If you’re heading away on holiday that doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding – you and your baby can still benefit from the many advantages of doing so.
Here are some tips for breastfeeding when travelling away.
Many airports have special facilities to make breastfeeding as comfortable as possible.
For example, East Midlands, Birmingham and Gatwick airports have baby care rooms which include chairs for nursing mothers. Look out for this symbol or one like it:
A baby care room may look a little like this one at East Midlands Airport:
Check what your airport has in advance to support your breastfeeding and use the information desk for advice or information about baby care rooms.
It’s illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding person to stop breastfeeding or leave a public place. If you are made to feel uncomfortable or experience a problem while travelling, speak to a member of staff or find a help desk.
If you want to carry expressed breast milk, formula milk or sterilised water on the plane for the journey then you will be allowed to do so. Airport policies in other countries may differ, so it’s a good idea to check if you can bring it back with you too.
Breastmilk is exempt from the standard 100ml limit in place at some UK airports, but containers must not exceed two litres. Airport staff may open containers to screen any liquids at the security checkpoint.
Breastfeeding on the plane can be helpful and comforting for your baby as they settle into the new environment. Feeding your baby on take-off and landing may help their ears to ‘equalise’ and reduce discomfort while flying too.
Some airlines may have policies on breastfeeding. It’s a good idea to contact them before your flight to understand more about this.
Here are some more things to consider when breastfeeding on a plane:
- Keep hydrated. It is important to ensure you are drinking water during flights too.
- An aisle or window seat may be more comfortable as you will have more room to feed.
- Consider the timing of your flight and how it will impact your baby’s routine.
- Wear comfortable clothes and pack a spare top in your hand luggage in case of any accidents.
If it’s a warm climate, fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they’ve started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual.
Remember that breastmilk or infant formula should be their main drinks during the first year.
In hot weather, you may need to offer some additional water outside of mealtimes from around 6 months. Breastfeeding parents should keep well hydrated too.
Remember storage guidance on expressed breast milk and discard any expressed breast milk that is not finished after a feed.
Useful links
Health for Under 5’s – Expressing breastmilk: your questions answered
Health for Under 5’s – Travel and holidays
Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
