Breastmilk Storage Guidelines
It’s important to store breast milk correctly to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. The times below reflect current recommendations from the NHS and World Health Organization (WHO).
Premature or unwell baby? Timings may differ. Please check with your child’s doctor or contact me for personalised guidance.
| Location | Safe storage time |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (≤25°C) |
NHS: Up to 6 hours. WHO: 4 hours optimal. 6–8 hours may be acceptable in very clean conditions. |
| Fridge (≤4°C) |
NHS: Up to 8 days if ≤4°C. If not sure fridge is ≤4°C, use within 3 days. WHO: 4–8 days (5–8 days under very clean conditions). |
| Ice compartment of a fridge | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer (-18°C or colder) | 6 months best quality (up to 12 months acceptable) |
| Location | Safe storage time |
|---|---|
| In the fridge (after thawing) | Up to 24 hours |
| Room temperature | Up to 2 hours |
| Refreezing | Not recommended |
Practical Tips
- Milk can separate during storage — swirl gently to mix.
- Never microwave breastmilk. Warm or defrost the sealed container in warm water.
- Use a clean container or storage bag. Label clearly with date and time.
- Store in smaller volumes (60–120 ml) to reduce waste.
- Discard any milk left from a feed after 1 hour (breastmilk and formula).
Note on fridge temperature:
Most guidance (NHS/WHO) is based on fridges kept at ≤4°C.
If your fridge runs warmer (5–10°C), breastmilk is best used within 24 hours.
A fridge thermometer is recommended if you’re unsure.