Motif Breastfeeding Survival Kit for Traveling

Breastfeeding during the holidays can already be an extremely stressful time even without the added layers of breastfeeding and travel. However, with careful planning and a clear strategy, holiday travel while breastfeeding is definitely doable. Making a plan to stay on track with frequent milk removal, either through nursing or pumping, is essential for maintaining your milk supply as you navigate this busy season. First time moms, nursing moms, or professional our Lactation Consultant is here to help you with the ultimate survival guide for breastfeeding while traveling!

If you’re packing up the car and heading out of town for the holidays, these tips will help protect your milk supply and minimize disruptions to your baby’s feeding routine.

 Tip #1 is to build in extra time breastfeeding moms! Add extra time for your pumping or nursing breaks when on the road.

Babies often sleep longer when traveling by car. The gentle motion and hum of the vehicle might lead to fewer feedings for your little one, so it’s best to counteract this by planning to stop at the baby’s typical eating intervals even if the baby is snoozing away. 

Tip #2 Make sure nursing and pumping supplies are easily accessible. 

If you’re nursing, bring along a mobile nursing kit or diaper bag that includes burp cloths, nursing pads, nipple ointment, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials all in one place is a lifesaver! Don’t forget a pillow or nursing pillow for support and comfort for easy access if you’ll be nursing in the car. 

If you’re pumping, be sure to bring along everything you’ll need to safely pump, store, and feed your milk. Must haves include:

Avoid feeding the baby while buckled into their car seat as this can pose a choking and aspiration risk. 

For domestic air travel, TSA has specific provisions in place for breastfeeding families. You can review and print them here. Keeping a printed or digital version handy can be helpful when interacting with TSA agents at security checkpoints. By building in a little extra travel time and knowing some airport lactation travel hacks, you’ll be on your way to your holiday destination with less stress and greater ease.

Frozen breastmilk is ideal as it can be visually inspected. Liquid breastmilk will need to be tested by TSA agents. Allow extra time to get through security checkpoints when transporting breastmilk and breastfeeding supplies.

• Request that the agent wear fresh gloves when they complete the screening process as this helps reduce the risk of contamination. 
• You can request that your breastmilk containers not be opened, but you will need to go through extra screening procedures as a substitute.
• Per TSA, the X-ray machines do not harm or alter breastmilk.

Coolers, cold packs, and other cooling accessories are also permitted as carry-ons. While breast pumps are considered medical devices and can be carried on in addition to regular carry-on and personal items, coolers may be counted as your single allowable carry-on item. Always check with your specific airline concerning their carry-on rules. 

As with breastmilk, frozen cold packs are ideal. These can be hard-sided freezer blocks or gel-based cold packs. Our Luna Cooler Set comes with one!

• Pro tip: Bring along extra Ziploc-style bags as a backup in case you need additional ice packs. Once you’re through security, you can request ice from an airport restaurant and create makeshift cold packs with Ziploc bags if needed. 

Dry ice is also permitted but should be used with caution as it may change the flavor of breastmilk. TSA limits the amount of dry ice to five pounds. Be aware that it is recommended to have at least one pound of dry ice for every pound of breastmilk.

If you need to warm a bottle while traveling by air you can request hot water from any airport coffee shop. Once aboard the aircraft, the flight attendants can provide a mug of hot water for bottle warming.

Most airports offer a mother’s room where you can nurse or pump in privacy away from the noise and crowds of the airport gates. These mother’s rooms aren’t always clearly marked, however, so you may need to ask airport staff to point you in the right direction.

If you’re bringing frozen breastmilk along, pack your cooler the night before and store it in the freezer. Pre-chilling your cooler helps milk stay frozen longer.
If you need to keep milk frozen solid for 8-12 hours or more, consider investing in a high-quality cooler that has a leakproof zipper and closed-cell foam insulation.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. This keeps stress levels lower because you’ll feel less rushed through travel nursing and pumping sessions with or without your baby. 

Pro tip: No matter how you’re traveling, be sure to pack nourishing snacks and plenty of water. 

Hopefully, these tips and tricks have helped you feel ready to take on the season’s travel plans. From all of us at Motif, we wish you a Happy Holidays!

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.