Breastfeeding While Road-Tripping for the Holidays: How to Make it More Comfortable
Motherhood
Breastfeeding & Nutrition
November 13, 2023
The holiday season is upon us, and for many families, that means hitting the road to visit loved ones or embark on exciting adventures. While holiday road trips bring joy and cherished memories (maybe more so when we look back and forget the fussy kiddos asking “are we there yet?” 😉 ), they can also present unique challenges, especially for breastfeeding moms. Of course you don’t want to loose your rhythm and all the progress you’ve made in your breastfeeding journey and while it may seem daunting, it IS possible to have minimal disruption in your routine. Let’s explore the importance of breastfeeding during your holiday travels and provide you with essential tips to make breastfeeding on the road more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby. 

Benefits of Breastfeeding During Road Trips 

Breastfeeding is not just about providing nourishment; it also offers a ton of benefits that are particularly advantageous during road trips with baby.   First and foremost, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between you and your baby, creating moments of closeness and comfort during your journey. The convenience of breastfeeding cannot be overstated – no need to pack and carry formula or worry about refrigeration. Plus, breastfeeding is not only free but also has environmental advantages, reducing waste associated with formula packaging. 

Planning Ahead 

To ensure a smooth breastfeeding experience on the road, meticulous planning will go a long way. Create a breastfeeding kit that includes essentials like: 
  • breast pump 
  • storage bags 
  • nursing cover 
  • cooler and ice to store any pumped milk  
Don't forget to pack snacks and water to keep yourself nourished and hydrated. Also, bring extra clothing and diapers for your baby to cover unexpected situations.  If breastfeeding anywhere anytime isn’t your jam, identify rest areas with nursing facilities or family-friendly restaurants or public spaces where you can comfortably breastfeed. 

Baby Carriers 

Investing in a good-quality baby carrier is a game-changer for breastfeeding on the go. These carriers allow you to nurse discreetly and comfortably while keeping your hands free. Explore different carrier options and choose the one that suits your preferences and your baby's comfort.  Get tips for breastfeeding in a baby carrier here.  BROWSE BABY CARRIERS

Tips for Long-Distance Travel and Staying Comfortable 

Comfort is essential for a successful breastfeeding journey. Choose clothing that facilitates easy access to your breast, and consider creating a cozy feeding environment in the car. Whether you’re pumping while traveling, exclusively nursing, or a little bit of both, you’ll want to make frequent stops for breaks and feedings, allowing you and your baby to stretch your legs and stay comfortable. You can also try to plan drive times around naps!   Staying hydrated and well-nourished is so important when breastfeeding on road trips. Breastfeeding can be demanding on your body, requiring additional fluids and nutrients to support milk production and keep you energized. Always have a reusable water bottle within reach, and make it a habit to take sips regularly, especially in hot weather. Packing healthy snacks like granola bars, fresh fruits, and nuts ensures that you maintain your energy levels throughout the journey. Remember that your well-being directly impacts your baby's nourishment and comfort, so prioritize self-care by staying hydrated and nourished for a smooth and enjoyable breastfeeding experience on the road. 

Addressing Concerns and Safety 

Breastfeeding while driving is not safe and is strongly discouraged. It poses significant risks to both you and your baby, as it can distract you from the task of driving, potentially leading to accidents or unsafe driving behaviors. Safety should always be the top priority when you're on the road, and your full attention should be focused on driving to ensure the safety of everyone in the vehicle.  If your baby needs to be breastfed during a road trip, it's essential to pull over to a safe location, such as a rest area or parking lot, and then attend to your baby's needs. This way, you can ensure the safety of both you and your child while providing the necessary care. Always prioritize safety when traveling with a baby and make appropriate stops for feeding and other caregiving tasks.  It’s your prerogative to breastfeed your child wherever you are when you pull over, whether it’s in your car, at a rest stop, or somewhere else you’ve decided to rest. While it’s tempting to keep the drive going, take the opportunity to rest and stretch your legs!  Overall, while you can keep your general schedule, sometimes unforeseen circumstances occur so the name of the game when traveling anywhere with littles is flexibility! Things might veer a little off course thanks to traffic or emergencies or maybe the baby is a little extra fussy. That’s ok! This won’t last forever 😉 

Tips for Traveling with a Pump 

For moms who prefer or need to pump during their road trip, having a good quality, travel-riendly breast pump is so important!  Here are several reasons why investing in a reliable and portable breast pump is essential:  
  1. Convenience and Flexibility: A travel-friendly breast pump offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to express milk conveniently while on the go. Its portability ensures that you can maintain your breastfeeding routine, even during travel, and pump when and where it's most convenient for you.
  2. Maintaining Milk Supply: Regular pumping with a reliable travel-friendly pump is crucial to maintain your milk supply. It helps prevent engorgement and ensures that your baby has access to breast milk, even when you're away from them for extended periods.
  3. Peace of Mind and Comfort: A high-quality travel-friendly breast pump provides peace of mind, knowing that you can continue providing breast milk for your baby during your travels. It also offers comfort with adjustable settings and discreet pumping features, making it a practical and comfortable choice for breastfeeding moms on the move.

Pumping and Storing Breast Milk While On-the-Go 

Pumping and storing breast milk on the road is essential for breastfeeding moms who want to maintain their milk supply and provide breast milk to their babies while traveling.   Here's a step-by-step guide on how to pump and store breast milk on the road: 
  1. Prepare Your Equipment:
   - Ensure you have a high-quality, travel-friendly breast pump with you. Check that all its components are clean and in working order.     - Pack breast milk storage bags or containers designed for safe freezing and storage.     - Bring a small insulated cooler bag with ice packs to keep the expressed milk cold until you can properly store it. 
  1. Find a Safe and Comfortable Location:
   - Look for a clean and private area where you can comfortably pump. This could be a rest stop, a quiet corner of a public space, or even your car. 
  1. Clean Your Hands and Pump Parts:
   - Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any breast pump parts or your breasts.     - Make sure all pump parts that will come into contact with breast milk are clean and sanitized. 
  1. Express Milk:
   - Follow the instructions for your breast pump and start expressing milk. Ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed, as this can help with milk letdown.     - Use a hands-free pumping bra or the hands-free feature on your breast pump to make pumping more convenient. 
  1. Label and Date Storage Containers:
   - Label each breast milk storage bag or container with the date and time you expressed the milk. This helps you use the oldest milk first (first in, first out) and ensures freshness.  
  1. Store Expressed Milk:
   - Place the expressed breast milk in the labeled storage containers and seal them securely. If you're using breast milk storage bags, remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.     - Put the breast milk in the insulated breast milk cooler bag with ice packs to keep it cold until you can transfer it to a refrigerator or freezer. 
  1. Maintain Proper Temperature:
   - Breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in a cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, and in a freezer for several months.     - If you're planning a longer trip, consider locating places with access to refrigeration or freezers to store your expressed milk during your journey. 
  1. Clean Your Pump Parts:
   - After expressing milk, clean your breast pump parts as soon as possible to prevent bacteria growth. If you can't clean them right away, store them in a clean, sealed container in the cooler until you can wash them. Medela had quick clean steam bags if you have access to a microwave at a stop and Ceres has breast pump cleaning wipes you can use on the go!    Breastfeeding while road-tripping for the holidays offers a host of benefits for both you and your baby, from bonding and convenience to cost savings and environmental responsibility. By planning ahead, utilizing baby carriers, ensuring comfort, and addressing concerns and safety, you can make your breastfeeding journey on the road a positive and rewarding experience. Embrace this option, enjoy your travels, and create cherished memories with your little one this holiday season. Safe travels!