Are you Ready for The Holidays?
It’s a beautiful day outside and as the holiday season approaches, a lot of mothers need to know how their breast milk and feeding routine will affect their travel. Traveling with breast milk can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be managed smoothly and safely. Whether you’re embarking on a short trip or a long journey, here are 3 essential tips to ensure a smoother and more positive travel experience.
1. Research the TSA Guidelines
Before you embark on your journey, take a moment to research the TSA rules and regulations regarding traveling with breast milk, as well as any restrictions or requirements for transporting liquids. Breast milk is considered a medical liquid by the TSA so it is exempt from the 3.4-ounce liquid rule. According to the TSA Guidelines:
“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.”
The TSA Guidelines also say you should inform the TSA officer that you are carrying breast milk or formula over 3.4 ounces at the beginning of the screening process. Click here to learn more about the TSA guidelines.
2. Maintain The Right Storage and Temperature
When traveling with breastmilk, the best way to store it is in a tightly sealed container in a cooler. It is important to Invest in high-quality, leak-proof containers specifically designed for breast milk travel. These containers should be clearly labeled with the date and time the milk was expressed. Breast milk storage bags are an excellent option for maximizing space, but they should be double-sealed in order to prevent leaks.
Maintaining the correct temperature for breast milk is also crucial. Freshly expressed milk can stay at room temperature (77°F or cooler) for up to 4 hours. However, for longer trips, we recommend that you use an insulated cooler bag with frozen packs because they can keep the milk cold for up to 24 hrs.
If you’re driving, then you should keep the cooler in the car’s air-conditioned area rather than the trunk to maintain a consistent temperature. For longer flights or layovers, consider using dry ice, but make sure to check with the airline about their regulations regarding its use. Also, If you’re staying at a hotel, then remember to store the milk as quickly as possible.
3. Prioritize Health, Hygiene & Hydration
Traveling can be exhausting, so be sure to stay hydrated and eat well. Nothing is more important than your health, hygiene, and hydration when maintaining your milk supply. Remember to keep your hands clean by carrying hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes. Make sure all pump parts and storage containers are sterilized before use. You can also use breast pump wipes for quick cleaning on the go.
Before traveling, take some time to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider. They can provide additional advice tailored to your specific situation and ensure that you have all the necessary supplies and health precautions.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, Unexpected delays can happen, so it’s wise to have a backup plan. Consider researching locations where you can purchase more ice or gel packs, and identifying nearby facilities where you can store or express milk if necessary.
Traveling with breast milk requires some extra planning and effort, but it is entirely manageable with the right approach. By following these tips, you can ensure that your breast milk remains safe and that you can continue to provide for your baby, no matter where your journey takes you. Remember, preparation and knowledge are your best allies in making your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. We hope you have a great trip!
If you found this article informative then please don’t forget to share it with a friend. You may also be interested in a previous article with 5 things to do if your milk supply suddenly drops.
SOURCES
https://tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/breast-milk
