How to Pump Breast Milk on Trips and the Top 5 Breast Pumps for Travel

Before you hit the road or take to the skies, it's key to have a game plan for pumping while traveling. This guide will give you straightforward tips on what to pack, how to get comfortable with your pump, and where to find spots to pump using an app called Mamava. We'll help you navigate pumping whether you're in a car, train, or plane, and show you how to keep your milk cool on the move with something like the Momcozy cooler bag.

To top it off, we’ve picked the 5 best breast pumps for travel and we’ll lay out their features and cost to make choosing one easier.

How to Prepare for Pumping While Traveling

Preparing for pumping while traveling can make your journey smoother and ensure that you maintain your milk supply effectively. It's important to plan ahead and be ready for the unique challenges that come with being on the move. Here’s how you can get prepared for pumping while traveling:

• Practice Pumping Prior to Travel: Spend a day or two exclusively using your pump to ensure comfort and that you're being fully emptied. Don't overlook this step—I learned the hard way!
• Customize Flange Fit: Should you find the standard flanges unsatisfactory, explore different sizes or styles. For example, I found 17mm silicone inserts inside my hard plastic flanges provided the best fit, unlike the too-large 21mm flanges that were originally causing discomfort.
• Lubricate During Pumping: Always use some lubricant - olive oil, coconut oil, or nipple butter - before every use to avoid friction. The spray type is neater and less conspicuous for traveling.
• Carry Your Pump Onboard: Never check in your breast pump for travel. Keep it with you in the air, prepared for use. If needed, don't let things get in the way of pumping at your seat or asking a flight attendant if they can accommodate you in finding a spot to do so privately.
• Stick to Your Pumping Schedule: Do your best to stay as close to your pumping schedule as you can manage. Missed sessions may result in discomfort and issues with your supply.
• Pack Extra Equipment: Bring along double and triple sets of flanges, connectors, and tubing so you won't have to wash them out between uses and in case some break.
• Understand Airport Security Rules: Familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines. Breast pumps are classified as medical devices and do not count towards your carry-on allowance. However, coolers for breast milk do.
• Milk Storage Strategy: Plan to carry frozen milk flat in storage bags, which is more space-efficient than bottles. Use a cooler with ice packs, or services like Milk Stork, for safe transportation. Check if your employer covers these services.
• Refreezing Milk: Remember, as long as thawed milk still has ice crystals, it can be refrozen. Completely thawed milk should be used within 24 hours.
• Prepare for Engorgement: If you're not accustomed to frequent pumping while traveling, engorgement may occur. Pack pain relief such as Motrin, sunflower lecithin for potential blockages, and hot/cold packs.
• Seek Out Pumping Locations: Use creative spaces like cars, lounge areas in bathrooms, and dedicated mothers' rooms for privacy. Apps like Mamava can guide you to suitable spots.
• Anticipate Supply Variances: Supplies may go up and down. This is quite normal, so don't worry. Most often, a return to a normal nursing pattern will allow your supply to catch up, but meanwhile, increase fluid intake and consult with an LC if this is problematic.

How to Pump Successfully While on a Train or in a Car

When you're on the move by rail or road, pumping while traveling requires some special planning. Here's what to consider for a smooth experience with each travel option:

If you’re traveling by rail:

• Check train amenities: Before boarding, find out if there are any designated nursing areas or power outlets available in restrooms or other spaces.
• Reserve the right seat: Aim for a spot that grants you some privacy and is close to a power source, which can be helpful when it’s time to pump.
• Mind the schedule: Try to align your pumping times with stops at stations where you can take a break and handle pumping while traveling more comfortably.

If you’re hitting the road:

• Use a vehicle power adapter: This allows you to use an electric pump while on the go without draining the battery.
• Pre-plan your stops: Map out rest areas or stops that will coincide with your regular pumping schedule.
• Window shades for privacy: If you need to pump in the car and want extra privacy, use window shades or a blanket draped over the car window.

For both rail and road travelers:

• Invest in a good manual pump: They're quieter, portable, and don't require electricity, making them great for moments when you need to pump discreetly.
• Wear pumping-friendly clothes: Choose outfits that allow easy access to breastfeed or pump, like tops with front closures or layers that can be easily adjusted.
• Carry a cover-up: A light scarf or shawl can give you privacy if you need to pump in a less private space.
• Keep your milk cool: Store any expressed milk in a cooler bag like Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler with ice packs to keep it fresh until you can refrigerate it.

How to Pump While Traveling by Air

Flying at times is the quickest way to reach from point A to B, but then you also have to deal with airport hassles and aircraft cabins amidst trying to keep up with your pumping schedule while traveling. Here's how you can manage it without stress:

• Contact Your Airline: Before flying, the best thing is to call your airline in advance and inform them you will fly with a breast pump and breast milk. Inform them of your need to bring these items onto the plane in your hand luggage or check-in baggage. Rules vary and depend on whether the milk is frozen or liquid.
• Familiarize yourself with airport facilities: Look online at the layout of the airport in order to find family restrooms or mother's rooms where you can pump before boarding or during layovers.
• Take a travel-friendly pump: Find a small, light breast pump for travel that is easy to carry on or use in small spaces.
• Pack smart: Keep all necessities in your carry-on, like your extra battery pack, charger, and storage bags. You may want easy access to them.
• Dress appropriately: Wear clothes that allow you to pump without fully undressing, such as nursing tops or dresses with front access.
• Use a shawl or blanket for privacy: Airplanes don't offer much privacy, so having a shawl or blanket can help you feel more comfortable while pumping.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to aid milk production and keep your body well-hydrated.
• Pump according to your schedule: If at all possible, try to pump around the time you usually do. If you travel through different time zones, change the times gradually over a few days.
• Store your milk safely: Take a cooler bag with cold packs so that you can keep your expressed milk cool during the flight until you have an opportunity to put it in the refrigerator.

How to Store Breast Milk Safely While Traveling

Keeping breast milk at the right temperature during travel is crucial for your baby's health and safety. Here’s how you can ensure that your breast milk is well-preserved, whether you're on a day trip or an extended vacation:

• Pre-cool your storage containers: Before you leave, chill the bottles or bags you'll be storing milk in. This helps maintain the milk's temperature once you pump while traveling.
• Use a high-quality cooler: A reliable cooler meant for breast milk storage for travel, like the Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler for Outdoor, ensures your milk stays cold for up to 24 hours. Its 360-degree even cooling and vacuum storage capabilities keep milk fresh, while its TSA-compliant size lets you take it on planes hassle-free.
• Separate storage compartments: If your cooler has separate compartments, like the Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler, use them to avoid cross-contamination and to organize expressed milk by pumping time.
• Keep a check on the temperature: Make use of ice packs and monitor the cooler's internal temperature regularly if possible, especially on longer trips.
• Opt for transparent or labeled bags: Use clear storage bags or label them with dates and times so you can easily keep track of which milk to use first.
• Consider a portable fridge: For long road trips, a small portable refrigerator can be a worthwhile investment to keep your breast milk safely stored.
• Be mindful of hotel facilities: Check if your accommodation has a fridge you can use, and clear out the minibar to make room if needed—just be sure to let the hotel staff know to avoid any confusion.
• Know your rights and regulations: If flying, familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines regarding breast milk while traveling. You're allowed to bring more than the standard limit for liquids, and it doesn't need to fit in a quart-sized bag.
• BPA-free and food-grade materials: Ensure all storage equipment, from bottles to cooler interiors, is made from safe materials to keep your baby protected from harmful chemicals.

5 Best Breast Pumps for Traveling

Breastfeeding on the go does not have to be daunting. You'll need a breast pump, which you will easily carry around, use in a cinch, and make life easy when you're on the go. The five best breast pumps for traveling mothers are described below. They are fuss-free, small enough to fit in your bag, and batteries long-lasting with quiet use that will attract no attention. Each will be examined here, with the offered features and price, to help you decide which pump is perfect for you and your baby to carry along when traveling.

Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump|M9

Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump, retailing at $269.99, is the best breast pump for travel. This pump offers hands-free operation, allowing you to seamlessly integrate milk expression into your active lifestyle, whether you're at home, in the office, or traveling. Its high-powered motor provides quick and customizable pumping experiences, with multiple modes tailored to your comfort, all adjustable via a user-friendly app — perfect for discreet adjustments while on the move. The long battery life minimizes the need for frequent charging, but when it's time to power up, the device is ready to go again after just a short break. Compact, capable, and travel-friendly, the Momcozy pump ensures that the rhythm of your day flows uninterrupted, no matter where life takes you.

Willow Go™ Hands-free Breast Pump

Willow Go Breast Pump, priced at $262.49, is a real help for busy moms. It's a hands-free, cordless pump that fits right inside your bra, giving you the freedom to move around and live your life while you pump. Despite its small size, it packs hospital-grade power to get the job done efficiently. You can use it on the go, making it perfect for travel—plus, it’s easy to clean because it’s dishwasher safe. The battery holds up well too, lasting for about three pumping sessions, and there's an app that lets you control the pump from your phone and track your sessions. With strong customer approval and a solid warranty, the Willow Go isn't just another gadget; it’s a supportive companion for your breastfeeding needs.

Elvie Double Electric Breast Pump

Elvie Double Electric Breast Pump, priced at $494.00, is one of the best breast pumps for traveling moms. You can use it discreetly anywhere — during work or in your leisure time — since it's free from noisy motors and tubes. Elvie has taken their expertise from developing health tech like kegel trainers to create this hands-free pumping experience. It's smart, too, with an app that lets you control the pump from inside your bra, keeping things private. The pump fits comfortably thanks to different size inserts, and it adapts to your body's needs with special pumping settings. With a 150 ml capacity and a long-lasting battery, you can pump several times before recharging. It's also hygienic, easy to clean, and safe for your baby, meeting all health standards. Whether you're washing by hand or using the dishwasher, cleanup is a breeze.

Spectra S1+ Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump

Spectra S1+ Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump, priced at $264.49, is the best breast pump to travel with. With its inbuilt rechargeable battery offering about two hours of pumping while traveling, this pump marries portability with the high efficiency expected from a top-tier medical device. Its super quiet operation ensures discretion, while the night light and timer add convenience for those late-night pumping sessions. The closed system design guarantees hygiene for both mother and child, making it an ideal choice for active parents who need to express milk while on business trips, vacations, or day outings.

Medela’s Sonata® Smart Breast Pump

Medela Sonata® Smart Breast Pump is priced at $309.99 and is designed for busy moms. It's easy to carry around thanks to its rechargeable battery, and the touch screen with a light makes it simple to use day or night. This pump lets you express milk wherever you are, offering strong and consistent suction, just like hospital pumps. The special breast shields help you get more milk comfortably. With the Medela Family™ app, you can keep an eye on your pumping times and your baby’s growth, which is super handy for moms who have need for pumping while traveling for work.

Breastfeeding on the Go? Pick the Perfect Pump and Travel Light

Getting ready for a trip as a breastfeeding mom has gotten quite simple. Packing smart, like packing a Momcozy cooler bag for your breast milk. We have curated a list of five of the best breast pumps for traveling moms, but our top pick would have to be the Momcozy M9 for its versatility and ease of use. This shopping guide details the key features and price of each pump so you can choose easily. Choose a good travel breast pump, and voila! You are ready to go on your trip-to-go without any tension of messing up anything with respect to easy breastfeeding. Safe travels, and happy pumping!