For mothers who store pumped breast milk to keep a supply ready for their baby, learning how to store breast milk in glass bottles in the freezer is an important part of feeding your baby. While there are many breast milk storage options, from plastic bottles to plastic bags, glass bottles are a fine choice to store pumped milk, as parents do not need to worry about chemicals in the glass or whether plastic is (bisphenol A) BPA-free.
Step 1
Wash glass bottles with hot water and soap. There is no need to sterilize unless you want to do so. Be sure to dry the bottles and lids carefully, as any drops of water on the lid threading can freeze and make securing the lid difficult.
Step 2
Pump the desired amount of breast milk using a breast pump. You can pump directly into the glass bottles if your breast pump has a pump attachment with bottle thread that is compatible with the glass bottles you use for breast milk storage.
Step 3
Transfer breast milk to glass bottles if you did not pump directly into the bottles. Pour no more than 4 oz. into the bottle.
Step 4
Secure the lid on the bottle tightly. Make certain there is at least 1/2 an inch between the top of the breast milk and the bottom of the lid.
Step 5
Put a piece of masking tape on the bottle and, using permanent marker, write the date on the tape.
Step 6
Place the bottle in the deepest part of the freezer. If you are using a freezer that is attached to a refrigerator, the stored breast milk will be good for three to six months. If you are using a bench freezer or a stand-alone freezer, set the bottle in the lowest part. Breast milk frozen in these freezers is good for six to 12 months.
Step 7
Check on the bottles three hours after placing them in the freezer. The breast milk will have expanded slightly when it froze. Be certain to check for any cracked or broken bottles.
Step 8
Set new glass bottles filled with fresh milk in the freezer next to older bottles, but do not allow the glass bottles to touch to prevent breakage.
Tips and Warnings
- Milk storage for premature babies involves different guidelines. Consult a lactation consultant in your area for more details.
- Never use breast milk from a broken glass jar. If the freezer malfunctions or loses power, do not refreeze breast milk. Thawed breast milk is good for 24 hours after thawing if it is stored in a refrigerator.
Things You'll Need
- Glass bottles, 5- to 6-oz. size
- Lids
- Breast pump
- Masking tape
- Permanent marker
