Nursing Tips: Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

Are you a new mama going through your pumping journey? There are so many ways to store breastmilk—whether on the counter, in the fridge, or in your freezer—and they all have different expiration dates. It can be helpful to have some handy on the counter during those initial middle-of-the-night-feedings, and even more helpful to keep some in the freezer to use while on the go. Keep reading to learn the most up-to-date information regarding breastmilk storage, as well as our very favorite products for nursing mamas.

How Do I Store My Breastmilk?

Here’s how to safely store your expressed breastmilk, per the CDC!

source: CDC.gov - Breast Milk Storage and Preparation

Please note: Various factors affect how long human milk can be stored safely. The storage and preparation techniques recommended can help maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk for the baby's health.

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored:

• At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours.
• In the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

TIPS:

• Use breast milk storage bags or clean, food-grade containers to store expressed breast milk.
• Make sure the containers are made of glass or plastic and have tight fitting lids.
• Never store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags that are not intended for storing breast milk.
• When freezing, store small amounts to avoid wasting milk. Store in 2 to 4 ounces or the amount offered at one feeding.
• Leave about one inch of space at the top of the container because breast milk expands as it freezes.
• Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. Over time, the quality of breast milk can decrease.
• You can thaw your breast milk by putting the container in the refrigerator overnight, in warm or lukewarm water, or under lukewarm running water.

Nursing and Pumping Mama Must-Haves

As a nursing or pumping mama, you’ve likely got all the nursing and pumping essentials like nursing covers, a pump, a nursing pillow, and much more. However, we have a few products up our sleeve designed with you in mind that will make your life a million times easier!

Nursin' SMART 9 oz Nurser w/ Stage 2 Natural Nipple

Noticeably soft and naturally elastic, Innobaby’s Nursin’ SMART Grow-With-Me Silicone Nursing System is the BEST bottle on the market and was developed by a group of pediatric specialists in 2004.

It’s made with the highest quality medical grade silicone and carefully manufactured to provide an ultimate supplementary feeding solution to all feed challenges faced from infant to toddler years!

This nursing system is a safe, natural, and flexible alternative to glass or plastic bottles. Here’s why:

• It naturally reduces colic without additional parts and supports babies with feeding challenges, such as those born prematurely or with cleft palates
• It acts as a supplemental bottle-feeding solution for breastfeeding mothers
• It resembles skin-to-skin contact during feeding, making it the perfect solution for weaning as well as a way to increase emotional IQ
• BPA-, PVC-, phthalate-, and lead- free
• Free of all petroleum-based chemicals

Packin' SMART Twistable 3 Tier Essentials

Stop trying to pack those delicate storage bags and bring pre-measured breastmilk on the go with our 100% LEAKPROOF stackable containers!

This awesome stackable is a diaper bag, nursery or home must-have to store, dispense, and organize items. Each container can be securely stacked together until ready to use with our leak-proof twisting design. The removable inner lid makes dispensing easy and spilling hard, thanks to our innovative funnel design.

Each container holds approximately 1/2 cup of liquid or up to 5 scoops of powdered formula for a full 10 oz. bottle feeding.

Stack as few or as many containers as needed with our interchangeable lid, base, and containers. Packin' SMART twistable storage containers are dishwasher and freezer-safe. The entire line is BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC-free, and Lead-free.

Innobaby Packin' SMART Stackables - 5 Tier

As a nursing or pumping mama, you will quickly realize you only have one hand at your disposal. Make searching for things in your diaper bag, stroller, or house easier with these Innobaby Packin' SMART Stackables!

A diaper bag must-have, these little containers store, dispense and organize all of your essentials. Store measured powdered formula, cereal, puffs, sweet treats, or even pacifiers, bandaids, cotton balls, hair ties, or other little things you may need that you don’t want to endlessly search for at the bottom of your bag.

EZ Grip Oral Sensory Developmental Toys

FACT: Oral development teethers help with nursing skills!

Innobaby’s teethers aren’t just great for teething pain; they’re considered “training teethers,” which means they’re great for a bunch of different reasons, including:

• Stimulate the muscles of the lips, tongue, and cheeks to improve oral motor skills
• Aids in nursing
• Building the foundation for eating solid foods
• Easier transition to drinking from cups
• Assisting in speech development
• The light and easy-to-grip handle also improves hand-eye coordination
• Giving two to baby will allow for bilateral movement and stimulation of both sides of the brain

If you’re going to give your busy baby something to play with and chew on, give them something that is developmentally beneficial!

For more parenting tips and great family products, visit us at Innobaby.com!