How to safely ship frozen breast milk?

Safely Shipping Frozen Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Shipping frozen breast milk can be a daunting task for new parents, but with the right preparation and materials, it can be done safely and effectively. Here’s a detailed look at how to ensure your precious cargo arrives frozen and intact.
Preparation is Key
Before you even think about shipping, it’s crucial to prepare the breast milk properly. First, freeze the milk flat in high-quality breast milk storage bags. This not only saves space but also allows for quicker freezing and thawing. Each bag should be labeled with the date and time of collection, and if the milk is intended for a specific baby, include their name and medical record number for clarity.
Choosing the Right Packaging
The packaging is vital for maintaining the temperature of the frozen milk during transit. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Select an Insulated Container: Use a Styrofoam cooler or an insulated shipping box. This will help keep the milk frozen for longer periods.

2. Use Dry Ice or Gel Packs: To maintain the frozen state, pack the breast milk with dry ice or gel packs. If using dry ice, ensure you have a supplier arranged to deliver it to your location, as it can be tricky to find on short notice. When packing, place the frozen milk at the bottom of the cooler, surrounded by dry ice or gel packs, and fill any gaps to minimize movement.
3. Seal and Label: Double-bag the milk to prevent leaks and clearly label the package as “Frozen” and “Contains Human Milk.” This is important for both safety and compliance with shipping regulations.
Shipping Method
When it comes to shipping, choose a reliable courier service that offers expedited shipping options. Services like FedEx or UPS are often recommended for their speed and reliability. Aim to ship the milk early in the week to avoid weekend delays, which could compromise the milk’s safety.
Timing and Tracking
Once shipped, keep track of the package. Most courier services provide tracking options, allowing you to monitor the shipment’s progress. This is particularly important to ensure that the milk remains frozen throughout its journey.
Final Tips
– Pack Tightly: Ensure that the breast milk bags are packed tightly within the cooler to minimize movement and maintain temperature.
– Consider Shipping Kits: Some companies offer shipping kits specifically designed for breast milk, which can simplify the process and ensure compliance with safety standards.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently ship frozen breast milk, ensuring it arrives safely and ready for use. Whether for a move, travel, or sharing with a loved one, proper preparation and packaging are essential to protect this valuable resource.

Can you ship breast milk through the USPS?

Ship overnight, as you want the breast milk to stay frozen in transit. DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS offer milk shipping services, so you can rest assured your shipment will maintain its temperature and be delivered quickly.

How long is frozen 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.

Can you ship breast milk via UPS?

For example, UPS requires that breast milk be shipped in a sturdy, insulated container with enough dry ice or gel packs to keep the milk frozen for at least 24 hours. FedEx recommends using their temperature-controlled packaging to ensure the milk stays at the correct temperature during shipping.

How long will breastmilk stay frozen in a cooler with ice?

Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

How to transport frozen breast milk on a flight?

Frozen breastmilk & ice packs can be packed in carry on luggage. Similar to liquids, frozen breastmilk and ice packs over 3.4oz are allowed to be carried on flights. The big difference– frozen items do NOT require any TSA testing and do not need to be removed from your luggage when going through security.

What are the rules on flying with breast milk?

Formula, breast milk, juice 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. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

Can UPS ship breast milk?

Choosing a Shipping Service
UPS and FedEx both offer overnight shipping for breast milk, but the cost can be expensive.

What is the best way to ship frozen breast milk?

Yes, you can mail frozen breast milk. To package it for shipping, use an insulated container with dry ice or gel packs to maintain a frozen temperature. Place the frozen breast milk in sealed bags or containers, and double-bag them to prevent leakage.

How to ship frozen food overnight USPS?

The USPS recommends shipping frozen items via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express, as these services offer the best protection against temperature changes. Be sure to include enough postage on your package, as frozen items often require additional postage due to their weight.

Does FedEx ship breast milk?

We provide reliable solutions for shipping breast milk, pharmaceuticals and perishables.