How to store breastmilk

1 min read September 1, 2024Week 12

Key takeaways

1 min

Store breast milk at room temperature (77°F/25°C) for up to 4 hours maximum.
Refrigerate breast milk at 39°F/4°C for up to 4 days safely.
Freeze breast milk at 0°F/-18°C for up to 6 months for long-term storage.
Warm breast milk under warm running water instead of using microwave or stove to preserve nutrients.
Use defrosted breast milk within 2 hours at room temperature once thawed.

Store breast milk safely by following the 4-4-6 rule: 4 hours at room temperature (77°F), 4 days in refrigerator (39°F), and 6 months in freezer (0°F). Always warm gently under running water, never microwave.

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How to store breastmilk

If you have to leave your baby in the care of your partner, grandma or nanny, you will want to leave a bottle of milk too. Or even more than one. Here’s how to safely store milk:

At room temperature (not higher than 77°F or 25°C) - four hours
In the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C) - four days
In the freezer (0°F or –18°C) - up to six months.

Defrosted milk can be stored for up to two hours at room temperature.

When heated on the stove or in the microwave, valuable nutrients are destroyed in milk, so it’s better to give baby cold. If you wish, you can hold the milk bottle under warm (not hot) running water to remove the chill.

CDC. Breastfeeding: Guidelines & Recommendations, February 12 2021.

Frequently asked questions

Breast milk can safely sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours when stored at 77°F (25°C) or below. After 4 hours, it should be discarded for safety reasons.

Fresh breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator at 39°F (4°C) for up to 4 days. Always store it in the back of the fridge where temperature is most consistent.

No, you should not microwave breast milk as it destroys valuable nutrients and can create hot spots. Instead, warm it under warm running water or let it reach room temperature naturally.

Breast milk can be safely stored in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 6 months. For best quality, use frozen milk within 3 months when possible.

Once thawed, breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If refrigerated after thawing, use within 24 hours and never refreeze previously frozen milk.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated September 1, 2024

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