Breastfeeding while you are traveling with your baby can seem to be daunting but it does not have to be. It is very helpful if you are able to breastfeed during travel because it eliminates the need to carry multiple feeding equipment or formula. Even if the baby has been introduced to solid food, he/she may still be able to sufficiently feed on breast milk during travel. Breast milk also contains the antibodies that the baby will need to keep infections at bay during his / her first year when vaccinations have not been received completely.
Irrespective of your mode of travel, there are a few items that you need to carry with you in order to be able to breastfeed your baby while traveling. These are more important from the point of view of the mother and will help to nurse your baby conveniently.
Nursing Wrap – A nursing wrap or cover will allow you to breastfeed comfortably even if you are in a public place.
Hydrating Drinks and Snacks – In order to ensure that your supply of breast milk does not get exhausted, you also need to keep yourself stress-free and hydrated. Carrying water or hydrating drinks and a few snacks will help to keep your energy levels up and make it easier for the milk to be produced.
Travel Vaccinations – If you are traveling outside the country, it is important to take the travel vaccinations recommended by the home country’s travel guidelines. While there are not many travel vaccinations for babies, it is important that the mother takes her vaccinations so that she remains healthy during travel.
Comfortable Clothing – Choose clothing that is appropriate for the weather of the place you are traveling to. It is important to also ensure that the clothing is comfortable and provides easy access for feeding the baby.
Portable Breast Pump – A portable breast pump like the GOMINI Electric Breast Pump is smaller in size and lightweight which makes it easier to handle and carry along. Breast pumps with a DC power or USB option are convenient for travel as you do not need to scramble for a suitable adapter in an emergency. Check to see that the pump is compatible with the feeding bottles you are carrying during travel.
Baby Wipes – Carrying baby wipes will prove useful for everything from cleaning up messes to wiping your breast after a feed or after pumping breast milk.
When traveling by road, it is important to ensure that the baby is buckled safely in the car seat during journeys. In order to feed the baby, utilize the rest stops along the road. This will also be more comfortable for the mother. Babies tend to sleep while on the move and wake up hungry when the vehicle stops, so feeding at the rest stops also helps to prevent them from turning cranky when they wake up.
When traveling by air, try to choose a window seat so that you have a little privacy while feeding the baby. You can also carry expressed milk that can be refrigerated on the plane and warmed before feeding the baby. Most airports also have a feeding room where the baby can be breastfed comfortably and given a diaper change if required.
When your baby is still breastfeeding, it may feel overwhelming to travel without the baby. Invest in a good breast pump so that you can express breast milk that can be provided to the baby during your time away. Electric breast pumps are convenient to use and will help you to pump milk easily, especially when you need to store larger quantities of breast milk. It is also good to have a manual breast pump at hand so that you do not fail to pump breast milk in case of a power shortage or other electrical emergencies. The pumped breast milk can be stored in Breastmilk Storage Bags in the freezer and can be taken out as per the requirement of the baby. PIGEON’s breast milk storage bags are self-standing milk storage bags that come with leak-proof double zipper seals and a convenient pour spout for transferring breast milk. The bags are pre-sterilized with gamma rays for hygiene and safety before use.
While the stored milk will take care of your baby’s needs while you are away, you should still carry a portable breast pump with you. You should also carry storage bags, ice packs, and a cooler to keep your expressed milk cold till you reach your destination. If traveling by air, inform the officials in charge at the airport that you are carrying expressed milk. Most of the officials are well-versed in how to handle the milk so that it stays safe during travel.
By planning ahead and taking adequate care, you can continue to breastfeed your child even if you have to travel.
