How long can breast milk be maintained in the refrigerator according to best practices?

Breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days according to best practices. This guideline is based on recommendations from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Maintaining breast milk in the refrigerator is critical to preserve its nutritional quality and to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. It is important for caregivers to refrigerate milk right after expressing it and to ensure the refrigerator maintains a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to maximize safety.

The options that suggest longer storage durations, such as 10 days or 2 weeks, extend beyond the recommended time frame, which might lead to food safety concerns due to potential bacterial contamination. Therefore, sticking to the 5-day guideline helps ensure that the milk remains safe for infant consumption while retaining its beneficial properties.