Babies can definitely have cold breast milk straight from the fridge. In fact, many babies are perfectly happy to drink it cold without any issues. However, some babies may prefer their milk to be warmed up to body temperature, which is around 98.6°F (37°C).
If your baby is one of those who prefer warm milk, there are a few safe and easy methods to warm up breast milk. One common method is to place the bottle of milk in a jug or bowl of warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as overheating the milk can destroy some of its beneficial properties. You can also hold the bottle under warm running water until it reaches the desired temperature.
It is important to note that using a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk is not recommended. Microwaving can create hot spots in the milk, which can burn your baby’s mouth. Additionally, microwaving can also cause the milk to lose some of its nutritional value.
When warming breast milk, it is a good idea to swirl the bottle gently to distribute the heat evenly. After warming, always test the temperature of the milk by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm, but not too hot. Remember, babies have sensitive mouths, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and not serve milk that is too hot.
If you are using frozen breast milk, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the quality of the milk. Once thawed, you can follow the same warming methods as described above.
It’s worth mentioning that breast milk can be safely stored in the fridge for up to four days. However, if your baby does not finish a bottle of breast milk within two hours of starting it, it is recommended to discard the remaining milk. This is because bacteria from your baby’s mouth can contaminate the milk, and it is not safe to reheat or reuse it.
Feeding your baby cold breast milk from the fridge is perfectly safe. If your baby prefers warm milk, you can warm it using warm water or running water. Just remember to avoid using a microwave and always test the temperature before feeding your little one.