8 Ways on How to Warm Breast Milk on the Go

Here are some ways on how to warm breast milk on the go:

• Let the breast milk thaw at room temperature for two hours
• Run hot water over the bottle
• Have a thermos with hot water
• Have the business bring you a cup of hot water
• Use hot water and a bowl to heat the breast milk 
• Bring a portable bottle warmer
• Use hand warmers
• Use a self warming bottle

Do you have to warm breast milk?

You do not have to warm breast milk. This is more of a preference. Many babies prefer and even refuse a bottle if the temperature isn’t consistent.

Warmed milk is around body temperature, or slightly warmer. You can use a portable bottle warmer, or hand warmers to achieve this.

This is a safer option than using a microwave.

Warmed milk should not be overheated, as this can be harmful to your baby.

If you are traveling and do not have access to a warmer, you can let the milk thaw at room temperature for two hours, or use hot or warm water and a bowl to heat it up.

There are a variety of methods you can use to warm breast milk on the go, but making sure it is not overheated is the most important.

How warm should breast milk be?

The milk should be warmed to a temperature of around body temperature, or slightly warmer.

Aim to have the breast milk at 99 °F (37 °C). Do not allow it to go above 104 °F (40 °C) as it can scald your baby’s mouth and kill off important nutrients.

When using a bowl of warm water, make sure to test the temperature of the milk before feeding it to your baby. You can do this by squirting a few drops on the inside of your wrist.

If it feels too hot, let it cool down for a bit before trying again. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to heating up breast milk.

What to do if you overheat the milk

If you accidentally warm a breast milk bottle, you may put it back on the cooler and let it cool down. It will be safe for your baby to consume after it has cooled down. You may also put it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

Breast milk is often refrigerated, so if you are using breast milk that has been frozen and then thawed, it is important to use it within 24 hours.

If you need to store breast milk for longer periods of time, you can freeze it. When freezing breast milk, make sure to use freezer bags that are designed for storing breast milk. These bags are stronger and prevent freezer burn.

8 Ways to warm breast milk on the go

There are a variety of ways you can heat breast milk on the go, but making sure it is not overheated is the most important.

By using one of these methods, you can ensure that your baby gets the perfect bottle every time.

1. Letting the milk sit a room temperature

If you’re traveling and don’t have access to a bottle warmer, you can let the milk thaw at room temperature for two hours. This will take some planning ahead but it is a simple option.

Just be sure to use the milk shortly after it comes to room temperature, as it may spoil if left out for too long.

2. Using a thermos of hot water

Another easy way to warm breast milk while on the go is to use a thermos of water. This can be easily done at a restaurant or any other public place.

If you have a big enough thermos, place the bottle into the hot water. This Thermos is large enough to accommodate a bottle inside its circumference and is about the same price as the portable baby bottle warmer.

Just pour water into the thermos and let the cold milk warm up for a few minutes. Be sure to test the temperature of the warm milk before feeding it to your baby.

But if you have a smaller thermos that cannot accommodate a baby bottle, fill it with hot water and pour the water into a bowl. Then place the bottle in the heated water.

3. Having the business bring you a cup of hot water

If you’re traveling and find yourself without a way to warm your breast milk, don’t worry!

You can ask the restaurant or convenience store to bring you a cup of hot water. This is an easy solution that most places are happy to help with.

Ask for the cup or bowl to be filled up halfway or pour out half of the water once they bring it to you. Then place the bottle into the cup or bowl for a couple of minutes.

Be sure to check on the breast milk of baby formula a few times to ensure it is not too hot.

4. Using portable bottle warmers

A portable baby bottle warmer is a great way to warm breast milk on the go. They are small and easy to use, making them perfect for travel. All you need is a power outlet and you’re good to go!

The Tommee Tippee Portable Baby Bottle Warmer is one of the most convenient on-the-go bottle warmers. It’s comparable to a regular coffee or hot meals thermos in that it keeps hot water secure.

It’s leak-free so it’s great for putting into your diaper bag and taking on long car rides or plane trips.

Fill the metal thermos with boiling water to use this portable baby food warmer. After that, take it on the go with you by sealing it up.

When it’s time to feed, fill the plastic bottle-warmer cup that fits around the thermos with boiling water and place the baby’s bottle into the thermos. The breastmilk will be ready in no time thanks to this cup.

5. Using hand warmers

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to use a bottle warmer, you can use hand warmers to heat up your breast milk. All you need is a few minutes and you’re good to go.

To use them, unwrap one of the packets and massage it in your hands until you feel the heat, then wrap it around your baby bottle. Voila! Warm milk is now ready for your baby.

This is great for when you are traveling but it might not be cost-effective for everyday use if you need to warm up multiple baby bottles daily.

6. Running hot water over the baby bottle

You can also warm the breast milk by running hot water over the bottle. This is a quick and easy way to get breast milk up to temperature if you are in a pinch.

Seal the bottle by placing a cap or a finger over the nipple to ensure it is sealed. After that, immerse the bottle in hot water for a few minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure that all of the milk is heated equally.

You need to be careful and rotate the bottle while you have the water running over it to prevent hot spots.

Be sure to check the temperature of the breast milk before feeding it to your baby.

7. Use hot water and a bowl to heat the breast milk

If you’re traveling and don’t have access to a bottle warmer, you can use hot water and a bowl to heat the breast milk up. This is a slower method but it is very reliable.

Simply pour hot water into the bowl and let the bottle sit in it until the milk is warm. Be sure to test the temperature before feeding it to your baby.

8. Use a self-warming bottle

This is a very cool version of a portable bottle warmer. The Belfano portable warmer connects to your bottle and uses heat from the stainless steel base for warming breast milk. What is great is it displays the temperature of the milk so it will be the perfect temperature every time.

It also will warm the milk in under 20 seconds which is perfect in those hectic moments when your baby needs their bottle right away.

If you have enough to fit in your diaper bag, this is a very minimal and sleek way to warm milk for your baby since it is smaller than a water bottle.

Final thoughts

There are a variety of methods you can use to warm breast milk on the go, but making sure it is not overheated is the most important. Warmed milk should be around body temperature, or slightly warmer.

If you’re traveling and don’t have access to a bottle warmer, you can let the breast milk thaw at room temperature for two hours. You can also use a thermos of hot water, or ask the business to bring you a cup of warm water.

Using a portable baby bottle warmer is also a great way to warm a baby bottle on the go. Be sure to test the temperature of the milk before feeding it to your baby.

Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have warm milk for your baby no matter where you are.

Be sure to read Best Glass Bottles for Breastfed Babies and Why Can’t You Add Warm Breast Milk to Cold Milk?