Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to about 4 days if kept in a sterile container, labeled with the date, and placed in the inner part of the refrigerator with a stable temperature. To support your little one's comfort throughout the day, Moms can also use MAKUKU Dry Care, diapers with 12-hour absorption capacity to keep dry all day.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. However, in some situations, Moms may need to pump and store breast milk in advance, for instance, when having to work, travel, or wanting to ensure a steady supply of breast milk for the little one.
To maintain its quality and nutrition, it's important for Moms to know the correct way to store breast milk in the refrigerator. If not stored properly, breast milk can spoil faster or even become contaminated with bacteria.
Let's understand the important steps starting from preparation before storing breast milk, how to store it in the refrigerator, to how to serve it again for the little one.
Things to Do Before Storing Breast Milk in the Refrigerator
Before storing breast milk in the refrigerator, there are several important things that Moms should do first. This step aims to maintain the cleanliness of the breast milk and prevent bacterial contamination during the storage process.
1. Wash Hands Thoroughly
Before pumping or transferring breast milk into a container, moms need to wash their hands with soap and running water. This simple step is very important because bacteria from the hands can transfer to the breast milk. With clean hands, the risk of contamination can be minimized, ensuring the breast milk remains safe for the little one.
2. Use Sterile Storage Containers
Breast milk should be stored in special breast milk bottles or breast milk storage bags that have been cleaned and sterilized. Ensure the container is made of food-safe materials and has a tight-fitting lid. A clean container helps maintain the quality of the breast milk to prevent contamination by microorganisms.
3. Label the Storage Date
Moms are also advised to label each container with the date and time of breast milk expression. This label helps Moms know which breast milk should be used first so that no milk is stored too long in the refrigerator.
How to Properly Store Breast Milk in the Refrigerator
After breast milk is pumped and transferred to a container, Moms need to store it properly. Correct storage can help maintain the nutrition and quality of breast milk optimally.
1. Store in the Back of the Refrigerator
Breast milk should be stored at the back of the refrigerator, not in the refrigerator door. This is because the temperature in the refrigerator door often changes every time it is opened. Storing breast milk inside the refrigerator helps maintain a stable temperature, allowing the milk to last longer.
2. Store in Single-Serving Portions
Moms are advised to store breast milk in small portions according to the baby's single feeding needs, for example, 60–120 ml. This way, Moms do not need to warm up the entire stock of breast milk at once. If the breast milk has been warmed but not finished, it is usually not recommended to store it again.
3. Do Not Overfill the Container
When storing breast milk, it is advisable to leave a little space in the container. Breast milk can slightly expand when stored in cold or frozen conditions. This empty space helps prevent the container from leaking or being damaged.
How Long Can Breast Milk Be Stored?
Properly stored breast milk can last for a certain period. However, the storage duration also depends on the temperature and storage conditions.
1. Breast Milk at Room Temperature
Freshly expressed breast milk can generally last about 4 hours at a clean room temperature that is not too hot. If not used immediately, Moms can directly transfer it to the refrigerator to maintain its quality.
2. Breast Milk in the Refrigerator
In a refrigerator with a temperature of around 4°C, breast milk can usually be stored for up to 4 days. However, if Moms want to maintain the optimal nutritional quality of breast milk, it is best to use it within 2–3 days after storage.
According to the guidelines from Mayo ClinicAccording to guidelines from the Mayo Clinic, breast milk stored in the refrigerator at a stable temperature can last up to about 4 days when kept in a clean and tightly sealed container.
3. Breast Milk in Freezer
If stored in the freezer, breast milk can last longer, even up to 6 months or more depending on the type of freezer used. However, many health experts recommend using frozen breast milk within about 6 months to maintain its quality.
How to Serve Breast Milk from the Refrigerator for Babies
After breast milk is stored in the refrigerator, Moms need to prepare it safely before giving it to the Little One.
1. Thaw Breast Milk Slowly
If breast milk is stored in a frozen state, Moms can thaw it first by moving it to the lower part of the refrigerator. This process usually takes several hours to overnight, but it helps maintain the nutritional content of the breast milk.
2. Warm the breast milk
To warm breast milk, Moms can submerge the bottle of breast milk in a container filled with warm water for a few minutes. This method helps to warm the breast milk slowly and evenly, making it safer for the baby.
3. Stir Slowly Before Serving
When stored, the fat in breast milk often separates and settles at the top. Before giving it to the little one, moms simply need to gently shake or stir the breast milk so that the fat mixes back in.
Things to Avoid When Storing Breast Milk
In addition to knowing the correct storage methods, Moms also need to understand some things that should be avoided to maintain the quality of breast milk.
1. Do Not Heat Breast Milk with a Microwave
Heating breast milk using a microwave is not recommended. Besides potentially damaging some important nutrients in breast milk, microwaves can also cause uneven heating, which risks making certain parts too hot for the baby.
2. Do Not Refreeze Thawed Breast Milk
Breast milk that has been thawed should not be refrozen. The refreezing process can increase the risk of bacterial growth and reduce the nutritional quality of the breast milk.
3. Avoid Storing Breast Milk for Too Long
Although breast milk can last several days in the refrigerator, Moms should still pay attention to the storage time limit. If the breast milk has an unusual smell or changes color significantly, it is advisable not to give it to the Little One.
Conclusion
Knowing how to properly store breast milk in the refrigerator is important to maintain the quality and nutrients of the milk for your little one. In addition to good nutrition, the comfort of the baby in daily activities also needs to be considered by moms.
To support that comfort, diapers MAKUKU Dry Care To support that comfort, MAKUKU Dry Care diapers are designed to protect your little one's skin with maximum absorption for up to 12 hours. The diapers have 3 layers of air circulation to maintain your little one's skin moisture. So, the baby will feel dry all day long.
FAQ
1. Can freshly pumped breast milk be directly stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, freshly pumped breast milk can be directly placed in the refrigerator as long as the storage container is clean and tightly sealed.
2. Can the color of breast milk change after being stored in the refrigerator?
Changes in breast milk color can occur and are usually still normal, as they are influenced by fat content and the foods consumed by moms.
3. Can freshly pumped breast milk be mixed with already cooled breast milk?
Freshly pumped breast milk should be cooled first before being mixed with breast milk that is already in the refrigerator.
4. Can breast milk that has been warmed be stored back in the refrigerator?
Breast milk that has been warmed should be used immediately and not stored again to avoid the risk of contamination.
5.Apakah kantong penyimpanan ASI bisa digunakan ulang?
Most breast milk storage bags are designed for single use to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the milk.
6. Are MAKUKU diapers prone to leakage?
MAKUKU diapers feature SAP core technology that helps absorb liquid quickly, reducing the risk of leaks.
7. Is MAKUKU suitable for active babies?
Yes. The elastic design on MAKUKU diapers helps babies move more freely without feeling tight.
