Defrosting milk

Cecilbear · July 2014

Hi guys, quick question! I read on Kellymom that milk can be used within 24 hours of being defrosted completely. However my sleep-deprived brain cannot translate this into practice. Can you help?

Yesterday around 11 am, I set 2oz in the fridge to defrost. It's now 4:30 the following afternoon and I'm wondering...did I miss the window to use it?

I'm desperately trying to get out of the house for a little while to work and regain my sanity and this is the only bottle I have.

Cecilbear · July 2014

Cecilbear said:
Hi guys, quick question! I read on Kellymom that milk can be used within 24 hours of being defrosted completely. However my sleep-deprived brain cannot translate this into practice. Can you help?

Yesterday around 11 am, I set 2oz in the fridge to defrost. It's now 4:30 the following afternoon and I'm wondering...did I miss the window to use it?

I'm desperately trying to get out of the house for a little while to work and regain my sanity and this is the only bottle I have.

Eta: I also have an additional 1.5 oz to add to this defrosted bottle.

ladygali · July 2014

My LO ate some defrosted milk and it was closer to 48 hours. He was fine. I say smell it and if it smells fine, use it.

Dixon813 · July 2014

Like others said - smell. Plus you let it defrost in the fridge which would take multiple hours to completely defrost so I'd say you're good!

Rrrrrachel · July 2014

I always defrost milk right before we use it. Takes no time at all either under warm running water or set in a bowl/cup of warm water.

Rrrrrachel · July 2014

Five days in the fridge is for non frozen milk. It's different when it's been thawed.

Teresa1896 · July 2014

Ditto Rrrrrrachel.

It's 24 hrs from when the milk fully defrosted. My fridge is really cold and my milk doesn't totally thaw for days. I've found an instant thaw in warm/cool water is much more convenient.

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

We always kept it frozen until we needed it and then DH or MIL used the kettle. But I think you're fine to use it.

Cecilbear · July 2014

Thanks, ladies! It smells just fine so I RACED out the door. Hallelujah! I only popped it in the fridge to defrost yesterday because I had planned to use it then. LO's been so fussy though I hated to leave her with anyone, so that is why that bottle has lasted so long.

Thank you all for weighing in! I really appreciate it!

AcaAwkward · July 2014

Agree with @Rrrrrachel‌ and @Teresa1896‌ -- the rule is 24 hours after milk is defrosted. The 5 day rule is for fresh milk that has NOT been frozen (KellyMom actually says 6/6/6 -- 6 hours at room temp right after pumping; 6 days in the fridge; 6 months in the freezer).

That said OP, if the milk smells fine, I'd use it, even though you took it out of the freezer more than 24 hours ago. But like others have said, defrosting frozen milk is so easy and quick if you freeze the bags flat -- I just run it under warm water straight from the freezer when I need it to avoid math

mamamaei · July 2014

Just curious, what would it smell like if it was "bad" after thawing? Similar to bad cow's milk?

Teresa1896 · July 2014

mamamaei said:
Just curious, what would it smell like if it was "bad" after thawing? Similar to bad cow's milk?

Yep. It smells like sour cow's milk.

BiggerinRealLife · August 2014

We smell for sweetness and taste if not sure. Not, like, drink it, but dip in a spoon or something. Should smell and taste sweet. Good idea to get an idea what it smells/tastes like when it's fresh so you know what you're comparing to. If I have any doubts I toss it. My kiddo has enough GI problems without me giving her spoiled milk!