Flying with Breast Milk: 5 Tips to Make It Easier!
Flying with a baby (or pumping while traveling) can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you! After going through it myself, I’ve learned a few key things that make the process so much easier. Here are my top 5 tips for flying with breast milk so you can stress less and focus on enjoying your trip! ✈️🍼
1️⃣ Freeze Your Milk For Security ❄️
If your milk is frozen, TSA won’t have to test it! Since frozen breast milk is considered a solid, it’s much easier to get through security without the hassle of additional screening. If you’re traveling with fresh milk, they may need to test a small amount. Either way, leave extra time to make it through security!
2️⃣ Bring Ice Packs + a Cooler Bag 🧊
A well-insulated cooler bag + ice packs = your best friends for keeping breast milk fresh during travel. TSA allows gel ice packs, even if they’re slightly melted, as long as they’re being used for breast milk storage. A small lunchbox-style cooler is perfect for carrying just enough milk for your flight without taking up too much space!
3️⃣ Use a Ceres Chill to Keep Milk Cold All Day 🍼
This was a game-changer for me! The Ceres Chill is a portable breast milk storage container that keeps milk cold for 20+ hours—no ice packs or cooler needed. It’s compact, TSA-friendly, and makes traveling with fresh milk SO much easier. Highly recommend! 🙌 Grab my favorite Portable Breast Milk Storage Container!
4️⃣ Bring a Nursing Cover & Check for Nursing Pods 🤱
Most airports now have designated nursing/pumping pods, but if you’re in a pinch, a nursing cover makes it easier to pump or feed comfortably on the go. Check your airport ahead of time to see what amenities they offer—some even have private rooms with outlets for pumping moms!
5️⃣ Pack a Portable Charger for Your Pump 🔋
If you’re using a wearable or portable pump, make sure you have a fully charged battery before boarding. A power bank is a lifesaver if you need to pump mid-flight and don’t have access to an outlet. Trust me—running out of battery mid-pump is NOT fun! My favorite portable charger plugs into a wall plus has three different charging options!
💡 Bonus Tip: TSA allows breast milk in reasonable quantities, even if it exceeds the standard 3.4oz liquid limit. Just let them know you’re traveling with breast milk, and they’ll screen it separately!
Traveling as a breastfeeding or pumping mom takes a little extra planning, but with these tips, you’ll be prepared and stress-free. Have you flown with breast milk before? Drop your best tips in the comments! 💬👇