CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Can the Baby Drink My Breast Milk Cold?

Is it safe?
save article
profile picture of Erin van Vuuren
Updated January 30, 2017
Hero Image

Sure. Many babies don’t mind a bottle of cold milk. Some moms like to take the chill off by running the bottle under a little hot water (or soaking it) for a couple of minutes, but you technically could go straight from fridge to baby. The problem is that it can be tough to get the fat layer to mix back in with the milk if it is cold. (You definitely want baby to get that fat — it will satisfy her for longer and contribute to healthy weight gain.) Plus, baby might prefer milk that’s closer to body temperature.

Remember to never heat baby’s milk in the microwave. This can cause “hot spots” in the milk that can burn you or baby, and the high heat destroys some of the nutrients.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mother breastfeeding baby at home
Why You Might Experience Cramping While Breastfeeding
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Molly Baz breastfeeding in front of times square billboard for bobbie
First-Ever Breastfeeding Billboard Unveiled in Times Square
By Wyndi Kappes
mother holding baby in airport and pointing to airplanes
These Are the Top 10 Airports for Breastfeeding and Pumping Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
breast milk in breast pump and baby bottle
How to Dry Up Breast Milk Stat
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom breastfeeding newborn baby while sitting next to toddler
12 Ways to Keep Your Toddler Entertained While Breastfeeding a Newborn
Fact Checked by G. O’Hara
mother feeding a bottle to baby
Combo Feeding Baby: How to Supplement With Formula
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
mom breastfeeding baby at home
How to Treat Nipple Thrush From Breastfeeding
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother holding breast pump bottle
How to Increase Milk Supply
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
mother using breast pump while working on computer in office
11 Tips for Pumping at Work
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
baby sleeping while breastfeeding
Why Do Babies Fall Asleep While Nursing?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
breast milk in breast pump bottle on kitchen counter
What Does Breast Milk Taste Like?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mother breastfeeding baby next to breast pump
Moms Using Pumps Extended Lactation by 5 Months, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby at night for dream feed
How to “Dream Feed” Baby
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
infant yawning in mom's arms
Unnecessary Tongue Tie Surgeries Skyrocket Prompting New AAP Approach
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby at home on the couch
Foremilk vs. Hindmilk: What's the Difference?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
mother breastfeeding baby at restaurant
Parents React After Eatery Bans Breastfeeding Moms and Kids Under 5
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding while laying in bed on side
8 Breastfeeding Positions to Make Nursing Easier
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother breastfeeding infant baby
How Many Calories Do I Burn From Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Parent wearing a nursing top and holding a baby on their chest
Where to Shop for the Best Nursing Clothes
By Martina Garvey
 Kourtney Kardashian Barker on the today show Monday, September 12, 2022
Kourtney Kardashian Reveals She Drinks Her Own Breast Milk
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List