How to store breastmilk safely
by Ekaterine Kukhaleishvili
Breast Milk Storage Checklist
Easy rule to remember: 4 – 4 – 4
⏱ Storage Time
☐ Room temperature → 4 hours
☐ Refrigerator → 4 days
☐ Freezer → ~4–6 months (best quality)
🧴 Before Storing
☐ Wash hands
☐ Use clean bottles or storage bags
☐ Label with date
🧊 Storing Milk
☐ Store in small portions (60–120 ml)
☐ Leave space if freezing
☐ Keep at back of fridge (not door)
☐ Use oldest milk first
🔄 Mixing Milk
☐ Cool fresh milk before adding to stored milk
☐ Never mix warm + cold directly
🔥 Thawing & Warming
☐ Thaw in fridge or warm water
☐ Gently swirl (don’t shake hard)
☐ Never microwave or boil
⚠️ After Warming
☐ Use within 2 hours
☐ Do not refreeze
☐ Throw away leftovers
🚩 When to Discard
☐ Sour or unusual smell
☐ Strange color
☐ Doesn’t mix after swirling
Final simple rule
Store safely. Label everything. When unsure—don’t use.