Shipping & Handling

Safe storage, packaging, and delivery guidelines for breast milk

Safety First

Proper storage, handling, and shipping are critical for maintaining breast milk quality and safety. Follow these guidelines to ensure milk arrives fresh and safe for baby.

Proper Storage

Temperature Guidelines

Freshly Expressed: Room temperature (up to 77°F) for 4 hours
Refrigerated: Back of refrigerator (39°F or colder) for up to 4 days
Frozen: Deep freezer (0°F or colder) for up to 12 months (6 months optimal)
Previously Frozen (thawed): Refrigerator for up to 24 hours (never refreeze)

Storage Best Practices

  • •Use breast milk storage bags or BPA-free containers designed for freezing
  • •Label each bag with date and time of expression
  • •Store in 2-4 oz portions to reduce waste
  • •Lay bags flat in freezer to maximize space and speed freezing
  • •Store milk in back of freezer (not door) for consistent temperature
  • •Never add warm milk to already frozen milk

Packaging for Shipping

Required Supplies

Essential Items:

  • • Styrofoam or insulated cooler
  • • Dry ice (5-10 lbs for 1-2 day shipping)
  • • OR gel ice packs (multiple, pre-frozen)
  • • Sealed plastic bags for milk
  • • Bubble wrap or packing paper
  • • Sturdy cardboard shipping box
  • • Packing tape

Optional Items:

  • • Thermal insulated liner
  • • Temperature monitoring strips
  • • Extra freezer bags
  • • "Fragile" and "Perishable" stickers
  • • Absorbent padding

Step-by-Step Packing Instructions

  1. 1
    Freeze milk solid: Ensure all milk bags are completely frozen (at least 24 hours in deep freezer)
  2. 2
    Double-bag milk: Place frozen milk bags in a sealed ziplock bag to prevent leaks
  3. 3
    Prepare cooler: Line insulated cooler with plastic bag or wrap
  4. 4
    Layer dry ice: Add 1-2 inches of dry ice to bottom of cooler (wear gloves!)
  5. 5
    Add milk: Place double-bagged frozen milk on top of dry ice
  6. 6
    Top with more dry ice: Cover milk completely with additional dry ice layer
  7. 7
    Seal cooler: Close cooler lid and tape securely (do not tape airtight - CO2 needs to vent)
  8. 8
    Box it up: Place cooler in cardboard box with padding on all sides
  9. 9
    Label properly: Affix "Perishable", "Fragile", and dry ice warning labels

Shipping Options

Overnight Shipping (Recommended)

Best for: Longer distances, hot weather, maximum safety

  • • FedEx Priority Overnight or Standard Overnight
  • • UPS Next Day Air or UPS Next Day Air Saver
  • • USPS Priority Mail Express (when available)
  • • Typical cost: $50-100 depending on weight/distance
  • • Use 5-10 lbs dry ice

2-Day Shipping

Best for: Shorter distances, cooler weather, cost savings

  • • FedEx 2Day
  • • UPS 2nd Day Air
  • • USPS Priority Mail
  • • Typical cost: $30-60 depending on weight/distance
  • • Use 10-15 lbs dry ice
Important: Ship early in the week (Monday-Wednesday) to avoid weekend delays. Never ship on Friday unless using Saturday delivery.

Local Pickup Guidelines

Safe Pickup Practices

Local pickup can be convenient and cost-effective, but follow these safety guidelines:

  • •Meet in public places (parking lots, coffee shops, police station parking areas)
  • •Transport milk in insulated cooler with ice packs
  • •Keep milk frozen/cold during transport (under 40°F)
  • •Complete pickup within 30 minutes for frozen milk
  • •Inspect milk packaging and labeling before accepting
  • •Never accept milk that has thawed or is warm to touch

Receiving & Inspecting Milk

Upon Delivery

  1. Open immediately: Don't let the package sit - open right away
  2. Check temperature: Milk should still be frozen solid or very cold (under 40°F)
  3. Inspect packaging: Ensure bags are sealed with no leaks or contamination
  4. Verify labels: Check dates and quantities match the order
  5. Smell test: Thawed milk should smell slightly sweet (soapy smell is normal for frozen)
  6. Store immediately: Transfer to your freezer right away
Reject if: Milk has thawed completely, smells sour/rancid, packaging is damaged, or temperature is above 40°F. Document with photos and contact seller immediately.

Need More Help?

Check out our other resources for safe breast milk sharing

Safety & Trust GuidePasteurization Guide