A Guide to Breast Milk Storage

How long does expressed milk last?

Your expressed milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place it on the fridge shelf, rather than in the door, to ensure it is kept at a constant temperature.

After thawing, frozen breastmilk can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 hours. You can also use disposable cups for storing milk, but don’t forget to write the date on them so you know when it was expressed.

Never use a microwave

Make sure you don’t use a microwave to defrost or warm expressed milk, as hot spots could burn your baby.

It’s recommended that you throw away any milk that's left in your baby's bottle after each feed.

Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.