Going on a trip soon and working out the logistics? When flying with breastmilk, there are a few more things to take into consideration. For example, how long the flight is, how many times would you be required to pump during the flight and so on.
For more information on how to travel with breast milk, read here.
Read here for information on the different types of diaper bags.
The first thing is to note that according to Transportation Security Administration (TSA), breast milk is not limited to quantities of 3.4 ounces or 100 mls in your carry on luggage. This means you are allowed to carry reasonable quantities of breast milk onto the plane as long as you keep the milk cool and stay fresh to last your flight.
If you are to bring frozen solid milk, ensure the packs stay frozen. If they are partially melted, they may be subjected to an additional screening procedures.
A breast pump is considered a medical device by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). So your breast pump bag is not considered a carry on baggage whenever traveling with breast milk.
Table of Contents
- Haakaaa
- Elvie
- Willow
- Momcozy
What to Pack When Flying with Breast Milk?
Hands Free Pumping Bra For Breast Milk
Wearing a comfortable pumping bra can help you be at ease while the breast pump is in use. This accessory keeps your hands free while pumping. This gives you the ability to care for your little one at the same time.
Breast Pump
Pump Accessories
Batteries & Spare Batteries
Breast Milk Collection Bottles
Breast Milk Collection Bags
Freezer Packs
Nursing Cover & Wipes
Pen
From time to time, you will need a pen to label your breast milk collection bags so you can keep track on the time and date of breast milk collected.
Pumping While Traveling With Breast Milk: How Do You Pump Breast Milk On A Plane?
Flying with breast milk and how to pump on the go is a common question first-time mothers encounter during their breastfeeding journey. Here are some of the important tips for pumping sessions and how can you choose the right breast pump for you and your baby.
Choose The Right Pump
You can bring breast milk anywhere you go and pump it anytime. First, choose the right pump for yourself. Let's discuss the different pumps available.
Manual Pump
Manual breast pumps are operated by hand and are often used on one breast at a time. Some of the famous manual pumps available in stores nowadays are Haaka, Lansinoh Manual, and Madela Harmony.
Wearable Pump
Wearable pumps are new. They are developed in recent years due to technological advancement. Wearable pumps are similar to traditional pumps but are cordless and portable. Often you can pump on the go without the hassle of fixing and attaching cords.
Double Electric Breast Pump
A double breast pump has the ability to express milk from both your breasts simultaneously. It is more convenient and time-saving.
Things to Look for When Choosing Your Breast Pump
Portability
Getting a breast pump that you can bring anywhere you go is a great option for moms that exclusively pump. It allows you to have a pumped milk supply ready for your baby when he or she feels hungry.
Pumping Frequency
If you pump multiple times a day, getting a breast pump that is effective and time-saving is helpful.
Weight
Traveling light is helpful especially when you are flying with breast milk and your baby. Choosing a breast pump that is lightweight will make it easy for you to keep everything organized and easy to pack for your vacation.
Noise
In case you are planning to pump anywhere you go, consider getting a breast pump that will not emit disturbing and loud noises. This will also provide you with a more discreet way of pumping milk.
Replacement Parts
Look for breast pumps that offer replacement parts. This way you can easily replace any broken parts rather than forking out money to buy a new pump. This is important especially if you consider to be expressing for a longer period.
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10 Best Breast Pumps for Travel
Manual Breast Pumps
Haakaa
Weight: The product weighs around 3.52 oz or 0.22 lbs. It comes in 2 sizes with the following milk capacity: 4 oz or 118 ml and 5.4 oz or 150 ml.
Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 4" or 20.3 x 10.2 x 10.2 cm
| Pros: | Cons: |
| This product is lightweight and made up of silicone with lightweight features. | It has limited suction and not hands-free. |
Lansinoh Manual
Weight: The Lansinoh Manual weighs around 4.8 oz or 0.3 lbs. It has a milk capacity of 5 oz or 150 ml.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.9 x 7.5" or 19.1 x 9.9 x 19.1 cm.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| This product comes with wide-neck bottles that fit across the Lansinoh range so you can use one bottle to pump, store, and feed. | Some users have reported experiencing sore and irritated nipples after pumping. |
Medela Harmony
Weight: The product weighs around 16 oz or 1 lb and can hold up up to 4 oz or 118 ml.
Dimensions: 6.6 x 2.8 x 7.9" or 16.7 x 7 x 20 cm
| Pros: | Cons: |
| You can take it anywhere you go and easily assemble and disassemble it as required. | Being a manual pump, you have to physically press on the pump while pumping milk. |
Wearable Breast Pumps
Elvie
Weight: This product weighs 51 oz or 3.2 lbs and has a milk capacity of 10 oz or 296 ml.
Dimensions: 2.7 x 4.3 x 5" or 6.8 x 11 x 12.8 cm
| Pros: | Cons: |
| It is very quiet and you can use it discreetly. It is also more affordable. | Some user have reported the Elvie breast pump takes longer to pump compared to pumping equipment. |
Willow
Weight: It weighs around 11.4 oz or 0.71 lbs. It can hold up to 4 oz or 118 ml.
Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.4 x 3.4" or 14.4 x 11.2 x 8.5 cm
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Offers hospital-grade suction and the highest capacity in a wearable breast pump. | It is more pricey than most of the wearable breast pumps on the market. |
Momcozy
Weight: The product weighs around 15 oz or 0.95 lbs It can hold up to 5 oz or 150 ml.
Dimensions: 5.7 x 7 x 3" or 14.5 x 17.8 x 7.6 cm.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| It has silicone breast shields that provide more comfort. | It is less discreet when compared to other wearable breast pumps. |
| More affordable compared to others. | The suction is also not as powerful as the traditional ones. |
Double Electric Breast Pumps
Medela Freestyle Flex
Weight: The product weighs more or less 10 oz or 0.6 lbs. It has a milk capacity of 5 oz or 150 ml.
Dimensions: 13.4 x 7.1 x 9.5" or 34 x 18 x 24 cm.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| It is lightweight and has a USB-chargeable battery. | Some users reported having difficulty finding replacements parts for this breast pump. |
Spectra S2
Weight: The product weighs 48 oz or 3 lbs. It can hold up to 5 oz or 150 ml.
Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 6.7" or 20.1 x 20.1 x 17 cm.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Offers comfortable suction pumping levels that mimics natural breastfeeding. | There are no wide-neck bottles and no power option other than the AC-Adapter. |
Bellababy
Weight: The Bellababy weighs around 22.6 oz or 1.41 lbs and milk capacity of 6 oz or 177 ml.
Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2" or 15.2 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comes with a high-definition screen that shows details regarding the suction level, time, and battery status. | Some users have reported the sensitive touch panel can encounter problems when coming in contact with pumping accessories. |
Medela Pump In Style With Max Flow
Weight: The product weighs around 18.9 oz or 1.18 lbs. It has a milk capacity of 5 oz or 150ml.
Dimensions: 13.1 x 6.1 x 9.1" or 33.4 x 15.6 x 23 cm.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| You can get 11.8% more milk in just a few minutes compared to other pumps. | It does not have a rechargeable battery. |
Fly with Breast Milk and Conquer Your Flight
Choosing the most suitable breast milk pump for you can maximize the milk that you express. However, when traveling with breast milk, it is important to take into account your routine.
If you are a mom that has enough supply for your child, good on you. On the other hand, you may be a mom that supplements your child with a combination of breast milk and milk powder. Some moms find their regular breast pump sufficient for travel whereas some moms feel an additional lightweight breast pump is required for travel.
Don't forget to bring along frozen gel packs to keep your breast milk fresh for longer.
Read here on how and what to pack in your diaper bag.
Not sure what you can bring as carry on? Read here for more information on carry on size and requirements.
