Breast Milk Storage Calculator: How Long Is Pumped Milk Good For?
Get the exact use-by time for pumped breast milk on the counter, in the fridge, in the freezer, thawed or left over — based on CDC guidelines.
Choose where your milk is and when it was pumped (or thawed, or when your baby stopped feeding) to see exactly when to use it by. The times follow the CDC’s storage guidelines for healthy, full-term babies.
Estimates for general guidance only — every baby is different. Ask your pediatrician about your own child.
Breast milk storage times at a glance
| Type of milk | Counter (77°F / 25°C or cooler) | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F / −18°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshly expressed | Up to 4 hours | Up to 4 days | Best within 6 months; up to 12 months is acceptable |
| Thawed, previously frozen | 1–2 hours | Up to 1 day (24 hours) | Never refreeze |
| Left over from a feed | Use within 2 hours after your baby finishes feeding, then throw away | ||
Tips for storing pumped milk
- Wash your hands before pumping, and use clean containers or bags made for breast milk.
- Label each container with the date you pumped. Use the oldest milk first.
- Store milk at the back of the fridge or freezer, not in the door, where the temperature changes more.
- Freeze in small amounts (2–4 oz / 60–120 ml) to avoid wasting milk, and leave space at the top for expansion.
- Thaw milk in the fridge overnight, under lukewarm running water or in a bowl of warm water. Never thaw or heat it in the microwave.
For pumping schedules and gear, read our guide to pumping and storing breast milk and our breast pump buying guide.