Complete with a downloadable packing checklist and Amazon links.
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Preparing for Your Trip
The first step in traveling without your baby is preparation to make sure you have everything you need to make it as easy as possible. Make sure you have a good cooler bag, breast pump and plenty of storage bags and wipes. If you’re flying, check the airline’s policy on carrying breast milk – I highly recommend traveling with as much frozen as possible to expedite your time in TSA.
You can watch my Youtube episode showing these products here as well as a more in depth explanation of why I pack each item.
Print my free packing list here (downloadable thru Canva).
Packing List
Cooler: I love this Leather 24-can Igloo Tote that doubles as a fashionable tote and a kick-ass cooler. It’s bright gold on the inside and it keeps my milk cold for my 12+ hour travel days. I actually travel cross country for work and it keeps my milk completely frozen giving me great peace of mind. Make sure you either have enough frozen milk or ice packs to keep the milk cold, and freeze in bricks to maximize storage space in your cooler. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask if they can provide a fridge for your room or freeze for you.
Breast pump: I’m a Willow 3.0 gal thru and thru but also love my spectra and freemie cups. The Willow 3 is complete leakfree with bags and SO easy to pop on and off without having to pour or risk spilling milk.
Next time I think I would splurge on the Spectra gold
Manual Pump Back-Up: If you’re worried about your pump being on the fritz I would pack a manual pump like a haakaa or a medela manual pump just in case.
Pump Parts + Spares: I pack two sets of flanges and flex tubes for convenience and cleanliness.
Charger: Don’t forget a pump charger!
Muslin Cloth: Perfect for drying parts, wrapping parts in to dry, setting or assembling parts on your lap on a flight to keep things sanitary
Storage Bags: Since I pump with the Willow 3.0 I use the self-sealing bags but the Medela, Lansinoh, Kiinde, and GoGo are my other favorites. Pro-tip: use these for shampoo, conditioner and soap or check out my post on great uses for the Kiinde Bags.
Portable Drying Rack: Perfect to dry your parts on in your hotel room or in the Mother’s room at the office. Snaps closed and I store a breastmilk bag of soap, cleaning tools and a sharpie inside. This one is my favorite. THESE ARE THE MVP of cleaning Willow parts on the go.
Wet/Dry Waterproof Bag: I am obsessed with this machine washable bag that is perfect for storing dirty parts
Sanitizing Wipes: I keep a ziploc on the outside of my cooler with Wet One Antibacterial hand wipes and these cleaning wipes for cleaning my parts until I can get to a sink.
Other: Ziplock bags to freeze your milk in, and a Sharpie to write date and ounces! Don’t forget your phone charger 😉
Side-note the mamava pods are incredible!
What’s your travel must-have?
Safe Travels!!
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