🍼 Feeding · 0 – 12 months
🥛 Storing pumped breast milk
Storage times depend on temperature and whether milk is fresh, thawed or already offered.
Gear to get ready
- Sterile milk storage bags or BPA-free glass/plastic bottles.
- Labels with the pumping date and time.
The storage rules
1. Fresh milk
At 77°F (25°C) or colder: up to four hours; refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or colder: up to four days; frozen at 0°F (−18°C) or colder: about six months best, up to 12 months acceptable.
2. Thawed or used milk
Use within 24 hours of complete thawing in the refrigerator. Once warmed or brought to room temperature, use within two hours. Use leftovers within two hours after feeding ends. Never refreeze thawed milk or microwave.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
Same topic
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.