How to Rehydrate Freeze Dried Breast Milk (Safely and Effectively)

HOW TO REHYDRATE FREEZE DRIED BREAST MILK

• Empty the contents of the pouch into a sanitized bottle, or add the desired tablepsoon powder measurements on the back of your pouch.
• You can add multiple tablespoon measurements together or use your powder/water percentages to calculate the exact weights needed by multiplying it by the bottle size.
• The measurements are all based on your milk to maintain your unique water ratios.
• Weigh out or measure the water listed on the back of the custom BoobieJuice label.
• Use your desired clean, filtered water. Visit our FAQ for Water Recommendations.
• Warm the water to your desired (98F-103F | 40C) temperature for your baby. We recommend starting at 100F. Gradually warm the water as needed until you find your ideal starting point.
• Add the water into the bottle and slowly swirl the water to mix. You may also stir using a spoon.
• Shaking causes bubbles and makes for a burpy baby. If you shake, make sure to let the bottle settle before serving.
• Test the temperature and serve to baby! 🫶

Small clumps?

• Clumps happen when the water is not warm enough and causes the fats, proteins, carbs and sugars clump.
• Place the bottle into a cup of hot water to bring the milk temperature up to (98F-103F | 40C) and let sit for 60-90seconds seconds. Note the temperature your milk blends.
• Swirl or stir until the clumps melt and dissolve.
• Continue warming and swirling until the bottle temperature reaches (98F-103F | 40C)
• Never use a microwave to warm rehydrated milk bottles of milk. Serious burns can occur.
• Adding warm water to a cold bottle and cold powder will reduce the water temperature. You may always start with warmer water on a cold day.
• Always test warm milk prior to giving to baby.
• Start with warming water and use a thermometer to test the water temperatures prior to mixing.
• Bottle warmers tend to take a very long time to warm the liquid to the desired temperature. Test the water temperature with a thermometer if the milk is clumping. The displayed temperature on a bottle warmer is not the liquid temperature, it tends to be the internal device temperature on the heating walls.
• Gradually increase the water starting temperature to find your ideal warmth that blends the fats and sugars of your milk Make sure to test the temperature of the milk prior to serving. 
• Portable water kettles or a quality thermos are two great ways to travel with warm water on the go!

How long do I have to use after rehydrating?

• Use within 2 hours of preparing.
• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours after preparing.
• Throw away any unused breast milk that baby didn’t drink. Saliva can affect the milk.
• We do not recommend re-freezeing rehydrated milk.

How long do I have to use a powder pouch?

• All BoobieJuice pouches are good for 3 years from date of Freeze Dried or on the Use By Date listed.
• When properly resealed, both On the GO and At Home BIG Pouches have up to 30 days to use.
• We recommend pressing the bag closed to remove as much air as possible prior to resealing.
• Close and reseal immediately after use.
• Please keep pouches at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Baby younger than 2 months? Born Pre-mature or weakened immune system?  

You will want to review the chronobacteria formula protection recommendation and additional steps to protect immune systems by boiling water to 158f | 70c prior to preparing.

• CDC guidlines for infant formula preparation.
• Help protect against chronobacteria CDC step by step sanitizing and preparation infograph.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rehydrating Freeze Dried Breast Milk

Even though rehydrating breast milk is a straightforward process, there are a few things to watch out for:

Misconceptions About Rehydrating Freeze Dried Breast Milk

Let’s debunk a few common myths we hear from new parents:

Safety and Handling

Freeze dried breast milk is a safe and nutritious way for long-term storage of your breast milk, and it’s essential to handle it safely to prevent contamination and spoilage. Proper handling and storage practices are key to maintaining the milk’s quality and ensuring it remains safe for your baby to consume. 

• Remember to store your unused pouches out of direct sunlight and in cool room temperature environments. 
• Properly reseal opened and used pouches and discard any unused powder after 30 days from opening. 

Storage Guidelines After Rehydrating

• Use immediately and discard within 2 hours at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours after preparing.
• Never refreeze rehydrated milk.
• Discard any milk that’s been out for more than 2 hours or partially consumed. Unused powder should be resealed tightly to prevent moisture absorption and bacterial growth.

Shelf Life of Freeze Dried Breast Milk Powder

BoobieJuice pouches are long-lasting and built for real-life use.

• Unopened Pouches: Up to 3 years from the freeze dried date or by the expiration date printed.
• Opened Pouches (On the Go or Big Pouches): Good for up to 30 days, as long as they’re resealed tightly and kept at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Pro Tip: After each use, press out excess air and seal the pouch tightly to maximize freshness.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Babies

If your baby is younger than 2 months, born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system, extra care must be taken:

• Boil water to at least 158°F (70°C) before rehydrating to kill any potential pathogens like Cronobacter sakazakii.
• Follow CDC guidelines for sanitization and safe preparation.
• Allow the liquid milk to cool before serving your baby

Safe, Nutritious, and Easy Feeding With BoobieJuice

Rehydrating freeze dried breast milk is easy once you get the hang of it. With the right temperature, gentle swirling, and proper storage, you’ll preserve the natural power of breast milk and give your baby everything they need to grow strong and healthy.

BoobieJuice is proud to support modern parents by making breast milk feeding more flexible, long-lasting, and travel-friendly. With your freeze dried breast milk pouches, you can nourish your baby at home, on the road, or anywhere life takes you, with the ease and convenience of formula. Additionally, freeze dried breast milk powder can be easily mixed into solid foods to enhance their nutritional value.

Need More Help?

Explore our FAQ Pages or contact our team directly for personalized support. We’re here for you every step of the way.