Is the fridge hack safe? Here's what you should know

Every mother knows that pumping breast milk can be a time-consuming task, especially for those who do it several times a day or exclusively pump. Even with the latest pumping accessories designed to simplify the process, the routine of washing, rinsing, sterilizing, and drying parts can feel never-ending, especially when there are countless other responsibilities on the to-do list.

As a result, any tips that can help save time become incredibly appealing. Enter the fridge hack—a technique that’s not new, but frequently resurfaces in parenting communities and on social media as a time-saving strategy for mothers who pump. So, is this method truly safe for your little one? Here’s what you need to consider.

The fridge hack refers to a method of storing pumping equipment where, instead of thoroughly washing and sterilizing all the components after each pumping session, mothers rinsed them off and placed them directly into the refrigerator in a zip-top bag or airtight container.

The underlying premise is that the cold temperature can inhibit bacterial growth, allowing mothers to reuse the parts for subsequent pumping sessions, potentially multiple times a day, before performing a complete wash at the end of the day. Many mothers turn to this technique as a time-saver, particularly during quick breaks at work or while on the go.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer guidance that casts a shadow of doubt on this practice. While they do not clearly state that you should never use the fridge hack, they generally discourage it and recommend reserving it for emergency situations only.

The CDC advises mothers to wash their pump parts after each use to avoid introducing harmful bacteria to the baby. They provide some leniency, mentioning that if time constraints hinder proper cleaning between sessions, mothers can rinse the equipment (or wipe it down with a clean paper towel when a sink isn’t available), seal it in a bag, and store it in the refrigerator.

It's important to note that if your baby is immunocompromised or under two months old, the CDC strongly advises against this method, recommending that pump parts always be cleaned after each use for the utmost safety.

The CDC’s recommendations aim to mitigate the risk of exposing infants to potentially harmful bacteria that can accumulate on improperly cleaned pump components. While there haven’t been confirmed instances of severe illness directly connected to the fridge hack, the CDC emphasizes a precautionary approach.

Breast milk includes natural components that help guard against contamination—its bacteriostatic properties. This is why fresh milk can be safely left out at room temperature for up to four hours. However, these protective features diminish over time.

Although refrigeration can slow down bacterial proliferation, it does not completely halt it. The CDC points out that no specific studies have investigated the safety of the fridge hack, specifically regarding its effectiveness in preventing bacterial growth during the interim between pumping sessions.

Mothers seeking to save time can consider alternative strategies if they pump multiple times a day. One option is to invest in additional sets of pump parts to have readily available, allowing for a quicker turnaround without the need to clean after every session, with the comprehensive washing taking place at the end of the day.

Another practical solution is to utilize specialized pump wipes for urgent situations or when access to soap and water isn’t available, although these wipes do not substitute for a thorough cleaning.

The fridge hack tends to generate mixed opinions, akin to how some mothers choose to indulge in deli meats or sushi during pregnancy—where personal risk tolerance varies significantly. Following the CDC's recommendations is the safest route: clean your pump parts after each use and consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.