Tips for Breastfeeding on an Airplane

Weather you need to travel for business or pleasure, if you're a breastfeeding mom, chances are you'll need to nurse your baby or pump your breast milk in the airport or on the airplane.

Here are some great tips to keep you stress free and have a pleasant flight.

Be Prepared

• Check your airport and airline for restrictions regarding bag size and liquids. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has guidelines for transporting breast milk for those of you flying with or without a baby. They consider... "Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medications."

• Try to work around your baby's schedule, if possible. Nighttime flying are great, it's nice and quiet and baby can sleep most of the trip. Don't forget to pack pajamas in your carry-on so they can be much more comfortable.

• Ask for a front seat - these seats tend to have much more leg room. Or if your flight isn't very full, ask to be put in a row that will be just for you so you can spread out and have your privacy.

• Find a nursing room in the airport to pump your breast milk before your flight if you would like to have privacy to do so before getting on a busy flight.

  
  

• Keep zipper baggies with you to put your filled bottles in just in case of spillage. If you plan on using the milk later, keep a cooler bag with ice packs to preserve the safety of your milk until you're able to refrigerate or freeze it.

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• Tell your airline the age of your child(ren) when booking your flight and keep all confirmation numbers with you during your journey. Ask the representative what their breastfeeding policy is on your flight so you are well prepared.

  

• Keep all passports, airline tickets, confirmation numbers and important documents with you in one place that's secure but easy to access since you'll be asked for them many times during your trip.

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• Call before leaving for the airport just in case of any delays. You wouldn't want to have to stick around the airport any longer than you need to!

• Keep enough diapers, wipes, medication and clothing for you and the baby just in case of delays or worse, if your luggage gets lost. It's also a good idea to take your breast pump with you on your carry-on just in case you need to relieve any engorgement.
  
• You may want to book an extra seat for your baby since most airlines state that a child under the age of 2 will have to sit on your lap for the entire flight unless there is an unoccupied or seat booked ahead for them.

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• Pack any eating utensils that they are most comfortable eating with since it is most likely you won't be able to find anything comparable on the plane. Available from Amazon

  
  

• Change your baby's diaper before boarding so you won't have to deal with it on a very cramped airplane.

While in Flight

• When boarding the plane, let the flight attendant know that you'll be nursing your baby while in flight. Remember that the law in the state that you are boarding and landing in applies to that flight.

• Nurse your baby on take-off and on landing. This helps to soothe and comfort them and helps relieve the pressure in their little ears from the sudden change in altitude.
  
• Make small diaper bags (a cosmetic case works well), so you don't have as much weight and it's easier to carry with you to the teeny tiny airplane bathroom.

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What You Will Need on the Plane

• Keep plastic zipper bags to store dirty diapers, pukey clothes, burp cloths, etc. and such with you.

• Toys to keep baby occupied. If all else fails, take your baby for a walk. There is actually quite a bit to see on an airplane what with the ton of new people, of course!

• Nursing cover, shawl, or light blanket if you're shy about nursing on a public plane. These are also quite handy if you need to pump your breast milk during the flight as well. Normally the roar of the engines are enough to drown out the sound of your pump so nobody will even notice.

• Water - the water from an airplane tap is usually not safe to drink and the airline will typically only supply you with one bottle of water during the flight so it's good to have with you to keep yourself hydrated. Baby does not need water but may need to breastfeed more often since the high altitude is very drying.

• Snacks - if your child is old enough to eat snacks, it's a good idea to keep them on hand. Non-perishable snacks is best so you don't have to worry about their safety. Dried fruit, rice cakes and cereals like puffed wheat or Cheerios is always a popular choice and very travel-friendly.
  
• If your baby is still quite small, a ring sling is wonderful during your flight (and for carrying around the airport hands free!). Adjust the sling to the proper height so your baby can nurse and if you and the baby fall asleep, the baby will be safe and sound and you won't have to worry about dropping her.

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Where would you like to go next?

• Find a Nursing Room at your final destination!
  
  
• Going somewhere HOT? Keep your baby cool!
  
  
• Find out the rights & laws at your final destination

Have a tip you'd like to share from your own experience?

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