Freshly expressed or pumped breast milk can safely sit out at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours according to the CDC, with some sources suggesting up to 6 hours if very cleanly expressed
. If the room temperature is higher (around 29°C or above), the safe time reduces to about 2 hours
. Once the baby has started feeding from the milk, it should be used within 2 hours and any leftover milk discarded to avoid bacterial contamination
. For best quality and safety, breast milk should be refrigerated as soon as possible after expressing. In the refrigerator (at about 4°C or 39°F), breast milk can be stored for up to 4 days, with some guidelines extending this to 6-8 days if kept in the back of the fridge
. Summary:
- Room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C): up to 4 hours (some say up to 6 hours if very clean)
- If warmer room (29°C or higher): up to 2 hours
- After baby feeds: use within 2 hours, then discard leftover milk
- Refrigerator (4°C/39°F): up to 4 days (some sources say up to 6-8 days)
Always store breast milk in clean, food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids, and label with date and time of expression
. Microwaving breast milk is not safe and should be avoided; warm it by placing the container in warm water instead
