Flying with a breastfeeding baby can be incredibly stressful, or so I thought. Between pumping, feeding, storing milk, and dealing with TSA, the whole idea overwhelmed me, I was so close to canceling my flight. However, after conducting extensive research and drawing on my own experience of taking my first flight with my nursing baby, I realized that it all comes down to preparation. With the right tools, resources, and information, it is a breeze.
Here’s everything I learned to make flying with a breastfed baby smooth.
What to Pack
Packing smart makes all the difference when traveling. It’s all about being prepared. When you’re breastfeeding or pumping while flying, having the right essentials on hand can save you from a lot of stress.
Here's what I recommend bringing:
A Good Pumping Bag: I highly recommend getting a bag that's not too big but also not too small. You are going to want to fit all of your breastfeeding essentials in here.
Portable Pump: As important as wall pumps are, sometimes it's okay to choose the option that will take less space in order for other essentials to fit. I highly recommend something like the Baby Buddha or if you are more of a wearable mama, then pack your favorite ones.
Two Sets of Pump Parts: On the topic of portables, depending on how long your flight will be, I always recommend doubling up on your flanges, duckbills, and membranes so you're not stuck washing in nasty airport sinks.
Bring Quick Clean Wipes: In case you don't have extra parts to bring, I suggest bringing cleansing wipes made for pumping parts as a backup.
Storage & Ziplock Bags: Always bring extras to separate clean vs. used parts and store milk safely. Bringing extra bottles can get bulky fast.
Ice Packs or Insulated Cooler: To keep your milk fresh while traveling, pack reusable ice packs in a cooler bag or bring an insulated cooler bottle that meets TSA carry-on regulations. I recommend using the Heytrip Breastmilk Cooler. It’s compact, TSA-friendly, and can hold up to 20oz of milk. It can also keep your milk cold for hours up to 36 hours, which is perfect during long flights or layovers. If you’re traveling with pumped milk or planing on pumping on the plane, having a cooler like this on hand gives you peace of mind that your stash is safe and ready whenever the baby needs it.
Portable Bottle Warmer: If you're traveling with frozen breastmilk on the plane and you're not due for a pumping session but it’s time to feed the baby, having a portable bottle warmer can be a lifesaver. I recommend the Papablic Portable Bottle Warmer. It’s TSA-friendly and designed specifically for travel, which means no outlet is needed. That alone makes it super convenient whether you’re midair or stuck during a long layover.
What makes this one stand out is its self-sterilizing function—the first of its kind. When it’s tough to find clean or hot water at the airport to wash your warmer, this feature comes in handy.
Traveling with Frozen Breastmilk
Declare Your Milk at Security: When you reach the TSA checkpoint, declare that you have breast milk. TSA officers are trained to handle this and may do a visual inspection or swab test instead of putting your milk through the X-ray scanner.
Keep Milk Close: Always keep your milk in your carry-on, never in your checked luggage, to avoid extreme temperature changes and the high possibility of it getting lost.
Consider Milk Volume: Bring only what you realistically need for the flight to minimize bulk and make TSA screening easier.
Ask Flight Attendants: If you're carrying frozen milk in a cooler and if your ice/ice packs are melting, the flight attendants are usually more than happy to help.
TSA & Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Before you ask, yes, you can bring breast milk through TSA — even if your baby isn't with you.
Important information about TSA:
- Breast milk in quantities over 3.4 oz. is allowed (remember to be realistic and only bring what you will need).
- You do not have to be traveling with your child.
- Ice packs, gel packs, and frozen breast milk are all permitted, even if they're partially thawed.
- Let the TSA officer know at the beginning of the screening process that you're traveling with breast milk.
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You may request alternative screening to avoid having the milk opened or X-rayed.
Traveling Internationally
If you're flying internationally, the rules can vary quite a bit depending on the country you're entering or leaving. Most places recognize breast milk as a medical or infant-related necessity, but you’ll want to double-check before you go, especially if you're bringing a large quantity of milk or traveling without your baby.
Here’s what to know:
- Not all countries follow TSA rules. Some may limit how much milk you can bring, even if it's for a baby. Others might require extra screening or even paperwork at customs.
- Check the customs or border website of the country you're visiting to confirm what's allowed. Look under “traveling with children,” “medications,” or “food restrictions.”
- Airports abroad may not offer private spaces for pumping. Bring a nursing cover and check for Mamava pod locations ahead of time if applicable.
- Re-entering the U.S.? You’re allowed to bring breast milk back through customs but be prepared for screening. Frozen milk may thaw during long international flights, so pack accordingly.
- If you're traveling to countries like Canada, the UK, or Mexico, they generally allow breast milk in “reasonable quantities,” but you still need to declare it. When in doubt, always ask — and advocate for yourself.
Pro Tip: Print or screenshot the milk transport policy for both your departure and arrival countries, so you can show it to airport security if there’s any confusion.
Dress for comfort
Comfort and accessibility go a long way when you’re traveling with a breastfeeding baby. The last thing you want is to struggle not only with your hungry baby but with your outfit mid-flight.
Nursing or Pumping Bra: Don’t pack it, wear it. It simplifies everything.
Nursing-Friendly Top: If your baby hates being covered as much as mine does, using a nursing top makes everything so much easier.
Aisle Seat: More space to nurse, pump, move, and reach your stuff without disturbing others.
Nursing Cover (Optional): Works well and doubles as a blanket.
Baby Carrier > Stroller: Using a baby carrier makes it easy to travel hands-free. Bonus points, your husband can wear it too. Navigating through the airport is so much easier than the stroller.
Easing Ear Pressure During Takeoff
Takeoff and landing can be rough on your little one's ears. I was especially scared about this part when I first realized I was flying with my baby.
Here’s what helped:
Nurse, bottle-feed, or use a pacifier during takeoff and landing — the swallowing motion helps with the pressure and eases discomfort.
Quick Prep Checklist
Before you head to the airport, make sure you’ve packed:
- Portable pump (charged along with the charger)
- Two sets of pump parts
- Pumping/nursing bra + comfy top
- Milk storage bags
- Ziplocks for clean/dirty items
- Nursing cover (if baby tolerates it)
- Wrap or baby carrier
- TSA-friendly cooler with ice/gel packs
- Quick clean wipes, mini soap & brush
- Pacifier or teether
- Papablic Portable Bottle Warmer for warming milk on the go
What If!?
What if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Keep extra ice packs in your cooler, and don’t hesitate to ask airline staff or lounges for fresh ice. Bring a manual pump in case of no outlets or power issues.
What if I forget something?
The Mamava app helps you find pumping pods — a lot of them are stocked up with items to help traveling breastfeeding mamas.
What if my baby won’t nurse during takeoff?
A pacifier or bottle works too. Anything that encourages swallowing helps with ear pressure. If your baby is refusing any of the options, even a snack can help out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pump on the plane?
Yes! Many moms pump in their seats using a wearable or portable pump. Bring a nursing cover or blanket if you want privacy.
Q: Will TSA test or open my milk?
They might, but you can ask for alternative screening methods that avoid opening your milk containers.
Q: Do I need my baby with me to bring milk?
Nope! Breast milk is allowed even when you’re traveling solo.
Q: Does my breast pump count as a carry-on?
No! Breast pumps are considered medical devices and do not count toward your carry-on bag allowance.
If the thought of flying with your breastfeeding baby feels scary, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, staring at my suitcase wondering how I’d manage it all. It’s okay to feel nervous, to second-guess, or even to want to cancel the trip. But here’s what I learned: when you’re prepared and give yourself a little grace, it's doable and even empowering. You’re learning, adapting, and doing something incredibly brave. Take a deep breath, trust in yourself, and remember that you’ve got this!
Author: Stephanie Sora--Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
