Breastfeeding While Flying: 6 Tips for Nursing On Your Next Trip

It’s time to start planning those summer vacations! If that involves a flight with your newborn baby you may have questions (and lots of them). We asked moms for their tips and put together some of the best advice for your next trip!

Packing for your trip
Don’t leave home without plenty of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for your baby (and a change of clothes for you).  Also, throw some disinfectant wipes in your carryon so you can wipe down the tray tables, seats and armrest (because you know your little one will be touching everything)! Also bring your child’s favorite stuffy or comfort toy (you may also want to pack an extra one just in case you lose a toy along the way). Throw a few empty grocery bags in your diaper bag as well just in case your little one has an accident and you need to pack up their dirty clothes on the plane or in the airport.

Picking the best outfit for nursing or pumping on the plane
When planning your travel outfit convenience and comfort are key! Breastfeeding clothes can be a game changer when you’re traveling with a little one. When I traveled with my boys, I nursed them from the time we got on the plane until we took off (and whenever they woke up during the flight). It calmed them and made their trip so much easier. I found the planes were always freezing so I’d layer up. I’d wear a nursing sweatshirt with easy zipper access. This way I could open or close my shirt and much (or at little) as I needed and feed my boys in seconds. This also alleviated the need for covers (one less thing to pack)!

Have a plan for your stroller and car seat
This may be one of the biggest debates for parents: do we check the stroller and car seat or take them with us and gate check them? If you want to check them with your luggage most airlines will not charge you a baggage fee. But if you decide to take them with you there may be some added benefits. Mom Tiffany shared her experience traveling abroad with her newborn:

“Bring the car seat and a compact stroller. Our car seat clipped into the smaller stroller we have and the stroller could be stored in the overhead compartments when needed. We also gate checked the whole setup in one bag and it made for easy airport navigation - especially with long layovers or delays. Great for car safety and naps on the go (added bonus: extra help carrying stuff through the airport).”

If you do check your stroller and it is lost, check with your rental car company. Many have options to rent car seats at the airport.

Bringing breastmilk and formula through security
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler foods (including puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids, according to the Transportation Security Administration. So, that means even if they’re more than 3.4 ounces, they are allowed in your carry-on bags. They do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag. This rule also applies to ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs whether or not there is breast milk. If they’re partially frozen or slushy, they will have to go through a screening. Moms – your baby does NOT need to be with you to bring breast milk, formula or other related items.

Before you get to security, make sure your formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches. Plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, so you may have to open them. TSA agents will not put anything into the medically necessary liquid (which both are considered to be). When you get to the front of the line let the agent know you have formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including those puree pouches) and that it’s more than 3.4 ounces. You’ll have to remove those items from your bag so they can be screened separately.

Nursing on the plane
When I was flying with my boys I would nurse them when we started to taxi. On most trips my boys would fall asleep right away. It was comforting for them and helped them relax after the excitement of getting through the airport. Planes are always cold so I’d always wear this nursing sweatshirt with zipper access. The hidden breastfeeding access was a game changer (no one could tell I was nursing). I also found that nursing during takeoff and landing can help protect a child from ear pain due to cabin pressure changes. I kept our little ones in a sling or carrier during the flight so I could nurse on demand. Mom Natalie added, “Make sure you have an extra nursing top for you in the diaper bag. Accidents happen.”

Pumping on the plane
If you’re planning to pump during your flight you can switch to a manual pump for your trip or a battery powered breast pump. Also check with the airline because some carriers now have outlets at your seat. In terms of what to wear, pick an outfit that works best for you. Again, horizontal zipper access may be best so you can open or close your shirt around your pump parts as much as you need. When it comes to storing your milk the CDC notes that "you can carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. After arriving at your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it."

See their full recommendations here.

We asked a few moms to give us their travel hacks. You can read more of their advice here.

We hope this helps you as you plan for your next vacation! You’ve got this, mama! Here’s to a great trip with your little one.