Can you freeze milk for your baby? Here’s what parents need to know!

As a parent, one of the many tasks you’ll juggle is ensuring your baby is nourished, which often means a lot of thinking about breast milk storage. Whether you’re heading back to work, planning a night out, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with having a backup plan, knowing how to properly store and handle breast milk is crucial. One common question that many parents ask is: Can you freeze milk for your baby?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can! But, just like everything related to baby care, there are important details to keep in mind. Freezing breast milk can give you flexibility and peace of mind, but it’s important to follow best practices for storage and handling. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about freezing milk, how long it lasts in the fridge or freezer, and the steps to keep it as fresh as possible for your little one. This blog is also backed by expert insights and quotes from Amber Ginn, CEO, Founder at The Latchlink. With over 8 years of experience as an IBCLC, she has supported thousands of families across all 50 states. Let’s get started!

Why is breast milk storage important?

Proper breast milk storage is key to preserving its nutrients and preventing bacteria growth. Breast milk is a miracle food packed with essential vitamins, antibodies, and enzymes that protect your baby. To ensure your baby gets the most out of your milk, it’s important to store it in a way that maintains its quality.

Knowing the proper storage techniques also helps reduce waste. After all, no parent wants to throw away perfectly good milk that could be used for their baby! By freezing or refrigerating milk properly, you make sure you have it ready when needed, without compromising its safety or nutritional value.

Can you freeze milk? 

Yes, you can freeze breast milk, but there are some things you should know to make sure it stays safe and nutritious. When breast milk is frozen, the nutrients are preserved, but it’s important to follow some key guidelines for optimal storage. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Freezing fresh breast milk: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s best to freeze freshly pumped breast milk as soon as possible after pumping. The longer it sits, the greater the risk for bacterial growth.

• Never refreeze milk: The (CDC)  advises that if milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen, as this could lead to bacterial contamination, and the quality will decrease.

Use appropriate containers: Store milk in small portions to avoid waste. Make sure the containers are BPA-free!

“Plastic is common and considered safe, but glass is ideal if you’re trying to limit plastic exposure. Silicone molds like Boob Cubes are also a great option. You can freeze in smaller portions and then move them into a larger bag. Even if it’s BPA-free, I always say the less plastic contact, the better.”

Amber Ginn, IBCLC, Founder at The Latchlink

How long does breast milk last in the fridge?

If you’re not freezing your milk right away, you’ll need to know how long it lasts in the fridge. According to the CDC), fresh breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. After this period, it’s recommended to discard the milk to prevent the risk of contamination.

However, if your baby is not going to consume the milk within this time frame, freezing it is a great option. Keep in mind that breast milk can sometimes smell or look different over time, but that doesn’t always mean it’s gone bad—if it tastes and smells fine, it’s usually safe to use.

According to Amber Ginn,

“Breast milk can be deep frozen for up to a year, but I usually recommend using it within 3 to 6 months for the best quality. It starts to lose a bit of its power the longer it sits.”

Storage times for fresh breast milk

• At room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C): 4 hours maximum
  
• In the fridge (32°F to 39°F or 0°C to 3°C): 3-4 days
  
• In the freezer: Different freezing times based on the type of freezer
  

How long is breast milk good for in the freezer?

If you’re asking, how long can you freeze breast milk? The answer depends on the type of freezer you’re using. Here’s a quick guide:

• In a standard freezer (0°F or -18°C): Breast milk can be stored for up to 3-6 months. The (CDC) suggests this is the optimal range to preserve quality.
  
• In a deep freezer (below -18°C): You can store breast milk for up to 12 months.
  

Keep in mind that while breast milk is safe to store for these periods, it’s best used within 3-6 months for optimal taste and quality. After 6 months, the nutritional value may start to decrease slightly.

Tips for freezing breast milk

Freezing breast milk is one of those little parenting hacks that can make a big difference, especially when you’re running on zero sleep and need a backup bottle fast. With just a few simple tricks, you can store your liquid gold safely and easily.

• Freeze milk in small portions (2-4 ounces) to avoid thawing more than needed.
• Label the containers with the date you pumped the milk.
  
• Avoid filling the storage bags or containers to the top—leave room for the milk to expand as it freezes.
• Go for storage bags made just for breast milk—they’re less bulky and way better at keeping spills at bay.
• Stash your milk in the back of the freezer where it stays nice and cold, not in the door where temps can fluctuate.

Thawing and warming frozen breast milk

When you’re ready to use the frozen breast milk, it’s important to thaw it properly. The best way to do this is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or by running it under warm water. Never microwave breast milk, as this can create hot spots that might burn your baby’s mouth.

“The best way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, you can put the sealed container in a bowl of warm water. Not hot. Definitely not the microwave. That can break down the good stuff you’re trying to give your baby.”

Amber Ginn, IBCLC, Founder at The Latchlink

Once milk has been thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Remember, never refreeze thawed milk.

Can you freeze milk more than once?

It’s important to never freeze breast milk that has already been thawed and used. If your baby has drunk from a bottle of breast milk, the remaining milk should be discarded within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

How do I know if breast milk has gone bad?

Breast milk is pretty amazing, it adapts to your baby’s needs, is packed with nutrients, and even has natural antibacterial properties. But like any food, it can spoil over time, especially if it hasn’t been stored properly.

“If it smells sour, metallic, or just off, trust your gut—it’s probably bad. Some moms do have high lipase which makes the milk smell soapy, and that’s not harmful. But spoiled milk smells rancid. You’ll know.”

Amber Ginn, IBCLC, Founder at The Latchlink

So, how can you tell if breast milk has gone bad? 

• Smell: Fresh breast milk typically has a mild, sweet scent. If it smells sour, metallic, or just “off,” it’s best to toss it.
  
• Look: Separation (a cream layer rising to the top) is totally normal—just give it a gentle swirl. But if it stays clumpy or looks curdled after mixing, that’s a red flag.
  
• Taste: If you’re ever unsure, a quick taste test (yep, it’s okay!) can help. Spoiled milk often tastes soapy or sour.
  

Conclusion

Freezing breast milk can provide you with peace of mind as a parent. It allows you to prepare for your baby’s needs, even if you’re not always there to nurse. By following proper storage guidelines, you’ll ensure that the milk remains nutritious and safe for your baby.

Remember, while frozen breast milk is an amazing tool for parents, the key to making it work is proper storage and careful handling. So, now that you know the answer to “can you freeze milk?”—you can go ahead and make it a part of your parenting toolkit with confidence!