Introduction
As a midwife and breastfeeding and nutrition adviser in Munich, I have supported many parents who wonder how to warm breast milk properly in a bowl of warm water. The right temperature is key to making sure your baby takes in the nutrients they need while the milk is neither too hot nor too cold. In my practice I have often seen how much it matters to handle breast milk carefully, to support your baby's health and wellbeing.
Why is the right temperature important?
The right temperature is important for making sure your baby takes in the nutrients they need while the milk is neither too hot nor too cold. Too high a temperature can destroy the nutrients in breast milk, while too low a temperature does not warm your baby enough. It is also worth bearing in mind that breast milk should not be warmed for too long or too hot, as this can affect the quality of the milk.
The right method
To warm breast milk properly in a bowl of warm water, follow these steps:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and make sure the temperature is between 37 and 40 °C. It is important that the water is neither too hot nor too cold, so the breast milk is not damaged.
- Place the bottle of breast milk in the water and wait until the milk has reached the temperature you want. It is a good idea to check the temperature of the milk regularly, to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold.
- Check the temperature of the breast milk regularly, to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold. You can do this with a thermometer or by feeling the bottle.
How long does warming take?
How long warming takes depends on the temperature of the water and the amount of breast milk. Generally it takes about 5-10 minutes for the milk to reach the temperature you want. It is important, though, to check the temperature of the milk regularly, to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold.
The cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo
The cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo is a practical solution for parents who are out and about. It warms breast milk to the right temperature in just a few minutes and is easy to use. This bottle warmer is especially useful for parents who feed their babies breast milk and are out a lot.
The cordless bottle warmer Pro is available for 67,90 € (previously 99,99 €) and offers a safe, simple way to warm breast milk.
Common mistakes
One common mistake is warming breast milk for too long or too hot. This can destroy the nutrients in the milk and does not warm your baby enough. It is also important not to leave breast milk too cold, as this does not warm your baby enough either.
What the professional bodies recommend
Professional bodies such as the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the BZgA — kindergesundheit-info.de recommend warming breast milk in a bowl of warm water, so the right temperature is reached. It is important to follow this advice, to support your baby's health and wellbeing.
Related reading
If you would like to know more about warming breast milk, read our article Warming Breast Milk: Measuring The Right Temperature. For a complete baby essentials checklist, see Summer baby essentials checklist: the ultimate guide.
Practical tips for going out
As a midwife I have often seen parents struggle to warm their breast milk while out and about. There are a few practical tips, though, that can help you warm it safely and easily. One important tip is always to have a bowl of warm water or a bottle warmer to hand. There are also special bottle warmers designed for going out that are easy to use. One example is the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo, which is available for 67,90 € and offers a safe, simple way to warm breast milk.
Bowl of warm water or bottle warmer?
A bowl of warm water is a good way to warm breast milk, but it can be difficult to find warm water when you are out. In that case a bottle warmer can be a good alternative. There are various kinds of bottle warmer, such as the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo, which is designed specifically for going out. A bottle warmer can bring breast milk up to the right temperature in just a few minutes and is easy to use.
Cleaning and hygiene
It is important to clean the bottle warmer or the bowl thoroughly after every use, so the breast milk stays hygienic. A clean bowl or a cleaned bottle warmer can help to stop bacteria and other germs passing to the milk. It is also a good idea to clean and sterilise the milk bottle after every use, so it stays hygienic.
Common pitfalls
As a midwife I have often seen that parents can avoid the common pitfalls when warming breast milk. One frequent mistake is warming the milk for too long or too hot, which can destroy the nutrients in it. It is also important not to leave the milk too cold, as this does not warm your baby enough. Another mistake is not checking the milk regularly, to make sure it is at the right temperature.
Checking the temperature
It is important to check the temperature of the breast milk regularly, to make sure it is at the right temperature. A thermometer can help you measure the temperature of the milk accurately. It is also a good idea to check the bottle regularly, to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold. A bottle warmer such as the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo can also help you control the temperature of the milk precisely.
Safety
The safety of breast milk matters more than anything. It is important to store and carry breast milk safely, so it does not become contaminated. A clean, sterilised bowl or a cleaned bottle warmer can help to stop bacteria and other germs passing to the milk. It is also a good idea to clean and sterilise the milk bottle after every use, so it stays hygienic.
Storage and shelf life
How breast milk is stored and how long it keeps matter more than anything. It is important to store breast milk safely, so it does not become contaminated. A clean, sterilised bowl or a cleaned bottle warmer can help to stop bacteria and other germs passing to the milk. It is also a good idea to clean and sterilise the milk bottle after every use, so it stays hygienic.
Storing it in the fridge
Breast milk can be kept in the fridge, so it stays fresh. It is important to keep the milk in a clean, sterilised container, so it does not become contaminated. Breast milk can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, depending on the temperature and on hygiene. It is also a good idea to check the milk regularly, to make sure it is at the right temperature.
Storing it in the freezer
Breast milk can also be kept in the freezer, so it stays fresh for longer. It is important to keep the milk in a clean, sterilised container, so it does not become contaminated. Breast milk can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-6 months, depending on the temperature and on hygiene. It is also a good idea to check the milk regularly, to make sure it is at the right temperature.
Choosing the right device
Choosing the right device for warming breast milk matters more than anything. There are various kinds of bottle warmer and water bath suited to warming breast milk. A bottle warmer such as the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo can be a good option, as it is easy to use and controls the temperature of the milk precisely. It is also a good idea to clean and sterilise the milk bottle after every use, so it stays hygienic.
Bottle warmer or bowl of warm water?
A bottle warmer or a bowl of warm water can both be suited to warming breast milk. It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each, so you choose the best option for your own needs. A bottle warmer can be a good option, as it is easy to use and controls the temperature of the milk precisely. A bowl of warm water can also be a good option, as it is a simple, safe way to warm breast milk.
Price and availability
The price and availability of the device are also important factors when choosing the right one. A bottle warmer such as the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo can be available for 67,90 €, which is a good option for parents looking for a safe, simple way to warm breast milk. It is also a good idea to consider availability, to make sure the device is easy to find and to buy.
Questions parents typically ask me
As a midwife I have often seen that parents have the same questions when it comes to warming breast milk. Some of the most frequent are: "How do I warm breast milk in a bowl of warm water?", "How long does warming take?", "What is the right temperature for breast milk?" and "How can I check the temperature of the breast milk?". It is important to answer these questions, to help parents warm breast milk safely and easily.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Some of the most frequent questions and answers are:
- How do I warm breast milk in a bowl of warm water? A bowl of warm water is a good way to warm breast milk. It is important to fill the bowl with warm water and to keep the temperature between 37 and 40 °C.
- How long does warming take? How long warming takes depends on the temperature of the water and the amount of breast milk. Generally it takes about 5-10 minutes for the milk to reach the temperature you want.
- What is the right temperature for breast milk? The right temperature for breast milk is between 37 and 40 °C.
- How can I check the temperature of the breast milk? A thermometer can help you measure the temperature of the milk accurately. It is also a good idea to check the bottle regularly, to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
If you still have questions, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I warm breast milk in a bowl of warm water? | Fill a bowl with warm water and make sure the temperature is between 37 and 40 °C. Place the bottle of breast milk in the water and wait until the milk has reached the temperature you want. |
| How long does warming take? | How long warming takes depends on the temperature of the water and the amount of breast milk. Generally it takes about 5-10 minutes for the milk to reach the temperature you want. |
| What is the right temperature for breast milk? | The right temperature for breast milk is between 37 and 40 °C. |
| How can I check the temperature of the breast milk? | Check the temperature of the breast milk regularly, to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold. |
| What is the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo? | The cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo is a practical solution for parents who are out and about. It warms breast milk to the right temperature in just a few minutes and is easy to use. |
| Where can I buy the cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo? | The cordless bottle warmer Pro from Cozidoo is available for 67,90 € (previously 99,99 €) on the Cozidoo website. |
I remember a young mother who asked my advice on the best way to warm her breast milk. She was afraid her milk was not at the right temperature and would not warm her baby enough. I helped her find the right temperature and showed her how to warm the milk in a bowl of warm water. After she followed my guidance she was very happy, and her baby was comfortable and well.
This article is for information only and does not replace individual medical or midwifery advice.
Written by Lena Brandt
Midwife & breastfeeding and nutrition adviser (Munich)
Lena is a midwife and a breastfeeding and nutrition adviser based in Munich. For more than 10 years she has supported families through birth and the postnatal weeks, advising on breastfeeding, formula feeding and weaning. She is a mum herself and writes all of Cozidoo's guides from hands-on experience — warm, well grounded and without scaremongering. This article is for information only and does not replace individual medical or midwifery advice.
Medically reviewed by Dr Katharina Reinhardt, paediatrician (Munich)