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How long does breast milk last?

Q: How long does breast milk last?

Breast milk lasts 4 days in the refrigerator, and about 4 hours at room temperature. In the freezer it keeps for 6 months (quality — frozen food stays safe indefinitely).

Quick answer

Breast milk lasts 4 days in the refrigerator, and about 4 hours at room temperature. In the freezer it keeps for 6 months (quality — frozen food stays safe indefinitely).

🍼 Breast milk — Storage times
Where	Safe for
🏠 Room temperature (counter)	4 hours
🧊 Refrigerator (≤40°F / 4°C)	4 days
❄️ Freezer (0°F / −18°C)	6 months

Good to know4 hours out, 4 days fridge, 6 months freezer (the 4-4-6 rule).

How to tell if breast milk has gone bad

This category has the strictest rules on the site — especially anything for babies. Trust your senses before any calculator — including ours. Throw breast milk away if you notice:

An off, sour, or unusual smell that wasn't there when fresh
A slimy, sticky, or tacky surface texture
Visible mould or unexpected discolouration
It's been past the safe window in the table above

⚠️ Bacteria that cause food poisoning often produce no smell, taste, or visible change. Food can look perfectly fine and still make you sick — that's why the time limits matter even when everything seems okay.

Storage tips for breast milk

For anything feeding a baby, follow the times strictly — infant immune systems can't handle bacterial loads an adult wouldn't even notice.

Never return unused portions to the container after feeding or serving. Saliva enzymes and bacteria transfer on the spoon and accelerate spoilage dramatically.

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How long does breast milk last?

How to tell if breast milk has gone bad

Storage tips for breast milk

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