Is 50 Degrees Fahrenheit a Safe Temperature for Breastmilk?
Yes, storing freshly expressed breastmilk at 50 degrees Fahrenheit is considered safe for a limited time. This temperature falls within the broader range often cited for room temperature storage by organizations like the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), which defines room temperature as 50–85°F (10–29°C). However, the duration of safe storage is significantly shorter than for refrigerated or frozen milk, and factors like cleanliness and milk handling are critically important to prevent bacterial growth. The cooler end of the room temperature spectrum, such as 50°F, offers a slight advantage in slowing bacterial growth compared to higher room temperatures, but it is not a substitute for refrigeration or freezing for long-term storage.
Safe Handling and Storage at 50°F
Proper hygiene is paramount when handling breastmilk, regardless of the storage temperature. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before expressing or handling milk to minimize the risk of contamination. When storing milk at 50°F, follow these steps to maximize its safety:
- Use clean, food-grade containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic, or special breastmilk storage bags.
- Label each container with the date and time of expression to track freshness.
- Store milk in small portions to avoid waste, as any unused portion from a feeding must be discarded within two hours.
- Keep the container covered and away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- If transporting, use an insulated cooler bag with ice packs to maintain a consistent cool temperature. This can extend the safe storage time to up to 24 hours in a cooler around 59°F (15°C).
Factors Affecting Breastmilk Storage Duration
Several variables influence how long breastmilk can be safely stored at any temperature, including 50°F. Awareness of these factors helps parents make informed decisions about storage practices:
- Room Temperature Fluctuation: The 50-85°F range is wide, and a consistent 50°F is safer than a temperature that rises and falls. A cooler ambient temperature will naturally support a slightly longer safe period than a warmer one.
- Milk Expression Cleanliness: How cleanly the milk was expressed, handled, and stored can influence the initial bacterial load. Milk expressed under very clean conditions may last slightly longer at cooler room temperatures.
- Infant's Health: The storage guidelines discussed apply to healthy, full-term infants. For premature or hospitalized babies, stricter guidelines from a healthcare provider should always be followed.
- Combining Milk: Never combine freshly expressed warm milk with older, already cooled milk. The freshly expressed milk should be cooled first before being combined with older milk. When combining milk from different sessions, base the storage time on the date of the oldest milk.
Breastmilk Storage Time Comparison
Understanding the different storage options is key for managing expressed milk effectively. The following table compares storage recommendations across various temperature conditions.
| Storage Location | Approximate Temperature | Safe Storage Time (Freshly Expressed) | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature (50°F) | 50°F (10°C) | Up to 6-8 hours (optimal is within 4 hours) | Dependent on cleanliness and avoiding temperature fluctuations; use within 4 hours for the most conservative approach. |
| Room Temperature (77°F) | 77°F (25°C) | Up to 4 hours | Higher temperature means shorter safe storage time; use or refrigerate promptly. |
| Insulated Cooler with Ice Packs | 59°F (15°C) or colder | Up to 24 hours | Ideal for travel; keep cooler closed as much as possible to maintain temperature. |
| Refrigerator | 40°F (4°C) or colder | Up to 4 days | Store milk in the back of the main compartment for consistent temperature; avoid the door. |
| Freezer (separate door) | 0°F (-18°C) or colder | Best within 6 months, acceptable up to 12 months | Leaves space for expansion; store in the back, away from the door. |
Storing Breastmilk While Traveling
When you need to transport expressed milk, maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial. For trips that require extended storage outside a refrigerator, an insulated cooler with ice packs is the best option. Milk can remain safe in this setup for up to 24 hours, provided the ice packs stay frozen and the cooler is kept sealed. It's also possible to carry more than the standard liquid allowance of breastmilk through air travel, with specific screening procedures in place. Upon arrival, transfer the milk to a refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. If reliable cooling is unavailable, discarding the milk may be necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can store breastmilk at 50 degrees, but only for a limited window. While this temperature is at the cooler end of the acceptable room temperature range, it does not offer the extended shelf life of refrigeration. For freshly expressed milk, it is best to use it within 4-6 hours at this temperature, with an emphasis on using or cooling it sooner if possible. For longer storage, refrigeration or freezing is always the safest option. Following proper hygiene and handling guidelines is key to preserving the safety and nutritional value of breastmilk for your baby. For the most conservative and up-to-date recommendations, always refer to guidelines from reliable health authorities like the CDC.
For more detailed guidance on breastmilk storage and preparation, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
