How to transport frozen breast milk internationally?

Transporting Frozen Breast Milk Internationally: A Comprehensive Guide
Transporting frozen breast milk internationally can be a daunting task for nursing parents, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be done safely and efficiently. Here’s a detailed look at how to navigate the complexities of traveling with frozen breast milk, whether by air or through shipping.
Understanding Regulations and Guidelines
Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the regulations surrounding the transport of breast milk. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows parents to carry breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces without the need to fit it into a quart-sized bag, which is a significant advantage for traveling families. However, international regulations may vary, so checking the specific rules of your destination country is essential.
Packing for Air Travel
When flying, the best practice is to pack your frozen breast milk in your checked luggage. This method is generally considered the most foolproof way to keep the milk frozen during transit. Here are some key tips for packing:
1. Use Insulated Coolers: Invest in a high-quality insulated cooler that can maintain low temperatures. Fill the cooler to capacity with frozen breast milk bags, ensuring that there are no gaps that could allow warm air to enter.
2. Ice Packs: Incorporate ice packs, gel packs, or freezer packs into your cooler. These should be completely frozen before packing. If they become slushy during travel, they may be subject to additional screening at security.
3. Tightly Pack the Milk: Arrange the breast milk bags tightly within the cooler. This not only maximizes space but also helps maintain the cold temperature.
4. Label Everything: Clearly label your cooler and the bags of breast milk. This can help expedite the security process and ensure that your milk is handled properly.
Navigating Security Checks
At the airport, be prepared for additional scrutiny. While TSA regulations allow for the transport of breast milk, security personnel may need to inspect your cooler. It’s advisable to inform the TSA officer that you are traveling with breast milk as soon as you reach the checkpoint. Keeping your cooler easily accessible will facilitate a smoother screening process.
Shipping Breast Milk Internationally
If air travel isn’t feasible or if you prefer to ship your breast milk, there are several options available. Companies like Milk Stork specialize in shipping breast milk internationally, providing insulated shipping containers that maintain the necessary temperature. Here’s how to approach shipping:
1. Choose a Reliable Service: Look for a shipping service that specializes in transporting perishable goods. Ensure they have experience with breast milk to guarantee proper handling.
2. Pack Properly: Similar to air travel, use insulated containers and ice packs to keep the milk frozen during transit. The cooler must be packed to full capacity to maintain the cold temperature effectively.
3. Understand Customs Regulations: Be aware of the customs regulations in both the sending and receiving countries. Some countries may have restrictions on importing breast milk, so it’s vital to check these regulations beforehand.
Final Considerations
Transporting frozen breast milk internationally requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. By understanding the guidelines, packing effectively, and choosing the right shipping methods, parents can ensure that their milk remains safe and frozen during their travels. Whether flying or shipping, the key is preparation and awareness of the rules to make the journey as smooth as possible for both parent and child.

Can you travel internationally with frozen breast milk?

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. Frozen items can go through the conveyer belt scanner like any normal item.

How to carry breast milk while travelling internationally?

+ Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling. Once you arrive at your destination, milk should be used right away, stored in the refrigerator, or frozen. More breastmilk facts + tips can be found at CDC.gov here. Sign up for TSA PreCheck.

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.

How long can frozen breastmilk sit on counter?

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

How to transport frozen breast milk in a cooler?

Flight Home Preparations

• First, organize your frozen breast milk bags and store them in gallon-size Ziploc bags.
• If you have a large freezer available, the next step is to pack your cooler with the Ziploc bags full of frozen breast milk and place the reusable ice packs all around the breast milk.

How long does thawed breast milk last?

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.

How much breastmilk can I bring through TSA?

3.4 ounces
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.

What is the best way to ship frozen breast milk?

For packaging, use frozen breastmilk and follow the steps below

1. Put as many bottles of milk into zip lock bags as will fit.
2. Seal the bags.
3. Wrap dry ice in paper and put in bottom of cooler.
4. Layer newspaper over the ice.
5. Put the bags of milk into the cooler.
6. Pad the bags of bottles with crumpled newspaper.

Can you bring ice packs through TSA for breast milk?

Note that medically necessary gel ice packs in reasonable quantities are allowed regardless of their physical state of matter (e.g., melted or slushy) with or without the presence of breast milk. Please notify the TSA officer at the checkpoint for inspection.

Can you ship frozen breast milk internationally?

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.