QOD: Can I microwave formula or breast milk to reheat it?
No. Please do not microwave formula or breast milk as it heats unevenly and puts the child at risk for burns.
Use a bottle warmer or run the bottle under a warm tap until you reach the desired temperature. Mix the bottle well to ensure that there are not pockets of milk that are too hot. There is no perfect temperature for reheated milk as long as it is not too hot. If you are measuring, stay below 100 degrees. Often babies will be content as long as there is no chill to the milk.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, August 2019
I also read that breast milk warmed in a microwave loses some of its nutritive properties- that’s a huge reason not to use a microwave to warm it!
I have also heard the same about warming breast milk in the microwave.
We have asked for a cup of hot water at restaurants plenty of times when out and about. I also invested in a thermos (nothing special for babies, just a regular thermos) that holds heat for like 12 hours. I used to put boiling water in it to use to heat bottles on the go when necessary. Then I gave up on bottle and just breastfed whenever/wherever…much easier for me! 😉
My microwave heats my food unevenly so I can see how milk could easily be hotter in some spots than others. I wish someone would have warned me as a new mom that what you start with regarding the temperature is the preference your child adapts to… meaning that you have to stick to it all the time- even when you’re at the park, traveling on long trips, etc. Not getting the milk too warm makes it easier when your on the go!