How long is refrigerated breast milk good once warmed?

Milkology Q&A

Question:

Once fresh milk has been refrigerated and is cold, then removed and heated in warm water, how long is it good for?

How long is refrigerated breast milk good once warmed?

Answer:

According to CDC guidelines, fresh milk can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Once it’s at room temperature (which is 77 degrees or colder), it can be out for four hours. If your baby has started to drink the bottle of milk, it should be used within the next two hours or tossed, according to the CDC. I don’t know how long you had your milk in the fridge, but if you took it out and heated it, it’s warmer than room temperature. It’s not clear whether the four hour rule holds here or not, because you aren’t keeping the milk at room temperature. But again, it also depends on whether your baby drank from the bottle, or if you are just storing the fresh milk on the counter and not using it. Many moms do a sniff test, and will feed the milk to their baby as long as it smells ok, and is used within a few hours. If you have further questions, it’s best to ask your pediatrician. It’s especially important to follow these guidelines cautiously if your baby has any medical conditions or is a preemie.