In the freezer
6–12 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 6–12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: breast milk keeps 6–12 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 4 days in the fridge.
How to freeze breast milk
- Freeze only what the guidance allows, in clean, sealed containers.
- Label with the date and time.
- Thaw in the fridge or in warm water; never microwave, and do not refreeze.
How to thaw breast milk
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 6–12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Per CDC
On the counterCounter
4 hours
77°F (25°C) or colder
In the fridgeFridge
4 days
at 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
6–12 months
6 months best, 12 acceptable
On the counterCounter
1–2 hours
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
1 day
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Do not refreeze
More about breast milk
FAQ
How long can you freeze breast milk?
About 6–12 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen breast milk?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze breast milk?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in breast milk?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number