Essential Travel Tips for Breastfeeding Moms
Planning your first vacation with baby? Or thinking about how to navigate pumping and storing milk while you prepare for travel- let me help take off some of the mental load of planning for you! Navigating airports, security checks, and unfamiliar locations can be challenging, but with a few strategic tips and must-have products, you can make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Security-Friendly Baby Wearing: When it comes to getting through airport security hassle-free, consider wearing your baby in a wrap or sling. This not only keeps your little one close and secure but also eliminates the need to remove them during screening. Feel confident as you breeze through security with your baby snugly on your chest.
Review TSA recommendations for transporting milk: Current regulations allow transportation of expressed breastmilk to pass through security. It is recommended to store the milk in clear bottles or milk storage bags- just inform the TSA office at security that you are transporting breastmilk. In some cases they may need to test your milk.
Hand Pump Convenience: A hand pump can be a breastfeeding mom's best friend during travel. Especially useful for longer flights, layovers, or situations where an electric pump isn't practical, a hand pump provides flexibility and convenience. It's a compact solution for maintaining your pumping routine on the go.
Feeding Strategies for Takeoff and Landing: For a smoother flight experience, plan to breastfeed your baby during takeoff and landing. This helps alleviate pressure on their ears and keeps them comfortable throughout the journey.
Download the MAMAVA app on your phone! This app helps you locate private spaces to pump or feed your baby. The app can help you locate a location (many are in airports now).
Recommended Products: One of our lovely clients is a frequent traveler and breastfeeding advocate who shared some favorite products that have enhanced her travel experience as a breastfeeding/pumping mom:
BEIS Travel Tote Bag: A game-changer for breastfeeding moms on the move, the travel bag offers functionality with multiple compartments. Perfect for transporting milk with a designated space for a cooler, it also accommodates pump parts and personal items. Check it out here.
OXO Tot Travel Size Drying Rack with Bottle Brush: This compact drying rack and brush set from OXO Tot is ideal for cleaning pump parts and bottles on the go. Its travel-friendly design ensures cleanliness without compromising convenience. Find it on Amazon.
Hotel Travel Tips: Many hotel mini fridges may not be cool enough for storing milk. Consider checking any expressed milk and pack essential supplies into a dedicated milk storage travel bag that you can give to them vs just handing over your milk bags. Other helpful supplies to keep in your milk storage bag includes bottle and dish liquid, a burp cloth, and a sharpie for marking milk storage bags.
If you have a longer period of travel or are traveling specifically for a work related function, you can consider sharing a milk storage service with your employer. I’ve had several clients use Milk Stork to help transport milk back home when they are away from their baby for longer periods of time.
Embrace the adventure of taking your little one along with you on the journey. Safe travels!