Traveling while breastfeeding often takes a little extra planning, especially if you’ll be pumping and transporting breast milk along the way. Whether you’re traveling for work, taking a family vacation, or spending a few nights away from your baby, being prepared can help make your trip go more smoothly.
Pump & travel checklist
Use this checklist to collect items that will be helpful for your travel. Add or scratch off as you plan.
Pumping essentials
- Breast pump and charger
- Backup hand pump
- Extra batteries, if needed
- Two pre-assembled sets of pump parts, if possible
- Hands-free pumping bra
- Nursing cover or lightweight scarf for pumping while traveling
Milk storage
- Multiple large bottles with caps. Clear bottles may be preferred at security checkpoints
- Two pre-assembled sets of pump parts, if possible
- Portable milk cooler bottle
- Cooler bag with frozen cooling elements
- Milk storage bags
- Gallon-size Ziploc bags (can hold wet parts until a sink is available or a refill of ice from a pit stop to keep milk cold along your way)
Cleaning supplies
- Bottle brush
- Pump wipes
- Travel-sized dish soap
- Quick clean microwave bags, if you have access to a microwave
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
Helpful extras
- Nursing pads
- Hand towel or receiving blanket for unexpected drips or spills
- International outlet adapter for overseas travel
- Shipping box, Styrofoam cooler, and packing tape if you plan to ship milk home
- Request a hotel room with a refrigerator or mini fridge before your trip
In addition to packing your pump and storing breast milk safely, here are a few practical strategies that can help you feel confident wherever your travels take you.
Assemble before you leave
One of the easiest ways to simplify pumping while traveling is to prepare before leaving home or the hotel.
Pre-assemble pump parts and store them in a Ziploc bag so they are ready whenever needed. If possible, pack two complete sets of pump parts. Having sets ready to go makes a busy travel day much easier, especially if you won’t have immediate access to a sink.
If you’re pumping larger amounts of milk while away from your baby, consider using larger collection bottles with secure caps. You may be surprised by how much milk you express when you’re separated from your baby, and larger bottles help prevent interruptions and spills during pumping sessions.
Store pump parts and breast milk safely
After pumping, place the used pump parts in a gallon-size zip-top bag until you’re able to wash them. A paper towel inside the bag can help absorb excess moisture.
Store expressed milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs or in a portable milk chiller. If your cooling packs begin to thaw during a long travel day, many restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and airport vendors are happy to provide additional ice.
Before adding freshly pumped milk to a cooler bag, let it come to room temperature to avoid warm milk melting your ice sooner than necessary.
Traveling through airport security
When flying, check TSA guidelines for traveling with breast milk before your trip. Let TSA officers know that you’re carrying breast milk and be prepared to remove it from your carry-on bag for screening. Keep in mind that domestic and international screening procedures may vary.
Need help planning your trip?
Whether you’re traveling for work, vacation, or time away from your baby, our lactation consultants are here to help. We can talk through your pumping plan, milk storage, and travel questions before you go.
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you feel confident wherever your travels take you.