Create a label and a matching record
Write the expression date on each food-grade milk container. Add the amount and a short location code such as “freezer bin B”. If milk goes to childcare, include the baby’s name and follow that provider’s labeling rules. The log should repeat the label’s identifier so you can find the actual container without opening several bags.
The CDC storage guidance says to use breast milk storage bags or clean food-grade containers with tight lids, and to keep milk away from the refrigerator or freezer door because temperature changes are more likely there.
Use current guidance, not a fixed app date alone
| Place | CDC time | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop | Up to 4 hours | 77°F / 25°C or colder |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | 40°F / 4°C or colder |
| Freezer | About 6 months best; up to 12 months acceptable | 0°F / −18°C or colder |
These are for freshly expressed milk under the stated conditions. Thawed, warmed and leftover milk have different rules. The CDC says to use milk thawed in a refrigerator within 24 hours from when it is fully thawed, use warmed milk within two hours, and never refreeze thawed milk. Consult the source page whenever the situation differs, especially after a power outage or uncertain temperature.
MilkVault tracks pump sessions, stored batches and bottle use from recorded stash. It supports fridge/freezer locations, recorded expiry dates, older-batch-first deductions and a Premium CSV export. Verify any calculated date against the latest CDC guidance and your own storage conditions.
Download MilkVault for iOS ↗Rotate the stash without losing the source bag
Group containers by expression date and put the older suitable ones where you will see them first. When you prepare a bottle, note which batch it came from and update the amount remaining. Do not add a new quantity to an old record unless you know the milk was handled and combined according to current guidance; the CDC storage FAQ addresses mixing and leftover questions.
If a bag is missing, damaged or its temperature history is uncertain, do not let a tidy spreadsheet override that uncertainty. Ask a pediatrician, lactation consultant or the current public-health source for the relevant situation.
Use MilkVault as the running inventory
Set your units and stash locations so the first log matches your routine. Record each pump session and batch, then use the bottle log to deduct from the stash. The current listing describes local storage and basic technical/product analytics that exclude feeding records. Keep the actual container label and handling guidance as the source of truth.
A free starting worksheet
The CSV contains fixed example values, not formulas or an app-import format. Replace them with your own records. No account or email is required.
Review dates, measurements and source requirements for your own situation. The worksheet does not calculate or validate them.
Questions answered
Should I use the oldest bag first?
The CDC recommends thawing the oldest breast milk first, provided that bag is suitable under current storage guidance.
Does an app expiry date prove the milk is safe?
No. The date cannot know every temperature change or handling issue.
Can I refreeze thawed milk?
The CDC says not to refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.
How the app fits: MilkVault
MilkVault tracks pump sessions, stored batches and bottle use from recorded stash. It supports fridge/freezer locations, recorded expiry dates, older-batch-first deductions and a Premium CSV export. Verify any calculated date against the latest CDC guidance and your own storage conditions.
Download MilkVault for iOS ↗Check the App Store for current availability, compatibility and any paid features.
Sources and product details
- CDC: breast milk storage and preparation
- CDC: breast milk storage FAQ
- MilkVault on the App StoreCurrent public product details and availability.
Examples, diagrams and worksheets are original. Sources are linked for claims that need verification. This guide does not claim search rank, app downloads or measured outcomes.