How do you fly with refrigerated breast milk?

Navigating Air Travel with Refrigerated Breast Milk
Flying with refrigerated breast milk can seem daunting, especially for new parents. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure a smooth journey while keeping your milk safe and secure.
Understanding TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines regarding the transport of breast milk. Unlike other liquids, breast milk is exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on items. You are allowed to bring it in “reasonable quantities,” whether you are traveling with your baby or not. It’s advisable to inform TSA officers about your breast milk before you reach the security checkpoint, as this can help streamline the process.
Packing Your Breast Milk
To maintain the quality of your breast milk during travel, proper packing is essential. The best method is to use a breast milk cooler. These coolers are designed to keep milk at a safe temperature for extended periods. Before your flight, freeze the cooler overnight to ensure it stays cold. When packing, make sure the cooler is tightly sealed and avoid opening it unnecessarily, as this can compromise the internal temperature .
If you are traveling with a significant amount of milk, consider using a cooler lunchbox or specialized breast milk storage bags. These options not only help in maintaining the temperature but also make it easier to transport larger quantities.
Storage Guidelines During Travel
When flying, it’s crucial to store your breast milk correctly. Ideally, keep it in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where temperatures are more stable. If you’re using ice packs, ensure they are frozen solid before packing them in the cooler. During your journey, try to minimize the time the cooler is opened to maintain the cold temperature.
Thawing and Using Breast Milk
If you need to thaw breast milk during your trip, do so gradually in the refrigerator or by placing the sealed bag in warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as this can create hot spots and degrade the milk’s quality. Always check the milk for any signs of spoilage before feeding it to your baby.
Shipping Breast Milk
For longer trips, you might consider shipping your breast milk. Some services offer refrigerated containers that can be filled with milk bags and sent via courier. This option can be particularly useful if you’re traveling without your baby and need to ensure the milk remains fresh.
Conclusion
Flying with refrigerated breast milk requires careful planning and adherence to TSA regulations, but it is entirely manageable. By using the right storage solutions and following best practices for packing and thawing, you can travel confidently, knowing your milk is safe for your little one.

How do you transport breast milk from fridge?

It is best to seal your breast milk bottles in ziploc bags and then pad them with crumpled up newspaper inside your cooler of dry ice. You can print out a FedEx shipping label online. I have heard of people shipping breast milk on regular ice via overnight US mail.

How do you keep milk cold when flying?

Wrap bags/ bottles of milk in dish towels or other fabric. Keep the cooker packed tightly– a densely packed cooler keeps things cold longer due to less air circulating. Don’t open it unless you have to (so don’t keep any supplies mixed in with your milk that you would need to access).

How long will breast milk last in a cooler bag?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

How to pack milk for a flight?

Yes, you can bring milk on a flight for your toddler.
You are allowed to bring milk in a reusable personal cup, a single-use plastic bottle, a baby bottle, or a carton – already opened or sealed.

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.

How to travel with refrigerated breast milk?

It is best to seal your breast milk bottles in ziploc bags and then pad them with crumpled up newspaper inside your cooler of dry ice. You can print out a FedEx shipping label online. I have heard of people shipping breast milk on regular ice via overnight US mail.

How long can refrigerated breast milk sit out?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

How long can you travel with milk in a cooler?

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.

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.

What are the rules on flying with breast milk?

Formula, breast milk, juice 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. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.