When it comes to storing breast milk while traveling, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Proper storage is important to ensure the milk stays safe and retains its nutritional value. Here are some quick answers to common questions about transporting breast milk:
How should you store breast milk for travel?
The best way to store breast milk for travel is in freezer bags or hard-sided freezer containers. Sturdy bags or containers protect the milk from spills or leaks. Make sure to label each bag or bottle with the date expressed. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What’s the best way to transport frozen breast milk when traveling?
Use a cooler bag with freezer packs to transport frozen breast milk. This will keep the milk frozen for up to 24 hours, even if you have limited or no access to a freezer. Make sure the freezer packs are as cold as possible before placing near the milk. Insulate the milk as much as you can in the cooler using towels or crumpled newspaper to protect it from temperature changes.
How should you pack breast milk for airplane travel?
When flying with breast milk, the TSA allows you to bring it in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. Notify airport security you are traveling with breast milk. Pack all breast milk containers in one clear plastic bag to show agents. Bring freezer packs frozen solid and insulate milk containers well. Use hard-sided cooler bags rather than soft ones on planes.
Is it safe to freeze breast milk more than once?
Breast milk can be safely frozen and thawed multiple times. However, the milk loses some nutritional value after each freeze-thaw cycle. Avoid excessive freezing as it can degrade the quality. Limit each container to two or three freeze-thaw cycles at most before use.
How should you reheat frozen breast milk when traveling?
Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator or under warm running water before reheating. Never microwave breast milk, as microwaving can cause hot spots that could burn a baby’s mouth. Warm milk to body temperature slowly in a bottle warmer, under warm running water, or in a water bath. Test temperature before feeding to baby.
How should you clean bottles and pump parts when traveling?
When possible, wash pump parts and bottles in hot soapy water or run them through an electric sanitizing steam bag after each use. If soap and water aren’t available, rinse well with bottled or filtered water. You can also sanitize quickly with microwave steam bags or by boiling pump and bottle parts.
Is it safe to freeze breast milk in hotel freezers?
Most hotel room refrigerators do not stay cold enough to store breast milk safely. Check the temperature of your hotel fridge with a thermometer if possible – it should be 39°F or below. Only use the freezer section, not the main compartment. Monitor milk closely and insulate it well in hard containers. If in doubt, use cooler packs instead of the hotel freezer.
Can you transport breast milk if you don’t have a cooler or freezer packs?
It’s best to transport milk in a well-insulated cooler with freezer packs. But in a pinch, you can still keep milk safe for several hours. Use an insulated lunch bag with crumpled newspaper or towels to protect bottles. Or wrap containers in a wet towel and store in an insulated bag. Avoid opening the insulated bag – this maintains the temperature longer.
How often should you replace breast milk storage bags?
Replace breast milk storage bags about every 3-6 months. Bags degrade over time, becoming more likely to rip or leak. Inspect bags before each use and discard any with cracks or holes. Refrigerate spare bags to extend their shelf life. Only wash bags occasionally – frequent washing weakens the seams.
Can you freeze breast milk in disposable bottle liners?
No, do not freeze breast milk in disposable bottle liners. The thin plastic is prone to cracking and leakage when frozen. Always transfer milk to thicker freezer bags or hard containers before freezing. Disposable bottle liners are convenient for short term storage or transporting smaller amounts.
Is it safe to add freshly pumped milk to already frozen milk?
Yes, it’s safe to combine newly pumped milk with already frozen milk, provided the new milk has been properly cooled first. Allow freshly pumped milk to cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before combining it with frozen milk. Do not add warm milk to frozen storage containers, as this can cause the frozen milk to begin thawing.
How should you defrost and warm milk when you don’t have a bottle warmer?
If no bottle warmer is available, thaw milk overnight in the refrigerator or hold the bottle under cool running water. To warm, place the bottle in a cup or bowl of hot (not boiling) water for several minutes until heated to body temperature. Always test temperature before feeding.
Can you freeze breast milk in glass bottles?
It’s best not to freeze breast milk in glass bottles. Glass is more prone to breaking as liquid expands during freezing. Also, milk can take much longer to thaw in glass versus plastic or bags. If necessary, glass bottles can be used short term. Avoid fully filling bottles and leave space for expansion during freezing.
How should you store pumped milk if you don’t have freezer bags or bottles?
In a pinch, you can store expressed milk in clean food storage containers or jars, or even resealable plastic bags intended for food storage. Ensure all containers used are completely clean and sanitized beforehand. Glass jars work best if well sealed. Milk stored this way should be used within a few days.
Is it safe to freeze milk in thin disposable storage bags?
Avoid freezing milk in thin plastic bags not intended for breast milk storage. These bags are too flimsy and prone to rupturing once frozen, resulting in leaks and spills. For freezing, stick to thick freezer bags specifically designed for breast milk storage. These are made of durable leak-proof plastic.
Can you store and freeze breast milk in reusable food pouches?
Yes, reusable food pouches designed for baby food can also be used to store and freeze breast milk. Ensure pouches are BPA-free and thoroughly washed beforehand. Leave an inch or two of space at the top for milk to expand without leaking. Flat pouches freeze best. Follow all the same guidelines for freezing milk.
Is it safe to freeze very small amounts of pumped milk?
Freezing very small quantities of milk is safe, though not ideal. Small amounts of milk (1-2 oz) freeze and thaw very quickly, so they must be used promptly once thawed. Combine several smaller bags or bottles to reach a larger total volume for freezing when possible.
Can you use ice cube trays to freeze breast milk?
Ice cube trays are not recommended for freezing breast milk. The small amount of milk in each cube thaws too quickly once removed from the freezer. Milk cubes also lack any protective container once frozen. Instead, use standard breast milk freezer bags, which hold several ounces and keep milk safely contained.
Is it safe to freeze breast milk in used disposable bottle liners?
Avoid re-using disposable bottle liners to store frozen milk. Liners are difficult to fully sanitize after use, even with thorough washing. Any remaining bacteria or residue could contaminate the fresh milk. Only freeze milk in clean, unused freezer bags or bottles specifically designed for milk storage.
Can you store breast milk in disposable bottle liners long term?
Disposable bottle liners are meant for short term milk storage or transport only. Do not store milk in liners long term or for freezing. The thin plastic easily develops tears or cracks over time. Transfer any milk you want to keep for several days or freeze into more durable bags or hard plastic bottles.
How should you label and organize frozen milk when traveling?
Clearly label each frozen milk container with the date it was expressed and keep bags or bottles organized so oldest milk is used first. Group together milk from the same date in one larger freezer bag. Use permanent marker and tape labels won’t rub off wet containers. Keep an inventory list detailing milk volumes and dates.
What should you do if frozen breast milk partially thawed then refroze?
Partially thawed milk that has been refrozen is still safe to use, but should be used within 24 hours once fully thawed. The milk loses some nutritional quality when thawed and refrozen multiple times. Label refrozen containers so they can be used first. Do not refreeze any thawed milk that smells spoiled or is left at room temperature over 2 hours.
How do you keep milk cool if you have limited freezer space when traveling?
If freezer space is limited, focus on keeping stored milk as cold as possible. Use the coldest part of the fridge or freezer, insulate milk well, and open infrequently. Refrigerate any overflow that won’t fit. Replace ice packs when thawed or use a cooler bag for extra chilling. Drink oldest milk first to free up more space.
Should you premix formula and breast milk or mix at feeding time?
For safety and freshness, it’s best to mix formula powder with breast milk at individual feeding times rather than premixing batches. Fresh breast milk has protective qualities that are altered when mixed with formula for extended periods. Just mix the needed ratio at each feeding.
Conclusion
Transporting and storing breast milk while traveling requires some additional planning and care to keep the milk safe and nutritious. Following guidelines on proper freezing, cooling, heating, and handling is key. Hard-sided containers, insulated coolers, freezer packs, and breast milk freezer bags are essential products for pain-free transport. With the right gear and some handy tips, taking your breast milk on the go can be smooth sailing.
