This article is for information purposes only. Always consult your midwife, neonatal team, or healthcare professional for advice about colostrum collection, storage, and feeding.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth. It is thick, golden, and packed with antibodies, proteins, and essential nutrients. Colostrum is often called “liquid gold” because even a few drops provide powerful protection for a newborn.
Although colostrum is produced in very small amounts, it is highly concentrated. A baby’s stomach is only the size of a marble at birth, so every drop counts.
Colostrum Benefits for Newborns
- Immune protection – rich in antibodies (especially IgA) that help defend against infections.
- Gut protection – coats and lines the intestines, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- First vaccine effect – provides early immune support before the baby’s own system develops fully.
- Easier digestion – low in fat and high in protein, making it gentle on the newborn’s stomach.
- Acts as a natural laxative – helps pass meconium (the first dark stool), which also reduces the risk of jaundice.
- Growth and repair – contains growth factors that help the gut and other organs mature.
- Highly concentrated nutrition – every drop is packed with proteins, vitamins (especially A and E), and minerals such as zinc.
- Supports microbiome development – encourages healthy bacteria to colonise the baby’s gut.
- Long-term health benefits – linked to lower risks of allergies and infections in infancy.
Colostrum Benefits for Preterm or Unwell Babies
- Can be given even in tiny amounts – through “mouth care” if full feeding is not yet possible.
- Boosts oral immunity – protective antibodies are absorbed through the lining of the mouth (oral mucosa).
- Reduces hospital-acquired infection risk – provides immediate, natural immune support.
- Supports feeding transition – helps prepare the gut for tolerance of full breast milk or formula later on.
Why are 1ml oral syringes used for colostrum?
Because colostrum is made in tiny quantities, 1ml oral syringes are the perfect tool for collection and storage. These small syringes allow parents and healthcare staff to:
- Collect drops directly without waste
- Measure and track precisely how much colostrum has been expressed
- Secure the contents with a cap for safe storage
- Feed colostrum directly to the baby when needed
Hospitals and neonatal units across the UK, including the NHS, frequently request 1ml syringes with caps for colostrum collection.
How is colostrum collected?
Most parents hand-express colostrum in the first hours or days after birth. Drops can be expressed straight into the syringe or onto a sterile spoon and then drawn up. Once collected, each syringe is capped and labelled with the baby’s name, the date, and the time.
Colostrum storage guidelines (NHS practice)
Guidelines can vary slightly between hospitals, but typical NHS recommendations are:
- At room temperature up to 25°C: up to 4 hours
- In a refrigerator at 2–4°C: up to 24 to 48 hours
- In a freezer at –18°C or colder: up to 3 to 6 months
Once thawed, colostrum should be used within 12 to 24 hours and never refrozen. Parents should always check the specific guidance provided by their midwife or neonatal unit.
Feeding colostrum to a newborn
Colostrum collected in a capped syringe can be warmed to room temperature before use. Feeding is done drop by drop, usually onto the inside of the baby’s cheek or gums. For very premature or unwell babies, colostrum may also be used for “colostrum mouth care” where it is gently applied inside the mouth to provide immune protection until feeding can begin.
Why choose colostrum syringes from OralSyringes.uk?
- Available in 1ml size or as a colostrum collection kit, which is recommended for newborn collection
- Clear barrels for accurate measurement
- Secure caps for hygienic storage
- Suitable for both hospital and home use
Please remember:
Colostrum provides irreplaceable nutrition and protection for babies in their first days of life. Using 1ml oral syringes with caps ensures that every drop can be safely collected, stored, and given to the baby.
Further reading: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/
⚠️ This blog is intended for information only. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional regarding colostrum collection, storage, and feeding.