As a first-time mom navigating breastfeeding and pumping, there was so much to learn, especially once we started leaving the house and eventually traveling. What started as a simple outing quickly turned into a mental checklist: Did I pack the bottles? The pump? A cover? The cooler? It felt overwhelming at first, and it took a lot of trial and error to figure out a system that actually worked.
By the time I finally felt confident managing day-to-day outings, we took our first road trip… and then our first flight. Suddenly, I had a whole new set of questions: How do I keep milk cold? or even frozen? How do I warm a bottle on the go? What’s the best way to stay organized and keep everything clean? And how does traveling with breast milk even work on a plane?
Through a lot of real-life experience (and a few lessons learned the hard way), I found what works and what I would absolutely do differently next time. Some things worked better for road trips, others for flying, but I’ve narrowed it down to a set of go-to essentials that made breastfeeding and pumping while traveling so much easier.
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Here are my must-have items after 11 months of breastfeeding and pumping on the go and while traveling:
Pumping essentials:
- Hands-free breast pump : Having a hands-free pump while traveling is a must for me. While my Spectra is unmatched in terms of output, the Willow pumps are my favorite for on-the-go use (and I tried a lot!). Being able to pump easily in the car, on a plane, or while out at a park or museum has been a game changer.
- Breast milk Storage bags : An easy and convenient way to store and travel with extra milk, especially for longer travel days.
- Breast pump wipes : These were a lifesaver on our road trip. I was able to quickly clean my pump parts and reuse them when a sink or fridge wasn’t available.
- Travel Bottle washer kit : A must-have when you have bottles and pump parts to wash daily, especially while traveling.
- Sterilizer bags : When baby was younger, these were so helpful while traveling without access to a full sterilizer. Quick, easy, and great for peace of mind.
Breastfeeding essentials
- Breastfeeding bra :This bra makes breastfeeding simple and comfortable, and it works perfectly with hands-free pumps. Great support and easy for travel.
- Breastfeeding cover : My baby didn’t love having his head covered, but many moms swear by this one. Handy if you want privacy or are in public spaces.
- Travel Boppy nursing pillow: A lifesaver for road trips and flights. Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it makes feeding baby more comfortable. Compact and easy to travel with, plus great for arm support when baby naps on the plane.
- Baby carrier : A must-have travel accessory. We used it on every trip! Bonus: it’s also a breastfeeding hack. Feeding baby while in the carrier takes a bit of practice but is a total game-changer once you get it down.
Milk storage
- Momcozy milk cooler : A great option for day trips or short travel. Keeps milk cold for up to 24 hours. I’ve used this both for day trips and for pumping at work. It’s reliable and easy to travel with.
- Combo of yeti and gel ice packs : This is the heavy-duty option. I used it when traveling with milk on a road trip and on a flight. It kept milk frozen solid for 10+ hours and is a great investment if you plan to travel while breastfeeding or pumping.
- Thermos bottle warmer : We love this affordable alternative to other travel bottle warmers. Tip: Fill it with hot water after security (ask at a coffee shop) and it stays hot for 8+ hours, making warming milk easy wherever you are.
- Temperature gauge for fridge : Perfect for peace of mind while traveling. It will ensure hotel mini-fridges are cold enough to safely store milk.
Pro Tip: If your hotel doesn’t have a freezer, ask the front desk! We’ve had them store our frozen milk and ice packs for us when we didn’t have access to a freezer which can be so handy.
Extra must haves
- Ziploc bags : Always bring some! I use them for fridge the hack with my pump parts, storing frozen milk, or just keeping things organized while traveling. They’re simple but incredibly versatile.
With a bit of planning and the right gear, traveling while breastfeeding and pumping is completely doable. Find what works for you, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey with your little one and all the memories these adventures bring!