Storing Breastmilk and Formula Safely:
A question I hear often from moms is how to safely store, freeze, thaw, and prepare breastmilk or formula — and it’s such an important one.
As always, I rely on evidence-based information and current scientific research when sharing guidance with the families I support. During moms’ groups and doula visits, we often talk about the overwhelming amount of advice, information, misinformation, and judgment circulating online, especially on social media. I always encourage families to check trusted sources and also listen to their own parental intuition.
Below, you’ll find helpful charts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for both breastmilk and formula storage guidelines. I’ve also included CDC resources with detailed information on breastmilk storage, thawing, feeding, pump and bottle cleaning, as well as safe formula preparation instructions.
Breastmilk:
From the CDC website, link below
One tip that may save some time: it is safe for babies to drink cold breastmilk or formula that has been stored in the fridge. It is not necessary to warm the food prior to feeding to your baby. Many babies are happy with cold or room temperature milk, and especially for night feedings or when baby is cueing they are very hungry, this may save important time!
Formula storage, from CDC website, link below
For babies who are premature, under two months of age, or with weakened immune systems, it is highly recommended to boil the water prior to mixing with formula in order to sterilize the formula. https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/prevention/index.html
For updated FDA information on formula, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/resources-you-food/infant-formula-homepage
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/formula-feeding/preparation-and-storage.html
https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/media/pdfs/prepare-store-powered-infant-formula-508.pdf
Choosing how to feed your baby is a deeply personal decision, and I am here to support you without judgment. If you have questions about breastfeeding, formula feeding, pumping, hand expression or infant feeding in general, please feel free to reach out anytime at Becky@earlycaredoula.com
