How to Freeze Breast Milk Flat

How do you freeze breast milk flat?

Your best bet is to seal your breast milk bag making sure all of the air is out and then lay it flat in the freezer. Storing breastmilk in the freezer takes up less room, and once it’s frozen into a flat pack, you may move it to another location in the freezer with even less space utilization.

Best way to freeze breast milk

If you are a working mother who is breastfeeding, you may be wondering how to best store your breast milk. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or it can be frozen for up to six months. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when freezing breast milk.

First, it is important to use a container that is specifically designed for storing breast milk. These containers are available at most baby stores or online.

Second, be sure to leave enough room at the top of the container for the milk to expand as it freezes.

Finally, make sure to label the milk with the date it was expressed and the date it needs to be used by.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your frozen breast milk is safe and nutritious for your baby.

how to freeze breast milk flat

(this post may contain affiliate links)

Label the storage bag

Before putting the breast milk into the storage bag and into the freezer, be sure to label it with the date, how many ounces of breast milk, and your child’s name.

This will help ensure that the breast milk is used within a safe time frame and that your child is getting the right amount of breast milk.

It is also important to label the breast milk bag if there is a chance it will be used in a childcare setting. This will help the childcare provider to identify which child the bag belongs to.

Transfer your milk into storage bags

Then you need to transfer your milk from the bottle into the breast milk bag. When transferring breast milk from a bottle to a bag, use your flange as a funnel to prevent spills. Doing this will help you to avoid wasting any of your hard-earned milk.

Make sure that the bag is well sealed before placing it in the fridge or freezer. Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to six months. With proper storage, your baby can enjoy your nutritious breast milk for weeks or even months to come!

Freeze it flat

When you put the breast milk in the freezer, lay it flat to freeze. This maximizes the amount of breast milk that you can store in your freezer.

You can lay your breast milk storage bags out on a cookie sheet, a takeout container, or large Tupperware to freeze. Either way, you want to make sure that the milk is lying flat so that it is frozen flat and evenly.

Once it’s frozen, you can stack the containers on top of each other to save space. And don’t forget to label the milk with the date so you know how fresh it is. Frozen milk can be stored for up to six months, so this is a great way to keep a supply on hand.

how to freeze breast milk flat

Organizing your breast milk in the freezer

Any new parent will quickly learn that organization is key when you store breast milk. With a few simple tips, you can keep your freezer full of delicious, nutritious breast milk without any hassle. First, invest in a good storage system.

Look for BPA-free containers that are specifically designed for breast milk. These containers will stack neatly in your freezer and make it easy to thaw the perfect amount of breast milk for each feeding.

Second, label all of your containers with the date they were stored. This will help you keep track of when each batch was made and ensure that you use the oldest milk first.

Finally, don’t be afraid to stock up! Breast milk freezes well, so it’s always better to have too much than not enough. With a little planning, you can easily keep your breast milk stash perfectly organized – and your baby will be happy and healthy as a result.

Store in gallon-sized zip lock bags

Breast milk is an amazing source of nutrition for babies, providing them with antibodies, vitamins, and minerals that they need to grow and develop.

However, pumping and storing breast milk can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re short on time or space. One way to make things easier is to store your frozen breast milk bags in labeled gallon bags or fridge organizer containers.

This way, you’ll always know how much milk you have on hand, and you won’t have to worry about thawing too much at once. Plus, it’ll save you valuable time in the long run!

Use a fridge organizer container

Any mother who has ever tried to organize her freezer knows the challenge of keeping track of frozen breast milk. Without a system in place, it can be difficult to remember which breast milk storage bags are the oldest and which are the newest.

This can lead to unnecessary waste, as older milk is sometimes thrown out simply because it was buried under a pile of newer breast milk.

A fridge organizer container is a perfect solution to this problem. By clearly labeling each compartment with the date, you can ensure that your frozen breast milk is always organized from oldest to newest.

Not only will this help you to save money by reducing food waste, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your baby is always getting the freshest milk possible.

Use a breast milk inventory list

An inventory list for your pumped breast milk can be extremely helpful, especially if you store your breast milk in multiple freezers. The list should include how many ounces you pumped, when it was pumped and frozen, as well as where it is stored.

This will help you keep track of your breast milk and ensure that you are using the oldest milk first. It is also a good idea to label each freezer bag with the date it was frozen.

This will help you to rotate your stock and use the oldest milk first. By keeping an inventory list and labeling your freezer bags, you can be sure that you are using your breast milk in the most efficient way possible.

What if your freezer is full?

Even with the best of intentions, sometimes you may still run out of freezer space. If this happens, there are a few options available.

First, you can borrow a family member’s freezer. This is a great option if you have someone who lives nearby and is willing to help out.

Second, you can donate your breast milk. There are many mothers who are unable to breastfeed and would be delighted to receive your milk.

Finally, you can buy a deep freezer. This is a more expensive option, but it will provide you with the extra space you need. Whichever option you choose, make sure to keep your breast milk well organized so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.

I personally donate my extra milk at this time but I know a lot of friends that get a deep freezer. It’s something that will probably come in handy as your family grows anyway!

How to Track How Much Breast Milk Is In Your Freezer

As a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to keep track of your frozen milk when you are pumping and storing it for later use. There are a few different ways to do this.

Get a pumping log with an inventory list

As any breastfeeding mother knows, pumping breast milk is essential for maintaining a healthy milk supply. However, it can be difficult to keep track of how much milk you have pumped over time.

A pumping log can help you to keep track of your milk production, as well as when and where the milk is stored.

An inventory list can also be helpful for keeping track of how much milk you have on hand.

By using both a pumping log and an inventory list, you can get a better idea of your milk production and ensure that you have enough breast milk on hand to meet your baby’s needs.

Use a pumping app

First, You can also use a dedicated breast milk tracking app like Milk Stork or Pumped Also. These apps allow you to track not only the amount of milk you pump, but also when you pump, how long you pump, and any other relevant information. This can be helpful to see how much milk you are producing over time.

Finally, you can simply keep a notebook where you track the date, time, and amount of each pumping session. This is a more low-tech option, but it can still be effective. Whichever method you choose, tracking your breast milk will help you to ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat.

Write it on a spreadsheet

There are a lot of different ways to track your breast milk production. Some women prefer to use a physical notebook or tracker, while others prefer to use a digital app or spreadsheet.

If you’re looking for a digital option that gives you complete control over your tracking, then using a Google spreadsheet is a great option. You can customize the columns and cells to track whatever information you want, and you can easily access and update your spreadsheet from anywhere.

Plus, if you need to share your tracking with your partner or another caregiver, you can easily do so by sharing the spreadsheet. If you’re looking for a flexible and customizable option for tracking your breast milk production, then using a Google spreadsheet is definitely the way to go.

Have a dry erase board by your freezer

If you are a pumping mother, it can be difficult to keep track of your milk stash. You may store frozen breast milk in the freezer for occasional use, or you may be building up a stockpile in case of an emergency.

Either way, it is important to know how much milk you have on hand. One easy way to keep track of your milk supply is to put a magnetic whiteboard on the outside of your freezer.

You can update the total number of ounces of breast milk bags each time you add or remove milk. This way, you will always know how much milk you have on hand, and you can feel confident that your baby will never go without.

Label the gallon zip lock bag

There are few things more precious than breast milk, and moms who are able to pump and freeze their milk are understandably protective of their stash.

However, it can be hard to keep track of how much milk is in the freezer, especially as bags are used and added over time. A simple solution is to write the total number of ounces and bags on the outside of the zip-lock bag.

That way, you can quickly and easily update the label as needed. This system is not only helpful for keeping track of your milk supply, but it also helps to ensure that you always have enough milk on hand for your baby.

Why you should freeze extra breast milk

Any mother knows that providing breast milk for her baby is the best way to ensure their good health. However, sometimes unforeseen circumstances can make it difficult to breastfeed on demand.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a stash of frozen breast milk on hand. Frozen breast milk can be thawed and used as needed, whether you are away from home or simply unable to breastfeed at the moment.

Additionally, frozen breast milk can last for up to six months, (up to one year in a deep freezer) so you don’t have to worry about running out. So if you want to be sure that your baby always has access to the best nutrition possible, always keep some frozen breast milk on hand.

Way to use excess frozen breast milk

If you have some extra breast milk that you don’t think you’ll be able to use, there are still plenty of ways to put it to good use. So, if you have some excess breast milk, don’t hesitate to put it to good use in one of these creative ways.

Make a milk bath

You can add it to a milk bath for your baby. The milk will help to soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin, and the experience can be very calming for both of you.

Mix it with Solids

It’s common for mothers to produce more breast milk than their babies need. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to use up the excess without wasting it. One option is to mix it into your baby’s solid foods. This can be done by adding a few drops to mashed carrots or pureed fruits and vegetables. Breast milk will provide additional nutrients and can help your baby to transition to solid foods more easily.

Help soothe baby when teething

Another option is to use it as a healthy and natural way to soothe your baby’s teething pains. Simply place a small amount on a clean finger and let your baby suck on it for relief. And finally, you can always freeze excess breast milk in ice cube trays for future use.

I loved adding frozen breast milk into these baby mesh food feeders. It was great for soothing my baby while they were teething. It’s also great when you haven’t introduced solids yet and want to stick with just breast milk as a soother.

So don’t worry if you find yourself with more breast milk than you know what to do with- there are plenty of ways to put it to good use!

Breast milk lotion

Alternatively, you could make breast milk lotion. This lotion is perfect for sensitive skin, and it’s a great way to use up any extra breast milk. Plus, it’s a nice way to keep a part of yourself with your baby even when you’re not able to nurse.

Final thoughts

Now that you know how to freeze breast milk flat, you can be sure that your baby will always have access to nutritious, delicious milk – even when you’re away from home. Just remember to label each bag with the date it was frozen, and use the oldest milk first. And if you have any questions about freezing or thawing breast milk, be sure to consult a lactation specialist or your baby’s pediatrician. With a little planning and preparation, you can rest assured that your baby will always have the nourishment they need.

Be sure to read Spectra Pump Settings for Optimal Output and How to Use a Haakaa to Effortlessly Build Your Freezer Stash

About the author

Lacy Reason is a highly experienced and compassionate lactation counselor, who has dedicated her career to educating and supporting new mothers on their breastfeeding journey.

1 thought on “How to Freeze Breast Milk Flat”

Comments are closed.