Frequent feeding is among the things that your baby needs.
However, you will not always be available when your baby needs to feed. In that case, storing breastmilk is a great choice, especially if you are a busy mom.
So, it can be a wise idea to buy a mini-fridge.
Why Should You Put a Mini Fridge in the Nursery?
Sometimes life may not be compatible with your child’s feeding time. So, you may find yourself wanting to store breastmilk. But to prevent it from going bad, you need to keep it COLD. However, your kitchen fridge may be far away, or you want to have your baby’s items in their room. In that case, a mini-fridge could be a wise investment.
Four Nursery Mini Fridge Benefits
Having a mini-fridge in the nursery offers several benefits, including;
1. Easy to Access Milk
One of the main benefits of having a refrigerator in the nursery is convenience.
Anytime you need to feed your baby, whether at night or during the day, you can easily access your pumped breastmilk.
Additionally, since it has enough storage spaces, you can store other things in the fridge.
For instance, if you had a C-section, you know that you’re not supposed to move up and down a lot.
In that case, you can have your things within reach like bottled water, soda and even snacks.
2. Keeps Milk Cool
Breastmilk doesn’t spoil as quickly as many people think.
You can store it at 77°F (room temperature) for up to four hours.
However, it’s still better to keep it refrigerated.
When you leave breastmilk around, you expose it to bacteria, which can lead to stomach upset in your baby.
Once you pump your milk, remember to store it in the fridge and even label it as per the feeding times.
Well, you can buy a breastmilk cooler for this function.
But if you want an easy process, a mini-fridge is the best option. Some models come with a mini freezer where you can freeze breastmilk.
So, it means that the milk will stay fresh for a long time.
This is helpful to moms who are away from home for many hours or overnight.
If you store it correctly in the freezer, the breast milk can last as long as 12 months.
3. Provides Separate Storage for Breastmilk
Some people store breastmilk in the kitchen fridge.
However, this isn’t an ideal place since everyone uses it.
There are several reasons for this. For example, someone else might mistake the breast milk with regular milk and drink it accidentally.
Also, the milk could absorb the smell of other things placed in the fridge.
And many times, the shared fridge might not offer enough space to store several bottles of pumped milk.
To avoid all these problems and get peace of mind, it’s wise to store breastmilk separately, making a mini-fridge in the nursery a great investment.
4. Complements the Room
Of course, design is not among the top reasons to buy a fridge for any room.
The most crucial consideration is functionality. But, you can achieve that while making the room look more appealing at the same time.
Since mini-fridges are mostly used in other rooms and not the kitchen, manufacturers don’t have to design them like traditional fridges.
They come in various appealing designs and colors. So you can choose one that matches your preferences.
Also, note that when you don’t need the fridge in the nursery, you can always use it in another room. So, it is a long term investment.
Drawbacks of Having a Fridge in the Nursery
Unfortunately, a mini-fridge in your baby’s room comes with some drawbacks. The argument usually is that; because the fridge is close to your child, it may leave the parent with some concerns.
1. EMF Radiation
Most people are usually worried about EMF radiation.
Remember that fridges release these rays when they are operating.
But, engineers argue that EMF radiation emitted by refrigerators is too minimal to cause any harm.
However, you can place the fridge in another room for your peace of mind and not where your baby sleeps.
Radiation decreases with distance, meaning if the refrigerator is in another room, your child will unlikely be affected.
2. Noise
Another concern is that the fridge produces noise which is not good for the nursery.
Well, this makes sense since your child needs a good sleep.
And this might be hard with a refrigerator making noise.
Thankfully, many modern fridges operate under minimal noise. They only emit white noise, which should not be an issue.
White noise is suitable for children since it creates a calm environment that encourages them to sleep.
Also, it allows your child to familiarize himself or herself with surrounding noises.
Some children might have a problem with noises.
In that case, you can invest in a white noise machine that produces the same sounds a baby hears in the womb to help your child cope.
Where Should You Place The Mini Fridge In The Nursery?
Location is crucial to protect your child from EMF radiation and noise and even in the room’s design.
It’s usually advisable to place the fridge in the farthest corner far from the crib or bassinet.
This way, the noise it makes won’t easily affect your child. Plus, the distance will reduce EMF radiation.
But, you can choose any other spot you like. After all, nurseries have different designs.
What matters is that the fridge will allow easy movements when you want to change or nurse your little one.
How Long Should Breastmilk Be Stored In A Mini Fridge?
The length depends on whether your fridge has a freezer or not.
Ideally, you should keep it refrigerated for about 3-7 days.
This allows moms to pump their breast milk and prepare for feeding time in advance.
Plus, it helps babies who wake up frequently for feeding in their early months.
Your feeding time won’t be as stressful when you have breastmilk ready.
But with fridges that have a freezer compartment, you can store your milk here for as long as 12 months, although this isn’t the best practice.
Conclusion
A mini-fridge in the nursery is a wise idea. It makes your feeding times less stressful and offers convenience. If you are concerned about noise and EMF radiation, use the above tips to reduce their effects.
References
https://www.momdot.com/best-mini-fridge-for-breast-milk/
