How do you prepare breast milk when going out?

Preparing Breast Milk for Outings: A Comprehensive Guide
When planning to go out with your baby, preparing breast milk can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth process. Here’s how to effectively prepare and store breast milk for your outing, ensuring your little one has the nourishment they need while you’re away from home.
1. Expressing and Storing Breast Milk
Before heading out, you’ll need to express breast milk if you haven’t already. This can be done using a breast pump or by hand expression. Once expressed, it’s crucial to store the milk properly to maintain its quality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends storing breast milk in clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags. Aim for small amounts, typically 2 to 4 ounces, to avoid waste, and leave about an inch of space at the top of the container since breast milk expands when frozen .
2. Refrigeration and Freezing Guidelines
If you’re not using the milk immediately, refrigeration or freezing is essential. Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for about six months for optimal quality. If you plan to use frozen milk, it’s best to defrost it slowly in the refrigerator. However, if you need it quickly, you can place the container in a jug of warm water or hold it under running warm water.
3. Preparing for Feeding
When it’s time to feed your baby, ensure the milk is at a comfortable temperature. If you’ve refrigerated or frozen the milk, gently shake it after thawing to mix any separated fat. Avoid using a microwave to heat breast milk, as it can create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth.
4. Packing for the Outing
When packing for your outing, consider using an insulated cooler bag with ice packs to keep the milk at a safe temperature. This is especially important if you’re going to be out for several hours. If you’re using freshly pumped milk, it can stay at room temperature for the duration of your outing, provided it’s within the four-hour guideline.
5. Feeding on the Go
If you’re out and about, you may need to feed your baby directly from a bottle. Make sure to bring along clean bottles and nipples. If your baby is accustomed to breastfeeding, they may need some time to adjust to bottle feeding, so practice at home if possible.
6. Hygiene and Safety
Always prioritize hygiene when handling breast milk. Wash your hands before expressing or handling milk, and ensure that all containers and feeding equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. This helps prevent any contamination and keeps your baby safe.
Conclusion
Preparing breast milk for outings doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your baby has access to nutritious breast milk while you enjoy your time out. With a little planning and preparation, you can confidently navigate feeding your baby on the go.

How do you prepare baby milk when out?

If you will need to use within two hours then simply mix up at home as normal and keep warm in a bottle warmer. If you will need it after a time-period of two hours then take boiling water in thermos flask, and pre-measured scoops of formula in a dispenser (you can get them at tescos etc).

How to keep bottles sterile when out?

It’s best to leave bottles and teats in the steriliser or pan until you need them. If you do take them out, put the teats and lids on the bottles straight away. Wash and dry your hands before handling sterilised equipment.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.

Can you prep formula bottles in advance?

But many parents make and refrigerate enough formula ahead of time to use for the day. If you know your baby eats every 3–4 hours, for instance, you can make 6 to 8 bottles to last you all day. If you prepare formula ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator. You can use pre-made formula for up to 24 hours.

How to sterilize pump parts while traveling?

You use Medela’s Quick Clean Breast Pump Wipes. Unscented and alcohol- and bleach-free, these wipes let you clean your pump shields, valves and membranes in a jiffy, without soap or water. (They’re also great for cleaning high chairs, changing tables and toys once you’re back home.)

How to keep breast milk fresh when going out?

Previously refrigerated breastmilk can be kept cool (10°C or below) for up to 24 hours when in a well-insulated bag with deep-frozen ice-packs. Take care not to freeze your milk by wrapping the ice-packs in kitchen paper first.

How to carry around breast milk when going out?

Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

How do you store baby milk when going out?

Using formula when you’re out and about
Carry it in a thermal baby bottle pack or a cool bag with ice-packs, and use it within 2 hours. You can put the bottle of formula back in the fridge if it has been in the bottle pack or cool bag for less than 2 hours. But use it within 24 hours of when it was first prepared.

Is frozen breast milk better than formula?

Breast milk is better for your baby than formula – but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

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.