Traveling with infant or toddler twins, especially if it’s your first time, is a lot of planning. And if you’re breastfeeding or pumping, there are even more items to pack along for the ride. So if you have upcoming air travel with your twinnies, read on for tips on how to fly with breastmilk!

Worried about traveling with your precious liquid gold through airports and getting through the TSA checkpoints? Don’t worry, breastmilk is one of the “medically necessary” liquids you’re allowed to carry on with you. 

But here are some helpful tips from other pumping and nursing twin moms who have traveled with breastmilk before! (Plus some extra tips and need-to-knows when it comes to flying with breastmilk)

What has helped you travel by plane while lactating? (Like go-to product, logistics once in the airport or on the plane, etc.)

“Mamava nursing pods in airports!”

“Ceres Chill for quickly storing milk on the go (I exclusively pumped).”

“Hands free pumping top under loose shirts. Larken was my go-to brand.”

“Portable pump.”

“Mamava app for nursing pods, dapple wipes to clean pumping parts, a lunch box and ice packs.”

“Ceres Chill and wearable pumps.”

“With baby, wear a built in bra tank and flowy sweater to cover built in. Pack extra shirt.”

“Just bought the Ceres Chill!”

“Milk Stork.”

“On a train by myself. Forgoing modesty and having my breast friend (twin) pillow. Extra seat.”

 Learn what to expect in the , including tips, tricks, and advice from real twin parents who have been there. and while you’re at it, check out our and !

“Ceres Chill.” 

“Use ziploc bags for ice (after security). Reusable packs get more scrutiny.”

“Carhartt soft sided cooler with multiple zipper areas for storing milk (in bags) and a travel pump.”

“Travel with frozen milk if possible!”

“#1 is Ceres Chill followed by a wearable pump. But Ceres Chill is non-negotiable!”

“Wearables.”

“Baby Buddha (wearable pump), Ceres Chill, and a nursing cover so I could pump in my seat.” 

There are some important safety tips you’ll need to follow for ensuring the temperature of the breastmilk stays safe. To learn more about how long you can safely refrigerate and freeze breastmilk, check out our article “Storing and Reheating Breastmilk: What you should know” 

This should help plan how long you can have your breastmilk out.  Also, depending on your cooling item, some of the gels and packs can last up to 36 hours in a well-insulated bag.  

As you can see above, tons of twin moms are recommending this breastmilk chiller for air travel!

This compact carrier can be strapped onto the stroller handle (hands free!!!) or a longer shoulder strap.  It holds 6-bottles and comes with a ice pack.  Bag is waterproof and can be used to hold your lunch once babies grow out of the bottle phase. It comes in a variety of colors too.

This carrier is a little taller and has a removable middle layer for taller bottles. It also comes with a strap that you can strap to your stroller handle or you can attach the longer shoulder strap.  This does not come with an ice pack. 

This space saving bag collapses flat! Reusable freezer inserts can be placed in the bag to keep your babies’ bottles cool during transport.  It can store up to 6 bottles and be used as a cooler after your babies grow out of the bottle phase.

Keeping your breastmilk cold enough for future use is one thing. But what about when you want to then go ahead and feed it to your babies? How can you warm it up for them while on the go?

When we travelled, we had an empty thermos on hand and we’d ask a cafe in the terminal for hot water.  Some were kind enough to give it to us for free.  We’d put the bottle in the thermos and warm the breastmilk. Simply place the whole bottle in the thermos.  

Bololo Bottle Warmer 

The product description says it can warm contents within 5 minutes. And it’s rechargeable!

It can warm 8 oz in 3 minutes!  And it gives three temperature options to select from. When done, the product description states it’ll auto shut off.

If possible, try to schedule the flight for some time around their nap.  You can them feed them their bottle while the plane is taking off, and it could help from getting their ears popped.

Once you get to TSA, let them know you have breastmilk for your babies.  Future you can also note transporting baby food is also acceptable and you will do the same with telling TSA you have baby food. 

For specific items that you’re allied to carry, check out their list.

For TSA, there’s no specified limit listed for how much breastmilk you can bring along. So bring with you as much as is necessary and logistically possible for you to transport. 

Here’s some helpful guidance directly from TSA on how to make things a bit easier in prepping to go through security with human milk:

“…to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.” 

Hopefully now, the logistic aspects of how to fly with breastmilk are the least of your travel worries. Happy flying!