Undoubtedly, natural breast milk of mothers is the best diet for babies because it not only keeps them healthy but also protects them from a number of diseases due to antibodies found in them. But it can be hard for working women to feed their babies with their breast milk.
In this condition, mothers can store their breast milk in a mini-fridge so that their babies can get natural milk every time. These mini-fridges can be kept in the bedroom as well as in the office to make it convenient for you to feed your babies when required.
Mini-fridges are small yet mighty in their cooling. They provide you full-size refrigeration in a tiny space. They come in handy for several storages such as breast milk, insulin, beer cans, leftovers, snack, and so on. They are a staple for dorm and tiny spaces.
What Are Mini Fridges Used For?
Mini-Fridges Are Used For:
- Keeping your kids fed with breast milk when at work.
- Remain energized during work hours
- Homegrown food can be stored
- Separate Food Allergens storage
- Best Bar storage
- Enjoying cold drinks outdoors and indoors
Can You Store Breast Milk In Mini Fridge?
Yes, you can store breast milk in the mini fridge for over a day, however, it should be a compressor fridge. This will ensure the breast milk storage to even 5 days. A separate freezer section within the mini-fridge is preferable when it comes to freezing the storing milk bags.
Otherwise, a temperature lower than 39 deg F should be maintained. Keep them behind the shelf and off the door. Breast milk is good at room temperature (77 deg F) for about four hours post the pumping. If necessary make use of cooler packs. Do not microwave, instead place them in hot water before use.
As a mom, there is no doubt that you would like to always give the best to your infant and toddler. It has been proven time and again that breast milk is the best for your little one and there cannot be any match to it. However, quite often many women are not sure about the ways in which they can store breast milk.
Is refrigerating breast milk a good idea? Yes, it is if you are able to identify the best mini fridge for breast milk. What are the various things to be kept in mind while choosing a suitable fridge for breast milk?
If you are keen on getting the right answer to this question, it will make sense to go through the following FAQs on the subject matter. We are sure it will be informative and remove doubts apart from creating a new perspective as far as refrigeration of breast milk is concerned.
How To Choose The Best Mini Fridge For Breast Milk?
While there is no doubt that a mini fridge is a good idea for storing breast milk, we must be in a position to choose the right mini fridge. There are quite a few things that must be considered before choosing a mini fridge especially when it is for storing breast milk.
To begin with, always look for mini-fridges that work on compressors and not on a thermoelectric component. These thermoelectric mini fridges may come at a lower cost.
However, you can be sure that they will not keep the breast milk cold enough. If the milk is not kept at the desired temperature, you can be sure that it will turn bad and sour and will become unfit for human consumption.
Temperature is another important point to be kept in mind while choosing a mini fridge. Always look for a mini fridge that has a freezer. There are a few things that you must know when it comes to breast milk.
Milk that is stored at room temperature will at best stay good for around six hours. If you keep it in the mini fridge refrigerating compartments, it will stay fresh for around three to four days.
However, if you go in for a mini fridge with deep freeze, and if you keep breast milk in it, you can be sure that it will be good enough even for six months.
However, always look for a mini fridge that has a freezer whose temperature can be kept below 4 degrees Celsius so that the breast milk remains fresh and nutritious.
Store the right quantity of breast milk in your mini-fridge. Just because your mini fridge has adequate space, it may not make sense to store large quantities of breast milk.
Keep it always in small and adequate quantities because keeping it in large quantities may lead to the souring and spoilage of breast milk. Store the right quantity depending on the age of your baby. If your baby is less than 3 weeks old, look for a mini fridge that allows you to store 60-120 ml of milk in bottles.
As the age of the baby increases, the quantity of breast milk that is stored in the mini fridge should also increase simultaneously. Always keep your container only 3/4th full and do not fill it up to the brim. Look for a mini fridge with a freezer. The freezer should be able to accommodate a few containers of small quantities of breast milk.
Be sure that you invest in quality breast milk that does not give bad odor and is environment friendly and eco-friendly. Yes, of course, you must make sure that they save electricity bills. It would be better to stay away from cube-shaped refrigerators because they are short on space.
Further, it would also be a good idea to avoid two-door refrigerators because they are not known to offer a constant and uniform temperature in both the compartments.
Apart from the above, there are a few more points to be considered when buying mini-fridges for storing breast milk. Let the size be as small as possible. This will prevent you from storing unwanted things in the mini freezer and make use of it mostly for storing precious breast milk for your baby.
Further, it would always be better to go in for branded mini fridges than settling for unbranded and low priced ones.
Finding the best mini fridge for breast milk is not easy as they are manufactured by many brands. A few mini-fridges from different brands are briefly reviewed here to help you in finding the most suitable one for you.
1. Thermoelectric Mini Fridge by Gourmia
This best mini fridge for breast milk can be ported easily from one place to the other due to its lightweight, the limited storage capacity of 6 cans, self-locking latch, removable shelf and handle to carry it. It can fit in any space due to its compact design.
It can easily chill your products below the temperature of 32 degrees F and warm up to the temperature of 150 degrees F just by flipping a switch. It can maintain the temperature even after unplugging it due to its insulated interior.
The thermoelectric technology used in this mini fridge makes it an eco-friendly product as the refrigerant and CFC free semiconductors are used in it.
It can be used on the road as well as at home with the help of its 2 detachable chords that can connect it to a wall outlet as well as to your cigarette lighter. Its quality has been certified by ETL which ensures the efficiency and safety of using this product.
Pros
- Easily portable due to compact design
- Easy to warm or cool things
- Can be run on both AC and DC currents
- High quality, safe and efficient appliance
Cons
- Not good for cooling beverages
- Quality not backed by manufacturer’s warranty
2. Mini Fridge of Classic Series by Cooluli
This thermoelectric mini cooler/warmer with 4-liter internal capacity can be ported easily due to its compact design with a matt finish and lightweight. The weight of this fridge with external dimensions of 7.25” x 10.25” x 10.75” and internal dimensions of 8.3” x 5.3” x 5.7” is 4 pounds.
It can be used for storing a number of items like drinks, food, snacks, beer insulin, breast milk, medications, and skincare products, etc. Along with storing skincare products, it can also be used for storing some of the beauty and personal care products like serums, creams, masks, and moisturizers, etc.
This best mini fridge for breast milk advanced technology used in it makes it 100% eco-friendly energy efficient and extremely quiet. It has three power cords to run it flexibly at AC current, DC current as well as by using devices with a USB port.
Pros
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Environment-friendly and energy-efficient
- Can be used flexibly with AC, and DC currents as well as through USB
Cons
- Cools too much to form ice inside it
- Not good for perishable drinks and food
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3. Portable Mini Fridge by AstroAI
This best mini fridge for breast milk can maintain the temperature of your products from 32 degrees F to 150 degrees F within one hour as per your requirement. In its internal capacity of 4 liters, you can easily store 6 cans of 12 oz. capacity as well as skincare products and medications.
You can keep small items like cosmetics, skincare products or medications separately with the help of its removable shelf. It can be gifted to women and girls on some special occasion. It includes two plugs to connect it to a standard wall outlet as well as to a cigarette lighter of 12 V capacity.
However, you should connect it to the DC current of the cigarette lighter only while driving your vehicle otherwise it can drain out your car battery. It is an environment-friendly device as it uses a feron-free refrigeration chip semiconductor. It allows you to rest easy as it does not create much noise.
Its quality is certified by FCC, CE, RoHS, and ETL. It is backed by a warranty for three years so that you can contact the manufacturers immediately if you are not satisfied with its performance.
Pros
- Maintains temperature between 32 degrees F and 150 degrees F
- Removable shelf for separating different types of products
- Minimum sound with quiet technology
- Warranty for 3 years
- Certified by FCC, CE, RoHS, and ETL
Cons
- Not suitable for the bedroom due to the buzzing sound of its fan
- Gets hot in the back
4. Concord 20-liter Compact Mini Fridge by Cooluli
This best mini fridge for breast milk is easily portable due to its compact and sleek design measuring 16.25” x 11.25” x 13.75” externally and 13.6” x 8.8” x 9” internally. Its weight is 13 pounds and 12 ounces only. Just by touching the button of its digital thermostat you can easily set and adjust its temperature as per your requirements.
You can easily read its temperature on its display. This warmer/cooler mini fridge can be used for storing a number of items including wine, beer, food, drinks, snacks, insulin, medications, breast milk, skincare and beauty products, etc.
It is ideal to use in the nursery, at home, in the dorm room and office as well as on vacation trips and parties due to its glass front and sleek stylish design.
It is completely eco-friendly, energy-efficient and extremely quiet due to the use of innovative semiconductors to operate it. It is built as per the standards of North America. It is backed by a limited warranty for one year.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight and convenient to port
- Digital thermostat to adjust the temperature
- Sleek and stylish design
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly
- Warranty for one year
Cons
- Temperature does not go below 39 degrees F
- Emits lots of heat when placed in a closet or under the desk
5. Cooluli Mini Fridge Review
This Cooluli mini fridge is ideal for dorms, road trips, homes and offices. Its 4-liter capacity offers sufficient storage for drinks, insulin, breast milk, skincare, medications, beauty items and others.
The power source of 12 V/ 110 V sources for both cooling and warming items with one switch. It is efficient, stylish, durable and compact.
Features
- Light in weight
- 4L capacity
- Easy to carry with molded inset handle at the top
- Perfect for countertop, hotel room, car, business, dorm or home
- AC/DC enabled power cords
- Flexible USB cord
- Powered with 2A USB power bank (not included)
- Quiet and cost efficient
- 100 percent eco-friendly with no use of Freons or refrigerants
Pros
- Coca-Cola collectible with cool features
- Bother warmer and a cooler
- Convenient in dimensions and easy to carry
- Multi-functionality
- Advanced semiconductor technology
- Ultra-quiet and energy saving
- ECO-FRIENDLY
Cons
- Not long lasting
- A LITTLE EXPENSIVE
6. VOKUA 12 liter Mini Fridge
This Vokua 12 liter mini fridge is both a cooler and a warmer with temperature control and digital display. It is 12L in capacity, compact and ideal for office, bedroom, medicines, breastmilk, skincare and so on.
Features
- Dual-Core design
- Temperature control is adjustable with high cooling and efficient heating capacity
- 12 L and easy to operate
- AC – 60Hz/110 V equipped for use in car on the go.
- Easily switchable modes for winter and summer needs
- Freon-free and eco-friendly
- Quiet and easy to carry with portable handle
- MULTI-PURPOSE STORAGE
Pros
- Easy to use in travel
- 12L capacity
- Accessible to both AC and DC inputs
- Multi-functional for cold and hot storage.
- Low noise technology
Cons
- At times, little water can pool at the bottom of the fridge.
7. Antarctic Star Mini Fridge
This is a beverage refrigerator for small mini white and red wine with a hold of 36 bottles with quiet operation. The compressor of the antarctic star mini fridge is temperature flexible.
The operational temperatures range from 40 deg F to 61 deg F. It permits customization but the general temperature used is 55 deg F.
Features
- Cooling temperature ranging from 40 deg F to 61 deg F with customizable settings.
- Sustains a perfect level of humidity with a tight air seal.
- A modern and compact design ideal for tiny spaces.
- 36 bottle storage capacity.
- Space efficient storage with horizontal racks
- Quiet with no vibration noise
- Movable shelving, leveling legs and has glass door for easy view.
Pros
- Ideal for the home bar, kitchen and family room.
- Best taste and temperature
- Low noise
- Digital display touch screen temperature control
- 36 bottles of standard size (750ML)
- Stainless steel and removable shelving with dual-paned glass door
- The cooling system is very efficient
8. Caynel Mini Fridge Cooler And Warmer
This Caynel mini fridge works as warmer and cooler with AC-DC Thermoelectric System. It is an eco-friendly fridge with 100 percent free from Freon and other refrigerants. It has a capacity of 6L with 8 can storage which makes it’s compact and portable.
Features
- Portable and Compact
- Sleek design with warming and cooling features.
- Convenient to carry with an easy to carry handle.
- Temperature for cooling up to 45 deg F and for heating up to 140 deg F with a flip switch.
- Well insulated to hold the temperature even after plugging out.
- It has semiconductor functionality for eco-friendly operation with ETL approval and is Freon-free.
- It is ultra-quiet and energy saving.
Pros
- It is warmer and cooler.
- Easy to carry along in a truck, car or SUV.
- AC-DC enabled mini fridge
- Noise free
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Not long lasting.
9. KHOOLA Mini Fridge
This Khoola mini fridge is portable and compact for travel as it has AC-DC sourced power system. It is ideal for car, travel and medical storage and cooling. It has 4L storage capacity. It is ideal for both warming and cooling requirements.
Features
- Compact and convenient
- Ideal for skincare, medications, food, beauty products, drinks, breast milk and so on.
- Front glass with the sleek design
- Lightweight with easy to carry handle.
- 4L size
- Detachable cords for power source included
- Cooling up to 41 deg f-77 deg f while heating up to 122 deg f-149 deg f.
Pros
- It is a warmer and a cooler with semiconductor technology
- It can cool up to 41 deg F and heating up to 149 deg F.
- Stylish design with mirror door
- Dirt-resistant and easy to clean
- AC-DC mode of power Multi-functional
- Lightweight and portable.
- Environment friendly with no Freon or refrigerants.
Cons
- Small for its price
10. BLACK And DECKER Mini Fridge
This Black and Decker mini fridge is compact with an energy star rating. It is a single door, 1.7 cu ft mini fridge with freezer. Its design is a modern square with a style that fits in any space. It is free standing mini-fridge with temperature control settings, a reversible door, quiet operation and removable shelves.
Features
- Stylish, portable and compact
- The minimal energy use of 70W.
- Modern in design with large capacity
- Removable shelving for easy customization.
- Extra Door storage fits about 2 cans of beer or soda or some milk storage.
- Leveling legs, reversible door and flexible temperature settings.
- Very quiet
Pros
- Ideal for smaller spaces
- Comes with a freezer
- Compact and portable
- Reversing door and adjustable legs for leveling
- Flexible Thermostat Control
- Energy-star certified
Cons
- With a kicking fan to cool, this mini fridge can be loud and distracting.
How Long Is Breast Milk Good After Coming Out Of Fridge?
As mentioned above, breast milk that is kept outside at room temperature has a shelf life of only four hours. Hence, if it is not used within four hours, you must not hesitate in throwing it away.
If you have breast milk stored in refrigerators and then take it out, please note that such breast milk also has a limited shelf life. Milk that is kept in refrigerator compartments should ideally be thawed and used within 12 hours.
On the other hand, if you have taken it out of the freezer, allow it to thaw and ensure that it is used within 24 hours. Though breast milk may remain in good in the deep freeze for almost three months and more, once it is taken out and made to sit out, it has to be used within a specified period of time.
Outside temperature leads to warming of the breast milk. If frozen breast milk is not used within a specified time period of 24 hours, it leads to the build-up of bacteria, germs and microorganisms and this could be extremely damaging to the health and overall well-being of your child.
Do Mini Fridges Have Compressors?
Yes, mini fridges come with and without compressors. There are low priced versions of mini fridges that have thermostatic units in place of compressors. They may look sleeker and may also cost less when compared to mini fridges with compressors.
However, based on experience and proven track records, it would always be better to go in for mini fridges with compressors. They last longer, give better value for money, though they may be a bit more costly when compared to thermostatic mini fridges.
The cooling prowess of mini fridges with compressors is always reliable and the cooling is also uniform. The deep freeze also works much better in mini fridges that come with compressors.
Why Storing Breast Milk Is Necessary For Nursing Mothers?
A breastfeeding mom has to juggle between many roles. But if she is a working woman, her problems become all the harder. Immediately after the maternity leave, you are expected to return to your work, leaving behind your baby at home.
Among the many things you should worry about, the feed of your baby is paramount. You need to find storage for your breast milk.
Normally, the breast milk stays good at room temperature for 5 to 7 hours. But sometimes the weather can play a spoilsport and the breast milk may spoil even before this safe period. Sometimes, you could be delayed in your return, and until you return your baby would miss your milk.
A more sensible approach to solve this problem is to find storage where you can keep your breast milk which can be given to your baby from time to time until you return.
To leave the baby with enough of your breast milk, you may wish to buy a mini-fridge specifically for this purpose. In this kind of mini-refrigerator, you can keep the breast milk in any container even in an open bowl.
Otherwise, you may have to keep your breast milk in bottles and store them in a normal refrigerator used for storing other goods as well.
What To Look For In A Mini-Fridge?
Here is a checklist of features you should look for in a mini-fridge:
A mini-fridge can turn out to be an ideal place to store breast milk for short a period. It’s a cheaper option requiring much less energy to run it compared to normal refrigerators.
A mini-fridge for storing breast milk should be small, compact, and portable. Usually, a mini-fridge can accommodate a few cans or water bottles. You can carry mini-fridges during long rides. Your mini fridge should be able to do its cooling job silently. The noise level in sleep mode should be close to 25-dB.
Your mini fridge should be able to use both AC and DC so that it can be used both indoors and outdoors such as during travel. This makes it usable with a regular power outlet or even with a 12-V cigarette lighter battery charger.
The mini-fridge should be able to quickly cool down to 0-degree centigrade from the ambient temperature. The cooling should take about an hour or less.
The mini fridge you are going to buy should be made with eco-friendly materials and it should be free from hazardous materials.
Some of the mini-fridges can come with cooler and warmer features. This kind of mini-fridges uses thermoelectric cooling that makes them a safe option for breast-feeding moms to store breast milk.
You should choose a model in which you can keep a baby bottle filled with breast milk and ready with nipple and cap. The mini-fridge can be kept just next to your bed.
Your mini-fridge should be energy-efficient. The switch over from cooling to food warmer option should be easy. For better portability, your mini-fridge should have a carrying handle. For better connectivity, your mini can have USB cords.
Finally, your mini-fridge for keeping your breast milk fresh for a few days should be good looking with a high degree of aesthetic appeal. The design and temperature regulation should be high quality so that it does not develop frost or accumulate water on the lower surface.
Can You Leave A Mini-Fridge On All The Time?
Yes, you can leave a mini-fridge on all the time. Mini fridge are meant to operate for 24 hours. However, you should keep a check on them to avoid any fire risk in the process. However, if your mini-fridge is one of those mini cooler and box types, then the appliance’s internal fans will give up on time.
However, this is again dependent on the quality and being a true mini-fridge. It would last longer. For the longer run, you ought to unplug the mini-fridge from time to time, like for cleaning or when you are keeping it open for long times and so on.
This is because the valve of the rotator may overheat. This could misalign the suppressors’ intake or melt the fridge contents.
Where Should You Not Put A Mini-Fridge?
The Spots Where You Should Not Put A Mini-Fridge Are:
- It should not be placed anyplace outdoors.
- It should not be placed where the mini fridge can link with its heating/cooling elements.
- It should not be placed anywhere near radiators, cookers, or other heating items.
- It should not be placed in direct sunlight. This is because the mini-fridge has to sustain the internal temperature using more electricity and work harder to keep the required cooling temperature.
Before looking at where to put a mini-fridge, it’s important to understand how to put a mini-fridge. It is essential to keep the mini-fridge upright always, no matter what.
This is because the horizontal placement of a mini-fridge results in issues with the mechanics of the fridge. The fridge fails to sustain its cold temperature within post plugging in.
So, where to put a mini-fridge? When it comes to the mini-fridge placement, the best place is on a tiled flooring, hardwood, or plastic base. This is particularly true for a mini-fridge that has coils situated beneath the unit.
The coils in some mini-fridge are located more commonly behind or sometimes at the top of the unit. Keeping it on the floor is most common, as it is sturdy in its placement.
When placing on a table, you can place it on a stand, however not on the table edge or stand edge. A stable position is essential for a fridge.
Keeping in the bedroom is the last option. It is safe to do so; however, it can impact your health as there is heat dissipation. Likewise, it’s a risk for small kids and infants. Otherwise, it’s not a harmful option to place it in the bedroom.
How Long Does It Take For A Mini-Fridge To Get Cold?
There are types of a mini-fridge, some basic and other with advanced features. Some are powerful though small to cool in 2 hours of plugging in, while others can take about 4 hours to cool efficiently.
However, if we consider in general, the majority of the fridges should be cooled for a day post plugging in to cool evenly and to its full capacity. This factor is irrespective of the size of the mini-fridge. It also depends on the setting up of the fridge appropriately.
Initially, when you plug in a new mini-fridge or post a thorough deep cleaning, freezer and fresh food controls ought to be set in normal/mid-point temperature settings. The settings can be checked in the owner’s manual given at the time of the purchase.
It takes about 24 hours to get the mini-fridge to cool down and attain a stable and even temperature all over the initial plugin. Whenever settings are changed for temperature, you can expect to stabilize it within the mini-fridge.
The best mini fridge for breast milk can be selected by keeping certain factors in mind during the purchase. These factors are adequate to store at least three or four 500 ml milk bottles of 4 to 100 liters, a conventional mini-fridge for more extended storage, the temperature at 39-4 deg C on an average, portability, 110V AC power source, and affordability.
Conclusion
There are numerous models of mini-fridges available on the market. And, they are the best option for a nursing mother to store breast milk. Some models have both cooling and warming options. But for you, the one that keeps breast milk fresh for a longer time is the right choice.
Thus, the information provided in this write-up can help you in buying the best mini fridge for breast milk. You should compare the features of different fridges to find the best one for you.
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FAQ Of Best Mini Fridge for Breast Milk:
If your freezer is not cooling, it is possible that air vents have become clogged or the door gasket is damaged. These factors can make your mini fridge to stop cooling.
To ensure your mini fridge does not frost, you should seal all air leaks, keep the door closed, and keep humidity low. The mini fridge does not auto defrost. When the damp air gets inside the mini fridge, it freezes to become frost.
To keep the min fridge from frosting, you should make sure the door gasket seals alright, there is minimal door opening incidents, the thermostat is set at a proper temperature.
A mini fridge takes about 24 to 48 hours to defrost. The bigger the refrigerator, the longer it takes to defrost.
