Alexei Volkov
Breast milk storage is an important topic for new mothers to understand, as it ensures the health and safety of their babies. While plastic containers are a common option, some mothers may prefer plastic-free alternatives due to concerns about chemicals leaching into the milk. Plastic-free options include glass bottles, jars, and silicone bags, which can be safely used to store breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer. It is recommended to store milk in small portions, clearly labelled with dates, and to thaw frozen milk safely by using warm water or overnight in the refrigerator.
How to store breast milk without plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Glass bottles, jars, or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids |
| Container size | Small, freezer-safe containers to avoid thawing too much milk |
| Container quantity | Store milk in 2-4-ounce portions to prevent waste and for quicker thawing |
| Storage duration | At room temperature (up to 77°F) for 4 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 days, in the freezer for 6-12 months |
| Thawing | Thaw the oldest milk first, using the refrigerator, warm water, or running water. Avoid using a microwave |
| Handling | Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Ensure the pump kit and tubing are clean |
| Labelling | Clearly label the container with the date the milk was expressed and the child's name |
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What You'll Learn
Store in glass bottles
If you want to store breast milk in glass bottles, you can either pump directly into glass bottles or pour the milk into the bottles after pumping. If you are pumping directly into glass bottles, you can screw the bottles right onto your pump's flanges. If you are pouring milk into the bottles, make sure to cool the milk completely in the refrigerator before doing so.
When storing breast milk in glass bottles, it is important to leave about one inch of space at the top of the bottle, as breast milk expands as it freezes. It is also important to label the bottles with the date the milk was expressed.
Breast milk stored in glass bottles can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for about six months to one year. If you are storing breast milk in the freezer, it is recommended to use freezer-safe glass bottles that are small enough that you won't have to thaw too much milk at once.
When it comes time to thaw the frozen breast milk, do not use a microwave, as this can destroy nutrients and create hot spots that could burn your baby's mouth. Instead, thaw the milk in the refrigerator overnight, in warm or lukewarm water, or under lukewarm running water. Once the milk is thawed, it should be used within 24 hours and within two hours of being brought to room temperature or warmed.
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Use a glass container in the freezer
Using glass containers to store breast milk in the freezer is a safe and effective method. Glass containers are a good alternative to plastic, as they do not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, which can leach into food and drinks. Glass containers are also environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as they can be reused multiple times.
When using glass containers to store breast milk in the freezer, it is important to choose freezer-safe containers that are designed to withstand low temperatures. These containers should also be small, allowing for the expansion of milk as it freezes and to avoid having to thaw too much milk at once. It is recommended to leave about one inch of space at the top of the container.
Before storing breast milk in glass containers, it is crucial to follow proper hygiene practices. Ensure that your hands are clean by washing them thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Additionally, make sure the glass containers are clean and dry before filling them with breast milk.
When filling the glass containers, it is recommended to store breast milk in small portions, typically 2 to 4 ounces, which is the amount offered at one feeding. This helps prevent waste and makes thawing quicker and easier. Label the containers with the date the milk was expressed and the name of the child, if applicable.
Once the glass containers are filled and labelled, place them in the freezer. It is best to store the containers away from the door of the freezer, as this helps protect the breast milk from temperature changes when the door is opened and closed. Breast milk can be stored in a normal kitchen freezer for up to 6 months, although it is preferable to use it within 4 months.
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Pour into silicone bags
Silicone bags are a great plastic-free option for storing breast milk. They are ideal if you want to store milk in larger quantities without using glass, as they can hold up to 6-8 ounces. They are also versatile, as you can reuse them for food storage (e.g. DIY trail mix, cut veggies, or toddler snacks) once you're done breastfeeding. However, it's worth noting that silicone bags are not readily recyclable and can be expensive.
When using silicone bags, it's important to follow proper breast milk storage guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the milk. Here are some detailed instructions for using silicone bags:
- Pour the expressed breast milk into a silicone ice tray and carefully transfer it to the freezer. Make sure the tray is specifically designed for breast milk storage, as these trays usually have covers to protect the milk from germs, odours, and freezer burn.
- Once the milk is frozen, carefully remove the cubes from the tray using a spoon. Transfer the cubes into a silicone freezer bag, taking care not to spill or contaminate the milk.
- Label the bag with the date range of the milk inside. This is important for keeping track of the milk's freshness and ensuring you use the oldest milk first.
- When you need to use the frozen milk, take out the desired number of cubes and place them in a small silicone storage bag. Alternatively, you can use a small glass container for thawing if you prefer.
- To thaw the milk, place the bag or container in a bowl of cool water. Never use a microwave to thaw or heat breast milk, as it can destroy nutrients and create hot spots that could burn your baby's mouth.
- Once the milk is thawed, pour it into a glass baby bottle. Warm the bottle in a bowl of warm water if needed, and always ensure your hands are clean when handling breast milk.
- Use the thawed milk within 24 hours for optimal freshness and safety.
Remember to always follow food safety guidelines when handling and storing breast milk. Wash your hands thoroughly before expressing milk, and ensure all pumps and containers are clean and sterile. Store breast milk in the main compartment of the refrigerator or freezer, not in the door, to protect it from temperature changes when the door is opened and closed.
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Freeze in ice cube trays
Freezing breast milk in ice cube trays is a great way to store it without using plastic. This method is ideal if you don't want to use glass containers or bags, and it's a good option for storing larger quantities of milk. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, choose a high-quality ice cube tray made from silicone or another safe material. Look for trays designed specifically for freezing breast milk, such as those from Tiny Tot Innovations, WeeSprout, or HIWOOD. These trays often have added features like covers to protect the milk from germs, odours, and freezer burn.
Next, pour your freshly expressed breast milk into the ice cube tray compartments. Make sure to leave some space at the top of each compartment, as breast milk expands when frozen. You can also combine breast milk from the same day, but make sure it's at the same temperature before mixing.
Once the tray is full, place it carefully in your freezer. When the milk is frozen, pop the cubes out of the tray and transfer them to a storage container. You can use a silicone bag or a glass container for this. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing. If using a glass container, consider using smaller jars to make thawing easier.
Always label your storage containers with the date range of the milk inside. When you need to use the frozen milk, simply take out a cube or two and thaw them. You can thaw the milk in a small silicone bag in a bowl of cool water or directly in a small glass jar. Once thawed, pour the milk into a glass baby bottle and warm it in a bowl of warm water. Remember to always wash your hands before handling breast milk and use the oldest milk first.
By following these steps, you can safely freeze and store your breast milk in ice cube trays without relying on plastic containers or bags.
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Use a cooler when travelling
When travelling with breast milk, it's important to keep it fresh and safe for your baby. Using a cooler is a great way to achieve this. Here are some tips on how to use a cooler effectively when travelling with breast milk:
Firstly, invest in a good-quality cooler. Look for one with a leak-proof zipper and closed-cell rubber foam lining to ensure the milk stays cold. A YETI cooler, for example, can keep milk frozen for a whole day. If you're flying, a backpack version of the cooler might be a good option as it's easier to carry.
Before your trip, prepare your cooler by packing it with frozen ice packs. It's recommended to have one ice pack on the bottom and another on top of the milk to seal in the cold. If you're flying, pack the cooler the night before and store it in the freezer to keep the contents cold for longer. Label the containers with the date, so you know their freshness when you arrive.
When travelling, try not to open the cooler frequently, as this lets warm air in. If you're flying, security will inspect your breast milk at the airport. Separate the stored milk, cooler, and pumping gear from your carry-on baggage for screening. Notify the TSA agent at the checkpoint, and ask security to wear clean gloves when handling your milk.
Once you reach your destination, use the milk right away or store it in a refrigerator or freezer. If the milk was frozen and has now thawed, use it within 24 hours and do not refreeze it. Always follow food safety guidelines when handling and storing breast milk.
Using a cooler is a convenient way to transport and store breast milk when travelling. With proper preparation and handling, you can ensure your milk stays fresh and safe for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
According to CDC guidelines, breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months, but it’s best to use it within six months.
You can store breast milk in glass bottles, glass jars, or silicone bags.
Pump directly into glass bottles and place them in the fridge to cool completely.
Plastic can contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food and drinks. By storing breast milk in glass or silicone containers, you can avoid exposing your baby to these chemicals.
