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A Guide to Traveling with Breast Milk

Created On: July 9, 2023   |   Updated: April 13, 2024   |   By Amanda   |   57 Comments

If you’re taking a trip while exclusively pumping, you’re going to be traveling with breast milk! Below I’ve laid out everything you need to think about when traveling with breast milk, whether you’re driving or flying to your destination, and whether you’re traveling with frozen breast milk or fresh.

breast milk in a breast milk cooler

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and purchase something, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love! More information here .

Traveling with breast milk by car

If you’re exclusively pumping, most of what you feed your baby will be the milk you pump on the trip, but it’s not a bad idea to bring a little extra milk as well, in case of a spill or other mishap. Here’s how to pack breast milk for a road trip.

How to pack and transport fresh breast milk

If you just want to bring a few extra bottles, you can pack it in a small  breast milk cooler for travel.

Breast Milk Coolers

Medela breast milk cooler

Medela Breast Milk Cooler

sarah wells breast milk cooler

Sarah Wells Breast Milk Cooler

Ceres Chill breast milk cooler

Ceres Chill

Most breast milk coolers come with an ice pack. Make sure the ice pack is frozen solid when you leave, and make your milk the last thing you pack and the first thing you unpack.

If you need to bring a larger amount of milk, you can pack the breast milk in a larger cooler for the trip with ice or ice packs. If you’d like, you can monitor the temperature of your cooler using a thermometer like this one (it tells you whether the cooler is in the “refrigerator zone” or the “freezer zone”).

Fresh breast milk can be stored in a cooler up to 24 hours – more info here on that here.

How to travel with frozen breast milk

If you are traveling with frozen breast milk, you will also want to pack it in a cooler. Depending on the length of the trip, you may or may not want to use dry ice.

Without dry ice

A few tips for packing your frozen milk in a cooler without dry ice:

  • Make sure the cooler is as full as possible. If you don’t have enough milk to fill the cooler and don’t want to use a ton of ice, consider freezing water in plastic zip-top bags and using that to ensure it’s full.
  • Keep the freezer closed and refrain from opening it until you get to your destination. Opening it will increase the temperature.
  • Consider pre-chilling the cooler in the freezer. (Obviously, this won’t be possible if it’s a big cooler – this is just an option for smaller, soft coolers.)

With dry ice

As mentioned above, dry ice is an option for longer trips – here is an overview of how to pack a cooler with dry ice for trips .

Frozen breast milk packed with dry ice in a 150 quart cooler for a 14 hour drive

Above is what this might look like – Iyana from our Facebook Group packed 4,000 ounces of milk in 150 quart coolers in dry ice for a 14 hour drive; it arrived frozen solid.

Hopefully, you won’t have any issues with your frozen milk thawing en route. However, if does fully thaw (meaning no ice crystals are present), it will need to be used with 24 hours or discarded.

Frozen milk that still has ice crystals is not considered “thawed.”

can you refreeze thawed breast milk?

Traveling with breast milk by plane

Here’s what to consider when you’re flying with your milk.

Packing fresh breast milk to carry on

The best way to pack breast milk for carry on is in a breast milk cooler. If you have a lot of breast milk, some coolers will hold up to six 8 oz bottles; and if you fill these bottles to the top, you can fit about 60 oz of milk.

For passengers flying in the U.S., while there is no defined limit to how much breast milk you can carry on, the TSA website references a “reasonable amount.”

If you’re traveling with a great deal of breast milk and are nervous about going through security, you could consider utilizing TSA Cares .

During the screening process, be sure to take your milk out when you take out your other liquids, laptop, etc., and make sure you tell the screener that you’re traveling with breast milk and that you have a pump. They will likely examine the milk by x-ray.

If you need ice to keep your milk cool (if it’s a long flight or you experience delays), you may be able to get ice from the flight attendant or a restaurant inside the terminal.

Checking frozen milk

Checking your frozen milk is another option if you have a lot of frozen milk.

Again, follow the same guidelines I mentioned above for packing frozen breast milk: pack the cooler full; don’t open it until you get home and are able to put it away (resist the urge to check on it!); and pre-chill the cooler itself it if possible.

Becca from our Facebook group checked 276oz of breast milk and checked it in a Yeti cooler on a flight from Israel to the United States. It arrived frozen solid.

Frozen milk packed into a Yeti cooler that was packed on a 14 hour flight

Shipping frozen milk ahead to your destination

This is a great tutorial on how to ship breast milk with dry ice.

If you don’t want to deal with packing it yourself, Milk Stork may be able to ship it for you.

Feeding your baby on the trip

In most cases, it will be easiest to keep your most recently pumped breast milk out at room temperature, and then feed that to your baby.

Fresh milk can safely be kept out at room temperature for about 4 hours ; this way, you don’t need to worry about warming breast milk for baby while traveling.

If you do want to use milk from your cooler and your baby prefers warm milk, you have a few options for warming it:

  • You can ask the flight attendant (or if you’re in the terminal, in a restaurant) for hot water in a cup and put the bottle in it for a few minutes to warm. Just make sure that when you go to put the bottle in, there’s enough room so the water doesn’t overflow onto your hand.
  • You can use a portable bottle warmer.
  • Bring a thermos of hot water with you and warm your bottle in that.

Portable Bottle Warmers

URMYWO portable bottle warmer

URMYWO Portable Bottle Warmer

tommee tippee portable warmer

Tommee Tippee Portable Bottle Warmer

mamatepe portable bottle warmer

Mamatepe Portable Bottle Warmer

More on warming bottles on the go here.

Pumping on the trip

A few things to think about when it comes to pumping on your trip:

If your pump doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, you will need either a car adapter or battery pack for your pump. Make sure you get one that has the correct voltage for your pump – more on breast pump battery packs here.

Breast Pump Battery Packs

Medela 9V battery pack

Medela Battery Pack

car adapter

Car Adapter – 12V

Talentcell battery pack

TalentCell – 12V

If you’ll need to pump more than once, you’ll need to think about cleaning your pump parts. You have a few options:

  • You can pack enough sets of clean pump parts and bottles to get you through your trip/one day of travel. Pack each set – flanges, valves, connectors, bottles, and caps – in a gallon-sized zip-top bag so you can just pull it out when you’re ready to pump.
  • Washing pump parts safely on the road is difficult, because public restrooms are usually the only option. If you do have access to a clean space, you could consider washing them en route. Make sure to bring a collapsible wash basin , dish soap, bottle brush, and clean towels to put your pump parts on after you wash them.
  • If neither of these will work, you can consider using Medela Quick-Clean wipes .

If you are flying with your baby, here is a primer that I wrote up on the logistics of how to manage this.

pumping travel planner plan pumping around your vacation

Planning to travel? Make your trip so much easier – grab the Pumping Travel Planner for $9!

Managing your milk at your destination

Pumping at a location where you don’t normally pump, without the comforts of your pumping station  and setup for storing milk and washing pump parts is one of the more stressful things about figuring out how to travel with breast milk.

Here is what you need to think about, whether you’re staying at a hotel or in a home.

Storing your milk

Before you leave, you’ll want to ensure that there is a fridge that you can use at your destination.

Storing milk in a hotel

If you’re staying in a hotel, call and ask ahead of time if a mini-fridge can be provided for your room. Tell them that you need it to store breast milk – it may be provided at no charge as breast milk is sometimes considered a “medical liquid.”

If you end up using the minibar fridge in the hotel, you may want to check the temperature of the fridge, as they are often kept warmer than normal.

If you need a freezer, you could call ahead and ask if there is a hotel freezer you would be able to use during your stay. Make sure to seal your breast milk into a single container and label it.

Storing milk as a guest

If you’re staying as a guest in someone’s home, it might be a good idea to ask ahead of time to make sure there’s some space in their fridge or freezer that you can use.

Dealing with washing everything

In addition to fridge space, you’ll also need room to wash your pumping gear and bottles.

Ideally, there would be a kitchen counter and sink where you could do that, but in a hotel the bathroom will work. You’ll want to have a collapsible wash basin, dish soap, bottle brush and clean towels to put your pump parts on to dry.

how to wash pump parts in a hotel

Packing for the trip home

Finally, for the trip home, if you’re using an ice pack for the trip, you will want to be able to freeze it solid before you leave, both to keep your milk cold and to avoid extra inspection from the TSA if you’re flying.

Alternatively, you could ask for ice at a restaurant (obviously, after you go through security if you’re flying).

What other tricks do you use when you travel with breast milk? Feel free to add ideas below in the comments.

  • Kellymom. “Human Milk Storage.” https://kellymom.com/store/freehandouts/milkstorage01.pdf
  • Transportation Security Administration. “Traveling with Children.” https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children#quickset-traveling_with_children_1
  • Only the Breast. “How to Ship Breast Milk.” https://www.onlythebreast.com/buy-sell-donate-breast-milk/bags-and-bottles/

breast milk cooler with overlay text How to Travel with Breast Milk

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Comments & Chitchat

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February 7, 2024

Hello, so I will be flying with my little one on a 5 hour flight. I plan to bring cold breastmilk with me in a cooler. You said that milk can be in a cooler for 24 hours. When we get to our destination and I put the milk in the fridge does the milk still need to be used within 24 hours or does the shelf life increase back to 3-4 days since I put it in the fridge?

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February 11, 2024

It’s 3-4 days as long as the milk in the cooler stays cool the whole time. Personally, I’d probably use it first “in line” when we get there.

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September 24, 2023

I’m almost 6 weeks pp, and I just took a 4-day trip with my family! Now, we live in and traveled in Japan, so some things might be different here than in the West.

I used the Kiinde bags and adapter to pump with my main pump (Spectra S1) while in the hotel and overnight. I also used the fridge hack a few times, since our room had a mini fridge. I only brought a few bottles, since I wasn’t actually pumping into them. While we were out, I just used my manual pump for like 10 minutes on each side, which is usually enough to drain me. Luckily, the pods like the Mamaro pods are fairly easy to find in Japan, so I utilized those. We were going to kid-oriented things anyway for my 4-year-old, so I would pump and change baby in those pods. We took a bullet train to our destination and back, and it was about a 3 1/2 hour ride. I pumped at the beginning and at the end of the train ride using my manual pump and a scarf to cover up.

The only things are that I didn’t have the chance to wash the bottles and pump parts like I normally do, and I didn’t quite get my 120 minutes in, but I figured that I could make up for it in the couple of days after we got home. We also supplement with formula, so we brought some “formula cubes” with us that are available in Japan.

It took some pre-planning, but it’s definitely doable, and it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be!

September 26, 2023

Thank you so much Rebecca! So helpful!

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October 19, 2022

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October 3, 2022

October 5, 2022

Hi Elizabeth! I would try the cold but not frozen ice pack and also add ice on the way there. TSA will probably make you dump the ice to go through security, but you can get more past security and/or from the flight attendant on the flight. I think that should work – there are a lot of variables but I think that’s what I would do. Good luck!

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April 18, 2022

April 20, 2022

Hi Lauren! Bags are fine! If you’re checking the milk I’d freeze, otherwise probably keep it fresh. Good luck!

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February 25, 2022

Hi I will be travelling without my LO for 3 days and plan to pump and store my milk to bring back. The hotel I am staying at will have a fridge in the room and can also store my milk in their freezer. I will be bringing a cooler with many DIY ice packs and plan to check the cooler in, however the cooler will be kept at room temperature for 10-12 hours. Would you recommend freezing the milk or keeping it fresh? (I am in Canada so milk delivery systems are too expensive). Thank you in advance!

Hi Kristine! If you have enough room to keep it fresh in the coolers, and you’re driving, I would do that. Then freeze anything you won’t feed within the 4 day window when you get home. If you’re flying, taking that much fresh might be hard (though I am not familiar with the rules in Canada, only in the US).

My thinking is that frozen is more fragile than fresh so I would try to keep it fresh since you’ll be gone less than four days – but honestly, either way is fine. I would just do what is easiest for you. Hope that helps!

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October 21, 2021

Hi! I will be moving to another state and the drive is about 5 hours. How can i transport my deep freezer full of breastmilk?

Hi Lexi! Here you go: https://exclusivepumping.com/moving-breast-milk-stash/

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July 2, 2021

I think I might be able to provide you all with some good Intel and a solution to storing breastmilk on car road trips, for any distance. My wife has the same concerns as you all spoilage and transport. Just started a 9 day TX road trip. I brought a cooler with ice with 5.5 days worth of milk… Using a cooler because I haven’t tried my solution out prior (suspense is building). The last min I bought the following off Amazon, and came day of the trip, thank goodness, and I am testing out this min with 28oz…. Well what is it, is a electric car cooler/freezer. So far yes it’s keeping the milk frozen and it also froze a 12 oz bottle of water. It plugs into your car cigarette lighter, and also has a cord to go into electricity when not in car. It doesn’t produce and harmful gas when on in car while driving like dry ice. So far I’m convinced and will start moving more stuff into it. Brand is Bougerv 23 qt refrigerator. It’s not too big, there is also a 30 qt. Of Amazon it cost about $250. It will hold and keep frozen ( keep it plugged in car or electricity) your milk. I hope this helps you all. I will report back at end of our trip with final thought.

August 13, 2021

Just a follow-up. The portable car freezer worked perfectly. The only thing I had to sort out was if we were visiting a museum I brought the freezer inside with me and asked them if I could plug it in behind their desk. I did this at two museums and also at the NASA museum… That’s the one took a little bit longer but when I got close to the door I’ll let them know that had to plug it in right away because it was breast milk and they let me bypass the line 🙂 Also during the road trip and we stopped to eat at some fast food places, I would just leave the car on with it plugged in lock the car and take the key with me with the car still on. This portable freezer is excellent and I definitely recommend it for any road trips.

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May 4, 2021

I will be traveling by car for about 6 hours with frozen breastmilk. I will be bringing 8 days worth of milk with me. I am reading that it is not safe to travel with dry ice in your car if the ride will be more than 15 minutes. Will milk really stay frozen with just ice for this length of a car ride?

I think it probably will if you don’t open the cooler and have it packed full. People have done 16 hour flights and it was okay. Also – as long as the milk is still (at least) slushly when you get there, it’s fine to refreeze. I think it will be okay. Good luck!

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April 23, 2021

Do you know what size yeti bag she used to transport the 276oz? I will be gone for two weeks for work so will need to bring back about 450oz on a 4 hour flight. Trying to determine what size bag I’ll need. The milk will be frozen in breastmilk bags. Thanks!

April 24, 2021

I don’t know but you could maybe ask her on instagram? Sorry I’m not more helpful! ❤️

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March 13, 2022

Hey Cara – Curious to hear what you ended up doing? I’m in a similar boat as you but will be gone for a week with a three-hour flight home. Any guidance would be appreciated! Thanks! -Tara

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February 20, 2021

More of a question than a comment. I work outdoors in the summer. In the woods and on the river in up to 32•C heat. Do we think the Ceres chill will work in that setting? Additionally.. I read you shouldn’t mix fresh and chilled milk, so can you not add a fresh pump to the container? It holds quite a bit oz wise so I’d assume it must be from multiple pumps.

February 24, 2021

Hi Ash! I think it would work but I agree that adding a fresh pump isn’t ideal and I’m not sure whether it’s a good idea.

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January 10, 2021

Hello im working as a nurse and have 24 hours duty. I’m pumping my milk and keep it in the freezer, then bring it home after my shift using my insulator bag.. im traveling for around 4-5 hours. Can i put back my slightly defrost milk in the freezer or just in the fridge? And how long can i still use it? Thanks

January 11, 2021

Hi Kristel, as long as it has ice crystals, you can put it back in the freezer. If it’s still frozen, normal guidelines for frozen milk would apply. Otherwise, you have 24 hours. You might be better off just keeping it in the insulator bag with an ice pack and putting it in the fridge as soon as you get home?

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September 17, 2020

The lady who traveled between the Us and Israel with a checked yeti cooler of breast milk… did she use dry ice? Or was it just packed in? I have a long flight coming up and want to be able to take my milk stash with me!

September 18, 2020

She didn’t use dry ice, it was just all packed in!

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August 3, 2023

Did she limit bags to a number of ounces? Like did it need to be under 3 or 3.4? Or did she fill them to any ounce?

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February 25, 2020

Thanks for the info! Do you have any tips for exclusive pumper when going on a cruise and baby is not going with you?

I’ve never done that! Excellent question. I would find out if its possible to get a fridge of some kind in your room – I would tell them it’s for a medical liquid (which it is). If you’ll be on the cruise for more than a few days you might have to dump some milk unless you can get access to a freezer. For traveling home you may be able to bring a cooler and fill it with ice on the trip. Good luck!

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January 29, 2020

How big of a cooler with frozen breast milk and baby food can you bring on the plane?

I would call your airline and ask, and see if you can get it in writing. Then print it out and bring it with you. The TSA just says “reasonable amounts” – they don’t give you an actual amount.

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March 20, 2020

A great option is Milk Stork (milkstork.com). They can help you transport milk safely, ship milk home for you, and even transport frozen milk stashes! It’s run by a mom of 3 who understands our needs! Check them out!

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January 23, 2020

I will be away from my 7 month old for the next month due to family emergency back home. Should I store breast milk in fridge or freezer? And how to travel back with it? My trip is 19 hours to go back. Thanks a lot

January 24, 2020

Hi Martina! I think you’ll want to freeze it because Of the length of time you’ll be gone. I would get a cooler. Ask your airline if you can check a cooler with dry ice. Good luck!

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January 14, 2020

Hello! This article has helped ease my travel anxiety. I will be gone from my LO for 4 days. Do you recommend freezing breast milk and transporting back frozen? How long does fresh milk stay good in fridge? Thank you.

Hi Leah! Breastmilk will be okay for 3-8 days in the fridge, with less than 3 being ideal. I think you could do it either way. Will you have access to a freezer?

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January 2, 2020

I have a different situation. I’m hoping to be done exclusively pumping very soon. Baby is almost 7 months old and I have quite the freezer stash. I think I’ll have enough to make it to a year within the next month. Problem is, we are planning a vacation (by plane) in April or May. Any tips on how to successfully navigate this with frozen breast milk? I’m wondering if I shouldn’t just switch him for the week but then I’d feel guilty and probably just continue to pump until after our vacation.

January 3, 2020

Hi Amber! It can be done, but may be a challenge. Are you staying with family or in a hotel? If with family, it may be easiest to ship it rather than travel with it. A hotel might be tricky because you obviously need access to a freezer.

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December 15, 2019

Hi, uhm. I need to bring my baby in the party, that will last about 10 bec. 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. Is it okay to put the breast milk On the cooler?? And bring 1-3 bags? will it still be good for 24 hrs? Or only 2 hours still for 3 bags? Thanks

Hi Ahya, maybe bring a plastic ziplock bag, put the breastmilk in it, and put it in the cooler? If the cooler is less than 59 degrees F, it should be good for 24 hours. Hope that helps!

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August 11, 2022

Hi! Do you have any experiences in traveling Internationally with breastmilk? I will be traveling to Germany in a few weeks for 5 days for work. I’m not concerned about the travel from US to Germany as the TSA guidelines are pretty clear. The confusion is with the EU equivalent- transporting all the milk back to the US. I will have access to a fridge but not sure on the freezer. Will liquid be allowed on that international flight? I don’t want to invest in a bunch of special supplies… Thanks!

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November 22, 2019

hi. can i put my brestmilk in a small cooler jug with actual ice cubes? how long will it take?

November 23, 2019

Hi Marian! Do you mean putting ice in the breastmilk? I would not do that. Putting ice around a breastmilk bottle is fine. Hope that helps!

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October 16, 2019

I will be out of town for 3.5 days and my son will not be with me- is it best to keep the pumped milk in a fridge & transport back home in sealed bags in my cooler OR should I freeze it? (Will be flying and our flight is about 4.5 hours- so I am thinking 7 hours total in cooler bag with ice packs)

I would keep it fresh. Make sure to label it, and then I would feed the oldest when you get home and maybe freeze the rest (or evaluate how long you can keep it in the fridge.)

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August 22, 2019

In the TSA regulations it states that you do not have to be traveling with your child to carry on breastmilk.

From the TSA website: “3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption

Formula, breast milk, juice 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. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in carry-on. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and processed baby food in carry-on baggage. These items may be subject to additional screening.”

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May 14, 2019

Thank you so much! My husband planned a week-long road trip and I had a lot of anxiety about how I was going to handle pumping until I read this. One question: is it better to use actual ice cubes in a cooler or do ice packs do the job just as well?

Ice packs will work too!

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February 1, 2019

Hi! If Input refrigerated breast milk in a small cooler with ice packs and put it in a refrigerator when we arrive at our destination (about 6 hours later), will it still be good for a few days? Or only 24 hours still? Thanks!

February 2, 2019

Hi! If it stays as cool as it would be in a fridge (which seems reasonable for 6 hours), I think it still will be fine for a few days in the refrigerator. You could get a thermometer and check the temp when you leave and when you get there, and if it hasn’t changed, you should be good to go. 🙂

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January 23, 2019

Hi! Do you know how I could transport 800 oz of frozen milk in a deep freezer from Californian to Georgia ? Moving truck will be taking our things, but we will be flying? Not sure how to do this! Could you please email me! Much appreciated!

Hi Meena! So I think that if you’re flying there, your two options are to ship it or try to check it. Both are going to be pricey. Maybe look into Milk Stork for shipping? If you want to check it, I would get a bunch of the coolers I linked to in this post and pack as much milk as you can, and pay $25 to check each bag. Maybe ship some, check some, and donate the rest? Sorry you have to deal with this!

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February 3, 2019

Ship it with milk stork

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January 15, 2019

Thank you so much for this amazing article! Returning to work and all of the travel needed for my job has been pretty rough on my breastfeeding goals but I am determined. It has been great to get the tips in your article and the advice of the other moms. I love this site!

I was really surprised at the limited options available for moms without a mini fridge under their desks at work or tons of extra space in their carry-on. So I decided to do something about it! Ceres Chill (www.cereschill.com) is a waste-saving breastmilk thermos system. I would greatly appreciate thoughts and feedback from you and your readers.

Ceres Chill Kickstarter April 2, 2019!!

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November 23, 2018

You can also request a microwave in advance at a hotel and bring a microwave sterilizer bag with you to sterilize your parts. I like the Medela bags. Additionally there are now breast milk shipping companies like MilkStork that make traveling with and shipping breast milk very easy.

Great points!

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March 15, 2018

Also make sure if the hotel is giving you a mini fridge with a freezer that isn’t normally part of the room that you ask them to put it in the room ahead of time. Otherwise if it doesn’t get turned on until you get to the room the freezer part won’t be cold at all!

You can ask the TSA to skip x-ray on the breast milk but be prepared that most will require you to get a pat down and if the milk doesn’t pass their laser scan for some reason they’ll make you open the top and they’ll hold a little paper above it that they’ll need to scan instead. They are never allowed to actually touch the breast milk itself though.

When traveling internationally though all bets are off and it’s generally going to be the option of x-ray it or dump it.

travel breast milk bag

Pumping 101

travel breast milk bag

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How to Travel with Breast Milk

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Flying With Breast Milk — Everything You Need to Know [Detailed Guide]

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Flying With Breast Milk — Everything You Need to Know [Detailed Guide]

Table of Contents

What is allowed on u.s. flights, tips for making tsa screenings easier, what is allowed in other countries, lactation areas, larger quantities of breast milk, breast milk delivery services, traveling with a breast pump, final thoughts.

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We have addressed this many times here before, but traveling with kids can be stressful.

As prepared as you might be, there is always the chance of a delay, a tantrum, rude passengers, and more. Add in trying to transport liquid gold (breast milk) through TSA while simultaneously maintaining it at the right temperature and you may soon realize there is a whole new level of stress that you hadn’t known before!

Unfortunately, we ever so regularly see a news report of a poor mother who was forced to throw away her breast milk due to a poorly informed TSA agent. If passengers (and TSA employees) were properly informed, we could all avoid these types of incidents.

Are you allowed to travel with breast milk? Does it have to be frozen? Does it have to be in liquid form? Does the child have to be flying with the parent? What about breast pumps?

Don’t worry, we did all of the research for you and we have the answers to all of these questions below!

Baby American Airlines 767 Business Class

We have already laid out the best ways for families to speed through TSA airport security , but let’s dig into the specifics of breast milk, baby formula, and juice (and even breast pumps) for you and your little one.

3-1-1 Restrictions

For “regular” travelers or travelers who don’t have little ones in tow, they are subject to the 3-1-1 restrictions on liquids.

That means normally you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through a TSA checkpoint. These items are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each.

Breast Milk, Baby Formula, and Juice Restrictions

Parents who are flying with or without a child are allowed to bring breast milk in “reasonable quantities” in containers greater than the standard 3.4 ounces normally required by TSA.

Yes, you read that correctly —  your child does not need to be with you if you are traveling with breast milk . It may be shocking to some, but breastfeeding mothers may at times need to travel for work or even pleasure without their child in tow.

In order to expedite your screening process, it is recommended that you notify the TSA agent in advance and place these items in a separate bin to be inspected.

It is possible that breast milk will only be tested by X-ray, but in our experience, a manual check for explosives is almost always conducted . This means swabbing the outside, and sometimes inside, of the container.

If you are adamant about TSA not opening the breast milk, there are alternative options for testing. However, that will lead to a longer and more comprehensive screening experience .

Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs are all allowed when being used to transport breast milk. However, if the ice packs become partially unfrozen or slushy, they also may be subject to additional screenings.

Hot Tip: If the breast milk is frozen, it will be faster and easier to pass the TSA checkpoint as opposed to fresh or partially thawed breast milk that will need special testing.

TSA Airport Security Family

When traveling with breast milk there are a few steps that you can take to make your TSA screenings a little easier.

  • Separate your breast milk from your other liquids, gels, aerosols, etc. in your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin at the TSA checkpoint.
  • By telling the agents in advance (as opposed to just sending it through the x-ray), you will give them an opportunity to get the appropriate staff and equipment ready for when it is your turn, hopefully saving you and the rest of the line some valuable time.
  • As you reach the x-ray machine, have your breast milk out in a separate tray ready for inspection. We like to send anything that may need additional inspection through the x-ray first in an attempt to save time . Just note that the FDA has stated that sending food (or breast milk) through x-ray machines is not harmful. 
  • If your breast milk is frozen, it may pass with only a visual inspection. However, if the breast milk is fresh, has thawed a bit, or is slushy, it may be subject to further inspection. You may be asked to open the container so that it can be tested for explosives.
  • Be prepared to have any ice packs, freezer packs, or gel packs tested as well.

Just like the U.S. has its own rules, every other country has its own, too, when it comes to traveling with breast milk. And like most things in the travel world, it is subject to change at any time.

For example, in the U.K., you are also allowed to travel with fresh breast milk in your carry-on, but it is limited to 2000 ml (67.6 oz.) per container. But to be honest, traveling with multiple Coke bottles’ worth of breast milk in your carry-on might not be very practical!

However, in the U.K., if the breast milk is frozen it will need to be placed in your checked bag . While this may not be so bad during the winter months, especially if packaged well, be careful if your bag may be subject to warm weather!

Other European countries have similar rules, but as always, it is best to research each country and airline specifically before you head to the airport.

Mamava Lactation Suite Pod PHL Philadeplhia Airport

Once you have journeyed through security, you may find yourself needing to feed or pump and would probably enjoy some privacy while doing so.

Fortunately, thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2017, large and medium hub airports are now required to provide a “lactation area” in each passenger terminal after security to support moms and their babies.

The bill defines a lactation area as a room or other area (like a pod) that:

  • Is shielded from view and free from intrusion from the public
  • Has a door that can be locked
  • Includes a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet
  • Is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities
  • Is not located in a restroom

While some airports have stepped up and created dedicated spaces like the Mothers Room at Chicago’s O’Hare , you are most likely to see pods in your travels.

The most popular pod at the moment is the Mamava , which is actually a standalone suite available at over 50 airports (as well as at sports stadiums) in the U.S.

Inside a Mamava lactation suite in Burlington International Airport

The suites offer a mini oasis from hectic terminals for mothers and their babies to have a moment together and get ready for their next flight.

The Mamava suites that we visited recently at BTV and PHL offered 2 bench seats, a changing table, a mirror, nice lighting — and the best part, a bunch of motivational notes left by other mothers!

Hot Tip: If you are traveling while breastfeeding or pumping and want to try a Mamava, they have a handy app that will help you find the closest lactation suite.

If you are going on an extended trip and you are bringing what someone might consider a larger than normal amount of breast milk, you may run into some issues.

While the TSA website states that you can travel with “reasonable quantities” of breast milk, you are essentially leaving that interpretation up to the discretion of whatever TSA agent you get at check-in.

Depending on the age, stage, health, or any other variable your child may be, the “reasonable quantity” can vary a lot between families and the travel duration.

If you think that the amount of breast milk you want to travel with may be an issue, it is probably best to reach out directly to the airline you are traveling with to get some clear guidance (even better if you can get it in writing).

Hot Tip: If you don’t want to deal with the potential hassle of traveling with breast milk, there are alternatives that include shipping the milk to your final destination!

Milk Stork Breast Milk Delivery

If you have read all of this and have decided that traveling with your little one AND navigating TSA checkpoints with breast milk is just not worth the hassle, we have found some alternatives for you.

Forget about trying to keep that liquid gold at the perfect temperature with rotating gel packs and free ice from the lounge — let a service like Milk Stork deal with it for you!

Milk Stork is a company that specializes in shipping your breast milk in specialized coolers so that you can feed your little one anywhere in the world. They take care of all of the logistics so that you can focus on what is really important.

Milk Stork will ship you a custom-made cooler so that you can pump and store your breast milk at your convenience and then ship it to your final destination via the prepaid label and postage that came with the box.

At the moment, Milk Stork offers 4 solutions for traveling with breast milk:

  • This option is best when you want to carry your refrigerated milk home with you and you don’t need to ship it (such as a carry-on, road trip, cruise, etc.).
  • Milk Stork will ship you a convenient carry-on tote bag that meets TSA regulations as well as cooling accessories for breast milk that provide up to 60 hours of refrigeration.
  • Pricing starts at $79 plus shipping and handling for the tote bag and supplies.
  • This option is best when you want to overnight ship your refrigerated milk while you are away.
  • Milk Stork will ship you everything you need to have your breast milk overnighted by FedEx with a minimum of 72 hours of refrigeration guaranteed.
  • Pricing starts at $139 for 34 ounces and $159 for 72 ounces plus shipping & handling to the final destination.
  • This option is for those who are traveling internationally and want to take their refrigerated breast milk with them as a checked piece of luggage.
  • Milk Stork will ship you their custom 108-ounce cooler (which they say is the equivalent of a 3-5 day supply of breast milk for most moms) which will provide a minimum of 90 hours of refrigeration from activation. The exterior dimensions of the cooler are 12 x 8 x 10 inches and the cooler weighs 16 pounds when fully loaded.
  • 25 breast milk storage bags
  • Circular seals to secure the exterior of the cooler, however, these may be broken if airport security feels the need to inspect the cooler
  • Tamper-proof stickers to secure each individual breast milk storage bag
  • Luggage tag
  • Pricing starts at $289 .
  • This door-to-door solution via FedEx is ideal for international travelers.
  • Simply log onto their website with at least 4 business days of lead time to set up your delivery. Just be aware that they cannot process rush orders and that Saturday delivery isn’t available for international shipments.
  • $289 — North America (Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean)
  • $329 — Europe, Asia, and Australia
  • $399 — All other areas

Hot Tip: Call your airline to see if stored breast milk will qualify as child gear, as most airlines won’t charge for extra checked luggage for items such as strollers and car seats. 

Maven is a women’s and family healthcare company that offers a wide range of services to families and mothers.

One of their services is Maven Milk , which was created to help new parents transition back to work and get breast milk back to their baby easily, safely, and reliably.

Similar to Milk Stork, Maven Milk offers easy to use, TSA-approved, and travel safe options for your breast milk.

They even have very similar names and packages, such as:

  • This option can domestically transport up to 36 ounces of breast milk and keep it refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
  • 6 tamper-proof breast milk bags
  • Medical-grade refrigerated shipping container
  • FedEx packing and shipping directions plus delivery alerts
  • These foams packs are TSA-friendly, keep breast milk cold longer than gel or water ice packs, fit easily in most travel coolers , and are reusable.
  • This kit is designed to get you home from a trip abroad with your frozen breast milk (think working mom who is still pumping and had to leave her little one at home).
  • Packs up to 270 ounces of frozen milk (about 9 days worth)
  • Keeps milk frozen up to 24 hours
  • Durable Coleman cooler with antimicrobial liner
  • 9 foam cooling packs

While these kits all sound great, at the moment Maven Milk is only available through employers, so ask your HR rep if your company offers this service.

FedEx Nano Cool Ice Foam Cold Pack

If you really don’t want to deal with the hassle of breast milk at the airport but are still more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can always just ship your milk to your final destination on your own.

FedEx offers some great options for shipping items that need to stay cold in transit. Their Temp-Assure shipping packages come in 5 different options and can get keep your breast milk between 35.6°F-46.4°C for up to 48 or 96 hours.

The Temp-Assure technology can keep your breast milk cold without the weight, hassle, and expense of using gel packs or dry ice.

Each of the 5 cold shipping packages includes a chilling unit that is activated by the shipper (by the press of a button!) and placed in the box with the breast milk. The unit continuously evaporates small amounts of water at a low pressure keeping your package at a safe temperature.

Some of the packaging highlights include:

  • Constant Temperature : Your shipment will maintain a consistent temperate between 35.6°F and 46.4°F.
  • 2 Cooling Duration Options Across 5 Box Sizes: Keep shipments cool up to 48 hours with the standard units available in 3 sizes, or up to 96 hours in the medium and large-sized boxes.
  • Lightweight: Compared to dry ice or gel packs, you will pay less to the ship the unit itself.
  • Hassle-Free Preparation: Simply press a button to start the unit before you pack it.
  • Replacement Cooling Engines: Easily replace an expired cooling engine on your cold shipping package. Engines are available in all 5 package sizes which are great for reusing on future trips.

Prices start at $46 for the small standard duration unit (48 hours) and jump to $155 for the large extended duration unit (96 hours). Replacement engines start at $59 for a pack of 2 for a small box and go up to $170 for a pack of 3 that can be used in the large boxes.

How to Set up Your FedEx Breast Milk Shipment

Once you have decided that you are going to ship with FedEx, you will need to order your boxes from orderboxesnow.com which will then be delivered to you by FedEx.

After receiving your boxes and cold packs (“engines”), you just pack up your breast milk, press the button on the cold pack and schedule a pickup and delivery with FedEx.

Bottom Line: Milk Stork is obviously catered towards mothers and breast milk delivery, which may help make the process feel easier. However, if you are looking at shipping from point A to point B, FedEx has some pretty compelling options as well. 

Medela Breast Pump Bag

This may be one area where things get a little confusing for TSA staff, not only because there aren’t any black and white rules regarding traveling with breast pumps, but also due to lack of personal familiarity.

While it is plausible that TSA agents without children may understand the need to travel with breast milk, it may not be as obvious why a mother (who may be without a child at the moment) may need to carry-on a breast pump.

As murky as the rules are for traveling with breast milk, at least they are laid out on the TSA website that you can bring up if needed. However, it is not as clear when it comes to breast pumps.

Is a Breast Pump a Medical Device?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does consider breast pumps to be medical devices. That means that you can carry it on your flight and TSA should give you no trouble.

However, specific policies regarding the number of carry-on items are still left up to individual airlines.

Bottom Line: If you think you may be near your carry-on limit and are traveling with a breast pump, it may be a good idea to reach out to the airline directly to get clarification.

Medela Frozen Breast Milk

The most important take away is that you are allowed to bring breast milk above and beyond the standard 3-1-1 limits in your carry-on when traveling in the U.S.

On top of that, you are also allowed to bring baby formula and juice in quantities above the normal TSA limit of 3.4 ounces as well.

Just keep in mind that all of these items need to be separated from your other carry-on items to pass through the x-ray and will be subject to additional screening and explosive testing.

Additionally, if you are traveling with a large amount of breast milk that may be interpreted as more than a “reasonable quantity,” you could also consider shipping the milk to your final destination and avoid the stress of airport security.

Companies like Milk Stork and FedEx offer practical solutions for maintaining breast milk at safe temperatures while also assisting with transportation logistics.

At the end of the day, whether you are traveling with your child or not , there are plenty of options for transporting breast milk on your next trip!

And if you want to make sure you have no issues at check-in, be sure of have a printout of this TSA webpage handy!

Want more tips and tricks on family travel? Explore our dedicated Family Travel section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring breast milk and formula through security.

Yes! Parents are allowed to bring breast milk, baby formula, and juice above and beyond the normal 3.4 ounce TSA restrictions. Just be ready to keep them separate from your other carry-on items and to be tested for explosives.

How much breast milk can I carry on my flight?

According to the TSA website, you can carry on a “reasonable quantity” of breast milk, baby formula, and juice. If you are traveling with what someone might consider a large amount, it might be a good idea to contact your airline in advance to get clearer rules and or specific permission.

Can I ship or check my breast milk?

Yes! There are services available like Milk Stork and FedEx that will help you keep your breast milk at a safe temperature and handle the shipping logistics as well. Alternatively, Milk Stork has custom coolers to help with checking luggage internationally.

Can I bring my breast pump as a carry-on?

Yes. Breast pumps are considered medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which means you can get past TSA with no issues (in theory). However, each airline can dictate their own rules when it comes to how many carry-on pieces you are allowed.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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Product Reviews

20 best cooler bags for travel with breast milk.

A lady feeding her baby by expressed breast milk

Keeping your pumped milk at the right temperature when you travel

When you’re a breastfeeding mum, traveling with your baby in any capacity can add a few extra layers of complications and stress, not to mention several additional items you have to pack in your luggage and diaper bag. 

Your baby’s feeding schedule and travel schedule seldom align perfectly with each other, especially when keeping with a flight schedule or on road trips .  On many occasions, I’ve had to pump before/after a flight or while in the car and save my milk for later feeding.

In all cases, it’s best to have an insulated cooler for breast milk on hand, as we all know how precious that liquid gold is! The best cooler for your needs depends entirely on the duration of your travel time and your travel surroundings, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the Best Baby Bottle Coolers For Travel for almost every situation to help you find the perfect one.

This post is part of our tried & tested baby travel products series

Best cooler bag for breast milk travel.

We’ve included a summary of our favourite choices of travel breast milk coolers here, but read on below for more details about when you might find each best to use – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to baby & toddler travel!

What to look for in a good breastmilk cooler bag for travel

Several factors go into choosing a good travel breast milk cooler bag, especially one that is versatile enough to fit your specific needs.  It’s important to consider each of these before you select one for purchase.

Choosing a breastmilk cooler bag with quality insulation is essential regardless of where you’re going or how long you’ll be travelling. Knowing that your milk will stay at a consistent temperature gives you peace of mind and is also necessary for your baby’s health and safety. 

If you’re travelling a long distance or will be gone for several days without access to a freezer, you’ll want to choose a milk cooler bag with a larger capacity.  This will allow you to put a sufficient amount of ice/icepacks inside along with your baby bottles or breast milk storage bags. 

However, a more compact option would be best for flights or car travel, as you will be in a more confined space and won’t be travelling without intermittent access to a hotel fridge or gas station. 

Cleaning and Care

The best cooler for breast milk will be easy to wipe clean, or you should be able to toss it in a washing machine for a cycle to reuse.  You’ll also want to look for a bag with a stain-resistant outer surface as well, as we all know how easily items can get soiled during travel. 

Stylish vs. Practical

As mums, we’re often torn between what looks the most stylish and what is the most reasonable and practical option.  Luckily, most breastmilk cooler bags are a combination of both.  They often come in a variety of colours and patterns to suit your personal style, and many choices offer both tote and strap-carrying options so that you can adapt them to your immediate travel needs. 

Method of Cooling

When it comes to choosing the best coolers for breastmilk, you have a few options in terms of cooling.  The most common cooling method is an ice pack of some kind.  Most breast milk cooler bags come with an ice pack that is made to fit that particular one.  You can also simply use freezer bags full of ice and replace them as needed. 

You can include your baby milk bottles in your family cooler too. Just be mindful of how often this will open, and consider whether a consistent temperature can be maintained for your breastmilk in the larger coolers we describe below.

The final option would be a cooler powered by electricity.  In my opinion, this is the trickiest and least available way to go.  If you are embarking on a long road trip where the mini-fridge can be plugged in, it might come in handy.  However, you always run the risk of the cooler or (heaven forbid) your vehicle breaking down and finding yourself stranded in more ways than one.

TSA Rules Regarding Transporting Breastmilk

If you plan on traveling with your baby by air , we strongly recommend that you review TSA’s rules regarding breast milk, formula, and other baby items.  As it currently stands, you can transport “reasonable” amounts of breast milk in your carry-on bag. 

We also recommend you check with the TSA agent at your gate for additional guidelines. 

We have a detailed guide to breastfeeding and travelling with breastmilk that may cover many more of your pumping and breastmilk transportation questions. 

Short Trips vs. Long Flights

The type of breast milk cooler you choose strongly depends on whether you’re planning a short flight (either directly or with a single layover) or longer flights with multiple layovers (or to another country). 

A shorter flight may not require the same level of insulation, as you’ll be able to replenish your supply of ice or find a fridge in your hotel within 5-6 hours.  However, if you and your baby will be enduring an 8-hour flight plus additional driving time, it would be wise to find a cooler that offers significantly more insulation.

Best Cooler Bag For Breastmilk Travel

Let’s dig into all the details now on the leading brands of breast milk cooler bags for travel; noting that there’s no one-size-fits-all, and you may need different bags in different travel scenarios.

Best Overall Breastmilk Cooler: Skip Hop Insulated Breastmilk Cooler

Why We Love It: This is an all-around crowd-pleaser that is versatile enough to be used in many different travel situations.  It’s compact enough to fit inside a diaper bag or backpack for air travel and fits nicely into a free spot for shorter car trips. Previous customers have stated that it keeps several bags of breastmilk cold for around 8 hours.

Skip Hop Baby Breastmilk Cooler Insulated Bottle Bag, Grab & Go, Chevron

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Possible Cons: This milk cooler bag is best suited for shorter trips, as it can only carry two full-size bottles or 2-3 milk storage bags.

Specifications of the Skip Hop Insulated Breastmilk Cooler:

  • Dimensions: 6.75 x 3.5 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 4 ounces
  • Freezer pack included
  • Holds two bottles or sippy cups
  • Two-way zippers for customized access
  • Phthalate-free
  • Keeps liquids cool for up to 8 hours

Most Affordable: Tiblue Breastmilk Cooler Bag

Why We Love It: This budget-friendly breast milk cooler for travel doesn’t skimp on style or functionality.  It’s large enough to hold six smaller bottles or four larger bottles up to 9 oz.  The outer surface is made from water-resistant fabric, and the interior can easily be wiped clean.  It’s a versatile option for air and car travel as well as a day trip to the beach .

Breastmilk Cooler Bag Insulated & Reusable Baby Bottle Tote Bag for up to 6 Bottles 4 Large 9 Oz Bottles, Freezer Lunch Bag, Perfect for Daycare Travel or Back to Work Nursing Mom

Possible Cons: It cannot be easily stored in a diaper bag, which is a downside.  The bag also only comes with a handle, making it more cumbersome when you have to carry multiple things at once.

Specifications of the Tiblue Breastmilk Cooler Bag:

  • Dimensions: 10.04 x 9.33 x 3.35 inches
  • Weight: 8.4 ounces
  • Water-resistant 300D composite Oxford fabric
  • 8mm extra-thick EPE foam aluminum foil liner
  • Waterproof interior
  • Pocket for smaller personal items
  • Fits most standard bottles

Other value options to consider

  • Lekebaby Breast Milk Cooler Bag
  • Luxja Breastmilk Cooler Bag

Most Compact: FlexiFreeze Pocketbook Breastmilk Cooler

Why We Love It: If you’re only travelling for a few hours before having access to a fridge or additional ice and want a discrete option for storing several bags of breast milk, this is the breast milk cooler bag for you. It’s the size of a wallet and can easily fit into your diaper bag or purse.  It has built-in ice cube packs, so you just have to take it out of your freezer and ready to go.

FlexiFreeze Pocketbook Breastmilk Cooler, Black

Possible Cons: Works best to keep frozen breastmilk cool, so less suitable for storing room-temperature milk for long periods.

Specifications for the FlexiFreeze Pocketbook Breastmilk Cooler:

  • Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.3 x 8 inches
  • Weight: 12 ounces
  • Capacity for several breast milk bags
  • Contains built-in freezable ice cubes

Other compact options to consider:

  • Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag
  • NANOBEBE Breastmilk Baby Bottle Cooler & Travel Bag

Best for Long Car Journeys: MOMIGO Pump Backpack

Why We Love It: This is an excellent option for longer road trips, as it offers storage for your breast pump and both feeding and storage bottles.  The insulated bottom layer can hold up to six storage bottles plus an ice pack and boasts a 15-hour cooling time. 

MOMIGO DiaperBreast Pump Backpack - Cooler and Moistureproof Bag Double Layer for Mother Outdoor Working Backpack with USB Charging Port, Large (Pink)

Possible Cons: Several mums have said that while they love the bag, it takes some organisation and time to fit everything into the larger compartment.

Specifications for the MOMIGO Pump Backpack:

  • Dimensions: 15.25 x 13 x 13.75 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 lbs
  • Durable, moistureproof fabric
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Earphone and External USB charging port
  • Anti-theft pocket

Other options to consider for long car journeys:

  • CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag
  • Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer

Best for Long Flights: Columbia Badger Ridge Insulated Baby Food and Bottle Tote

Why We Love It: If your next vacation includes several layovers or more than a few hours in the air, this breastmilk cooler bag has you covered.  It’s large enough to hold several bottles and milk storage bags yet specifically designed to take up as little extra room as possible. The padded shoulder strap can also attach to your stroller , allowing you to transport it through the terminal securely.

Columbia Badger Ridge Insulated Baby Food and Bottle Tote, Black

Possible Cons: The bag’s interior is not waterproof, so any leaks could cause quite a mess mid-flight.

Specifications for the Columbia Badger Ridge Insulated Baby Food & Bottle Tote:

  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 4.75 x 9.25 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Therma-Flect radiant barrier
  • High-density thermal insulation
  • Easy-to-clean lining
  • Elasticized interior straps
  • Two exterior mesh pockets
  • Padded handle and shoulder strap

Other options to consider for long flights:

  • Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set
  • JuJuBe Be Cool Insulated Baby Bottle Cooler Bag

Best Insulated Baby Bottle Coolers for Outdoor Excursions

Best for hiking and camping: icemule classic cooler.

Why We Love It: If you’re headed to the great outdoors for any length of time, this is the best cooler bag for breast milk.  It comes in various sizes, which helps transport various supplies that need refrigeration.  This cooler’s most attractive feature is its insulation – it keeps contents cold for over 24 hours and maintains ice-like temperatures for up to 2 days. 

ICEMULE Classic Mini Collapsible Backpack Cooler – Hands Free, 100% Waterproof, 24+ Hours Cooling, Soft Sided Cooler for Hiking, Camping, Fishing & Picnics, 9 Liter, Fits 6 Cans + Ice, Seafoam

Possible Cons: Temperature maintenance does decrease in extremely hot weather conditions or if placed in direct sunlight.

Specifications for the IceMule Classic Cooler:

  • Dimensions: 5.91 x 6.3 x 15.75 inches
  • Weight: 1.7 lbs
  • Available in several colors
  • Collapsible and lightweight
  • Roll-top design for easy access
  • 24 + hours of cooling
  • Extra durable Muleskin exterior
  • PolarLayer insulation
  • Leakproof/Buoyant/Waterproof

Other options to consider for hiking & camping:

  • YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag
  • Coleman Soft Cooler Bag

Best for the Beach: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

Why We Love It: If you and your family are headed out for a day of sunshine at the beach, this breast milk cooler is an ideal option.  The rugged wheels allow for easy transportation, and the cooler is large enough to store snacks, drinks, and bags or bottles of breastmilk.  Interior spills can be easily wiped clean, and the Rhino-Tech exterior is both durable and water/stain-resistant.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler - 30 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler - Navy Blue with Deep Freeze Insulation, HardBody Liner, and SmartShelf

Possible Cons: Previous customers’ main complaint was that the bag did not stay on the cart very well.  This was easily fixed with a few strips of Velcro or similar adhesives.

Specifications for the Artic Zone Titan Deep Freeze:

  • Dimensions: 13.25 x 12 x 14.75 inches
  • Weight: 6.77 lbs
  • Deep Freeze high-performance insulation
  • Radiant heat barrier reflects heat
  • Triple-layer ColdBlock base with three thick layers of SuperFoam
  • Leak-proof lining with Microban
  • Puncture-resistant, durable Rhino-Tech exterior

Other options to consider for a day at the beach:

  • Venture Pal Leakproof Reusable Insulated Cooler Lunch Bag
  • Columbia PFG Skiff Guide Zipperless Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack

And don’t forget your ice packs!

Not all of the insulated breastmilk coolers we’ve described here actually come with their own ice pack. Some coolers have their own branded ice pack you can buy separately, like Yeti & Coleman. Otherwise, generic ice packs are fine. We prefer soft contour ice packs for a better fit.

Ice Packs for Coolers, Breastmilk Bottle Storage, Lunch Box, Insulated Bags, 4-Pack Contoured Freezer Packs, Long Lasting Reusable Cool Packs for Canned Beer Soda, Camping Beach Picnic

We hope this breastmilk cooler guide has helped you narrow down the choices and sees you one step closer to confidently travelling the world with your kids – whether it’s a day hike with your bub s or flying around the world !

More Helpful Travel Gear for Baby & Toddler Travel

Before you set out on your next family vacation, you may also want to learn more about:

  • Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist – a super detailed guide to everything you could possibly need on a trip with a baby + a downloadable baby travel packing list to keep you organised.
  • Best nursing covers for travel – feed and pump discreetly when you travel with a cover to suit every occasion and style.
  • Best baby bottle warmers – instantly reheat your baby’s milk on the go with these portable breastmilk coolers.
  • Portable Breast Pumps worth the investment – if you think you’ll be on the move with or without your little one a lot, whether it’s for business trips or family vacations, you’ll want one of these comfortable and discreet pumping systems.
  • Travel tips for bottle-feeding moms – what happens when you transition to formula feeds?
  • Travelling High Chairs & Boosters – are they really worth it? Our frank views on investing in a portable booster and when it may come in handy when you’re baby is ready to wean.

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A bottle of expressed breastmilk with pumping parts you will need for pumping baby milk on the go

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Breast Milk

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. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.

Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.

TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Please see  traveling with children  for more information.

Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting TSA Cares online at http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares or by phone at (855) 787-2227 or federal relay 711.

How to fly with breast milk in the US

Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Between judgmental stares and extra luggage, flying with a baby is no easy feat. Add on the stresses of breastfeeding and pumping milk while traveling and it's no surprise that some new moms may be a bit anxious about the process. The rules and regulations of packing breast milk — and the equipment that comes along with it — can be confusing.

Unfortunately, stories surface on a fairly regular basis about breastfeeding moms being subjected to unnecessary hardships and embarrassment while flying – due both to the confusing rules and a lack of knowledge on the part of some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials and airline staff members.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for TPG daily newsletter .

Recently, a breastfeeding mom at LAX was leaving her 10-week-old infant for the first time to go on a trip. She had planned to pump at the airport so her breasts wouldn't feel uncomfortably engorged, and had brought along ice packs to keep the precious breast milk fresh. She was told by three male TSA agents that she couldn't bring the packs on the plane because the ice had started to melt. They also informed her she wouldn't have a problem if she was traveling with her baby or containers of breast milk, and denied her request to speak with a female agent. She ended up with the packs in her checked luggage and didn't pump as planned.

travel breast milk bag

Many moms responded to the woman's Tweet about the incident, saying they've faced similar situations of dealing with ill-informed TSA agents, even after the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act was signed into law in 2020. According to the law, all large- and medium-sized airports in the United States have to provide private, lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse in every terminal.

As a nursing mom you may have questions about traveling. I certainly did when traveling with my newborn a couple of years ago (even now, I have to manage ice packs, milk and water for my 3-year-old).

Here is TPG's guide on how to safely and confidently carry breast milk and pumping equipment onboard your next U.S. flight.

TSA liquid restrictions don't apply

Since 2006, the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid restriction has been in place, which, among other things, forces people to down any bottles of water they are carrying before heading through security. You're also supposed to pack any small containers of liquids in a quart-sized plastic bag.

An exception, according to the TSA : is that breast milk "in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces" is allowed in carry-on baggage.

When it comes to how much you can bring, the TSA says "reasonable quantities," which leaves some discretion to the individual officer. If you plan to travel with a large quantity of breast milk, you might want to contact your airline before your trip to ensure you're in the clear.

Since the breast milk will likely have to be screened separately, you may want to allow extra time on the day of travel so you aren't left scrambling to get through security quickly. It's best to inform the TSA officer at the start of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk, so they can prepare for additional screening. This might include putting it through an x-ray (you're allowed to deny this), testing it for explosives or even pouring a little out for testing.

Everything mentioned above is also applicable to formula and juice. When traveling with formula-fed babies and toddlers, you also have the right to bring more liquid than the general allowance.

Related: Everything you need to know about TSA's liquid rules

Consider shipping breast milk

If you're really nervous about dealing with TSA, consider shipping the milk using a company such as Milk Stork. With Milk Stork and other similar breast milk delivery companies, you first order a custom-designed cooler from the company and it's shipped to your desired location. You can pump and store breast milk at your convenience and then ship it via the pre-labeled and post-paid box you received with the cooler.

Milk Stork offers several shipping options. The Pump & Ship combo works when you want to overnight your refrigerated breast milk to any location (starting at $199 plus shipping and handling). The Freeze & Ship option is great if you want to send frozen breast milk overnight (from $219 plus shipping and handling). If you are planning to be at one location for a while, you can move or ship large quantities of frozen breast milk (up to 180 ounces) with The Stash (from $229 plus shipping and handling). Milk Stork also sells coolers for those who want to carry refrigerated or frozen milk to the airport.

Another option for shipping is FedEx's cold shipping package, which promises to maintain a constant 2- to 8-degree Celsius environment for up to 96 hours. You can preorder FedEx's cold shipping box .

Related: Milk Stork review: Convenient for pumping moms, but for a price

Breast pump rules vary by airline

While the TSA spells out rules for traveling with breast milk, the regulations for packing a pump are a bit more confusing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers breast pumps to be medical devices, and the TSA says you are allowed to bring a pump in your carry-on. But the specific policies are left up to the airlines .

While a breast pump should not count against your allotted number of included carry-on bags, there are nuances that you need to be aware of. American Airlines, for example, says a pump doesn't count toward your carry-on allowance, but suggests if you are bringing one you should arrive at the gate at least an hour before departure. Virgin Atlantic states that its goal is to make breastfeeding mothers comfortable and will even put milk on ice. Your best bet? Contact your airline to find out the specific rules and try to get what you are told in writing, if you can. Print out the airline's rules and have them with you on the day of travel. You may not need them but it's best to be prepared.

travel breast milk bag

You don't need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk

The TSA clearly says that you do not need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk, a relief for moms who want to continue to pump while on the go. This rule only applies to U.S. travel; international policies vary, so do your homework if you are leaving the U.S.

One mom was forced to dump 4 gallons of breast milk while traveling for work because, at the time, the U.K. stipulated you must fly with a baby to bring the milk along. To avoid this scenario, check the rules of the country you are visiting. And know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need to declare pumped milk at U.S. Customs when returning to the United States.

Related: 12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Frozen ice packs are allowed through security

In addition to breast milk, the TSA allows "ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool breast milk." And, this is "regardless of the presence of breast milk." Anything liquid-filled, partially frozen, or slushy is also allowed, but additional screening might be required. It is best to use ice packs that are frozen solid.

Dry ice is another option when flying with breast milk, but bringing dry ice in your carry-on or checked luggage can add a layer of complexity. Before going that route, check with your airline for the exact requirements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits travelers to 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) of dry ice in a carry-on or checked bag, but the package must be vented and marked as dry ice. The FAA stipulates that you must get airline approval before flying with dry ice, so again, allow extra time at the airport and bring along a printed copy of the FAA, TSA and airline rules.

travel breast milk bag

Flag your milk to a TSA Agent

To help the process of going through security with your breast milk run as smoothly as possible, separate it (along with any other breastfeeding accouterments) from the rest of your belongings, and notify the TSA officer about what you're carrying. This helped me when I traveled. I was screened separately from other passengers whose bags were flagged when going through the X-ray machine, and I didn't have to wait in the long queue. While that might not always happen, being upfront could help speed up the process.

You can request additional screening

The typical procedure for examining breast milk involves it being X-rayed and/or opened and tested. If you don't want to follow that protocol, you can request additional screening procedures, which can "include a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property," according to the TSA.

Follow breast milk storage guidelines

You've gone through all the hassle of getting your breast milk through security. The last thing you'd want to have happen is for the milk to get spoiled by not staying at the appropriate temperature. Follow the CDC's milk storage guidelines which say that "expressed milk should be stored in clean, tightly sealed containers." You can keep that milk at room temperature for up to six to eight hours, 24 hours in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs and five days in a refrigerator — or longer in a freezer. If you're planning a long-haul trip, consider asking the flight attendants to give you more ice for your cooler midway through the flight.

Bring portable pump cleaners

Not only do you have to ensure your milk stays fresh, but the components of your pump will also require cleaning. If you plan to express milk on the go, remember that droplets of milk will remain inside the bottles and suction components. Those can spoil, too, if not kept refrigerated or adequately cleaned. To avoid unintentionally having spoiled milk while pumping, bring along portable pump wipes for quick cleans until you have access to a more thorough wash.

Print out the TSA rules

Just because the TSA lists the rules and you know them by heart doesn't mean that every TSA officer is as familiar as you are with the nitty-gritty. Just like with the airline rules, go the extra step of printing out the guidelines from the TSA to have on hand in case a screener questions you. Or, have the TSA website pulled up on your phone with the information. It clearly states your rights, which include the fact you're allowed to travel with milk, a pump and ice packs, whether your baby is with you or not.

Allow time for additional screening

The screening process doesn't always go off without a hitch. Even if the TSA officer follows the standard procedures, it could take a bit longer to make it through security, especially during busy times. It's good to add 30 minutes to your airport arrival time when traveling with pumped milk. It will help alleviate some anxiety if additional screening is required.

travel breast milk bag

Bottom line

You have rights as a breastfeeding mom that governmental organizations and airlines have acknowledged. The problem is not every person you encounter on your travels is aware of them. So, following these tips should help you feel more confident when traveling and alleviate some unnecessary headaches because having a baby is stressful enough!

Flying with Breast Milk: Everything You Need to Know

Don’t leave for the airport without reading this., by babylist staff.

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The new parent learning curve is pretty steep, especially the moment you step out your front door and attempt to do anything even a little bit complicated that you may have done in your pre-kid life. One of the biggest (and most confusing) stressors for lots of new parents? Flying with your baby , though we’ve got a lot of that handled for you already, like which travel stroller or travel car seat is best for you. But what about feeding your baby, and the rules around breastmilk?

Keeping the rules straight around everyday air travel is hard enough. Throw in lugging around breast milk and ice packs and coolers and keeping track of what’s allowed and what isn’t can get you feeling very overwhelmed very quickly.

While sometimes in parenting, a little ignorance may be bliss—this is not one of those times. Knowing the rules around flying with breast milk can make the whole process a little less daunting and a lot more efficient.

In this article:

  • Can You Fly with Breastmilk?

How to Fly with Pumped Breast Milk

  • Tips and Tricks

Can You Fly with Breast Milk?

Worried you’ll have to store your breast milk in special containers or check it with your luggage? Don’t be. Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and is allowed in carry-on baggage.

While most liquids you may want to carry onto a plane like shampoo, toothpaste or lotion can’t exceed 3.4 ounces and must fit into a quart-sized bag, breast milk, along with other kid-related food and liquid items like formula , toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (including pouches), don’t apply to this rule. Also permitted: items to keep your breast milk cool like ice packs, freezer packs or gel packs. All are allowed to pass through security, regardless of the presence of breast milk.

Although it’s not required, TSA recommends that you transport breast milk in clear, translucent bottles instead of in bags or pouches. That’s because it’s easier (and faster) for bottles to be scanned by the agency’s Bottle Liquid Scanners. If you prefer to transport your milk in bags or pouches, don’t worry, they’ll still be allowed on your flight—you just may be asked to open them for alternate screening.

The X-ray machines in airport security checkpoints won’t damage your breast milk in any way, according to TSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . But if you’re hesitant to let your milk pass through them, you do have other options. Inform your TSA agent that you don’t want your milk X-rayed and follow the alternate screening procedures they recommend.

Can you fly with breast milk without baby?

Yes, you’re allowed to fly with breast milk and related cooling items whether or not your little one is traveling with you.

Can you fly with frozen breast milk?

TSA permits flying with fresh, frozen or partially frozen breast milk. If you’re traveling with ice packs and they begin to melt, they’re also permitted, but may be subject to further screening by TSA.

Can you check breast milk?

Checking your breast milk, whether it’s fresh or frozen, is permitted and is a good option if you don’t want to carry your milk through security and onto the plane.

Pro tip : Double bag your milk to protect your bag in case of leaks. Place your milk storage bags or containers into larger Ziploc bags for extra protection. Pack your cooler tightly to limit the amount of air that’s trapped inside, and be sure to add plenty of cooler packs or double-bagged ice bags.

How much breast milk can you fly with?

There is no official guidance on the TSA website regarding how much breast milk is permitted either in a carry-on or checked bag. If you’re traveling with an extremely large amount of milk, reach out to TSA directly prior to your trip to avoid any issues on your travel day.

There’s a lot to think through when you’re traveling with breast milk. Taking things step by step can help.

Before You Leave

A little planning before you leave goes a long way if you’re traveling with breast milk. Priority number one? Pack and organize your bag with everything you need (and even a few things you may not, but want on hand just in case) before you go.

If you’re planning to fly with breast milk in your carry-on, be sure to pack:

  • Your milk, ideally in breast milk storage bottles (bags or other containers are permitted, but may slow you down)
  • A cooler or another way to keep your milk cool, like a breastmilk chiller
  • Plenty of ice packs or gel/freezer packs (if using a cooler)
  • A few large Ziploc bags

You’ll be asked to remove your breast milk for screening to get through security, so be sure everything is either packed all together in a separate bag or is easily accessible in your main carry-on bag.

If you know you’ll be pumping in the airport or on the plane, add these items to your breast pump bag :

  • Breast pump , flanges and any other accessories your pump requires
  • Power cord or extra batteries, if needed
  • A manual breast pump , just in case
  • Quick clean wipes or spray to clean pump parts on the go
  • A nursing cover , wrap or shawl
  • A hands-free pumping bra , if needed
  • A small towel to wipe up any messes or to use as a clean surface to spread out your pumping gear
  • Other extras to consider: milk storage bags, nursing pads , lactation massagers, nipple cream

Pro tip: If you’re flying with breast milk and your baby and bringing your stroller along, you can use the stroller basket to stash all of your stuff and lug it through the airport—just know that you’ll have to empty it all when you go through security in order to break down your stroller to get it through the X-ray machine. (Pack a baby carrier if you have one so you can wear your baby during this time and keep your hands free.) The more organized and better packed you are, the easier and quicker this all will be.

At the Airport

Going through airport security with breast milk can feel stressful, especially the first time. Keeping these three things in mind can help.

  • Inform. As soon as you get to security, inform the TSA agent that you’re traveling with breast milk and other baby-related items. They’ll take things from there.
  • Stay organized. If possible, carry a separate bag with all of your breast milk and related items, or designate an easily accessible spot in your carry-on bag. You’ll have to remove your milk and cooler items for screening, so having them organized and readily available can help expedite the process. (The folks in line behind you will thank you for this, too.)
  • Advocate. Familiarize yourself with TSA’s rules and regulations around traveling with breast milk before your trip. Keep a printed copy in your bag, or have the TSA site open on your phone in case you run into an uninformed TSA agent and need to reference it quickly. You can also add TSA’s Customer Service number to your contacts in case you need to reach out to them: 1-866-289-9673.

Pro tip: Build extra time into your travel schedule if you’re flying with breast milk. Airport security lines can take a long time even without additional screenings; bringing breast milk along is only going to slow things down more. Add 30 minutes of additional time to your schedule when planning your trip.

Flying with Breast Milk: More Tips and Tricks

Breast milk storage guidelines, international travel rules and pumping on the go are just a few other things you may need to be mindful of as you think about traveling with breast milk. Consider these additional tips as you plan your trip.

Follow Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

It’s easier to plan for traveling with breast milk if you keep in mind the guidelines around how to safely store and freeze your milk .

Pro tip: As long as there are still ice crystals present in frozen breast milk, it’s safe to refreeze. That means if you’re flying with frozen milk and it has started to melt but hasn’t thawed completely when you reach your destination, it’s still safe to pop it back into the freezer and use at a later date.

Consider Shipping

If you’re traveling without your baby on a longer trip or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of transporting breast milk yourself, consider a breast milk shipping service .

Milk Stork is a popular service that offers both domestic and international breast milk shipping for up to 180 ounces of milk. Frozen milk will stay cold for up to 96 hours while refrigerated milk up to 72, depending on which shipping plan you choose. If you’re traveling for work , contact your human resources department before your trip—many employers cover the cost of shipping breast milk.

Pumping on the Go: Keep Calm and Carry On

When you need to pump, you need to pump—no matter where you are. Pumping while traveling is more difficult than pumping at home, but it’s totally doable if you plan ahead.

Need to pump in the airport ? You have a few options.

  • The Friendly Airports for Mothers and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Acts mandate that all small, medium and large hub airports provide private lactation areas in the terminals for nursing and pumping parents. The areas need to have a lock, a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, an electrical outlet and a sink or other sanitizing equipment and need to be accessible for people with disabilities. (Bathrooms don’t count. Phew.) To see how your local airport stacks up, check out this list of the best airports for breastfeeding travelers .
  • Look for a Mamava lactation pod. These freestanding lactation spaces have everything you need to pump or nurse on the go, including features like seating, outlets, shelves and more, and are located in airports across the United States. You can locate pods and unlock them through the Mamava app , so be sure to download it before you travel.

If you’re on a long flight, you may need to pump while you’re in the air. Don’t worry— pumping on a plane is actually easier than you may think.

  • Planes are loud, and that built-in white noise will work to your advantage. Most people will be none the wiser as to what’s actually going on in your seat.
  • Keep your pumping gear easily accessible in your carry-on bag and pack a nursing cover.
  • If you own a wearable breast pump , an airplane is an ideal time to use it. Wearables are more discreet than traditional electric breast pumps, and they’re much more portable, too, which means less stuff for you to lug around.
  • Flight attendants can give you a bag or two of ice to keep your milk cool if you run out or if you forget your cooler packs at home. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Crossing the Border? Do Your Homework.

International travel: awesome for you, not so awesome for your breast milk. Figuring out the rules and regulations about traveling outside of the U.S. with breast milk in tow is complicated. Each country has their own set of (sometimes very specific) guidelines, so it’s important you research those rules beforehand.

If at all possible, reach out to other nursing or pumping parents who have traveled to your planned destination before you head out. (Online parent groups are a great place to ask these types of questions.) Firsthand information is often the most helpful, so learn from other parents who’ve been there if you can. You can also try reaching out to the American consulate in your destination country for more information.

EXPERT SOURCES:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
  • United States Congress: Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2017
  • United States Congress: Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act
  • Transportation Security Administration: Traveling with Children

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How to Travel On a Plane with Breast Milk

Verywell / Michela Buttignol

  • Supplies For Traveling with Breastmilk
  • Rules for Traveling with Breastmilk
  • Navigating Common Travel Scenarios

One of the first things that any breastfeeding parent learns after beginning their nursing journey is that things are far more complicated than simply bringing your child to the breast whenever they are hungry. And things tend to get even more complex when the breastfeeding parent returns to work or needs to travel on a plane while continuing to breastfeed their child.

The key word there, though, is complex. While there are many guidelines to be aware of and preparatory steps that need to be taken, traveling on a plane with breast milk is not impossible and does not necessarily need to be stressful. Here, learn how to prepare for travel , what to do with your milk during your trip, and how to navigate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the uncertainty of flying.

What You Need to Travel with Breast Milk

The supplies you need, if you’re traveling with breast milk, are going to vary slightly depending on if your baby is with you and whether you are exclusively nursing or nursing and pumping (or both!). “If you are traveling by plane with your baby, you can nurse your baby on demand,” says Gina Boling , IBCLC, Clinical Director at the Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington. In either case, consider packing the following supplies:

The Rules for Traveling with Breastmilk—And How to Navigate Them

All of the supplies in the above section are allowed through airport security regardless of whether you have your baby with you or not—a rule that not all TSA agents are always aware of. And sometimes, they simply don’t understand.

“A friend of mine almost had her milk confiscated and dumped upon returning from a work trip,” shares Karin Ashley, a nurse, women’s health nurse practitioner, and mom-of-six, who has traveled with breastmilk . “She was questioned by the agent about where her baby was, assuming that milk was only needed to feed a baby on the plane.”

In this case, Ashley’s friend had the TSA guidelines for traveling with breastmilk on hand to show the agent—a tactic almost every parent and expert recommends, whether that means carrying a printout or keeping a screenshot on your phone.

What exactly do those guidelines say? That formula, breastmilk, and juice are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed through security in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. It also explicitly says that you do not need to be traveling with your child to bring breastmilk on a plane.

To transport these items through security, the policy states that you should notify the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process if you are traveling with breastmilk in excess of 3.4 ounces, at which time you should separate it and the accompanying items from your other carry-on items to be screened separately.

The rules say that officers may ask you to open the container and/or test the liquids, a step that you can refuse if you don’t want them to touch your breastmilk, at which time they may choose to take other steps to clear it.

“Each time I traveled with breastmilk, they did ask if they could open the milk and inspect it,” shares mom Erin Nutter. “I separated out the milk from the other carry-ons and told them it was breastmilk. They opened the small cooler bag and moved a strip of paper around the bottles. I assumed it was testing for certain chemicals in the air.”

If they insist on touching or opening your milk, Ashley recommends asking them to change their gloves beforehand. “The TSA agents wear gloves, and they don't change them between bag inspections, so I would ask them to switch gloves before handling and opening your milk,” she says. “You have no idea what they have touched prior to handling milk for your baby.”

The last part of the policy concerns ice packs. It says that these and other accessories required to cool breastmilk are allowed in carry-ons, regardless of the presence of breastmilk. If they are thawed or partially frozen, though, they are subject to standard liquid screening, and it is in this situation that parents have gotten ice packs confiscated.

“If you are using an ice pack in the cooler, make sure your ice packs are frozen when you reach the TSA security check, even if you haven't put any milk in the cooler yet,” recommends Ashley. “Liquids are allowed through security as long as they are frozen solid. I've had a few thawed ice packs confiscated in the security line.” 

That goes for breastmilk too, if you want to be extra careful. Marianne Perez-Fransius is the CEO of Bebé Voyage, a community for travel-loving families with small children, many of whom have traveled on planes with breastmilk.

“Folks who have had the most success have frozen as much milk as possible ahead of the flight,” she says. “You can usually stash a couple pouches in the freezer of the mini-bar until you can get down to the hotel restaurant and ask them to keep all your milk frozen. The pouches all then act as ice packs and you shouldn't need any additional if you've got a good cooler.” This is especially helpful if you’re using milk storage bags as opposed to bottles. “Most of the time the TSA agents will say they need to test the milk. They take it to an area at the end of security and may ask to have you open the bottles,” explains Ashley. “For this reason, I recommend freezing any milk that you plan on storing in milk storage bags. Opening milk storage bags in the security line around people scrambling for their shoes and swinging bags and bins around sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”

To be even more certain their milk won’t be confiscated, Perez-Fransius says some parents even store their milk in 3-ounce bags instead of 6-ounce ones in order to be fully compliant with the general TSA guidelines (even though this isn’t technically necessary for breastmilk).

How to Navigate Common Travel Scenarios

Parents go through the trouble of traveling with breastmilk so they can get this finite and precious source of nourishment home to their babies. And when they do, they want to be certain it’s still safe for them to drink. Here are some of the most common travel scenarios you may encounter and what the experts say about handling your breastmilk.

Scenario #1: Traveling with Your Nursing Baby

Travel can be stressful for babies, so it can be helpful to nurse them whenever they want during your trip. “Most airports have lactation rooms, but they are not usually in every terminal,” notes Ashley. “Knowing where they are ahead of time will save you time and energy if you need to pump on a layover.”

If you’ve pumped and need to give your baby a bottle , Ashley recommends asking at a restaurant (if you’re in the airport) or asking the flight attendant (if you’re on the plane) for a cup of hot water in which you can dunk the bottle to warm it up.

Scenario #2: Traveling for Fewer Than 6 Days Without Your Baby

For a trip of this length, all you need is a mini-fridge in your hotel room. “Typically, milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six days,” says Boling, noting that any trip length that falls under this threshold means you don’t need to freeze your milk while you’re away.

“Chilled breastmilk may be safely transported in a cooler bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours,” she adds. “Then when you get home, you can either use the milk, refrigerate it, or freeze it, depending on the length of your trip.”

Breastmilk can spend up to four days total in the fridge. So if you are away for two days, for example, you can put your milk in the fridge for two more once you get home. But if you're gone for four days, it needs to be used right away or frozen. Make sure to label your bottles or bags with the date you pumped so it's easy to keep track. 

Scenario #3: Traveling for More Than Six Days Without Your Nursing Baby

If your trip is going to be longer than four days, you’ll need to freeze your milk while you’re away. Freezing milk flat in breastmilk storage bags will help you fit more in your cooler bag—plus then you can stack the bags on top of one another and they will keep each other cold. Once the freezer in your hotel mini-fridge is full, Perez-Fransius suggests asking the hotel restaurant if they can store your milk in their freezer.

Worried you won't be able to fit all your milk in your cooler bag for the trip home? You can ship your refrigerated or frozen breastmilk home using a company like Milk Stork .

“If the milk begins to thaw on your journey home, you can still re-freeze it when you return home if there are ice crystals in the milk,” Boling adds. “You may put it back in the freezer, or place it in the refrigerator to use within 24 hours.”

Scenario #4: You Can't Access A Fridge for 24 Hours or More

Ice packs in a well-insulated cooler bag will typically remain cold for around 24 hours—and if the ice packs and your milk are both frozen, everything may stay cold for longer than that. But if you have flight cancelations or delays that take your travel time beyond a full day, you may need to toss your milk.

“If it has been in the cooler bag for more than 24 hours and is no longer cold, it is best to discard this milk,” says Boling. Milk that was refrigerated or frozen and has come to room temperature may no longer be safe for your baby to drink.

While it is certainly frustrating to have to dump your pumped milk, take heart knowing that pumping regularly helped you keep your milk supply up and avoid possible complications like clogged milk ducts or mastitis , guaranteeing you'll be 100% when you return home to your little one.

A Word from Verywell

Traveling with breastmilk can be stressful and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important step is to familiarize yourself with the rules ahead of time, plus have a copy of the guidelines either printed out or on your phone so you can reference them if a TSA agent is unaware. If you know the rules and have taken the necessary steps to remain compliant with them, you shouldn’t run into any trouble.

That said, the rules do say that the final decision about whether an item is allowed through a security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. If you encounter one who won’t budge despite your compliance with the rules, Perez-Fransius suggests asking to speak with their manager—and if that doesn’t work, note the names of both agents, the terminal, time, airport, airline and flight number so you can file a complaint on the TSA website.

Choosing to breastfeed your baby is a brave and admirable decision. Knowing how to prepare for travel and what to expect will help ensure that logistics don't get in the way of you nourishing and caring for your baby the way you want and choose to.

Transportation Security Administration. Breast milk.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper storage and preparation of breast milk .

By Alyssa Sybertz Alyssa has been writing about health and wellness since 2013. Her work has appeared in print in publications like FIRST for Women, Woman's World, and Closer Weekly and online at places like TheHealthy.com, Allrecipes.com, and OnePeloton.com. She is the author of The OMAD Diet and has served as editor-in-chief for two magazines about intermittent fasting.

Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding

Medical review policy, latest update:, best breastfeeding travel gear, traveling with baby while breastfeeding, traveling without baby while pumping, read this next, breast milk storage when you're traveling, how to travel with breast milk.

Prefer not to deal with breast milk in the airport at all? You can also pay a little extra to have your milk transported home by a company such as Milk Stork , which offers overnight shipping from most U.S. and international destinations.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Breast Milk Storage Guidelines , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Breastfeeding in Public: Tips and Laws for Nursing Mothers , July 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Is Breast Milk, Formula and Juice Exempt From the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule? . Julia Jones, Postpartum Doula and Owner of Newborn Mothers, Columbus, OH. Joan Ortiz, R.N., B.S.N., I.B.C.L.C., Co-President of the Limerick Workplace Lactation Program, Hawthorne, CA.

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6 Travel Essentials For an On-the-Go Nursing Mom

By Abby Sjoberg

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When I was expecting my first child, I told myself that I wasn’t going to let kids stop me from traveling . Four years later, I find it laughable. It’s not easy traveling with kids, but it’s also very cool to be able to explore new places & cultures through the eyes of my son.

Cooper was born in January 2020. We didn’t travel very much (for obvious reasons). So this past year when my son Charley was born, I was determined for things to be different. I quickly realized that nursing while traveling was a whole different ball game. After several failed attempts to whittle down the list of travel items, I finally settled on a few (okay, six) essentials that made nursing while traveling through Europe, the Caribbean, or even to let-lagged Japan doable—I promise with a little planning it can be done.

A Portable Breast Pump

Keep an eye out for one that has a rechargeable battery so you’re not stuck to an outlet (especially in a foreign country where you’ll need an adapter). You'll want one that fits into your bra seamlessly, like the Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump , or the Spectra 9 Portable & Rechargeable Double Electric Breast Pump , which is super lightweight.

Freeze Dried Breast Milk

Leche takes your own breast milk and turns it into the powdered form, which lasts up to three years. It's totally genius for anybody who wants flexibility and doesn't want to carry frozen or expressed milk along with them. There's even an option that portions your breast milk into individually sealed sachets for on-the-go.

A Double Duty Travel Bag

Traveling with kids comes with a lot of stuff. And if you're nursing? A ridiculous amount of stuff. Invest in a baby bag you want to use—that you will like to use—because you'll be carrying it everywhere with you. I love the Prada Re-Nylon baby bag (fashion and function, check) because you can actually throw it in the wash, and the Lululemon New Parent Tote Bag is also fantastic.

Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes

Trust me: The last thing you want is to have to stop at a public restroom to clean every nook and cranny of your breast pump when you're traveling. I found these All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes to do a great job of cleaning the residue and build-up quickly and safely–just make sure your pump is dry before you wipe clean.

A Reusable Storage Container

There are ready-made containers specifically designed to store your breast milk or in a pinch— a travel mug will do the trick (just make sure it has a good seal—I like Ceres Chill and the Willow Portable Breast Milk Cooler ). According to the CDC, breastmilk should be stored in a refrigerator after 4 hours so be mindful of this if you are planning to be out sightseeing for a while.

Wet/Dry Bags For…Everything

If you can’t already tell, multipurpose items are the way to go here—like wet/dry bags. I like to keep a variety of sized ones from Mushie and Calpak to store your pump parts, hide dirty kids clothes, or serve to keep things organized like chargers and passports.

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How To Travel With Frozen Breastmilk

Your Guide To Successfully Traveling With Breast Milk

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There are lots of mamas on the move who want to be able to pump or bring breast milk along with them. Some may even wish to ship their breast milk. 

Luckily, these things are all achievable, and we'll share what we know here below.

See Related:  Breast Milk Storage Chart & Guidelines for New Moms

1. Can I carry breast milk on a plane?

Whether you're a jet setter or just need to take one flight, you may have wondered about the rules when it comes to traveling with breast milk.

Can you travel with frozen breast milk or freshly pumped milk on a plane? 

The answer is YES! 

Isn't it nice how a single word can provide you with a sense of relief? Still, there are a few details and tips that are important to know. But whether you're going for a long hike or traveling half way around the world, we got you.

The whole idea behind Mila's Keeper bottles and coolers is that active moms should still be able to give their babies breast milk.

Our Insulated Breast Milk Cooler is meant to keep milk cold for up to 20 hours, and you can bring it through security whether it's in your carry-on or checked luggage. We recommend carry-on for a few reasons, which we'll get to later.

According to TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines, breast milk is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage within the United States. You may need to check with the airline regarding return flights from other countries and confirm that the same rules apply.

The TSA website states that "formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids." Because they consider human milk to be liquid medication, you can carry more than 3 ounces. 

Also allowed are accessories needed to cool formula or milk such as ice packs, gel packs, or a cooler like ours with a BPA-free cold pack.

Our cold packs - which actually freeze colder than ice - attach to our Insulated Breast Milk Coolers. You can store breast milk directly in the cooler itself, or in one of our glass breast milk storage bottles that fit perfectly inside.

So pack that precious liquid gold in your carry-on bags and bon voyage!

If you're storing milk for your breastfed baby you need to keep milk cool

2. Must I have my infant in tow to bring frozen breast milk, fresh breast milk, a cooler bag, or breast milk bags on a plane?

Although it could be fun to lift your infant in the air like a young Simba while Circle of Life plays in the background, the answer is No. No, you do not need to present your baby as any sort of proof that you have these medically necessary liquids and associated accessories (whether it's frozen breast milk, or dry ice designed to keep breast milk frozen).

This means you don't have to worry when flying solo.

The TSA website states that you do not need to have your baby present to bring breast milk, formula, or other such supplies. This is good news for moms who have been away and are heading back to their little ones, or whatever the case may be.

Maybe your partner will travel with frozen breast milk, or you need an empty container for freshly pumped breast milk that you're planning to express in a few hours. The rules allow for all of this.

Breast milk containers and cooling accessories are allowed regardless of whether they already contain breast milk, so you can bring your bottles, breast pump, and cooler along with you no matter what.

Remember to remove these items from your carry-on bag so they can be screened separately from your other belongings.

3. Should I tell a TSA agent I'm transporting breast milk? 

Since there may be changes in policies around bringing water or other liquids on board an airplane, it's always best to tell one of the TSA officers what you have in your carry-on baggage.

You are allowed to transport frozen breast milk and the dry ice that is needed to keep it that way. You can have fresh milk in a cooler bag with ice packs or stored in one of Mila's Keeper Breast Milk Coolers. 

However you're moving the goods is all good. It's just best to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the security screening process what liquids (or frozen milk or ice packs) you may have.

Again, you should take these items out of your carry-on bag so they can screen them separately. 

Although it's not a requirement, they recommended that formula or breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles as opposed to plastic bags or pouches. If you're using our clear glass milk storage bottles, they have a convenient see-through window in the silicone sleeve that makes this step super easy. 

TSA's Bottle Liquid Scanners might not be able to screen the milk stored in plastic bags or pouches. The officers may ask you to open the bags to test the contents for explosives or prohibited items, but won't and shouldn't place anything into the liquid. You can ask the officers to put on a clean pair of gloves to minimize potential contamination. 

Alternatively, if you don't want these items to be opened, you should inform the officer. There are additional steps they will take to clear the liquid. This might include sending you through Advanced Imaging Technology screening or doing an additional screening of your other carry-on property. 

If you encounter an officer that is not willing to cooperate with your requests, you can always ask to speak with a supervisor. Even though we've all seen the memes, sometimes you do have to speak with a manager.

To find out about special accommodations or ask other questions about the screening process contact TSA Cares online at http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares or by phone at (855) 787-2227.

Tell a tsa agent you are transporting breast milk when going through security

Bonus: Breastfeeding In Asian And Asian American Communities

4. Are there problems traveling with a breast pump?

Trying to pump while traveling poses some challenges, but many airports and airlines are adapting to the needs of nursing moms. 

TSA includes breast pumps under the category of medical devices. They should not count as one of your carry-on bags, but you may just want to contact your particular airline to check on the details. 

Since the pump will go through the same screening process as your other breastfeeding supplies, you can tell the TSA agent what you are bringing through security. Most agents should be pretty familiar with these devices.

While you may be tempted to check your pump, breast milk cooler, or freezer packs on a short flight, you never know when there might be delays or lost luggage. Putting your essential baby-related supplies in a carry-on bag is recommended.

You should be able to place your pump in the overhead bins, but it's most convenient to stow it under the seat in front of you.

5. Where can I pump before or during a flight?

If you plan to pump while waiting in the airport, there are a few options. 

For a long time, the only places to pump or nurse were the women's restroom, a family restroom, or an empty gate area.

With the passage of the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act (FAM) of 2017, commercial airports are required to provide lactation rooms at each terminal building. This could be a clean private room with a sink, changing table, and a place to sit, or one of the nursing pods like the Mamava pod, which is a small pod with a bench, table, and power outlets.

If there isn't a lactation room near your gate, you could try to pump in a restroom stall, though it's not an ideal environment. It may be preferable to pump at your gate where there is a power outlet. With a nursing cover and ambient noise, you may be able to pump relatively discreetly.

With the FAM act in effect, you should be able to locate a lactation room, so try to squeeze in a pumping session before boarding.

Pumping on the plane is a little more challenging. 

Your options on the plane are pretty much limited to your seat or the restroom. Unless you're traveling in first class, these are some rather small spaces. Either way, you'll probably want to have some cleaning wipes handy to keep things as sterile as possible. 

If you have a pump you need to plug in, make sure your outlet is working. It's never a bad idea to bring a backup manual pump.

If you're traveling with your baby and want to nurse, putting them in a sling or wrap can be conducive to in-flight feeding. When the changing air pressure makes a baby fussy, it's a great time for a breastfeeding mom to nurse. 

6. How to keep milk cold while traveling

We all know that the next worse thing about spilling your breast milk is the risk of spoiling your hard-earned breast milk!  This is perhaps why it is the number one question moms ask as they are planning to travel.  It is understandable given that CDC breast milk storage guidelines tell us that milk can be left out at room temperature for four hours maximum.  This is obviously not enough time if you are traveling. 

In addition, fresh pumped breast milk starts at body temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit so you need a storage solution that will not only keep your milk cold - but also bring your breast milk temperature down. Breast milk can be kept safely in the refrigerator for 4 days, so how can we store our breast milk safely on the go?

You can transport your breast milk using a hard-case insulated cooler with ice packs.  If you plan to pump large amounts of milk this might be an option.  Hard-case insulated coolers come in varying sizes and quality.  Ice packs also vary in sizes and quality,  We recommend testing the hard case cooler with other drinks beforehand to see how long warm liquids can be kept safely in your cooler. In addition, the larger the ice pack the longer duration you have to keep your liquids gold.  A good rule of thumb is to use equal part ice pack with breast milk.   So if you are pumping 8 oz, you should try to find at least an 8 oz ice pack.

Another option could be your soft case insulated coolers.  Generally we do not recommend these as the insulation properties are limited and tend to be unreliable unless you only plan to be away for 4-5 hours.  Given the insulated properties of soft case insulators are not as effective, we would recommend a higher ratio of ice pack to breast milk.

The cons of both the options above are that they tend to be bulky and are more challenging to travel with especially if you are managing other things like your baby and luggage.   They are also untested options so you will need to test the performance of your coolers and ice packs beforehand to feel safe.

This is why Mila's Keeper created an option for breast milk that carries your breast milk in a compact, portable insulated cooler.  The MilKeeper uses the highly effective insulation technology of a double-walled stainless steel vacuum bottle to keep your milk cold.  In addition, its patented design includes an ice pack that freezes colder than ice to bring your breast milk temperatures down and kept cold and safe in your cooler for up to 20 hours.  The cooler holds up to 12 ounces and comes with a glass bottle that can be used to pump directly into and fed to your baby.

7. Can you ship frozen breast milk?

Traveling with frozen breast milk (or milk that's been freshly pumped) is one thing, but shipping frozen breast milk is another. 

You know you'll need to keep breast milk frozen for an extended amount of time, but is dry ice best, or are frozen gel packs better? How does one ensure all the milk will stay frozen?

If you are going to be separated from your baby for a length of time, or if you want to have a stockpile of frozen breast milk upon your arrival, you may need some tips on properly packing breast milk. 

Traveling with frozen breast milk or shipping it requires some pre planning

Let's discuss some services that may be worth looking into when it comes to shipping frozen breast milk or soon-to-be refrigerated expressed milk.

There's a company called Milk Stork, which is dedicated to shipping breast milk both domestically and internationally. They send you a container to fill up with your frozen milk (or fresh milk to be kept cold if that is your preference). 

Their coolers for frozen breast milk don't use dry ice or have an activation button. They use high-performance vacuum-insulated panels that keep a freezing temperature once the frozen milk is packed into the cooler. The website states that their coolers can keep contents frozen for a long time (between 96 and 120 hours depending on the size). 

They recommend freezing your breast milk storage bags flat so that you can more efficiently pack breast milk in the container. 

FedEx also has some options if you want to ship breastmilk. You can order their refrigerated containers to be delivered to you, which you then fill up with milk bags, and drop off at a FedEx location.

Using their refrigerated shipping package - which is activated by a single button - means you won't have to find freezer packs, gel packs, or dry ice. You won't need to wonder if the cooler bag you currently use to store milk will be sufficient for shipping across the country.

If you ship or travel with frozen breast milk, you should remember an important rule. Once human milk has been thoroughly thawed, you should NOT refreeze it. If it's still partially frozen (meaning there are visible ice crystals) you could be okay, but when in doubt, throw it out.

If you plan to send stored breast milk that won't be consumed within a day of it thawing out, make sure you've arranged for a way to keep the frozen breastmilk frozen.

7. Traveling by car with frozen breast milk

Since we've talked about how to ship breast milk, bring it with you on a plane, or express it in a pod at the airport, we thought we should touch on traveling by car.

Who doesn't love a road trip? While there are some moments where we question our sanity, taking a car ride with the family can be fun. 

How to travel with frozen breastmilk and keep it frozen solid needs a cooler bag and more

If you take to the road rather frequently and want to keep breast milk cool, you could invest in a portable mini fridge. It makes traveling with breast milk much better. Breastfeeding moms can store breastmilk as well as other food and drinks that require refrigeration.

If you're traveling with frozen breast milk, you will want to pack it in a cooler filled with ice packs or dry ice. If you do use dry ice, make sure it doesn't touch any breast milk bag or it could rip the plastic (and ruin that batch).

If you are not using dry ice, there are a few things to do to maintain a colder temperature. Make sure the cooler is filled to the gills. If you don’t have enough of a milk supply to fill it completely you can add more ice, or freeze water in a quart-sized bag (or several), to fill it the rest of the way. 

Keep your cooler closed until you arrive at a location where you'll be able to transfer the frozen milk to a freezer. 

Safe travel, and may the milk be with you.

Before you hop on your next flight, check out this TSA video that discusses some additional screening procedures to think about when traveling with human milk. 

Keep Reading: Glass Vs. Plastic Baby Bottles: The Debate

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Tips For Keeping Breast Milk Frozen While Traveling

  • Last updated May 11, 2024
  • Difficulty Beginner

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  • Category Travel

how do you keep breast milk frozen while traveling

Traveling with breast milk can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping it frozen and safe. Whether you're going on a short trip or flying across the country, it's important to have a plan in place for keeping your breast milk frozen while traveling. In this article, we'll explore some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your breast milk stays frozen and ready to use, no matter where your travels take you. From packing techniques to portable coolers, we've got you covered. So if you're a breastfeeding mother on the go, keep reading to learn how to keep your breast milk frozen while traveling.

What You'll Learn

Tips for storing breast milk while traveling, portable options for keeping breast milk frozen during trips, the best containers for freezing and transporting breast milk, essential supplies for maintaining frozen breast milk while on the go.

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Traveling with a baby can be challenging, especially when you need to store your breast milk. However, with a little preparation and the right equipment, you can keep your breast milk frozen and safe while on the go. Here are some helpful tips for storing breast milk while traveling:

  • Use a Cooler Bag: Invest in a high-quality cooler bag specifically designed for storing breast milk. Look for a bag that is insulated and has a separate compartment for storing ice packs. This will help keep your breast milk cold and prevent thawing during your journey.
  • Use Ice Packs: Place ice packs in the cooler bag to maintain a consistently cold temperature. Opt for reusable ice packs that won't leak or melt easily. Make sure to freeze them beforehand so they're ready to use when you need them.
  • Freeze Breast Milk Before Travel: A day or two before your trip, start freezing your breast milk in small, leak-proof storage containers or breast milk bags. Fill the containers three-quarters full to allow for expansion during freezing. Be sure to label each container with the date and time of pumping.
  • Thaw Breast Milk Before Use: If you plan to use the breast milk during your journey, thaw it in the refrigerator the night before. This will ensure it's ready to use when you need it. Avoid thawing breast milk at room temperature or using warm water to speed up the process, as this can degrade its quality.
  • Pack Enough Supplies: Don't forget to bring enough supplies with you, including extra breast milk storage bags, disposable nursing pads, and bottles for feeding. You may also want to consider packing a travel-size bottle brush and dish soap for cleaning the bottles on the go.
  • Store Breast Milk in the Hotel: If you're staying at a hotel, ask the front desk if they can store your breast milk in their freezer. Ensure that they have a designated freezer specifically for guest use and label your breast milk containers with your name to prevent mix-ups.
  • Use Temperature-controlled Bags: If you have a long journey ahead of you, consider using temperature-controlled bags for extra reassurance. These bags are designed to maintain the temperature of the contents for an extended period, reducing the risk of thawing.
  • Plan for Airport Security: If you're traveling by air, remember to pack your breast milk in a separate bag and notify the TSA officers at the security checkpoint. They may need to inspect the breast milk, so be prepared for a brief delay during the screening process.
  • Follow Safe Handling Guidelines: Finally, it's crucial to follow safe handling guidelines for storing breast milk. Store breast milk in the cooler bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours. If you don't have access to a freezer or refrigerator, use the cooler bag with ice packs for up to 4 hours. If the breast milk becomes slushy or starts to thaw, it's best to discard it rather than refreeze or re-chill it.

Storing breast milk while traveling requires some planning and organization, but with these tips in mind, you can ensure that your breast milk remains frozen and safe for your baby's consumption. Happy travels!

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Traveling with breast milk can be a challenge, especially when you need to keep it frozen. However, with the right portable options, you can ensure that your breast milk stays frozen during your trips. Here are some convenient and effective ways to keep breast milk frozen while traveling:

  • Insulated Cooler Bag: Invest in a high-quality insulated cooler bag that is specifically designed for storing breast milk. These bags are equipped with thick insulation and airtight seals, which help maintain the cold temperature inside. Pack your frozen breast milk in sealed containers or breast milk storage bags and place them in the insulated cooler bag along with ice packs or frozen gel packs. This will keep the milk frozen for several hours, depending on the quality of the insulation.
  • Portable Mini Freezer: If you are going on a longer trip or need to keep your breast milk frozen for an extended period, a portable mini freezer can be a lifesaver. These compact freezers are designed to run on 12V DC power, such as a car charger or battery pack. Simply plug the freezer into your vehicle's power outlet, and it will maintain a freezing temperature, ensuring that your breast milk stays frozen throughout your journey.
  • Dry Ice: Another option for keeping breast milk frozen during travel is to use dry ice. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide and maintains a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), making it an excellent choice for freezing breast milk. Before using dry ice, it's important to take precautions, such as wearing gloves and using proper ventilation, as it can cause severe skin burns if mishandled. Place the dry ice in an insulated bag or cooler and layer it with cardboard or newspaper to prevent direct contact with the breast milk containers. This method can keep your breast milk frozen for up to 24 hours, depending on the amount of dry ice used and the insulation of the container.
  • Hotel Freezer or Mini-Fridge: If you are staying at a hotel during your trip, check if they provide a freezer or mini-fridge in the room. Call ahead to ensure that the freezer or fridge can reach and maintain a freezing temperature. Once you arrive at the hotel, transfer your breast milk from your portable cooler to the hotel's freezer or fridge. This will allow you to keep your breast milk frozen without the need for additional equipment.

Remember to always label your breast milk containers with the date and time they were expressed, as well as your baby's name. This will help you keep track of the freshness of your breast milk and ensure that you use the oldest milk first.

When traveling, it's essential to plan ahead and consider the duration of your journey, the availability of power sources, and the quality of insulation for the options you choose. By following these tips, you can confidently keep your breast milk frozen and provide the best nutrition for your baby even when you're away from home.

What Lies Ahead: The Uncertain Future of Traveling within London

Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, and many moms find themselves needing to freeze and transport their breast milk while traveling. It's important to properly store and transport breast milk to ensure its quality and safety for your little one. One of the key factors in keeping breast milk frozen while traveling is choosing the right containers. In this article, we will explore the best containers for freezing and transporting breast milk.

Storage Bags:

Storage bags are a popular choice for freezing breast milk due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Look for bags specifically designed for breast milk storage, as they are made of durable materials that won't leak or tear. When using storage bags, it's essential to properly label them with the date and time of milk expression to ensure you use the oldest milk first. Lay them flat in the freezer to maximize space and make them easier to stack and pack when traveling.

Breast Milk Bottles:

If you prefer a more sustainable option, breast milk bottles are a great choice. Look for bottles that are specifically designed for breast milk storage, as they are made of BPA-free materials and have leak-proof lids. These bottles are also reusable, allowing you to minimize waste and save money. When freezing breast milk in bottles, make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.

Ice Cube Trays:

Ice cube trays are a versatile option for freezing breast milk, especially if you need to transport smaller quantities. Look for ice cube trays with lids to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Pour the expressed breast milk into the trays and place them in the freezer until fully frozen. Once frozen, transfer the breast milk cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container for easier transportation.

Silicone Food Storage Bags:

Silicone food storage bags are a great alternative to plastic bags, as they are reusable and eco-friendly. Look for food-grade silicone bags that are safe for freezing breast milk. These bags are durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean. They also come in various sizes, allowing you to store different quantities of breast milk. Before freezing breast milk in silicone bags, make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Lay them flat in the freezer to save space and ensure easy stacking during transportation.

Insulated Cooler Bags:

Once you have properly stored and frozen your breast milk, it's crucial to transport it in a way that maintains its temperature. Insulated cooler bags are an excellent choice for keeping breast milk frozen while traveling. Look for bags specifically designed for breast milk transportation, as they often come with ice packs and extra insulation. Place your frozen breast milk containers or bags inside the cooler bag, along with the ice packs, and keep the bag closed tightly to maintain a low temperature.

Remember to always handle breast milk with clean hands and follow proper hygiene practices to ensure the safety of your milk. When traveling, plan ahead and bring enough freezer packs or ice packs to maintain a frozen temperature for the duration of your trip. By choosing the right containers and following these tips, you can successfully keep your breast milk frozen while traveling, ensuring that your baby gets the nourishment they need even when you're away from home.

How to File a Complaint About Traveler's Check: A Step-By-Step Guide

Traveling while breastfeeding can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your breast milk frozen. However, with the right supplies and a little planning, it is possible to maintain frozen breast milk while on the go. Here are some essential supplies to consider:

  • Insulated Cooler Bag: Invest in a high-quality insulated cooler bag specifically designed for storing breast milk. Look for one that is spacious, leak-proof, and has a long-lasting cooling capability. This will help maintain the temperature of your frozen breast milk for an extended period.
  • Ice Packs: Freeze several reusable ice packs in advance. These will help keep your breast milk nicely chilled while you're traveling. Place a couple of ice packs on the bottom of the cooler bag and stack your frozen breast milk bags on top.
  • Ziplock Bags: Pack a few large ziplock bags to store your breast milk bags. This adds an extra layer of protection against leaks and helps keep everything organized. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air from the ziplock bags to optimize storage space.
  • Breast Milk Storage Bags: Opt for high-quality breast milk storage bags that are specifically designed for freezing breast milk. These bags should be pre-sterilized and have a reliable double zip seal to prevent leaks and contamination.
  • Thick Towels or Blankets: Wrap your frozen breast milk bags in thick towels or blankets to provide additional insulation. This will help maintain the temperature inside the cooler bag and minimize any temperature fluctuations.
  • Travel Bottle Warmer: If you anticipate needing to warm your breast milk while on the go, consider investing in a portable travel bottle warmer. These devices use hot water to warm the milk and can be a lifesaver when traveling with a hungry baby.
  • TSA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines regarding traveling with breast milk. These guidelines allow you to bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces through security checkpoints, even if you are traveling without your baby.

When packing the cooler bag, ensure that the frozen breast milk bags are tightly packed together to maximize insulation. If you have a long journey ahead, consider replenishing the ice packs at rest stops or purchasing ice from convenience stores to keep the milk frozen.

It's important to note that freezing breast milk can affect its quality. Try to use the oldest stored milk first to ensure freshness. Always follow proper thawing and heating guidelines to maintain the nutritional value of your breast milk.

By being well-prepared and having the right supplies, you can successfully keep your breast milk frozen while traveling. Remember to plan ahead, pack smart, and prioritize the safety and quality of your breast milk for your baby.

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Troops Are Reimbursed for Shipping Breast Milk During Temporary Duty But Not Moves. That Could Change.

Airman assembles a breast pump in a lactation room

When the Defense Department changed its travel regulations in 2022 to reimburse female service members and civilian employees for costs associated with shipping breast milk during official travel, the policy skipped an important component of military life: permanent change of station moves.

Now, it is considering an amendment to allow for military moves, but any change likely won't affect the current orders season.

A Pentagon spokesman said last month that the DoD's Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee is "considering a proposed change" that would reimburse service members for the costs of shipping or transporting frozen breast milk during a PCS.

Read Next: 19.5% Pay Hike for Junior Enlisted, 4.5% for Everyone Else: House Panel Unveils Bill with Proposed Raises

The Pentagon amended the Joint Travel Regulations in May 2022 , allowing reimbursements of up to $1,000 for nursing mothers to ship breast milk during official temporary-duty orders lasting more than three days.

Covered expenses include commercial shipping fees, excess baggage, storage bags or containers, cold shipping packages, refrigeration and transport.

But the policy does not provide for reimbursement during permanent change of station moves.

According to a nurse who works for the Air Force 's New Parent Support Program, one of her clients, an active-duty family, had a freezer of milk they wanted to ship for their eight-week-old baby but learned that neither Tricare , the Defense Department's health program, nor the Air Force would cover the cost of shipping.

"I know this may be a rare situation, but [it] would be a major impact on military families," the nurse wrote in an email to Military.com.

In a response, a Pentagon spokesperson said that the department is considering the change, explaining that it seeks input from the services to "ensure that the full breadth of service member experience is represented" when it amends the Joint Travel Regulations.

He added that the services can work through the committee to enable any changes. He did not provide a timeline for a decision.

The addition for reimbursement for shipping breast milk during temporary-duty assignments was driven by the Air Force's Women's Initiative Team, which felt that the out-of-pocket expense serves as a barrier for lactating moms to relocate or go on temporary duty within a year after childbirth.

The Coast Guard -- the only armed service outside the Department of Defense -- began offering the benefit in 2019 for temporary duty under a reimbursement program supported by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support and emergency relief to the service's members and their families.

The Coast Guard amended its program in 2022 to match the Pentagon's and the Joint Travel Regulations.

Related: New Pentagon Policy Expands In Vitro Fertilization Options for Severely Ill or Injured Troops

Patricia Kime

Patricia Kime

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Tears and tremendous joy: How a Phoenix mom wants to revolutionize breastfeeding

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Ahead of Mother’s Day, UPS is encouraging people to support mom-owned business owners. That includes Tirza Jova, a busy mom of two little ones, and new business owner. “It has been a year of tears, sacrifice, but then tremendous joy,” she said.

Jova launched Milk by Mom , which freeze-dries and packages breast milk, because of her own breastfeeding journey. “I was working in corporate America, juggling all the things, breastfeeding, pumping, traveling, and I was really looking for a solution on how to travel with my breast milk and my infant,” she said. The process at the Phoenix location starts with a delivery of frozen breast milk, either a local drop-off or a delivery through UPS’s Premiere healthcare service.

In a sterile facility frozen breast milk is freeze-dried, packaged, and returned to families. “It really is the convenience of formula, but it’s really all the goodness of your breast milk,” Jova said. “When you freeze-dry your breastmilk, you’re preserving all of the nutrients and antibodies.” The final product is shelf stable for up to three years, according to Jova. Local orders start at $1.75 per ounce. The industry is not regulated by the FDA.

The convenience was a game-changer for Krysta Rader with her fourth daughter. “I was freezing [breast milk] initially in these very small half ounce to an ounce size ice cubes thinking this will be easier,” she laughed, acknowledging it wasn’t easier. The freezer filled up way too quickly, and it was tough to travel. Now she has a stash of about 250 ounces worth of freeze-dried breast milk. “It all fits into a nice little box in my pantry. I’ve left two or three packets with almost every relative that has a car seat that might, if there was an emergency situation, need to come get my daughter,” she said.

Megan Morgan says freeze-dried breast milk is a good solution for her, too, and helped her get back into her routine as a fitness instructor after the birth of her son, Perry. “It is a little bit of added work up front, but I think what you end up getting out of it and the convenience in the long run just really made it a no brainer for me,” she said. “Setting him up for success and providing him with breast milk, there are so many benefits to it, but I also think it’s made him a really good eater. He’s our little chunky man.”

Milk by Mom is one of more than 14 million women-owned businesses across the country. “There are more moms than ever that are starting businesses right now,” said Stephanie Cartin, the founder of the Entreprenista League , a membership community for women who are founders and leaders. About half are moms, too.

According to a recent Wells Fargo report, women business owners represent 39.1% of U.S. businesses, but only account for 9.2% of the workforce and 5.8% of revenue. “It’s easy to start a business. Staying in business is the harder part,” Cartin said. “But when you have a community, and when you have support around you, and when you have other women entrepreneurs who are going to champion you, who are going to share your product, share your services with their audience and community, that’s how we can all help each other to grow our businesses.”

That’s exactly what Jova plans to do. “We are really looking to grow, not only nationally but looking at international markets, so stay tuned,” she smiled.

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  1. How to Safely and Conveniently Travel with Breast Milk in a Diaper Bag

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  2. Breast Milk Cool Bag • Breast Milk Cooling Travel Storage

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  3. 10 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags 2018

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  4. Momcozy Silicone Milk Storage Bags, Reusable Breastmilk Bags for

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  5. Breast Milk Storage Bags (Pack of 20)

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  6. Tommee Tippee Pump & Go Breast Milk Storage Bags

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COMMENTS

  1. A Guide to Traveling with Breast Milk

    Ceres Chill. Most breast milk coolers come with an ice pack. Make sure the ice pack is frozen solid when you leave, and make your milk the last thing you pack and the first thing you unpack. If you need to bring a larger amount of milk, you can pack the breast milk in a larger cooler for the trip with ice or ice packs.

  2. 7 Best Breast Milk Cooler Bags of 2024

    See Review. Amazon. Most Versatile Breast Milk Cooler Bag. L.L. Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box. $25. See Review. LLBean. Whether you're pumping at the office and bringing your expressed milk home or dropping off bottles of breast milk at your baby's day care, a breast milk cooler bag is a must. These insulated bags keep your milk bottles or breast ...

  3. Flying With Breast Milk

    6 tamper-proof breast milk bags; Medical-grade refrigerated shipping container; FedEx packing and shipping directions plus delivery alerts; Pump + Carry Packs. These foams packs are TSA-friendly, keep breast milk cold longer than gel or water ice packs, fit easily in most travel coolers, and are reusable. Pump + Check Kit

  4. Best breast milk cooler bags

    When you're traveling with breast milk, you want something easy to use yet holds a lot, and this Momcozy bag has the capacity you need. If you use a relatively slim bottle like Dr. Brown's Options+, Opens a new window this bag will keep up to six eight-ounce bottles safely cold. Moms who travel appreciate that the handle is padded, so it's not uncomfortable to carry through airports, and that ...

  5. 20 Best Cooler Bags for Travel With Breast Milk

    Insulated wallet with inbuilt cooling cubes. Sarah Wells Cold Cold Breastmilk Cooler Bag. 4 medium bottles. Insulated bag with ice pack. nanobebe Breastmilk Baby Bottle Cooler & Travel Bag. 3 nanobébé bottles. Insulated bag with ice pack. MOMIGO Breast Pump Backpack. 6 bottles plus pump.

  6. Breast Milk

    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. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids.

  7. Amazon.com: Travel Breastmilk Cooler

    Breast Milk Cooler Travel Bag - Waterproof Breastmilk Storage Bag Cooler w/Ice Pack, Checkerboard Interior, Leather Strap, & More - Versatile Insulated Cooler Bag - Ideal Baby Travel Essentials. 4.9 out of 5 stars. 25. 400+ bought in past month. $25.99 $ 25. 99.

  8. Amazon.com: Travel Breastmilk Storage

    Breastmilk Cooler Bag with Ice Pack - Insulated Breast Milk Cooler Travel Bag - Small Breastmilk Storage Bag Cooler with Detachable Wrist Strap. 4.6 out of 5 stars. 64. 300+ bought in past month. $22.99 $ 22. 99. FREE delivery Wed, Feb 28 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Small Business.

  9. Breastfeeding While Traveling: How to Pack, Pump, and Navigate Airport

    If you're breastfeeding on a road trip and you plan on pumping, a cooler is vital to store milk. To keep your milk frozen, " brick it " in gallon-size freezer storage bags. Stop to buy ice and add it to your cooler as needed. Bring resealable plastic bags to contain the ice and make it easy to swap out ice as needed.

  10. How to fly with breast milk in the United States

    Anything liquid-filled, partially frozen, or slushy is also allowed, but additional screening might be required. It is best to use ice packs that are frozen solid. Dry ice is another option when flying with breast milk, but bringing dry ice in your carry-on or checked luggage can add a layer of complexity.

  11. 25 Best Cooler Bags for Traveling with Breast Milk

    Small enough to fit in breast pump bags for easy carrying. 11. Luxja Double-Layer Breastmilk Cooler Bag. Click to buy on Amazon. This Luxja cooler bag is perfect for holding taller bottles with extra space on the top for more items. Would be a great cooler bag option for a baby taking bottles and eating solids.

  12. Flying with Breast Milk: Everything You Need to Know

    Checking your breast milk, whether it's fresh or frozen, is permitted and is a good option if you don't want to carry your milk through security and onto the plane. Pro tip: Double bag your milk to protect your bag in case of leaks. Place your milk storage bags or containers into larger Ziploc bags for extra protection.

  13. Flying with breast milk: Storage tips, rules, and more

    If you're a breastfeeding mom and you're traveling, rest assured that there are ways to breastfeed, pump, and store breast milk safely on an airplane. Fact-checked by Caroline Picard , Senior Health Editor. Written by Amy Cassell | Jan 29, 2024. Photo credit: Jamie Grill / The Image Bank via Getty Images.

  14. 7 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags of 2024

    Some of the best storage bags for breast milk include " Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags ," " Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags ," and " Kiinde Twist Pouches .". Every one of these bags from the top three brand are designed to be durable, leak-proof, and easy to use.

  15. How to Travel On a Plane with Breast Milk

    Nursing cover or small blanket. Portable pump or hand pump. Nursing tank top or bra. Breast milk storage bags and bottles. Extra clothes for you and baby (in case of spit-up) Extra pump parts. Refillable water bottles. Pump cleaning supplies, like disposable pump cleaning wipes or microwave steam bags. Portable pump or hand pump.

  16. Traveling While Breastfeeding and Pumping Guide

    Fill breast milk storage bags no more than three-quarters full to leave room for expansion. The same is true if you're using bottles. Make sure to label your breast milk with the date and use up older milk first. Thaw frozen breast milk by placing it in a bowl of warm water or by moving it into the fridge for 24 hours. How to travel with ...

  17. 6 Travel Essentials For an On-the-Go Nursing Mom

    There's even an option that portions your breast milk into individually sealed sachets for on-the-go. A Double Duty Travel Bag Traveling with kids comes with a lot of stuff.

  18. Your Guide To Successfully Traveling With Breast Milk

    If you're traveling with frozen breast milk, you will want to pack it in a cooler filled with ice packs or dry ice. If you do use dry ice, make sure it doesn't touch any breast milk bag or it could rip the plastic (and ruin that batch). If you are not using dry ice, there are a few things to do to maintain a colder temperature.

  19. Tips For Maintaining Milk Supply While Traveling

    Maintain a regular pumping or nursing schedule to stimulate milk production. Bring a breast pump or nursing supplies. Pack a breast pump or necessary supplies to pump milk while traveling. Find a private place to pump or nurse. Locate a private and comfortable space to pump or nurse while on the go. Store pumped milk properly.

  20. Tips For Keeping Breast Milk Frozen While Traveling

    Dry Ice: Another option for keeping breast milk frozen during travel is to use dry ice. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide and maintains a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), making it an excellent choice for freezing breast milk. ... Wrap your frozen breast milk bags in thick towels or blankets to provide additional insulation. This will help ...

  21. Troops Are Reimbursed for Shipping Breast Milk During Temporary Duty

    The Pentagon amended the Joint Travel Regulations in May 2022, allowing reimbursements of up to $1,000 for nursing mothers to ship breast milk during official temporary-duty orders lasting more ...

  22. NANOBÉBÉ nanobebe Breastmilk Baby Bottle Cooler & Travel Bag with Ice

    The bottle cooler kit's airtight, 3-layer insulated wipeable lining keeps baby bottles and breast milk bags warm or cold for hours. It's the perfect, compact companion to nanobébé's award-winning bottles for breastfed babies! ... Insulated Breast Milk Cooler Travel Bag - Small Breastmilk Storage Bag Cooler with Detachable Wrist Strap ...

  23. Phoenix mom launches freeze-dried breast milk company Milk by Mom

    Tirza Jova from Phoenix launched Milk by Mom, which freeze-dries and packages breast milk because of her own breastfeeding journey.

  24. Amazon.com: Breastmilk Travel Cooler

    Breast Milk Cooler Travel Bag - Waterproof Breastmilk Storage Bag Cooler w/Ice Pack, Checkerboard Interior, Leather Strap, & More - Versatile Insulated Cooler Bag - Ideal Baby Travel Essentials. 4.8 out of 5 stars. 40. 300+ bought in past month. $29.99 $ 29. 99.

  25. Elektrostal Map

    Elektrostal is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located 58 kilometers east of Moscow. Elektrostal has about 158,000 residents. Mapcarta, the open map.

  26. Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

    Elektrostal Geography. Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal. Elektrostal Geographical coordinates. Latitude: 55.8, Longitude: 38.45. 55° 48′ 0″ North, 38° 27′ 0″ East. Elektrostal Area. 4,951 hectares. 49.51 km² (19.12 sq mi) Elektrostal Altitude.

  27. Travel to Elektrostal : Trips to Elektrostal

    The most popular destinations nearby Moscow

  28. The flag of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia which I bought there

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