Breast milk is precious, and there’s nothing more disappointing than pouring it down the drain. So it’s important to store it correctly.
Having a newborn comes with a steep learning curve — it can be difficult to remember all the crucial do’s and don’ts. But we’re here to help.
Moms often ask us how long breast milk can sit out or last when stored in the fridge or freezer. We’ll break down each breast milk storage situation to help you know exactly what to do to safely preserve your breast milk — without wasting a drop.
Storage Times for Breast Milk
If you’re storing your breast milk, the amount of time you can keep it depends on where and how you store it. Remember that the longer you store breast milk, the more vitamin C it loses (1).
If you’re keeping your breast milk in the freezer, it can be stored for up to 12 months, although it’s best to use it within six months. Place it in the back of the freezer where it’s coldest.
You can store breast milk in the refrigerator for four days. Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, at the back. If you think you may not use the milk, move it to the freezer within three days.
When you’re on the go, you may need to store the milk in an insulated breast milk cooler. If it contains ice packs and is chilled all the time, the milk can last up to 24 hours.
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