How to carry breast milk while travelling on a plane?

Traveling with Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling with breast milk can seem daunting for nursing mothers, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a smooth experience. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, understanding the regulations and best practices for transporting breast milk is essential.
Know Your Rights and Regulations
First and foremost, it’s crucial to be aware of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. According to the TSA, breast milk is allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on baggage. Importantly, these liquids do not need to fit within the standard quart-sized bag that typically applies to other liquids. When you arrive at security, you should inform the TSA agents that you are carrying breast milk, and it will be screened separately from your other belongings.
Packing Your Breast Milk
When it comes to packing breast milk for air travel, using a breast milk cooler is highly recommended. These coolers are designed to maintain the appropriate temperature for your milk, whether it’s fresh or frozen. You can store the milk directly in the cooler or use specialized glass storage bottles that fit well inside .
If you are traveling with frozen breast milk, consider using dry ice to keep it frozen during your journey. However, be cautious, as dry ice is classified as a dangerous good and has specific regulations regarding its transport. Always check with your airline for their policies on carrying dry ice.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
1. Plan Ahead: Before your trip, check the airline’s policies regarding traveling with breast milk. Some airlines may have specific guidelines or recommendations that can help you prepare better.
2. Label Your Milk: If you are traveling with multiple bags or containers, labeling your milk can help avoid confusion and ensure that it is handled properly.
3. Keep It Accessible: When packing your carry-on, place the cooler with breast milk in an easily accessible spot. This will make it simpler to retrieve during security checks.
4. Consider Pumping at the Airport: If you need to pump during your travels, many airports now offer nursing rooms equipped with comfortable seating and electrical outlets. This can provide a private space to pump and store your milk safely.
5. Stay Calm and Communicate: If you encounter any issues at security, remain calm and clearly communicate your needs. TSA agents are trained to assist nursing mothers, and knowing your rights can help facilitate the process.
Conclusion
Traveling with breast milk doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By understanding TSA regulations, packing wisely, and planning ahead, nursing mothers can ensure that their precious cargo arrives safely at their destination. With a little preparation, you can focus on enjoying your trip while keeping your baby well-fed.

Does breast pump count as carry-on?

Breast pumps and baby formula are allowed to be carried onto an aircraft and don’t count against your carry-on allowance. Be sure to notify a TSA officer when going through the security check-in.

Is a cooler for breastmilk considered a carry-on?

A breast milk cooler (discussed in the next bullet point) does count against your carry-on item limits.

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 much baby milk can you take through airport security?

Here’s all you need to know. First off it’s important to know that the 100ml limit for liquids doesn’t apply to formula, or the water you need for making it, so technically you can take as much as you’d need to last the flight.

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 do you keep breast milk good while traveling?

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 do you keep breast milk cold while traveling?

When you’re moving from place to place, the best way to store breast milk is in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. Many moms like to use pre-sterilized, sealable bags that are specially designed for storing breast milk.

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.

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.