle at a time and saves time and energy for mom. These bottles come in several sizes so you can select the one that works best for your needs.

Cheap, thin plastic bags are not designed to withstand the temperature changes that occur during freezing and thawing. Cheap plastic bags also do not have the same safety standards as good-quality storage bags.

Why should I buy special breast milk bags?

Special breast milk bags are designed specifically for storing breast milk. They are made of durable material that will protect your milk from freezer burn and contamination. Additionally, most storage bags have a double-zip seal that will prevent leaks. Breast milk storage bags are also convenient because they can be reused. However, it is best to use a new bag for each pumping session to reduce the risk of contamination.

Choosing the Right Container for Storing Breast Milk

Now that you know a little more about some of the best breast milk storage containers on the market, it’s time to start thinking about which one is right for you and your family. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision:

Capacity – How much breast milk will you need to store at one time? If you only need to store small amounts, then storage bags may be the way to go. However, if you need to store larger amounts, then you may want to consider using a storage container with a larger capacity.

Durability – How long do you need to be able to store the breast milk? Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 8 days, or in the freezer for up to 12 months. If you only need to store the milk for a short period of time, then storage bags may be sufficient. However, if you need to store the milk for a longer period of time, then you’ll want to make sure you choose a storage container that is durable and made from high-quality materials.

Ease of Use – How easy is the storage container to use? You’ll want to make sure that you choose a storage container that is easy to use and clean, so that you can ensure proper hygiene.

Price – How much are you willing to spend on a breast milk storage container? Storage containers can range in price from around $10 to $30, so you’ll want to choose one that fits within your budget.

The best breast milk storage bag brands

Breast milk can be frozen using a variety of methods, including using a breast milk storage bag, a container made specifically for freezing breast milk or even ice cube trays. But which one is best? And what about the seemingly endless options of storage bags on the market?

Medela Breast milk Bags – Medela makes some of the best breast milk storage bags on the market. They are made from polyethylene and have a double zipper seal to prevent leaks and ensure proper hygiene. Each bag holds up to 5 ounces of breast milk and is available in packs of 30 or 50 bags at most retailers.

Ameda Breast Milk Storage Bags – Ameda is another popular brand that makes great quality storage bags for breast milk. These bags are made from BPA-free plastic and can hold up to 4 ounces of milk each. They have a double zipper seal and are available in packs of 25 or 50 bags.

Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags – Lansinoh is another top choice when it comes to storage bags for breast milk. These bags hold up to 8 ounces of milk each and are made from BPA-free plastic. They have a double zip seal and are available in packs of 30 or 50 bags.

NUK Breast Milk Storage Bags – NUK is a brand that specializes in baby products, and their breast milk storage bags are no exception. These bags hold up to 6 ounces of milk each and are made from BPA-free plastic. They have a double zip seal and are available in packs of 25 or 50 bags.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a better idea of which storage container is right for you. If you’re still not sure, then we recommend talking to your pediatrician or lactation consultant for more advice.

How many breast milk storage bags do I need?

The number of breast milk storage bags you need will depend on how much breast milk you pump and how often you pump. The average mother pumps 30 ounces of milk each day. In this case, you’ll need at least six bags per day, plus some extras in case one gets lost. This will ensure that you always have a clean and sterile bag available when you need to pump. Additionally, it is important to note that breast milk storage bags can be reused. However, it is best to use a new bag for each pumping session to reduce the risk of contamination.

Do breast milk storage bags expire?

Most storage bags have a shelf life of around two years, though you may be able to use them for longer if they are stored in a cool, dark place. However, it’s important to note that breast milk itself only has a shelf life of around six months in the freezer, so you’ll want to use up any stored milk within that time frame.

Once you’ve thawed frozen breast milk, it can be stored in the fridge for up to eight days. However, it’s best to use it within three days of thawing for optimal freshness and nutrition. Storage bags are a convenient way to store breast milk, but it’s important to keep track of expiration dates and use up the milk within a reasonable time frame.

Can you reuse breast milk storage bags?

You can technically reuse breast milk storage bags, but it’s not recommended. Storage bags are designed for single use only, so they may not be as durable as you need them to be if you try to reuse them. Additionally, storage bags may not seal properly if you try to reuse them, which could lead to spoilage or leaks.

Should I remove air from breast milk storage bags?

Most storage bags have a built-in mechanism for removing air, but you may want to double check the instructions to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Removing air from the storage bag can help extend the shelf life of the breast milk and prevent leaks. To remove air from the storage bag, simply squeeze the bag until all of the air has been expelled. You may want to practice this a few times before you store breast milk in the bag, just to make sure you’re doing it correctly.

In general, it’s best to remove as much air from the storage bag as possible. However, you don’t want to squeeze the bag so tightly that you expel milk. Once you’ve removed all of the air from the storage bag, you can then seal it and store it in the fridge or freezer.

How to put breast milk in storage bags?

To put breast milk in a storage bag, simply express the milk into the bag. If you are using a manual pump, you can hold the storage bag up to the flange and pump directly into the bag. If you are using an electric pump, you can attach the storage bag to the pumping system (most pumps come with adapters for this). Once the storage bag is full, remove it from the pump and seal it. You can then store the breast milk in the fridge or freezer.

Putting breast milk into storage bags is a quick and easy way to store milk for later use. If you are pumping at work or on the go, storage bags can be a convenient way to store milk until you are able to get home and transfer it to a more permanent storage container.

People also asked:

Can I freeze breast milk in a Ziploc bag?

Yes, you can freeze breast milk in a Ziploc bag, but it is not the ideal way to store your milk. The reason for this is that Ziploc bags are not designed for storing breast milk and there is a risk of contamination. Additionally, freezing breast milk in a Ziploc bag can cause the milk to lose some of its nutrients. If you must freeze breast milk, it is best to use a breast milk storage bag that is specifically designed for freezing. These bags are made of durable material that will protect your milk from freezer burn and contamination. Additionally, most storage bags have a double-zip seal that will prevent leaks.

Can you store breast milk in freezer bags?

It is possible to store breast milk in freezer bags, but it is not recommended. The reason for this is that freezer bags are not designed for storing breast milk and there is a risk of contamination. Breast milk is a precious commodity, and it should be stored in a clean and sterile environment. If you must store breast milk in freezer bags, be

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Article References:

• Freezing and Food Safetyexternal icon – USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
• Clinical Protocol : Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infantsexternal icon – Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
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• Pumping and storing breast milk. Office on Women’s Health
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• Stanford Children’s Health, Breast milk: Pumping, Collecting, Storing, 2020.
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, Pumping and Storing Breast milk, July 2018.
• Pediatrics & Neonatology, The Macronutrients in Human Milk Change after Storage in Various Containers, June 2012.