Traveling with Breast Milk
The thought of traveling with pumped breast milk is enough to give any parent a headache. Today, airlines and airports are highly regulated when it comes to liquids and luggage. This can make it a daunting process to navigate with stored breast milk.
Luckily, traveling with breast milk is easy once you know how. Preparation is important, and our step-by-step guide will help you make the process as easy and seamless as possible.
We will explain the basics of traveling with breast milk and what equipment you may need. We will discuss the importance of milk safety and how to adhere to the airline and TSA regulations. All this leaves you to do is enjoy your trip!
The Basics of Traveling with Breast Milk
The best way to travel with breast milk is to be prepared. Planning and buying the correct equipment will take away most of the stress, so you can just focus on you and your baby. Knowing and understanding the basics will help you stay safe and make your journey stress-free (or as stress-free as traveling with a small child can be!)
The Risks
When traveling with breast milk, there are some risks to be aware of:
- Using the Wrong Container: Using the incorrect storage container can result in leaks and the loss of precious milk.
- Storing Breast Milk at the Wrong Temperature: Incorrect storage can cause it to spoil and make it unsafe for your baby.
- Misunderstanding TSA and Airline Guidelines: Not understanding these may mean you are not prepared at the airport. In the worst case, you may have to dispose of your breast milk.
Milk Safety
The most important thing about traveling with breast milk is making sure it remains at the correct temperature. Failing to do this can cause the milk to become unsafe and dangerous for your baby.
If you are unsure of how to store breast milk safely, the CDC has some helpful advice.
Preparing to Travel with Breast Milk: Step-by-Step
When it comes to traveling with breast milk, there are two main options to choose from:
Refrigerated
- Place the milk in a container or storage bag. It is usually a good idea to portion it out for convenience.
- Place it in an insulated or cool bag with ice packs.
- Use it within 24 hours and check that it hasn’t spoiled using smell or MilkFresh sensors.
- If possible, place it in a fridge at your destination as soon as possible. Otherwise, keep it in the cool box.
Frozen
Another option is to freeze the milk before you leave and allow it to thaw as you travel. The drawback of this is that it won’t be instantly accessible while traveling, as you will need to wait for it to be defrosted.
- Pour breast milk into storage bags or a sealable container. Make sure it is securely fastened.
- Place the breast milk in the freezer until it is completely frozen.
- When you are ready to travel, either place it in a cool bag or a sealed container. Keep it in a cool bag or ziploc bag as it will be wet as it thaws.
- Use within 24 hours. DO NOT REFREEZE.
Some people prefer to use one method, while you may find a combination of the two works best for you.
Essential Gear and Packing Tips
What Gear Do You Need?
There are a number of items on the market that claim to make traveling with breast milk a breeze, but which ones are worth your money?
Storage Bags
One of the most important things to purchase is sealable storage bags. You should look for ones that are lightweight for carrying around. Dr Talbot’s Storage Bags are perfect as they keep the milk safe and puncture-resistant. Using these bags with Dr. Talbot’s MilkFresh labels helps ensure your milk stays safe and fresh.
Cool or Insulated Bag
You should invest in a cool bag or insulated bag, which will keep your breast milk cold for 24 hours. Inside, place ice or gel packs to maintain the temperature. Some bags are collapsible after use, making them ideal for traveling.
Packing Tips
When packing, it is a good idea to make the breast milk as accessible as possible. Anyone who has been trying to find bags of breast milk or formula with a baby screaming knows it should be avoided at all costs!
Airport staff may also ask to inspect and test your breast milk, so having it close will make the process easier.
It is also a good idea to store the milk in individual portions, so you don’t have to worry about measuring it out on the go.
How Long Does Breast Milk Last While Traveling?
Breast milk will last for different times depending on how it has been stored.
Chilled Breast Milk
If milk has been stored in an insulated bag with ice packs, it can be used for up to 24 hours. Once you have arrived at your destination, it can be transferred to a fridge to keep it safe for an extra three days (four days in total).
Once milk is at room temperature, it must be used within four hours.
Frozen Breast Milk
If you decide to freeze your breast milk before departure and allow it to thaw, it can be used for up to 24 hours. Once it has been thawed, it cannot be refrozen for safety reasons. Our detailed guide explains how to safely use thawed breast milk.
Traveling by Planes and Airports
Traveling by air comes with lots of restrictions regarding liquids. Luckily, there are specific regulations for traveling with breast milk or formula. It is a good idea to be aware of these rules before traveling. If possible, have the TSA and airline guidelines printed out to take with you in case you encounter any problems.
TSA and Customs Regulations
The TSA has specific regulations for traveling with breast milk and formula. Unlike other liquids, there are no restrictions on amounts, and ice or gel packs are permitted. The TSA Regulations can be found here.
Tips for Getting Through Security
It is important to remember that the liquid restrictions don’t apply to breast milk and formula.
Here are some ways you can make this as easy as possible:
- Inform the staff if you are carrying breast milk above the amount allowed (usually above 3.4 ounces).
- Have the milk accessible, as staff will likely want to see and examine it.
- Staff may wish to take a small amount of the stored breast milk to test.
Traveling by Car and Road Trips
Traveling by car gives you more control when it comes to traveling with breast milk. The simplest way is to take a cool box or bag with ice bags inside. The same guidelines regarding temperature and safety as discussed above apply.
Today, there are several options when it comes to coolers. Depending on your budget, you can have one that plugs into the USB port to ensure a maintained temperature. These allow you to store your breast milk for four days as you would at home.
Temperature Guidelines and Safety
One of the best ways to make sure the breast milk hasn’t spoiled or been at the wrong temperature for too long is by using the MilkFresh sensors. These handy stickers are simply attached to the milk storage bag to track the milk’s freshness. Detailed tracking information can be found on the app, and it even tells you which bag to use first.
Feeding After Traveling
Once you have arrived at your destination, the best thing is to transfer the breast milk to a fridge. If your accommodation doesn’t have one listed, it is worth calling in advance to see if one can be arranged.
Once in a fridge, chilled breast milk can be used for four days (including travel time).
If frozen milk has thawed completely, it should not be refrozen. However, if it still contains ice crystals, it can be placed back in the freezer. Once frozen milk has thawed, it must be stored in the fridge and used within 24 hours.
Conclusion
Traveling with small children can be difficult. The thought of a screaming, hungry baby is enough to put anyone off! Luckily, traveling with stored breast milk can be a breeze once you know how.
Now you understand how to store and transport breast milk. You can navigate airport and airline regulations with ease, leaving you to worry about how to entertain your baby instead.
For more about storing breast milk, make sure you check our blog and wellness club for articles like How Long Can Breast Milk Last in the Refrigerator? A Complete Guide for Parents and Breast Milk Storage Guide.
