Tips for Breastfeeding and Pumping at the Airport

 
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Flying with a child who breastfeeds or with pumped breast milk in a bottle takes some organization and planning.  These tips will help you be better prepared for your upcoming travel.

Packing List:

Being over-prepared is a good thing! There are no pump flanges for sale at the airport gift shop. If you are on the fence about bringing an item, bring it just in case.

Breastfeeding

  • nursing cover

  • nursing top

  • extra shirt

Pumping

  • breast pump

  • power cord

  • battery pack and spare batteries

  • two sets of pump pieces

  • several gallon zip lock bags (can be used for dirty pump pieces, to fill with ice after the security checkpoint to keep milk cold, or to keep dirty diapers from smelling

  • hand sanitizer

  • cooler

  • ice packs

  • small dish soap and scrub brush for cleaning

At Security:

1. Know the TSA guidelines

WHEN FLYING WITHIN THE US

  • Breast milk is permitted in reasonable quantities (can be greater than the 3.4oz/per person rule) and must be separated from your other carry-on items.

  • Ice packs and other accessories needed to keep milk cold are permitted in your carry-on.

  • Breast milk is typically screened through X-ray but does not have to be. The FDA states that there are no adverse effects from eating food or drinks that have gone through x-ray machines.

  • TSA officers can request that you open the milk or pour a small amount into another container, but you do not have to.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

  • Each country has its own rules for traveling with breast milk, so it is important to look into the rules of your specific destination and the rules of any country you will have a layover in.

2. Bring a printed copy of the TSA guidelines with you

  • Not all TSA officers are familiar with the breast milk policy, you can gently remind them.

3. State that you have breast milk to a TSA officer

  • Make it known if you do not want your milk to go through an x-ray or be opened for testing.

4. Be prepared at the security checkpoint

  • Place your cooler of milk in its own security bin and open all zippers/flaps for easy X-ray and visual examination

  • Place your pump and pump accessories in a separate bin

For more information see the TSA guidelines for Traveling with Children

At the Gate:

1. Find a Nursing Room or an empty gate

  • Many airports are adding nursing rooms and are helping moms find them by listing their locations on the airport website

  • Some airports have added Mamava nursing pods for pumping or nursing moms to use. Download the App!

2. Decide when to board

  • Pre-Board: Many airlines allow families traveling with small children to get on the plane early if you need extra time

  • Be the last person on! If you have a wiggly or fussy baby, getting on last means less time in your seat!

In-flight:

1. Ask the flight attendant to move seats

  • Let the attendant know you will be nursing during the flight and see if you can move to an aisle with open seats or a window seat for more space

2. Feed during take-off and landing

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can help clear your baby’s ears and decrease the discomfort associated with pressure change. Is your baby not hungry? Allow them to suck on a paci or toy.

Enjoy your trip!

Click here for help breastfeeding and pumping at the airport

I am a registered nurse in the State of Florida and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The content on this blog page is for informational and educational use only. I have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information shared is accurate, but I cannot guarantee that it is free from errors. The information shared here does not take the place of a medical provider, nor establishes any kind of client relationship with myself as a registered nurse or a lactation consultant. I am not your IBCLC or RN unless you book a consult with me directly and we establish a patient/caregiver relationship.

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