How to Safely Warm Breastmilk (And What to Avoid!)
One of the most common questions I get from new parents is: How do I heat breastmilk the right way? Whether you’re prepping a bottle for daycare, handing one off to a partner, or just need a minute to yourself—knowing how to warm breastmilk safely can help protect all that valuable nutrition you worked so hard to pump.
Let’s clear up some common myths and give you simple, IBCLC-approved tips to keep your milk safe, effective, and baby-ready.
First Things First: Never Microwave Breastmilk
It might seem like a quick solution, but microwaving breastmilk is a hard no. Microwaves can create hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth, and more importantly—they can destroy the fragile nutrients and immune-boosting enzymes that make breastmilk so amazing in the first place.
Even heating in general needs to be gentle. Breastmilk should never be warmed above body temperature—ideally between 98–102°F. Higher temperatures can start to break down the very components that make breastmilk special, like immunoglobulins and live cells that protect your baby’s health.
Do You Even Need to Heat It?
Here’s something many parents don’t realize: your baby doesn’t need warm milk.
Breastmilk can be offered cool or even straight from the fridge. Some babies are totally fine with room temperature or chilled milk, especially if they’re introduced to it early on. If your baby is happy drinking it cold—great! That saves you time and energy.
Also worth noting: freshly expressed milk doesn’t have to be refrigerated right away. If baby will drink it within 4–5 hours, you can keep it out at room temp and skip warming altogether.
The Easiest Way to Warm Breastmilk
If your baby prefers warm milk or you’re using milk that’s been stored in the fridge or freezer, the safest way to warm it is super simple:
Just place the bottle or milk storage bag in a cup or bowl of hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes, swirl gently to distribute the heat (don’t shake!), and you’re good to go. This method is gentle, easy to control, and avoids overheating.
Some bottle warmers can be helpful, but proceed with caution. Many models heat too quickly or too high. If you're using one, check the temp to make sure it's staying within that 98–102°F range. A quick-read thermometer can help if you're not sure.
Final Thoughts
Breastmilk is full of powerful, living nutrients that support your baby’s immune system, digestion, and development. When it comes to warming it up, less is more.
Whether you serve it cold, warm it in a cup of water, or use a careful bottle warmer, the goal is to preserve all the goodness your body made.
Screenshot this to keep as your reminder!
💛 Have questions about pumping, storage, or your baby refusing bottles? Book a consult—we’ll make a plan that supports your milk supply, your baby’s needs, and your peace of mind.
👉 Click here to schedule your consult
Breastmilk is liquid gold—let’s keep it that way. 💛