The Best Mini Fridge for Breast Milk Storage Needs
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Breast milk is a vital source of nourishment for newborns, and improper storage can cause contamination and make it unsafe for your baby. As such, you need a proper way to store your breast milk so it remains fresh and safe for your baby whenever they need it. Investing in a mini-fridge for breast milk is among the best decisions you can make in ensuring your child has a constant supply for their feeding needs. Read on for more information on the best mini fridge for storing breast milk to help you find one that serves your needs.
Do You Need a Mini Fridge?
A mini-fridge may not be necessary. However, it has advantages that make it easier to provide your child with the nutrients they need for proper development. Here are a few reasons to consider getting yourself a mini-fridge for breast milk.
Portability: Since mini-fridges are small and compact, they can easily fit into small spaces. You can also carry them wherever you go.
Convenience: With a breast milk mini-fridge, you can express as many bottles or milk bags as you want. You can place them anywhere in your home and use them indoors and on the go. What’s more, most breast milk mini-fridges are compatible with your car when traveling.
Time-Saving: Mini fridges for storing breast milk save you the time and energy of pumping at night, when traveling, or when you are busy attending to other responsibilities.
Features to Consider When Buying a Mini Fridge for Breast Milk
There are specific aspects you should consider to ensure you get the best mini fridge for breast milk. Key features to look for when buying a mini-fridge for storing breast milk include:
Before buying a fridge, ensure it can fit the space you intend to place it. This eliminates the hassle of constantly relocating the mini fridge due to lack of space. Fortunately, most mi-fridges are compact and small enough to fit in spaces like under the desk, in cabinets, or over the counter.
The best mini-fridge for breast milk is one that can adequately meet your storage needs. Opt for a mini-fridge with at least a 4-liter capacity. Adjustable shelves also give you the flexibility to create more space whenever necessary.
A portable mini-fridge you can carry anywhere you go is a favorite for most mothers. If you move your mini fridge a lot, choose one with carrying handles and lightweight construction.
You don’t want a mini-fridge that will keep your baby awake when sleeping or cause a distraction when you’re working if you keep it in the office. A mini fridge that runs quietly is, therefore, ideal. With this in mind, select absorption refrigerators that lack motors as they are quieter than their compressor counterparts.
To avoid inflating your energy bills, buy energy-efficient mini fridges that don’t need much power. This is especially important if you travel often or require breast milk storage in your car. It will also help if the breast milk mini-fridge has various power supply options, such as USB port charging and cigarette lighters.
Other factors include price and how long the fridge can keep your breast milk fresh. Remember, you are better off spending more on a quality product than compromising the safety of your baby’s nourishment due to price.
The Best Mini-Fridge Options for Storing Your Breast Milk
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a mini fridge for breast milk, here are the best options to consider.
1. AstroAI Mini Fridge
The AstroAI Mini Fridge is a top pick for most parents, and for good reason. This mini fridge can cool breast milk down to 320 F and has a heater if you need to warm the milk before feeding your child. It can accommodate 4 liters of breast milk and noise levels of 23 decibels, which is nicely quiet. The shelves are removable, and the fridge comes with a handle, which makes it easy to carry around.
You also get AC and DC adapters, meaning you can plug it into your wall socket or your car’s 12V power. However, plug it in only when your vehicle is running to avoid draining your battery. The AstroAI mini fridge comes in various colors, including white, pink, blue, black, and teal.
2. Cooluli 20L Mini Fridge
If you are looking for a convenient mini fridge for breast milk with cooling and warming capabilities, the Cooluli 20l Mini Fridge is what you need. It has a cooling capacity of up to 40-450 F and heating abilities of up to 122-144 0F. With a 20-liter capacity, this mini fridge gives you more than enough storage room, especially if you express a lot of milk. You can also store items like medication, insulin, snacks, skin care products, and beer when you no longer need them for storing breast milk. The low noise levels mean you can keep it in your office without causing a distraction, while the semi-conductor operation means it won’t consume much power.
The Cooluli 20L Mini Fridge is compatible with various powering options, including a plug-in wall charger, car charger, and USB port/cord. Temperature control allows you to adjust the temperatures to your liking and avoid unnecessary fluctuations. Despite the capacity, it is compact enough to fit in your backseat when traveling. It also has a sleek design with a glass front, meaning it can fit any space without ruining the aesthetics. However, it doesn’t come with a carrying handle.
3. Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Refrigerator
The Midea WHS-65LB1 stands at 1.6 cubic feet and weighs 34 pounds, making it a small and compact option for breast milk storage needs. You can fit it anywhere without worrying about the fridge taking up too much space. The Midea WHS-65LB1 can keep your breast milk at temperatures between 32-35.60F. It also has a quiet built-in fan, removable shelves, and a freezer compartment.
You can switch the mini-fridge off without unplugging it with the adjustable temperature feature. It is also easy to clean, highly energy efficient and has adjustable legs. The reversible door means you can open it from left to right and vice versa. Since it doesn’t come with a car adapter, it is not ideal for traveling.
4. BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator
While it is pricier than most mini-fridges, the BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator offers value for money. It will serve you for years and has a bigger capacity than most mini-fridges. You can fit up to 40 liters in the mini-fridge, which works well if you have twins or work long hours and need to store lots of breast milk. The mini fridge also includes a freezer for storing breast milk for longer.
Despite the size and the limited portability, the BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator has adjustable legs to fit your preferred space at your desired height. The configurable glass shelves also allow you to redesign your mini fridge’s interior. Lastly, you can set the perfect temperature for your baby’s breast milk using the adjustable thermostat.
The Best Mini Fridge for Breast Milk: Conclusion
Every mother is unique. While some need to pump every 3-4 hours, others can go as long as 7 hours without expressing breast milk. With this in mind, your choice of a mini-fridge for breast milk should accommodate your needs and that of your baby, depending on your circumstances.
