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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and therefore cannot prescribe, treat, or diagnose. I’m a mom and health coach sharing my knowledge and experiences for educational purposes. This does not take the place of any professional medical advice.
Navigating the world of breastfeeding opens up a flurry of questions for new moms, one of which surfaces often: Can babies drink cold breast milk?
The primary concern with breast milk is not the temperature at which it’s served, but how it’s been stored to preserve its nutritional and immunological benefits. Studies indicate that breast milk retains most of its health benefits regardless of the temperature at which it is consumed.
Breast milk’s nutritional value is determined more by the diet and health of the mother than by the temperature at which the milk is served.
It’s super important to follow proper storage guidelines to prevent bacterial growth. Breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for about six months (up to a year) under proper conditions.
Naturally, breast milk comes at body temperature, which is why many assume that’s the only way babies will accept it; however, babies’ preferences can vary widely. Some babies are perfectly happy drinking cold milk straight from the refrigerator, while others might prefer it warmed up. The choice often comes down to your baby’s personal preference, so pay attention to your baby’s cues.
Do be sure not to warm up breast milk in the microwave since this completely destroys the nutritional profile of the milk.
It’s important to remember that the sudden change from warm to cold breast milk might be startling for some infants initially. If you’re introducing cold milk for the first time, it might be worth doing so gradually to gauge your baby’s reaction.
My little one will only drink warm milk, and he’s almost 2. I use this warmer at home and this travel warmer on the go. The exception to this is breastmilk popsicles when he was teething! I’d simply freeze my breast milk in these molds, and he loved it.
The decision to feed your baby cold breast milk boils down to personal preference, convenience, and observing how your baby responds. What’s most important is that the milk is safe, clean, and packed with the nutrition your baby needs to grow and thrive. By staying informed and attentive to your baby’s needs, you can make the best choice for your little one and make the breastfeeding experience a bit easier for both of you.
If you’d like to be in a community of new moms where you can discuss things like this in a safe space, I cordially invite you to join my Facebook group! See you there!
xo, Mary