Breast milk popsicles (aka frozen breast milk lollies) are a simple, natural way to ease teething pain while giving your baby some of the immune support that breast milk is known for. They combine the soothing power of cold with the nutritional and protective benefits of breast milk.
If your baby is fussy, drooling, and chewing on everything in sight, this might be the low-cost, low-fuss solution worth trying.
What Are Breast Milk Lollies?
Think of them as frozen breast milk in a baby-safe mold, shaped like a small popsicle or lolly. They’re not store-bought or fancy—they’re made right at home with your own pumped milk.
Parents call them all kinds of things: milk popsicles, milksicles, breast milk ice lollies. Whatever you call them, they can help numb sore gums and keep baby calm for a few precious minutes.
They’re also incredibly versatile:
- Great for teething relief
- Easy to prep ahead for busy days
- Helpful when you’re away and can’t breastfeed
- A fun way to add variety to your baby’s experience with food
Breast milk lollies aren’t just for teething babies. If you have pumped milk stored and older children at home, you can offer these frozen treats as a simple, immune-boosting snack.
Why Breast Milk Lollies May Help With Teething Pain
Teething hurts. Sore gums make babies cranky, clingy, and hard to soothe. Here’s how breast milk lollies help:
- Natural pain relief: Breast milk actually contains natural pain-relief properties. One key ingredient? Beta-endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that help reduce stress and discomfort in babies.
- Cold relieves inflammation: Just like ice on a sprained ankle, cold can reduce gum swelling and dull the pain.
- Pressure soothes: Sucking and chewing on something firm gives babies a natural outlet to press on their sore gums.
- Safe and familiar: Unlike random objects or store-bought toys, your milk is something your baby already knows and trusts.
As the kids bite into these frozen snacks, many parents report immediate relief from teething discomfort.
Immune Boost? Here’s What We Know
Breast milk is packed with protective elements:
- Antibodies that help your baby fight off common infections
- HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides) that feed good gut bacteria
- Lactoferrin that helps fight germs
- Complement proteins that support immune defense
Even when frozen, the immune components are still active. It’s not a magic shield, but it’s one more way to support their system naturally.
How To Make Breast Milk Lollies at Home
Here’s a step-by-step guide that takes less than 10 minutes (plus freeze time):
What You Need
- Fresh or previously pumped breast milk
- A clean silicone baby popsicle mold (look for BPA-free)
- Freezer
Steps
- Pour 1–2 oz of breast milk into each mold cavity.
- Secure the handle or stick (follow mold instructions). Try using a teether instead of a stick.
- Freeze for at least 3–4 hours until solid.
- Run the outside of the mold under warm water to loosen before serving.
- Always supervise your baby while they use it.
Tip: For babies over 4 months, try adding soft fruits like strawberries or peaches before freezing, with your pediatrician’s okay.
“Milksicles were a lifesaver during my baby’s worst teething days. I only wish I’d known about them when my older kids were little.”
Bonus: Homemade Breast Milk Ice Cream
Looking for something extra special? Here’s a fun way to turn your milk into a smoother frozen treat:
You’ll Need
- 1 cup breast milk
- 5 cups crushed ice
- 75ml salt
- Two ziplock bags or small containers (one smaller, one larger)
How To Freeze It
- Pour the breast milk into the smaller bag or container and seal tightly.
- Place it inside the larger bag/container filled with crushed ice.
- Sprinkle the salt over the ice to keep the temperature cold.
- Shake or massage the bags for a few minutes until it thickens like soft ice cream.
- Transfer to freezer to set fully.
It’s hands-on, a bit messy, but super satisfying—and babies love it.
Note: The salt is only used to help lower the temperature of the ice during the freezing process—it is not added to the breast milk and is not consumed.
Safety Tips and Things To Avoid
Like anything you give your baby, breast milk lollies need to be made and used safely:
- Use clean, sanitized molds and tools.
- Don’t offer if your baby can’t hold it on their own or is under 4 months.
- Never refreeze milk that’s been thawed more than once.
- Avoid large, hard chunks that could be a choking risk.
- Watch for signs of discomfort or sensitivity to cold.
- Don’t use cow’s milk or formula unless directed by your healthcare provider.
Are There Downsides?
A few things to keep in mind:
- Freezer burn or poor storage can affect milk quality.
- Cold sensitivity: Some babies don’t love cold items.
- Not a cure-all: Lollies help, but won’t eliminate teething struggles completely.
Bottom line: They’re a useful tool, not a miracle solution.
“I started giving my 5-month-old frozen breast milk in a pacifier mold and it’s the only thing that stops the crying some days.”
Why Give Breast Milk Popsicles to Older Kids Too?
- Great for cold and flu season
- A gentle way to reintroduce the benefits of breast milk if your child weaned early
- Helpful during tummy bugs or sore throats when nutrients matter most
They’re especially comforting if your child is sick, refusing food, or just needs a familiar, soothing treat.
Just be sure they understand what they’re eating and that it’s from stored breast milk you’ve previously expressed.
Breast milk popsicles are an easy, safe, and natural way to offer your baby relief from teething pain—with the added bonus of immune support.
References
Lokossou GAG, “Human Breast Milk: From Food to Active Immune …” 2022. PMC
Camacho‑Morales et al., “Breastfeeding Contributes to Physiological Immune …” (Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2021) frontiersin.org
Cleveland Clinic, “Benefits of Breastfeeding for You & Baby”. Cleveland Clinic
MCRI/Baker Institute study (2025) on breastfeeding and infection risk. mcri.edu.au
Johns Hopkins study (2024) on complement proteins in breast milk & gut microbiota. Bloomberg School of Public Health
Mayo Clinic, “Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums”. Mayo Clinic
