How to keep breast milk frozen while traveling?

Keeping Breast Milk Frozen While Traveling: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling with frozen breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing mothers, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be done safely and effectively. Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or flying across the country, here are essential strategies to ensure your precious supply remains frozen.
Understanding the Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a valuable resource for feeding infants, and maintaining its quality during travel is crucial. Frozen breast milk can typically be stored for up to six months in a standard freezer, but when traveling, the goal is to keep it at a consistent freezing temperature. The key is to minimize exposure to warmer temperatures, which can compromise the milk’s integrity.
Choosing the Right Containers
When preparing to travel, selecting the appropriate containers for your breast milk is vital. Use hard-sided coolers or insulated bags designed specifically for transporting frozen items. These containers provide better insulation compared to soft bags, helping to maintain the cold temperature for longer periods. Additionally, ensure that the breast milk is stored in breast milk storage bags or bottles that are freezer-safe and leak-proof.
Utilizing Dry Ice for Extended Travel
For longer journeys, especially those exceeding several hours, consider using dry ice. This method is particularly effective for air travel, where maintaining a frozen state is critical. Wrap the dry ice in newspaper and place it in the cooler with your breast milk. Be cautious, however, as direct contact with dry ice can cause freezer burn on the milk containers. Always ensure proper ventilation when using dry ice, as it releases carbon dioxide gas.
Planning Your Travel Route
If you’re driving, plan your route to include stops where you can check on your milk supply. Keeping the cooler in the passenger area, rather than the trunk, can help maintain a consistent temperature. If you’re flying, familiarize yourself with TSA regulations regarding breast milk. You are allowed to bring frozen breast milk through security, but it must be declared at the checkpoint.
Timing is Everything
When traveling by air, timing your pumping sessions can make a significant difference. If possible, pump right before your trip to ensure that the milk is as fresh and cold as possible. Additionally, consider the duration of your travel. If you have a layover, try to find a way to keep your milk frozen during the wait, such as using airport lounges that may have freezer facilities.
Shipping Breast Milk
For those who may not be able to carry their milk with them, shipping is another viable option. Many companies specialize in shipping breast milk, providing insulated containers and dry ice to ensure it remains frozen during transit. This can be particularly useful for mothers returning home after a trip or those who need to send milk to a caregiver.
Final Tips for Success
– Label Everything: Clearly label your containers with the date and time of pumping to keep track of freshness.
– Stay Calm: Traveling can be stressful, but keeping a positive mindset will help you manage any unexpected challenges.
– Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow mothers or lactation consultants for advice tailored to your specific travel plans.
By following these guidelines, nursing mothers can confidently travel with their frozen breast milk, ensuring their little ones continue to receive the best nutrition, no matter where the journey leads.

How to keep breast milk frozen without a freezer?

Purchase a cooler that has a leakproof zipper and closed-cell rubber foam lining to ensure milk will stay cold. I used a YETI cooler and it kept milk frozen for an entire day! You can find it on Amazon, here!

How long can you travel with frozen breast milk?

Expressed breast milk may be stored and transported in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. Or the milk can be frozen in dry ice following these safety precautions.

Can you travel with ice packs for breast milk?

This also applies to breast milk pumping equipment (regardless of presence of breast milk). Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are allowed in carry-on.

How long will frozen milk stay frozen in a cooler?

Road trips. If you’re hitting the road, you’ll need to find a cooler that can maintain a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below, like the Cool Commuter by Milk Stork. Your already-frozen breast milk can remain safely stored for up to 24 hours in the cooler using the included gel packs.

How long will dry ice keep breast milk frozen?

48 hours
Once sealed, the dry ice will keep your breastmilk frozen or cool for up to 48 hours, depending on the quantity of breastmilk and dry ice within the insulated shipping container. We recommend that you play it safe and use an overnight or next-day delivery service to send your breastmilk back home.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘4qpoZ7DxD_uMxc8Pi-qpqAw__39′,’

How do you store pumped breast milk while traveling?

Store expressed milk in milk storage bags or clean food-grade containers with tight fitting lids made of glass or BPA-free plastic. Store milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer where the temperature is more likely to stay constant.

How to store breast milk on a road trip?

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.

How to travel with breast milk in car?

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 to carry frozen breast milk while travelling?

Take your frozen breast milk and put them in zip lock bags, make them airtight and then wrap in newspaper. The zip lock bags are to save any milk that may leak during shipping and the newspaper is to prevent the bags from touching the dry ice as it will break open the bags.

How long will breast milk stay frozen without power?

If you lose power:
This will keep the cold air in, which will help the contents stay frozen longer. Breastmilk will remain frozen for up to 48 hours depending on how big your freezer is and how full it is when the power goes off.