Introduction
Breast milk is a precious and essential food for infants. It provides all the nutrients that a baby needs in the first six months of life and continues to be a valuable source of nutrition for the first year of life. Breast milk is also packed with antibodies that help protect babies from illness. But how long can breast milk last in room temperature?
Factors That Affect the Shelf Life of Breast Milk
The shelf life of breast milk depends on a number of factors, including:
- Temperature: The warmer the temperature, the shorter the shelf life of breast milk. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature (77°F or 25°C) for up to four hours.
- Container: Breast milk should be stored in clean, airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers are both suitable.
- Volume: The smaller the volume of breast milk, the shorter the shelf life. This is because the surface area of the milk is exposed to air, which can cause the milk to spoil.
- Freezing: Breast milk can be frozen for up to six months.
How to Store Breast Milk
To safely store breast milk, follow these steps:
- Pump or express the milk.
- Label the milk with the date and time.
- Store the milk in a clean, airtight container.
- Refrigerate the milk within four hours of pumping or expressing.
- Freeze the milk within 24 hours of pumping or expressing.
How to Thaw Breast Milk
To thaw breast milk, follow these steps:
- Place the frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight.
- Warm the milk in a bottle warmer or by placing it in a cup of warm water.
- Do not microwave breast milk.
Can You Tell if Breast Milk Has Gone Bad?
There are a few ways to tell if breast milk has gone bad:
- Smell: Spoiled breast milk will have a sour or rancid smell.
- Taste: Spoiled breast milk will taste sour or rancid.
- Color: Spoiled breast milk may be yellow or green.
- Texture: Spoiled breast milk may be chunky or curdled.
If you are unsure whether or not breast milk has gone bad, it is best to discard it.
Conclusion
Breast milk is a valuable source of nutrition for babies. However, it is important to store breast milk properly to ensure that it is safe for your baby to drink.
