How long can breast milk be stored in the refrigerator?

The storage time for refrigerated breast milk varies depending on the conditions and methods of refrigeration. Under normal circumstances, breast milk can be stored for 3 to 5 days at a temperature of 0–4°C, but it is best consumed within 24 hours to ensure freshness and nutritional value. Storage containers should be clean and well-sealed, such as glassware, rigid plastic containers, or specially designed breast milk storage bags. Avoid using baby feeding bottles, as their openings are not thick enough to adequately protect the milk from contamination. The amount of breast milk stored each time should be based on the baby's typical feeding volume for convenience. Label each container with the date and volume of storage to ensure that older milk is used first. When preparing refrigerated breast milk for feeding, warm it to an appropriate temperature (about 36–40°C). Do not heat it directly in a microwave or boiling water, as this may damage its nutritional components. Once warmed, the breast milk should be consumed within 24 hours and must not be re-refrigerated or refrozen.