Breast Milk Storage: Travel Tips For Nursing Moms

Travelling while breastfeeding can be stressful, but with the right preparation, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're taking a road trip or flying, there are ways to ensure your breast milk stays fresh. The best way to store breast milk while travelling is in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. This will keep your milk fresh for up to 24 hours. If you're flying, it's important to know your rights: according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can bring a reasonable amount of breast milk and ice packs in your carry-on baggage. If you're travelling without your baby, you may want to consider shipping your milk home using a company like Milk Stork. With a bit of planning, you can make sure your baby has access to your breast milk, even when you're on the move.

How to pack and transport fresh breast milk

When travelling with fresh breast milk, it's important to keep it stored in the right containers, labelled, and cool. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to pack and transport it:

• Use the Right Containers: Opt for bottles or bags specifically designed for storing breast milk. These are usually made of BPA-free plastic and have leak-proof seals.
• Label the Milk: Include the date and time it was pumped, as well as your baby's name.
• Store in a Cooler: If you're going to be on the move for a while, use a cooler or insulated bag. Keep it out of direct sunlight and pack it with ice or ice packs.
• Use Refrigerators: If you're travelling by car or staying in a hotel, utilise the refrigerator to store the milk. Some hotels provide a mini-fridge upon request.
• Know the Storage Limits: Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in a cooler with ice packs for 24 hours, in the fridge for 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Transport Securely: Use a sturdy, sealed container like a small cooler or insulated bag to transport the milk.
• Know TSA Guidelines: The TSA allows breastfeeding mothers to carry breast milk in their luggage, regardless of the amount. However, it must be removed and screened separately.
• Use Ice Packs: Keep refrigerated breast milk cool with freezer packs or ice packs. Ensure these are completely frozen before packing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not storing milk at the right temperature
• Failing to label milk with the date and time
• Using incorrect storage containers
• Not securing containers properly during transport
• Not packing enough ice or ice packs

How to travel with frozen breast milk

Travelling with frozen breast milk can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to travel with frozen breast milk.

Planning

Before your trip, it is important to consider how much milk you will be transporting, how long it needs to be kept cold, and whether you will have access to a freezer along the way or at your destination. If you are travelling by car, you may want to bring a small travel fridge that can be plugged into your car, or a large cooler that you can continually refresh with ice or dry ice. If you are flying, check your airline's specific requirements, especially if you are using dry ice. Some countries have different rules about transporting human milk, so be sure to research the rules for your destination if you are travelling internationally.

Packing

When packing frozen breast milk, it is important to use a well-insulated cooler. Line the bottom of the cooler with newspaper, then place your milk bags inside. Fill any extra space with more crumpled newspaper to ensure the cooler stays cold for as long as possible. Place another layer of newspaper on top of the milk, followed by frozen gel packs or ice blocks. You may also want to seal your cooler with duct tape to improve the seal and prevent spills. Keep the cooler closed until you reach your destination freezer, and avoid direct sunlight or hot cars, as this will accelerate defrosting.

Transporting

When going through airport security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will need to screen your milk. They may X-ray the cooler and stick a testing strip into the milk storage container, especially if it is fresh or partially defrosted. You do not need to be travelling with your child to bring breast milk, and it is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage within the United States. However, individual TSA officers may not be well-versed in the rules surrounding breast milk, so it is important to be prepared and advocate for yourself. It is a good idea to have the TSA guidelines printed out and ready in case there are any questions.

Troubleshooting

If you are travelling for an extended period, consider storing any milk you need to use during the trip in a separate cooler so that the rest can remain closed and cold. If you are staying in a hotel, call ahead to see if they can provide a mini-fridge or access to a freezer for your milk. If you are travelling with a large amount of milk, consider shipping it to your destination instead of carrying it with you. Services like Milk Stork can help with this.

TSA regulations for flying with breast milk

Breast milk, formula, and juice are all allowed in your carry-on bag when flying. Unlike shampoo and other liquids, breast milk is exempt from the "limited quantity rule" of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. This means that you can carry quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on baggage, and they do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

At the beginning of the screening process, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces. You do not need to be travelling with your child to bring breast milk. 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 it is not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles rather than 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 for alternate screening. 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 your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened, inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid, and you will undergo additional screening procedures, including 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 breast milk are also allowed in carry-ons. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. If not deemed medically necessary, these liquids must be checked in.

How to store breast milk at your destination

If you're travelling, it's important to know how to store your breast milk when you arrive. Here are some tips for storing breast milk at your destination:

• Contact your accommodation in advance to request a room with a fridge or freezer, or ask if you can use the hotel's freezer to store your milk.
• Label your containers with the date so you know how long it's safe to use.
• Store your milk in sanitised plastic bottles or breast milk storage bags.
• During the day, keep your milk in a cooler bag with ice packs. If you're using a shared fridge, label your container clearly.
• Breast milk can be kept in a cooler bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours.
• In a fridge, breast milk can be stored for up to four days.
• In a freezer, breast milk can be stored for up to six months.
• If your milk thaws during travel, make sure you use it within 24 hours.
• You can ship your milk home using a specialist company such as Milk Stork, or FedEx.

How to transport breast milk home

By Car

If you're travelling by car, you can transport frozen breast milk in a small travel fridge that plugs into your car, or a large cooler with ice or dry ice. If you're staying overnight in a hotel, you can ask the staff to store your milk in their freezer.

By Plane

When flying, you can carry breast milk in your hand luggage or checked baggage. It's a good idea to pack it in a cooler bag or small cooler with ice packs. If you're travelling for longer than 24-36 hours, dry ice or gel packs will help keep your milk frozen. Make sure to double-bag your milk to prevent leaks.

By Shipment

If you don't want to carry your breast milk with you, you can ship it using a service like Milk Stork or FedEx. You can also create your own cold shipping package using dry ice, but this can be time-consuming and expensive.

Frequently asked questions