The shelf life of a bottle is a major concern for parents concerned about their baby's well-being.
In this article, we look at the reasons why it is so important to store uneaten unused bottle and to what extent this is possible. You'll also discover the storage times that must be respected to guarantee your baby's health.
Our aim To alert parents to the potential risks associated with inappropriate storage times. To this end, we present the most obvious signs of deterioration in milk quality due to poor storage.
CONTENTS :
- How to store a feeding bottle properly?
- What is the shelf life of a bottle of breast milk (not thawed)?
- Does the material of the bottle affect shelf life?
- 4 signs that bottle storage time has been violated!
- To conclude
How to store a feeding bottle properly?
It's understandable that many parents want to avoid waste by storing their baby's uneaten bottles. Whether it's to satisfy a fluctuating appetite, minimize expenses or simply save time or simply to save time when preparing the next bottle.
However, it is essential to note that it is possible to keep the contents not drunk by your child, on one condition: the milk must be fresh, unthawed breast milk !
Gone, then, are bottles of infant milk, which cannot be stored for more than an hour after preparation.
What is the shelf life of a bottle of breast milk (not thawed)?
At room temperature, breast milk can be stored for about four hours. about four hours.
For longer storage, we recommend placing your milk bottle in the fridge, where it can remain safe to drink for longer.
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On the fridge |
At room temperature |
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Fresh breast milk |
Up to 7 days (Between 1 and 4 °C) |
Approx. 4 hours |
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Thawed breast milk |
24 hours maximum (Do not refreeze) |
Consume immediately |
Busy, mobile parents may wonder how to keep bottles safe while on the move. Investing in an insulated bag specially designed for carrying bottles can be a practical solution. It helps maintain the temperature of breast milk and ensures freshness even when traveling!
See also: Travelling with baby: how to plan an easy-peasy vacation
Does the material of the bottle affect shelf life?
Although formal studies have not categorically established a link between bottle material and shelf life, it is important to consider certain aspects.
Keeping breast milk in a plastic bottle for too long can increase the risk of diffusion of micro- and nanoparticles. plastic nanoparticles into the milk.
At Elhée, we therefore recommend that you choose our medical-grade silicone for your child's meals. This innovative material poses no health risk to your little one. Milk left undrunk and stored for later feeding can be reheated in the microwave. (link to microwave article) without risk.
4 signs that bottle storage time has been violated!
If a feeding bottle has not been stored for the recommended time, it will show signs of deterioration in quality. These signs are to be taken very seriously! They indicate that the milk has become unfit for consumption. If you have any doubts about the milk in your baby's bottle, throw it out. 🚮
An abnormal smell
One of the most obvious signs of deterioration in breast milk is its distinctive, unpleasant smell. The milk will develop a sour or rancid odor. If you notice it when you open the bottle, don't give it to your baby.
In some women, expressed breast milk may develop a slightly unpleasant odor, sometimes reminiscent of vomit, after a few hours or during thawing. thawing.
This is generally attributed to the presence of lipasesnatural enzymes that break down fats in milk. This odor, while disconcerting, does not prevent your milk from remaining perfectly edible. 🥛
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A change of color
Another key indicator of milk spoilage is a change in color. Fresh milk is usually white or bluish, sometimes yellowish. But if it takes on a brownish tintthis may indicate that it is no longer fit for consumption.
It's worth noting that the color of breast milk varies from one woman to the next, depending on what they themselves have consumed. In fact, its texture and color vary with each feed: transparent and bluish at the beginning of theexpressionIt tends to thicken and turn creamy yellow by the end of the feeding.
A modified texture
Properly stored breast milk has a smooth, perfectly homogeneous texture. If you notice lumps, particles or a persistent unusual texture after shaking the bottle, this may be a sign that the milk has undergone undesirable changes.
It's worth pointing out that after expression, breast milk naturally undergoes a separation, with the rise of fat. This is perfectly normal! Your milk remains perfectly safe to drink. The proportion of fat may differ with each expression, and may vary from mother to mother. The appearance of expressed breast milk is unique, different from that of cow's milk or commercial infant formula.
An altered taste
Although the taste of your breast milk may vary according to your diet, a markedly altered taste may be a sign that the milk is no longer suitable for consumption. If the milk tastes sour or acidic, it's best not to give it to your baby. Note that lipases can, once again, be the cause of a change in the taste of milk, without this being a sign that it is no longer drinkable.
To conclude
- Proper storage of breast milk bottles ensures your baby's safety and well-being. Understand and apply the storage principles set out in this article will help you avoid wastage and guarantee the nutritional quality of the breast milk you give your baby.
- The material potentially influences shelf life. We recommend choosing medical-grade medical grade siliconea safe and innovative option that avoids the generation of plastic particles in the milk when stored in the refrigerator.
- Although the rules of conservation are respected, it is important to remain alert for any signs of deterioration. signs of deterioration we have already mentioned.
- To find out the shelf life of a bottle of breast milk, refer to the table above.
