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How much frozen breastmilk can you bring on a plane?

Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Traveling with frozen breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing parents, especially when navigating airport security and airline regulations. Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that make it easier for parents to transport this essential nourishment for their babies.
Quantity Regulations
According to the TSA, parents are allowed to bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on baggage. This is a significant allowance, as it means that you do not need to confine your breast milk to the typical quart-sized bag that is required for most liquids. Instead, breast milk can be transported in larger containers, making it feasible to carry enough for your baby’s needs during travel.
Screening Process
When you arrive at the security checkpoint, it’s important to inform the TSA officers that you are carrying breast milk. You will need to remove the containers from your carry-on bag for separate screening. This process is designed to ensure safety while accommodating the needs of nursing parents. Be prepared for the possibility of additional screening, especially if there is any liquid present in the containers.
Storage Tips for Frozen Milk
For those traveling with frozen breast milk, proper storage is crucial to maintain its integrity. Many parents recommend using a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs to keep the milk frozen during transit. While some may consider using dry ice, it’s essential to check with your airline regarding their specific policies on carrying dry ice, as regulations can vary.
Airline Policies
While TSA regulations provide a framework for traveling with breast milk, individual airlines may have their own policies. It’s advisable to check with your airline ahead of time to ensure compliance and to understand any additional requirements they may have regarding the transport of frozen breast milk.
Conclusion
Traveling with frozen breast milk is entirely feasible with the right preparation and knowledge of TSA regulations. By understanding the quantity limits, screening processes, and storage options, parents can ensure that their babies have access to their essential nutrition, even while on the go. Whether you’re flying across the country or internationally, being informed will help make your travel experience smoother and less stressful.

How to transport frozen breastmilk?

Frozen breastmilk should be kept frozen during transportation. This will reduce the risk of the milk defrosting/warming, thus preventing the growth of bacteria. A cool bag with ice packs should be used when transporting breastmilk – refer to ‘Safe Storage of Breastmilk’ table above for temperature and timings.

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 many bottles of baby milk can I take on a plane?

If you’ve already got a muslin swaddle blanket for baby just tie it around your neck and you’re sorted, plus it’s cheaper too. If you’re formula feeding while travelling, you can take as many bottles as you need through the airport (within reason) as the restrictions on liquids doesn’t apply to baby food.

Can you fly with frozen breast milk?

Checked Bags: Yes
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk).

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

How many ounces of breastmilk can you freeze in a bag?

5 ounces is preferred. DO store bags as flat as possible in your freezer. TIP: Store bags in a plastic storage bin, shoe box or another container in your freezer. Some moms even use a separate container to store milk in order by earliest date frozen.

How much frozen breastmilk can I fly with?

Parents who are Rying (with or without their child) can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters onto the plane in their carry-on, as long as they declare it for inspection at the security checkpoint. The TSA Security OScers will examine your containers.

Does TSA check breast milk?

For ease of screening, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. Also, be sure to remove it from your bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Typically, these liquids are screened by X-ray.

Is there a limit to how much breast milk you can bring on a plane?

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 long is breast milk good for after thawing?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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