If you’re like most moms, you want to give your baby the best start in life. That means breastfeeding as long as possible. The longer you breastfeed, the better for both of you. But it can be hard to keep up when you have to go back to work.
Breast milk is a valuable commodity, and you want to make sure that it’s stored in the best way possible.
If you’re like most new moms, you’re probably wondering how to store breast milk. Do you need a deep freezer? A refrigerator? What’s the best way to keep your breast milk fresh for your baby? The answer is a Deep Freezer.
A deep freezer will keep your breast milk frozen for extended periods of time, which is important if you’re not going to be able to feed your baby immediately after pumping.
Keep reading to learn more about the Best Deep Freezer For Breast Milk!
How long does expressed breast milk keep?
The storage technique determines how long you can keep expressed breast milk. If you plan on storing your expressed breast milk for longer than 24 hours, consider using an additional container to help maintain the temperature.
Some people choose to store their breast milk in the refrigerator, while others keep it at room temperature. The best way for you depends on how long you will be storing before use and what type of storage option works with your current diet restrictions/preferences (freezer vs deep freeze).
Guidelines for milk storage
Room temperature: 4 hours (ideal).
Refrigerator: 3 days (ideal) to 8 days.
Freezer: 3–6 months.
Deep Freeze: 6–12 months.
How long can you freeze breast milk?
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be kept at room temperature (80-90°F) for up to 4 hours and in the refrigerator for up to 8 days. In the deep freezer for 6-12 months.
Please refer to breastmilk storage chart below. (Source)
(always contact your doctor if you are unsure)
How to Tell if Your Breast Milk Has Gone Bad?
Please check this video resource:
Breast Milk Storage 101
When it comes to breast milk storage, there are a few do’s and don’ts you need to remember. Here are some of the most important ones:
When it comes to breast milk storage, there are a few do’s and don’ts you need to remember. Here are some of the most important ones:
You’re probably thinking about using a breast pump if you are breast-feeding and want to return to work or seek more flexibility. Once you’ve started pumping, learn how to store your breast milk safely.
What type of container is ideal for storing expressed breast milk?
Wash your hands with soap and water before handling or expressing breast milk. Then refrigerate the expressed milk in a clean, sealed food-grade glass container or hard plastic container that isn’t made of bisphenol A (BPA).
What’s the best way to keep expressed breast milk for future use?
Write the date of expression on the container using waterproof labels and ink. Add your baby’s name to the label if you’re keeping expressed milk at a child care facility.
Place the container in the back of the fridge or freezer, where they’ll keep coolest. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer, store the milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs.
Fill each container with the milk your baby will require for one feeding. You might start with 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters) and then adjust as needed. Consider storing smaller portions — 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) — in case of unanticipated events or delays in normal feedings. As breast milk warms to body temperature, bacteria can grow.
To avoid waste, don’t thaw more milk than you think your baby will need for one feeding.
How do I thaw frozen breast milk?
The oldest milk should be thawed first. The night before you intend to use it, put the frozen container in the refrigerator. Gently warm the milk by placing it in a bowl of warm water or running it under warm running water.
To avoid any risks of ruining your milk, don’t boil a frozen bottle in the microwave or stovetop. There are some areas that could be too hot while others remain cold and rapid heating has been linked with changes in antibodies among other studies according to research.
If you’re using a deep freezer, store the expressed milk in small batches so it can thaw quickly and completely. Once thawed, breast milk is good for 24 hours.
Follow the procedures for thawing and heating frozen breast milk when it’s time to use it.
Summary:
Follow the procedures for thawing and heating frozen breast milk when it’s time to use it.
- Check the dates on stored milk containers and use the oldest milk first. Be sure to smell each container of expressed breast milk before feeding it to your baby. If it has a sour odor, don’t use it.
- When frozen breast milk is thawed, it should not be refrozen.
- Frozen breast milk can be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, Place the milk in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm running water to gently thaw it.
- Microwave or a pan of boiling water on the stove should not be used to defrost or warm breast milk.
Also Read:
- Quick and Easy Instructions to Reset Your Samsung Fridge
- How to Easily Force Defrost Your Samsung Refrigerator
Best Deep Freezer for Breast Milk Storage 2023
A good deep freezer is essential for keeping your breast milk frozen and safe for later use. We know that it can be tough to find the best deep freezers for storing breast milk so we’ve done all the hard work for you. Take a look at our list and find the perfect freezer for your needs today.
1. Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer 7.0 Cubic Feet
The Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer is a great choice for those who need to store large amounts of breast milk.
The freezer has a capacity of 7 cubic feet, and it comes with a number of features that make it easy to use. For example, the temperature can be easily adjusted to ensure that your breast milk is stored at the proper temperature.
Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer have Mechanical Control with Adjustable Thermostat from -12 to -28 Degrees (Perfect for Storing Frozen Food, Ice Cream, Ice, and Other Items).
Midea MRC070S0AWW Deep Freezer has D-shaped Quick Freezing system is designed to quickly cool down your foods, preventing spoilage and saving you money. It’s the perfect way to keep your food fresh for as long as possible.
Lastly, the Midea MRC070S0AWW Chest Freezer comes with a two-year compressor warranty, which provides you with peace of mind. Additionally, the freezer has a hinge door with 45 to 75 Degree Angles, which makes it easy to access your stored breast milk. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable chest freezer, the Midea MRC070S0AWW is a great option.
- The freezer has a capacity of 7 cubic feet, which is great for storing large amounts of breast milk.
- The temperature can be easily adjusted to ensure that your breast milk is stored at the proper temperature.
- D-shaped Quick Freezing system Speedily cools down your foods, preventing spoilage.
- The freezer comes with a full year and two-year compressor warrant
- If the placement location temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees, it will work fine.
If you go below or over by even just a few degrees for an extended period of time then your motor may become too weak to keep up with its setting.
The compressor die after awhile because they’re not built for extreme conditions like this!
Amazon Review:
2. Arctic King 5 Cu ft. Chest Freezer ARC050S0ARBB
If you’re in the market for a quality chest freezer to store your breast milk in, the Arctic King 5 Cu ft. Chest Freezer, ARC050S0ARBB is a great option to consider.
The dimensions of the Arctic King 5 Cu ft. Chest Freezer, ARC050S0ARBB are L 24.9″ x W 21.7″ H 33.5″. This freezer has a sleek black design that will blend in well with any home or professional environment, and it is also incredibly energy efficient, using only an estimated 218 kilowatts of power for an entire year.
The freezer is shipped in double-layer packaging to ensure safe delivery, and it also features a removable storage basket, easy-access defrost drain, and easy-clean interior and gasket. Whether you’re looking for a freezer for your home or business, the Arctic King 5 Cu ft. Chest Freezer, ARC050S0ARBB is a great option to consider.
- Sleek black design that will blend in well with any home or professional environment
- Incredibly energy efficient, using only an estimated 218 kilowatts of power for an entire year
- 2 Adjustable legs for leveling
- Buyers on Amazon have reported receiving the item damaged or dented, so check carefully.
- You may get the identical model from Walmart for $169. Check this URL for more information: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arctic-King-5-Cu-ft-Chest-Freezer-Black/
3. Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet
If you’re looking for an upright freezer that is both stylish and functional, the Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer is a great option to consider. This freezer has a sleek white design that will look great in any home or office.
The dimensions of the freezer are 19.7” W x 18.5” D x 33.9” H, and it has a capacity of 3 cubic feet. The freezer also comes with a number of features that make it easy to use, including an automatic defrost system, a removable wire shelf, and a recessed handle.
Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer has a temperature rating of -11.2ᵒ F to 10.4ᵒ F and it is voltage rated at 120V. This freezer has been certified for energy efficiency by meeting pass standards with its low sound level and 42 dB noise level while also having lower power consumption than other models on the market today!
Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer is equipped with adjustable legs and a reversible door, allowing you to customize your unit to fit seamlessly into any kitchen corner and balance on any surface. With sturdy shelves and a wire basket that can hold up to 105 pounds of food, you can stock up on all your favorite frozen desserts. Setting temperature preferences using the mechanical temperature control.
The Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer is a great option for mother’s looking for an upright freezer to store their breast milk in.
- Energy Star certified, meaning that it is designed to be energy efficient
- Automatic defrost system
- Some buyers have reported that they noticed a plastic smell when they first got the freezer, and that the smell lasted for weeks.
Note: Try airing it out for a few days before using it.
4. Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star 1.1 cubic feet Upright Freezer
The Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star 1.1 cubic feet Upright Freezer is a great option for mother’s looking for an upright freezer to store their breast milk in. This freezer is Energy Star rated, meaning that it is designed to be energy efficient. It also has a low noise level.
The freezer has a sleek black reversible swing door, and a recessed handle that provides a flush finish with the door. It also comes with a cylinder lock and two keys for added security. The freezer has a mechanical temperature control, and a temperature range of -10 degrees to 2 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a powerful R600a compressor cooling.
One removable flat slide out wire shelf is included. The freezer is also manual defrost. The overall dimensions of the freezer are 18.5” W x 17.7” D x 19.5” H, and it weighs 42 lbs.
The Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star 1.1 cubic feet Upright Freezer is a great option for storing breast milk, and it comes with a one-year warranty. It is UL certified that it meets all safety standards.
I would recommend this freezer to anyone in the market for an energy efficient and UL approved option to store their breast milk. It is a great size for small spaces, and it comes with a lock and key for added security. The one removable shelf is also a great feature. The manual defrost might be a downside to some, but overall this freezer is a great option.
- Low noise level. <42dB
- Comes with a cylinder lock and two keys for added security.
- The freezer has a mechanical temperature control, and a temperature range of -10 degrees to 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The manual defrost might be a downside to some.
- It is a small freezer, so it might not be suitable for everyone.
Review:
5. Galanz GLF70CWED01 Manual Defrost Chest Freezer
The Galanz GLF70CWED01 Manual Defrost Chest Freezer is a great choice for anyone looking for a freezer for breastmilk. It has a compact size and a large capacity, making it perfect for small spaces.
The Galanz chest freezer has a space-saving design and is compact. The size is perfect for a small kitchen, the home office or the rec room. The freezer also has a large capacity of 7 cubic feet.
This chest freezer is a sleek and efficient machine. It uses R600a, which means it can chill food quickly with little vibration or noise! Plus this model requires less energy to cool things in your home than others do – making sure you’re always saves some cash every month on utility bills too!
The energy consumption of this device is about ~.6 kWh per 24 hours. It will use more or less depending on the voltage and frequency you choose to power it with!
This chest freezer comes with an adjustable thermostat control to keep your frozen items at the perfect temperature. Additionally, there are three indicator lights on the front so you can easily see the status of the freezer.
Also Read: We have an article on the best undercounter refrigerators. Check it out!
Galanz GLF70CWED01 comes with two lift-out wire storage baskets and four casters for easy movement. The Galanz GLF70CWED01 Manual Defrost Chest Freezer is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and efficient freezer for breastmilk.
- Large capacity of 7 cubic feet
- There are three indicator lights on the front so you can easily see the status of the freezer
- The chest freezer comes with two lift-out wire storage baskets
- The Galanz chest freezer is not “garage ready” and will only operate properly at temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Frigidaire® 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Chest Freezer-FFCS0522AW
The Frigidaire 5.0-cubic-foot white chest freezer is a fantastic option for people wanting to store breastmilk. It has a large capacity and a space-saving design, making it perfect for small spaces.
The freezer also has a removable basket, making it easy to grab what you need and stay organized. Additionally, the freezer has an external temperature control, so you can easily adjust the temperature without opening the lid and releasing cold air.
The freezer has leveling legs and a defrost water drain for easy use. The Frigidaire 5.0 Cu. Ft use 218 kWh per year and is CSA Listed safety certifications and permissions provide an extra safeguard.
The Frigidaire chest freezer also has a power-on indicator light, allowing you to check easily whether the freezer is keeping your frozen things safe.
Overall, the Frigidaire chest freezer is a great option for anyone wanting to store breastmilk. It has a large capacity, a space-saving design, and external temperature control. The freezer comes with a one-year warranty as standard.
- Power-on Indicator Light
- Safety Certifications and Approvals CSA Listed
- None
Note: Complete Owner’s Guide and Product Specifications Sheet
FAQ
What is the Ideal Temperature to Warm Breast Milk?
97.6F is usually regarded as the usual normal body temperature. It’s a decent goal while warming breast milk since it resembles the temperature of mother’s breast milk coming straight from her breasts. Furthermore, because it isn’t hot enough to ruin any of the nutrients or probiotics in breast milk, this temperature is ideal.
How to Warm Breast Milk?
#1 Use Bottle Warmer.
The best way to warm breast milk is by using a bottle warmer. Fill the bottle warmer with hot water from the tap and place the sealed breast milk container into the warmer. Leave it for about two minutes or until the breast milk reaches 97.6F. You can then shake the container to mix any settled layers and feed your baby.
However, be careful with this one. It’s simple to overheat breast milk in a bottle warmer, which has obvious risks for the baby, but it can also destroy some of the living nutrients.
#2 Running Water Method
The running water method is a great way to heat up breast milk quickly. To do this, simply run warm tapwater and place an enclosed bottle or bag under the spout of your faucet until it’s time for feeding (rotating containers!). Then just swirl them gently while mixing in order achieve desired temperature before giving baby their nutritious drink!
Tips: To test the temperature, carefully drizzle breast milk on the inside of your wrist after it’s been warmed. It should not be cold nor hot to the touch; rather, it should feel neutral against your skin.
How long can milk stay out of the fridge?
Milk will start to spoil after about three to four hours in a warm room temperature of 80 to 90F if it is left out of the fridge. However, you can store milk in a deep freezer for up to 6-12 months. This means that you can freeze your milk for short-term or long-term storage. If you are going to freeze your milk, make sure to do it in a way that will preserve the quality of the milk.
Also Read: Can I Leave a Chest Freezer Outside?
Conclusion
This concludes our review of the best deep freezer for breast milk in 2022. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to make an informed decision about which freezer is right for you.
Had to order a deep freezer. My freezer is over flowing with breast milk. #newmom #pumpingmom #breastmilk pic.twitter.com/kiyQYhoUqm
— Tally (@TaLLyTaLLz) July 21, 2020
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