We recently took some time off for ourselves, and went on a couple's trip while leaving our one year old at home. At the time though, I was still breastfeeding, and traveling as a breastfeeding mother is a whole different ballgame.
Between the pumping schedules, the fatigue, and milk storage logistics, it can feel overwhelming. But with the right essentials and some planning, you can manage the stress more efficiently and still have an enjoyable holiday. Here’s everything you need to know to stay prepared while enjoying your travels.
The Essential Gear
While some of us prefer traveling light, that's a VERY tall order when you need to pump on a frequent basis. Here are some of the things we couldn't live without during our travels:
1. Portable Cleaning Kit
Keeping bottles and pump parts clean on the go is crucial. A portable bottle washing kit makes it easy to rinse and clean feeding gear without access to a full kitchen. Look for compact, battery-operated models or ones with built-in drying functions.
2. Compact Drying Racks
Once bottles are washed, you’ll need a place to dry them. Travel-friendly drying racks fold up small but provide enough space to air dry bottles, nipples, and pump parts efficiently.
3. Travel Breast Pumps
Investing in a lightweight, rechargeable travel breast pump is a game-changer. Whether you're on a road trip or flying long-haul, a hands-free, portable pump allows you to express milk without being tied to an outlet. Bonus points if they can fit under your shirt or inside your jacket, keeping things discreet. Check out NY Times' handy guide on the subject.
4. Regular Breast Pumps for Downtime
If you have extended breaks at your hotel, bringing your regular heavy-duty pump can help maintain your supply and give you a more efficient pumping session. This is especially useful if you have an electric double pump that’s more effective than a travel pump.
5. Milk Storage Bags
Storing milk safely while traveling is essential. Breast milk storage bags are compact, leak-proof, and easy to freeze, making them the perfect solution for long trips. Even if you don't intend to keep the expressed milk, it's not always convenient to dispose of it immediately, and storage bags help fill the gap while waiting for a convenient time to do so.
6. Cooler Bags & Reusable Ice Packs
If you're traveling with your infant, you'd certainly need a way to store the expressed milk. To keep expressed milk fresh, make sure you pack a cooler bag and some reusable ice packs. Insulated cooler bags are designed to maintain the right temperature for hours, making them ideal for days out exploring.
Plan Your Daily Schedule
We know winging it is part of the fun being on a holiday, but as a breastfeeding mother that's a luxury that we can't afford right now. It goes without saying that activities need to be planned around our pumping schedules.
Going out for a full day? Make sure you take your portable pumps with you. Ensure you have them fully charged overnight and ready to go for the day. Try to time meals or a coffee break with your pumping schedule, which helps make things more efficient.
Have some downtime back at the hotel? Whip out your regular pumps and get to it. It certainly helps to do so in a more comfortable environment.
It's fine to have a late night out, but bear in mind that those bottles aren't going to wash themselves. It's a bit of extra effort, but taking care of all the chores first before going to bed helps you start the day in a more relaxed state.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding while traveling comes with challenges, but having the right essentials makes all the difference. Whether you're heading on a weekend getaway or a long-haul vacation, these tips will hopefully reduce the stress and help you enjoy your holiday.
Looking for more travel-friendly breastfeeding gear? Check out our recommended products for nursing moms on the go!