How long does breast milk last outside the fridge?

How long does breast milk last outside the fridge?

We know the importance of giving breast milk to our children. Breastfeeding on demand and even provide their food directly it is quite a comfort. There are many comforting advantages to this fact and many mothers do not want to miss out on the opportunity even by pumping and then bottle feeding. When milk is expressed we have to keep track of how long does breast milk last if we have to transport it at room temperature. It is even important to know how long it lasts inside the fridge and in the freezer.

Once extracted manually or with a breast pump, we have to store it in its bags or containers. The ideal way is to reserve it in the refrigerator, but sometimes if we need to keep it out of the cold, here we indicate how long it is valid for, both at room temperature and in the refrigerator itself.

Storing breast milk in the fridge

Why do you have to keep milk cold? If the milk has been expressed and is not going to be consumed immediately, it must be refrigerated so that it does not deteriorate. The ideal temperature would be between 4° or less, always in the coldest part of the fridge. It is advisable to do it this way so that it maintains all its properties, if the milk is kept out of the fridge for more than two hours it could spoil.

How long does breast milk last in and out of the fridge?

Once the breast milk has been extracted, either manually or with an electric breast pump, we must store it in specific containers. They may be BPA free glass jars or in special bags for the storage of breast milk.

At the time it is stored, it must be note the date and time, since possible and subsequent extractions can make it doubtful when one dose has priority over another. If it is going to be stored in the freezer it is recommended chill it in ice cold water, at least about ten minutes before putting it in the freezer.

How long does breast milk last outside the fridge?

preserved milk at room temperature (25° or less) has a duration between 4 to 6 hours maximum. If the baby is premature, the milk should not remain without conservation for more than an hour.

the stored milk in the refridgerator (between 4° or less) has a duration of 4 days. You have to look for a static cold place, inside a container that is not very contaminated and without any variation in temperature.

Freezing and Thawing Tips

For a much longer-lasting preservation, you can always opt for freezing. The ideal temperature would be from -18° and it could be preserved from 6 to 12 months. It is important that the milk does not suffer any variation in temperature and is consumed about 6 months of freezing.

Its defrosting must be slow, it can even be placed in a container of warm water to keep it at room temperature. When it comes to general heating with any preserved milk, it is better to do it with a bottle warmer, since its heating is gradual and it will be transferred to the ideal temperature.

How long does breast milk last outside the fridge?


If this system is not available, it is better use the bain-marie, where the milk will be placed in a saucepan over hot water. In this way its heating will be very gradual and with the ideal temperature.

Your warm-up can be done in the microwave, but care must be taken not to cause overheating. It can be heated at low power and always stir very well so that its temperature is uniform.

As a final note, it should be noted that once thawed milk can be usedat room temperature between 1 to 2 hours, if it has not been kept cold and has not been consumed has to be discarded. In the event that it is stored in the refrigerator, it will have a duration of 24 hours. Milk that has already been thawed cannot be refrozen, it would totally lose all its nutrients and texture.


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