Should You Be Mixing Warm and Cold Breastmilk?

Should You Be Mixing Warm and Cold Breastmilk?

Mixing warm and cold breastmilk is a topic that everyone seems to have an opinion on… And as a new mom, you might be wondering what the right answer is! While some people say it is completely fine to add freshly pumped to cold milk, others caution that mixing the two could lead to issues with the milk. Let’s break down this common issue and how you can make the best decision for your family!

What Do Experts Say About Mixing Warm and Cold Breastmilk?

One of the first resources moms find about mixing breastmilk is the CDC. On their website, they explain that it is not advised to mix freshly expressed and already-chilled breastmilk. This is because warm milk can increase the temperature of cold milk, leading to bacteria growth. 

KellyMom shares the same thoughts, but with an additional piece of advice. They explain that you can tell if breastmilk is bad if it has a bad smell or sour taste… if the breastmilk has neither, then it is safe to consume.

So, what does that mean for mixing warm and cold breastmilk? While it might be the safest bet to not mix breastmilk at all, it is still possible for mixed milk to be perfectly safe for your baby to have!

The Exception to the Rule

However, the best way to approach mixing warm and cold breastmilk is the way that works best for you and your family. If you decide to mix breastmilk, there is something you can do to prevent bacteria growth and have milk that is safe for consumption!

If you plan to feed your baby with the milk right away, then mixing breastmilk is perfectly safe. There isn’t enough time for bacteria to grow or for the cold milk’s temperature to get to an unsafe level because your baby will be drinking it!

Mixing Warm and Cold Breastmilk Options

However, if you plan to store the milk, you still have a few options to keep it safe! The La Leche League explains that expressed milk should (ideally) be chilled right after it is expressed. So, what are your options for mixing breastmilk?

First, you can cool the breastmilk in a separate container before mixing it with other breastmilk from that day. This will still allow you to save on space and combine your expressed milk, but it also prevents any issues from bacteria growth.

Or, the Junobie Breast Milk Cooling Cup is the best way to cool milk on the go before mixing. This battery-powered cooling cup allows you to keep your breastmilk icy cold, no matter where you are. You can even grab the double pack so you can cool milk from two different sessions before mixing!

One of the best parts of the Cooling Cup is that it doesn’t use ice at all. Unlike ice that will melt (especially during those hot summers), the Cooling Cup keeps your breastmilk at a constant cool temperature until you get to your destination. On top of that, you can charge it three different ways: using a normal wall outlet, a USBC charger, or in your car!

Do What Works For Your Family

Overall, you are the only person who can decide whether mixing warm and cold breastmilk is for you. Make the decision that works best for your lifestyle, family, and child! It all comes down to what works for you and your breastfeeding journey. 

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