Safe Preparation and Storage of Breast Milk

Maintaining the safety and quality of expressed breast milk is essential for the baby’s health. Proper storage and preparation guidelines ensure that its nutritional value remains intact. Factors such as milk volume, room temperature, refrigerator and freezer conditions, and hygiene influence how long breast milk can be stored safely.

Human Milk Storage Guidelines

Storage Locations and Temperatures

Safe Storage of Expressed Breast Milk

Before Expressing or Handling Breast Milk

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. If unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Express milk manually or with a pump.

• Inspect and clean pump kits and tubing; replace moldy tubing immediately.

• If using a shared pump, sanitize dials, power switches, and surfaces with disinfectant wipes.

Storing Breast Milk

• Use clean, food-grade containers or breast milk storage bags. Choose containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic with secure lids.

• Avoid disposable bottle liners or bags not designed for breast milk storage.

Storage Duration:

• Room Temperature (77°F or colder): Up to 4 hours.

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Best within 6 months, acceptable up to 12 months.

Tips for Storage:

• Label milk with the date it was expressed.

• Avoid storing it in refrigerators or freezer doors to minimize temperature changes.

• Freeze milk immediately if it won’t be used within 4 days.

Freezing Guidelines:

• Store in small portions (2–4 ounces) to minimize waste.

• Leave about 1 inch of space in containers for milk expansion.

• Clearly label containers with the child’s name if delivering to childcare providers.

• Store milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling. Upon arrival, refrigerate, use immediately, or freeze.

Safe Thawing of Breast Milk

• Always thaw the oldest milk using the FIFO (first in, first out) method.

• Thaw breast milk in one of the following ways:

  • In the refrigerator overnight.

  • In a container of warm water.

  • Under lukewarm running water.

• Never use a microwave to thaw or heat milk; it destroys nutrients and creates hot spots that could burn the baby.

Post-Thaw Guidelines:

• Use thawed milk within 24 hours (starting when wholly melted).

• Milk brought to room temperature or warmed must be used within 2 hours.

• Do not refreeze thawed milk.

Feeding Expressed Breast Milk

• Breast milk can be served at room temperature or cold – warming is optional.

• If warming:

  • Keep the container sealed and place it in warm water or running water.

  • Test the temperature on your wrist before feeding.

  • Do not heat milk on the stove or in the microwave.

• Swirl milk gently to mix any separated fat.

• If the baby doesn’t finish the bottle, use the leftover milk within 2 hours. Discard any milk remaining after this time.

Safe Cleaning of Infant Feeding Items and Pumping Equipment

Properly clean, sanitize, and store pumps, bottles, and feeding accessories to prevent contamination. Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning and storing infant feeding items to ensure the safety of expressed breast milk.