01/24/2026
Some fantastic information from our friends at Oh, Baby Lactation Care!
Allll you parents with milk in freezers - this comes around every winter! Don’t panic.
First thing:
❄️STORE MILK OUTISDE IN THE SNOW if necessary. Pack your freezer with snow or ice if possible.❄️❄️
Before an Outage (Prep if You Can)
• Freeze milk in small portions (2–4 oz). Smaller volumes stay frozen longer.
• Keep your freezer full (milk, ice packs, frozen water bottles). A full freezer holds cold better.
• Know your freezer temp: ideal is 0°F / -18°C.
• Label everything with dates so you can prioritize oldest milk first.
During a Power Outage
• Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible.
• A full freezer can keep milk frozen for ~48 hours
• A half-full freezer: ~24 hours
• Group milk together in one area of the freezer so it insulates itself.
• Add ice packs or dry ice (if available) to maintain cold temps.
• Avoid opening to “check”—every peek lets cold air escape.
If Milk Starts Thawing
• Partially thawed milk with ice crystals is still safe ( READ THIS AGAIN!)
👉 You can refreeze it as long as ice crystals are present.
• Fully thawed milk:
• If it’s refrigerator-cold (≤40°F / 4°C): use within 24 hours
Emergency Options
• Move milk to another freezer (friend, family, neighbor) if available.
• Use a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs if transfer is possible.
After Power Is Restored
• Check for ice crystals in each bag/bottle.
• Sort milk into:
• Fully frozen → safe to keep
• Partially thawed with crystals → can refreeze
• Fully thawed → refrigerate and use within 24 hours
Stay safe, snuggle in, have some hot chocolate and nurse that baby. ❤️❄️
What are you expecting from this monster storm where you live?
