Breastfeeding Fridge Hack: Is it Safe?
You’ve just started your day at work as a breastfeeding mom and completed your first pumping session of the day. The last thing you want to do is wash all of your pump parts before getting back to work. I see you, I’ve been you.
What if you could skip washing your pump parts after each session for your work day? Or not have to deal with what feels like hundreds of pieces to clean when you get home? In this post, we’ll explore the popular breastfeeding fridge hack. How it works, if it’s safe, and tips to make it work for you!
What is the Breastfeeding Fridge Hack?
The breastfeeding fridge hack is when you store unwashed pump parts in the fridge between pumping sessions.
A new mom would pump, store her breast milk elsewhere, and then place those used breast pump parts in a clean container until their next use. Moms love this hack for its convenience and the fact that it’s a huge time saver.
Storing pump parts in the fridge is usually most helpful for breastfeeding moms who have returned to work or are exclusively pumping.
So Is It Safe? What the Experts Say
You will likely find different opinions on whether the fridge hack is safe or not.
Here is what the CDC has to say, directly from their website:
“The CDC and most breast pump manufacturers recommend cleaning pump parts thoroughly after every use to help protect babies from germs. If you cannot clean your pump parts thoroughly after each pumping session, you can rinse and then refrigerate pump parts for a few hours between uses to help slow the growth of bacteria. It’s important to understand that refrigeration does not stop bacteria from growing. No studies have shown whether rinsing or wiping and then storing pump parts in the refrigerator between pumping sessions effectively limits the growth of bacteria and is a safe alternative to washing between use every time. Infants have become ill from contaminated milk due to bacteria growing on pump parts that were not cleaned properly.
If you choose to refrigerate pump parts between pumping sessions, rinse the parts first to remove milk residue, if possible, and then keep the parts in a sealed bag to prevent contamination. If rinsing is not possible, wipe milk residue off the parts with a clean, disposable paper towel. If your infant is younger than 2 months, was born prematurely, or has a compromised immune system, proper cleaning of pump parts after each use is especially important.”
WHAT ABOUT BREAST MILK’S ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES?
Some breastfeeding specialists argue that because breast milk is contains antibacterial properties, it can sit on pump parts for a longer period of time without concern.
Here is what the CDC says in response to the question – Is it true that germs can grow quickly in breast milk or breast milk residue that remains on pump parts?
“Harmful germs can grow in breast milk (or its residues). You need to disinfect your pump properly so that milk does not become contaminated. Infants have become ill from contaminated milk due to bacteria grown on pump parts that were not cleaned properly. Proper cleaning of breast pump parts and feeding items, and appropriate storage of milk, can help preserve the nutrients in breast milk and reduce the risk of introducing germs to an infant. Cleaning pump parts thoroughly after every use is the best way to help protect babies from harmful germs that could be on pump parts, especially for babies who were born prematurely or have other health conditions.
Breast milk contains components that protect it from being contaminated with germs after it has been expressed. It can also kill some germs. However, milk’s ability to kill germs decreases with time, even under refrigerated conditions, and can differ by milk collection container type. There are also many different types of germs that could contaminate pump parts. Ultimately, breast milk is a nutrient-rich liquid that, despite its antibacterial properties, can still become contaminated by harmful bacteria.”
With all of this being said, we have very little evidence of harm when using the breastfeeding fridge hack.
The TLDR: Cleaning and sterilizing after each usage is the safest way. BUT the CDC does have recommendations to make the fridge hack as safe as possible for parents who choose to use it.
How to Do the Breastfeeding Fridge Hack Safely
The breastfeeding fridge hack should only be used for full-term, healthy babies after 2 months of age with no health conditions. If your baby is premature or immunocompromised, the fridge hack should not be used.
- Start with clean hands and a fresh, clean set of pump parts.
- After pumping, you can rinse your pump parts or wipe them out with a clean paper towel or pump wipes.
- Store in a clean, airtight container. This can be tubberware or a zip-top bag. I love the Sarah Wells Pumparoo for this.
- Store in the refrigerator immediately and ensure the temperature of the fridge is appropriate (4°C or 40°F).
- Use pump parts again at the next pumping session and repeat. Try to use the fridge hack for no longer than 8-12 hours.
- Clean with warm, soapy water at the end of the day and sterilize if you choose.
Some additional recommendations to ensure you’re using this hack as safely as possible: store pump parts at the back of the refrigerator where there’s less temperature fluctuations and label & date the container to keep track of how long the parts have been stored.
Alternatives to the Breastfeeding Fridge Hack to Make Mom Life Simpler
If you decide the breastfeeding fridge hack isn’t for you, there are alternatives to making pumping at work or being an exclusive pumper easier.
Extra Pump Parts and Bottles: If you need to pump multiple times a day, consider purchasing additional pump parts and bottles. Use a new set at each pumping session and wash all pieces at the end of the day.
Bottle Washer & Sterilizer: There are incredible products out there that wash, sterilize, and dry all baby feeding items (pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, etc) at once! I’ve had personal experience with this one and found it to be quick and very effective!
Dishwasher: While not accessible at work most times, a dishwasher is a good alternative for exclusive pumping moms for home use.
What Other Moms Had to Say
I asked our community of moms on Instagram if they use the fridge hack and why, and here’s what they had to say.
“I don’t have enough time at work to wash and dry after each pump.”
“Time constraints & hands are so dry and cracked from washing parts and being a mom.”
“Makes it simple when working or having limited time!”
Making the Best Choice for You
Whether you decide to use the breastfeeding fridge hack is a personal decision for you and your individual circumstances. Some moms find that the fridge hack is what helps make pumping more feasible for them and allows them to provide breast milk for their baby longer than they otherwise would without it.
Other moms feel more comfortable strictly following the CDC guidelines. Whatever you decide, you can now make an informed choice and feel confident in it!
If you’re reading this post in preparation for returning to work while breastfeeding, check out this post!
Want even more support? My comprehensive prenatal breastfeeding guide, Bump to Breast, goes over all of this and so much more. We discuss latching, pumping, common breastfeeding struggles, all about your baby’s first week of life — everything you need to know about breastfeeding before (and after) your baby arrives!
