How do you carry expressed breast milk while travelling?

Traveling with Expressed Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling while breastfeeding can present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to transporting expressed breast milk. Whether you’re flying or driving, understanding the best practices for carrying breast milk can help ensure that your journey is smooth and stress-free.
Preparation is Key
Before embarking on your trip, it’s essential to plan ahead. If you’re flying, familiarize yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Breast milk is permitted in reasonable quantities through security checkpoints, and you can bring more than the standard 3.4-ounce limit typically imposed on liquids. However, all liquids, including breast milk, must be screened separately, so it’s advisable to transport them in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches to expedite the process .
Storage Solutions
When traveling, especially for extended periods, storing your expressed milk properly is crucial. An insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs can keep breast milk safe for up to 24 hours. This method is particularly useful if you’re on a long flight or road trip. If you’re traveling away from your baby for an extended time, consider shipping breast milk home. While this option can be more complicated and costly, it ensures that your milk remains fresh and is stored correctly.
Pumping on the Go
If you’re using a breast pump during your travels, ensure that you have all necessary equipment packed, including extra bottles, ice packs, and a portable pump. Some mothers find it helpful to pump while on the road, especially if someone else is driving. This way, you can express milk without needing to stop frequently.
Navigating Airport Security
At the airport, be prepared for additional screening. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. To facilitate this process, keep your breast milk easily accessible and inform the security personnel that you are carrying expressed milk.
Traveling by Car
For road trips, the same principles apply. Use an insulated cooler to keep the milk cold, and plan for regular stops to pump if necessary. Staying hydrated is also important, as it can help maintain your milk supply.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with expressed breast milk requires careful planning and consideration of storage and transportation methods. By understanding the regulations and preparing adequately, you can ensure that your expressed milk remains safe and fresh, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip. Whether you’re flying or driving, these strategies will help make your travel experience as seamless as possible.

What to do with pumped breast milk while traveling?

Store your milk in breast milk storage bags so that you can fit a lot of them in the insulated cooler bags on the way home. Also bring a small cooler with ice packs to store pumped milk when you are away from your hotel room.

How to take expressed breast milk on a plane?

One of the questions I am asked a lot is about traveling with breast milk, flying with breast milk and whether you can take expressed breast milk through airport security. The answer is yes, you can bring expressed breast milk through airport security in individual containers no more that 2000ml each in size.

How do you travel with a baby when exclusively pumping?

For an electric pump, bring a battery pack or an AC/DC converter/car adapter. You may also want to bring a hand pump, which is great if no outlets are available. Wearing a hands-free pumping and nursing bra or tank is a huge help. If it makes you more comfortable, bring a nursing cover.

How long can pumped breast milk stay out?

Consider these general guidelines: Room temperature. Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to six hours. However, it’s optimal to use or properly store the breast milk within four hours, especially if the room is warm.

What are the disadvantages of pumping breast milk?

Disadvantages of using a breast pump include:

• Fewer immune system benefits. Using a breast pump is preferable to formula but may not be tailored to the baby’s needs at the moment.
• Extra expense. Buying a breast pump and the supplies needed may cost extra money.
• Privacy concerns.
• Storage.

How do you transport expressed breast milk?

Breast milk that’s been cooled in the fridge can be carried in a cool bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours. Storing breast milk in small quantities will help avoid waste. If you’re freezing it, make sure you label and date it first.

Can you bring pumped breast milk through TSA?

Breast milk is exempt from the normal TSA rules regarding liquids — it is not limited to the 3.4 ounces that other liquids are limited to. You can carry it in bottles and/or milk bags. Since I primarily pumped with the Willow wearable breast pump on my trips, I always had my milk in milk bags.

What can I do with breast milk instead of dumping?

6 Creative Ways to Use Breast Milk as a Home Remedy

1. Soothing Baby’s Diaper Rash.
2. Clearing Baby’s Stuffy Nose.
3. Easing Teething Pain.
4. Treating Baby’s Acne.
5. Helping Baby’s Cradle Cap.
6. Healing Cuts and Scrapes.

How long can breast milk last in a cooler bag?

24 hours
Expressed breast milk may be stored and transported in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours.

Does a cooler for breastmilk count as a carry-on?

Bring your regular carry-on luggage but be prepared to explain that your pump is a medical device. Your breast milk cooler does count as a carry-on item.