How do you take breast milk on a plane?

Traveling with Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling with breast milk can seem daunting, especially for nursing mothers who want to ensure their little ones have access to their milk while on the go. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, the process can be smooth and hassle-free.
Understanding TSA Regulations
One of the most important aspects of traveling with breast milk is understanding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. Unlike other liquids, breast milk is exempt from the typical 3.4-ounce limit. This means you can bring as much breast milk as you need for your journey, whether it’s fresh or frozen. When passing through security, it’s essential to inform TSA agents that you are carrying breast milk. You should separate your bottles and pump from other items in your carry-on for easier screening.
Packing Your Breast Milk
When preparing to travel, consider using pre-sterilized, sealable bags specifically designed for breast milk storage. These bags are convenient and help prevent leaks. Alternatively, hard plastic or glass containers can also be used, provided they are clean and tightly sealed. For longer trips, using a cooler with ice packs is advisable to keep the milk at a safe temperature. Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are all permitted in your carry-on.
Navigating Airport Security
At the security checkpoint, you will need to remove your breast milk from your bag for separate screening. TSA agents are trained to handle these situations, so remain calm and follow their instructions. While there is a guideline suggesting a “reasonable quantity” of milk, this is often interpreted flexibly, allowing mothers to carry what they need.
Shipping Breast Milk
For those traveling long distances or internationally, consider using services like Milk Stork, which specializes in shipping breast milk in specialized coolers. This option allows you to focus on your travel without the added stress of carrying milk through airports.
Final Tips for a Smooth Journey
– Plan Ahead: Before your trip, check the specific airline policies regarding traveling with breast milk, as they can vary.
– Stay Organized: Keep all your breast milk supplies in one accessible location in your carry-on.
– Stay Calm: If you encounter any issues at security, remember that TSA agents are there to help, and being polite can go a long way.
By following these guidelines, nursing mothers can confidently travel with breast milk, ensuring their babies continue to receive the nourishment they need, no matter where their adventures take them.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

How do you carry pumped 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 go out with expressed breast milk?

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. Insulated cooler. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day.

How do you pack breast milk for a flight?

Easiest thing is to freeze the breast milk, put it in a small little lunch box cooler with bottles of frozen water. You can bring water through TSA as long as it is frozen, I don’t think breast milk has to be (if you’re planning to feed it to baby on the flight, looks like you’re not bringing baby though). It was easy!

How long can breast milk stay in a cooler with an ice pack?

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.

Does breast milk have to be frozen for TSA?

If you’re in the US, containers of frozen milk may be checked by just looking at them. Fresh, thawed, or slushy milk may be subject to further examination. You may be asked to open the container of breast milk and pour some out to test for explosives.

How do you pack baby milk on a plane?

If you’re flying, there’s some good news: the 100ml carry-on limit for liquids doesn’t apply to formula milk or sterilised water. This means you can bring a reasonable amount of each to meet your baby’s needs for the journey.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

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 do I get my baby milk through TSA?

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings.