How to store breast milk safely in the fridge

Storing breast milk is a major concern for many mothers who want to give their baby the best possible nutrients whilst managing their schedule effectively. Good breast milk storage management not only allows you to feed your baby properly, but also preserves its quality and safety. In this article, we explore in detail how to store breast milk in the fridge, as well as the best practices to ensure its freshness and safety.

How long can breast milk be stored in the fridge?

Understanding the shelf life of breast milk is essential to avoid the risks associated with bacterial growth. When properly stored, breast milk can be kept in the fridge for a certain number of days.

Storage criteria

The storage duration depends mainly on the temperature of the fridge and the way in which the milk is stored. Here are the main recommendations:

Room temperature: breast milk can remain at room temperature (up to 25°C) for approximately four hours.

Fridge: when stored in the main section of the fridge (at around 4°C), breast milk can keep for up to five days.

Freezer: if you need to store it for longer, it is ideal to place breast milk in a freezer where it can remain good for up to six months or more for better storage effectiveness.

Using cooling packs

To extend the storage duration during transport, or if you do not have immediate access to a fridge, cooling packs can be used. They help maintain a low temperature that slows bacterial growth.

How to store breast milk properly

The storage method also affects the quality of breast milk. A proper approach will minimise the risk of contamination and ensure that nutrients are preserved.

Choosing the right containers

When storing breast milk, choose clean, suitable containers:

Glass or BPA-free plastic bottles with airtight lids.

Bags specifically designed for breast milk storage, which are sterile and sealable.

Practical tip: label with dates

It is recommended to label each container with the date of expression so you know how long the milk has been stored. This will help you use the oldest milk first ("first in, first out").

The best position in the fridge

Where you place breast milk in the fridge plays a role in its preservation.

Avoid the fridge door

For maximum shelf life, avoid storing breast milk in the fridge door, as this area is subject to frequent temperature fluctuations. It is better to place it towards the back of the fridge where the temperature is more stable.

Dedicated shelves for better organisation

Using dedicated trays or shelves for dairy products will help you keep your fridge better organised and make it easier to access breast milk when you need it.

Thawing and use

When it comes to thawing and preparing breast milk before giving it to your baby, a few rules should be followed to ensure the milk's safety and quality.

Thawing methods

Different methods can be used:

Thawing milk in the fridge: this is the safest method and helps preserve most of the nutrients. Simply place the container or bag of frozen milk in the fridge overnight.

Warm water bath: place the container of frozen milk in warm water to speed up thawing. Be careful not to use boiling water, which could destroy some of the milk's nutritional properties.

Observing storage times after thawing

Once thawed, breast milk should be consumed promptly:

Milk thawed in the fridge: can be kept for up to 24 hours.

Milk warmed in a bottle via a warm water bath: must be used immediately and must not be refrozen.

Additional tips for better storage

Beyond the general recommendations, a few extra tips can help ensure better storage and optimal use of breast milk.

Divide into small portions

Store breast milk in small portions so that you only take out what you need. This reduces the risk of wastage and allows you to manage your baby's nutritional needs according to their feeding schedule.

Minimise exposure to air

When pouring milk into containers, leave as little space as possible between the milk and the lid to minimise exposure to air, which slows the degradation of milk through oxidation.

Keeping bacterial load in check

Make sure to regularly and thoroughly clean all equipment and utensils used to express and store breast milk. Maintaining this level of hygiene will reduce bacterial load and extend the shelf life of breast milk.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure optimal storage of breast milk in the fridge, thus safeguarding your baby's health and wellbeing. Always make sure to check storage dates regularly to maintain the quality of the milk you give to your child.