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Can I put breast milk in checked luggage?

Traveling with Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
When it comes to traveling with breast milk, many parents wonder about the regulations surrounding checked luggage. The good news is that you can indeed transport breast milk in your checked luggage, but there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure its safety and compliance with airline policies.
Checked Luggage Regulations
Breast milk can be packed in your checked luggage, especially if it is frozen. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), while there are no restrictions on the amount of breast milk you can bring, it must be properly packed to maintain its quality during transit. Frozen breast milk is particularly resilient, as it can last for several hours at room temperature, making it a viable option for travel.
Packing Tips for Breast Milk
To ensure that your breast milk remains safe during your journey, consider the following packing tips:
1. Use Insulated Containers: Invest in insulated breast milk coolers that can keep the milk cold for extended periods. This is especially important if you are traveling for long hours.
2. Seal and Label: Make sure all containers are tightly sealed and clearly labeled. This helps in the event that security personnel need to inspect your luggage.
3. Consider Ice Packs: If you are traveling with thawed milk, include ice packs in your cooler to maintain a safe temperature.
Security Screening Process
When traveling with breast milk, you should be prepared for additional screening at airport security. The TSA allows breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be carried in your carry-on luggage without the need to fit it into a quart-sized bag. However, you must declare it at the security checkpoint. If you prefer not to have your milk x-rayed, inform the TSA officer, and they will conduct alternative screening methods, which may include a pat-down.
Conclusion
In summary, you can safely transport breast milk in your checked luggage, provided you follow the necessary precautions. By packing it properly and being aware of security protocols, you can ensure that your milk remains safe and ready for your little one, no matter where your travels take you.

Can you put breastmilk in your checked bag?

Checked Bags: Yes
This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk).

How much breastmilk can you fly with?

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

How to take expressed breast milk on a plane?

It must be in liquid form, not frozen, and must be presented in individual containers no larger than 2l. The milk will be subjected to screening and, if successful, will be allowed on board an aircraft. Passengers will not have to be accompanied by the breastfeeding infant.

How do you pack milk in a suitcase?

Make sure to at least double ziplock your milk cartons or use a leakproof container to pack them!

How do you pack breast milk for travel?

Transporting Milk
You can carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. After arriving at your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How should I bag my breast milk?

Refrigerated or frozen milk may be stored in:

  1. Hard-sided plastic or glass containers with well-fitting tops. Make sure you mark them with a date!
  2. Made without BPA/BPS containers, milk bags that are specifically designed for storing and freezing breastmilk, such as Lansinoh’s Breastmilk Storage Bags.

How to store breast milk in bags?

If using breastmilk storage bags, squeeze the air from the top before sealing tightly. In general, place storage bags upright in another container or the milk may leak. But if the double zipper seal on the breastmilk storage bag is reliable, laying the bag flat in the freezer will help the milk thaw faster later.

Is it better to check breast milk or carry-on?

Comments Section Breastmilk, your pump, etc. are considered medical decives and are exempt from bag and liquid ounce rules. DO NOT check your milk. If you cannot carry it on for whatever reason, ship it to yourself through a service like milk stork.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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