Breast milk storage timer
Tell us where your milk is and when you pumped it. We'll tell you exactly when to use it by.
Use it by
How long is breast milk good for?
Freshly pumped breast milk is good for up to 4 hours at room temperature, up to 4 days in the fridge, and about 6 months in the freezer (up to 12 months is OK). Thawed milk is good for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Leftover milk from a feed should be used within 2 hours.
| Where | Freshly pumped | Thawed | Left over after a feed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (up to 25 °C / 77 °F) | Up to 4 hours | 1–2 hours | Within 2 hours after the feed |
| Fridge (4 °C / 40 °F) | Up to 4 days | Up to 24 hours | — |
| Freezer (−18 °C / 0 °F) | Best within 6 months, OK up to 12 | Never refreeze | — |
How we calculate this
We use the CDC's breast milk storage guidelines for healthy, full-term babies. If your baby was born early or is in the hospital, the rules can be stricter. Ask your baby's care team.
Questions moms ask
Can I refreeze thawed breast milk?
No. Once breast milk is thawed, don't freeze it again. Use it within 24 hours if it's in the fridge.
Can I mix fresh milk with fridge milk?
Yes, but cool the fresh milk in the fridge first. Then add it. The use-by time is based on the oldest milk.
How can I tell if breast milk has gone bad?
Go by time, not smell or look. Stored milk can separate and smell different and still be fine. Milk past the safe time should be thrown away.
Where is the best place in the fridge?
At the back, where it's coldest. The door warms up every time it's opened.
Related tools
This tool gives an estimate, not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. If you're worried about anything, talk to your doctor or midwife.