How long expressed breast milk can safely stay out of the fridge is one of the most common questions from pumping parents. The timings below follow CDC breast milk storage guidance.
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At room temperature: up to 4 hours
Freshly expressed milk can be kept at room temperature, up to about 25°C (77°F), for up to 4 hours.
In the fridge and freezer
In the fridge, freshly expressed milk keeps for up to 4 days. In the freezer, it is best used within 6 months, although up to 12 months is acceptable.
Thawing frozen milk
Thaw frozen milk in the fridge or under warm water, and use it within 24 hours once thawed, counting from when it fully thaws. Never refreeze thawed breast milk.
Leftovers from a feed
Milk left over in the bottle after a feed should be used within 2 hours or discarded.
Warming milk safely
Never microwave breast milk: uneven heating can scald your baby, and heat damages nutrients. Warm it under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water instead.
When in doubt, throw it out
If you are unsure how long milk has been out, throw it out. It is not worth the risk.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.