How to Travel with Breast Milk or Baby Formula

Having extra breast milk on hand is a lifesaver, especially when you're travelling. Knowing how to store breast milk after pumping is essential for parents on the move. Building a safe supply ensures you can travel stress-free, while keeping baby’s feeding routine on track.

This guide covers everything you need to know about storing breast milk before your next adventure:

1. Pumping and Storing Breast Milk Before Travelling

How to Prepare a Week's Worth of Breast Milk

Parents should adjust their pumping routine to prepare for travel. Pumping about an hour after your baby’s first nursing session of the day can yield the best results. Since breast milk can be safely frozen for up to six months, start building your supply a few weeks before your trip to minimise stress.

Long-term Storage Solutions

For long-term storage, keep your breast milk in a freezer below 0°C. Without a freezer, breast milk and formula can be stored between 0-4°C for up to 24 hours before feeding. When on the move, use an insulated cooler or diaper bag to keep your milk, formula, and baby food cold.

2. Thawing Frozen Breast Milk Safely

Best Practices for Thawing

The safest and most convenient method to thaw frozen breast milk is with the high-tech Baby Brezza Bottle + Breast Milk Warmer. This unique gadget features a steam-free heating setting that preserves breast milk nutrients and proteins, ensuring your baby gets the best nutrition even while travelling.

For more tips on safely thawing frozen breast milk, check out our blog, ‘How to thaw frozen breast milk the safe way?’.

3. Pumping While Away from Your Baby

Maintaining Your Routine

The key to pumping away from your baby is to stick to your usual routine. Pump at the same times each day to maintain your body’s milk production and ease the transition back to your regular schedule after the trip. If you're still establishing a routine, try pumping every three hours.

4. Keeping Breast Milk Frozen During Travel

Using Insulated Coolers

To keep breast milk frozen while travelling, use a high-quality, insulated cooler. Ensure the cooler’s seal is airtight and fill any empty spaces with frozen ice packs to maintain a temperature below 0°C and prevent thawing.

Breast milk that warms up during travel can develop harmful contaminants. Keep it below 4°C by pre-freezing your bottles the night before and packing them with frozen ice packs in your nappy bag.

Tips for Safe Storage in Luggage

When packing breast milk in checked luggage, follow these steps to avoid spoilage:

1. Pack frozen milk tightly in a well-insulated cooler bag.
2. Place ice packs throughout the bag.
3. Clearly label the luggage for security.
4. Keep the cooler sealed until you can store the milk in a freezer or refrigerator at your destination.

5. Preparing Formula Bottles Ahead of Time

Pre-mixing for Convenience

You can pre-mix formula bottles to simplify travel. Store pre-mixed bottles in an insulated cooler or bag and use them within 24 hours if not freezing.

Ensuring Safety and Freshness of Pre-mixed Bottles

Pre-mixed formula bottles are safe at room temperature for up to two hours and in coolers for up to 24 hours. Pack them in insulated coolers or bags with airtight seals for best results.

6. Ensuring Proper Formula Mixing While Away

Using Baby Brezza’s Formula Pro Mini

If someone else is making bottles while you're away, ensure peace of mind with the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Mini Baby Formula Dispenser. This feeding gadget is perfect for mixing, warming, and dispensing formula, especially in smaller spaces or on the go.

Traveling with breast milk or baby formula may seem daunting at first, but with proper planning and the right tools, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. With these tips, you can confidently embark on your journey, knowing your baby's feeding routine will stay on track. Safe travels and happy feeding!