How do you store breast milk when flying?

Storing Breast Milk While Flying: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling with breast milk can be a daunting task for breastfeeding mothers, especially when navigating the complexities of air travel. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure that your pumped milk remains safe and fresh throughout your journey.
Understanding Regulations and Limits
When flying with breast milk, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Breast milk is considered a liquid for security purposes, but there are exceptions. You are allowed to bring more than the standard 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of breast milk through security, provided it is for your infant or for medical purposes. It’s advisable to inform the TSA officer that you are carrying breast milk, as they may need to conduct additional screening.
Choosing the Right Containers
To transport your breast milk safely, use clean, tightly sealed containers. Options include bottles, glass containers, or specialized breast milk storage bags. These containers should be see-through to facilitate security checks. For optimal preservation, consider using a breast milk cooler. This insulated bag is designed to keep your milk at the right temperature during your flight.
Keeping It Cold
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for breast milk storage. Use ice packs or frozen gel packs to keep the milk cold. Ensure that these packs are frozen solid before packing them with your milk. The cooler should be packed in your carry-on luggage, as checked baggage may not maintain the necessary temperature.
Packing Tips
When packing for your flight, make breast milk the last item you pack to ensure it stays as cold as possible. Keep it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to leave. Once you arrive at your destination, unload the milk first to minimize the time it spends outside of a cold environment.
During the Flight
If you are traveling with your child, you may need to access the milk during the flight. In this case, keep it within easy reach. If your baby is not traveling with you, plan to use the milk within a reasonable timeframe after your flight to ensure its freshness.
Alternative Options
If you find yourself unable to store or transport breast milk effectively, consider options like pumping and dumping. This method allows you to maintain your milk supply without the stress of transporting milk that may not be usable.
In summary, flying with breast milk requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. By using appropriate containers, keeping the milk cold, and packing strategically, you can ensure that your breast milk remains safe and ready for your baby, even while traveling.

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.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

How do you store pumped breast milk in a bag?

Seal the bag and write the date and time on the bag before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. (Quality breast milk bags are self-standing for easy filling, handling, and space-saving storage.) Thaw frozen breast milk at room temperature for two hours or in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

How much breastmilk can I bring on a plane?

3.4 ounces
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 much breastmilk can I bring through TSA?

3.4 ounces
Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches) 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 do I keep my milk supply up while traveling?

Pumping While Traveling: Schedule

1. Replace each feed with a pumping session. Schedule regular breaks to express your breastmilk—and do it as frequently as you would normally feed your baby.
2. Stick to your original feeding schedule.
3. Take care.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.

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 store breastmilk when flying?

The type of transportation (e.g., airplane, car, train, bus) you take may influence what policies you need to be aware of and follow. You can carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours.

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.