Breastmilk Storage in Child Care Centers: A Guide for Providers

Kimberly Kostas
Sep 7
3 min read

As more families choose child care for their infants, proper breastmilk storage and handling has become an essential responsibility for child care providers. At PediNurse LLC, we partner with child care centers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island to ensure that staff are trained and compliant with state regulations while keeping children safe and healthy.

Why Proper Breastmilk Storage Matters

Breastmilk is a living substance, rich in antibodies, nutrients, and enzymes that support infant growth and immunity. However, if breastmilk is not stored and handled properly, it can lose its nutritional quality or even become unsafe. Child care providers play a critical role in protecting this valuable resource.

Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provide clear guidance on safe storage:

Room Temperature (up to 77°F/25°C): Up to 4 hours
Refrigerator (≤40°F/4°C): Up to 4 days
Freezer (0°F/-18°C or colder): About 6 months (up to 12 months is acceptable, though quality may decline)【CDC, 2024】

In the Child Care Setting

Child care centers should have policies in place that align with these best practices:

Labeling: All breastmilk containers must be labeled with the child’s full name, the date milk was expressed, and the date it was received at the center.
Storage: Breastmilk should be placed in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where temperatures remain most consistent.
Warming: Use a warm water bath or bottle warmer—never a microwave, as it can create hot spots and damage nutrients.
Unused Milk: Discard any breastmilk left in a bottle after a feeding.

Massachusetts and Rhode Island Child Care Regulations

Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island have state licensing standards requiring child care centers to follow health and safety guidelines for feeding infants.

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC): Regulations require programs to handle and store breastmilk safely, with clear labeling, refrigeration, and sanitary practices (606 CMR 7.11).
Rhode Island DCYF Licensing Standards: Providers must follow safe food handling and storage guidelines, which include breastmilk and formula.

Partnering with a qualified health care consultant, such as PediNurse LLC, ensures compliance with these regulations while keeping infants safe.

Staff Training and Communication with Families

Child care staff should be trained in:

Proper handwashing and sanitizing practices
Safe storage and preparation of breastmilk
Clear communication with families about policies (e.g., how to bring milk, what containers are acceptable, labeling expectations)

Regular training not only protects infants but also builds trust with families who want assurance that their child’s nutritional needs are being met with care.

The Role of a Health Care Consultant

At PediNurse LLC, we provide ongoing health care consulting services to child care centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including:

Policy development for breastmilk and formula handling
Staff training to meet EEC and DCYF requirements
Compliance reviews to ensure safe practices
Resources for communicating with families about infant nutrition

By working with PediNurse LLC, your center can confidently meet regulatory requirements while supporting families who provide breastmilk for their children.

Conclusion

Breastmilk is often described as "liquid gold," and handling it with care is both a health necessity and a family expectation. With the right policies, training, and consultant support, child care centers can create a safe, nurturing environment for infants to thrive.

👉 Learn more about how PediNurse LLC can support your center at www.pedinurseconsulting.com.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2022). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics, 150(1).
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). (2022). 606 CMR 7.11: Health and Safety Requirements.
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). (2023). Licensing Standards for Child Care Centers and Preschools.