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Summer is approaching and that means VACATION! If you’re like me you can’t wait for a nice getaway. If you’re also like me then the thought of flying with a baby has you thinking of all sorts of things! You may be excited, overwhelmed, stressed, nervous…that’s all perfectly normal mama! However, that’s why I’m here! I’m here to tell you that flying with a breastfed baby ISN’T BAD! I promise! Honestly, with all of the rules involving liquid, I think flying with a breastfed baby is easier!
I flew with Little One this time last year. She was 7 months old, and it was my first time flying with a baby. Talk about NERVOUS, I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully everything went smoothly, like extremely smooth I was shocked! Keep reading for my 10 tips on breastfeeding on an airplane!
1. Wear a Comfortable Nursing Top
I know some people aren’t fans of nursing tops, but I think it’s important for a plane ride. When you’re flying you want to be comfortable, you also want to be able to EASILY and QUICKLY nurse your baby. I wore a button-down shirt with a nursing cami underneath. I also suggest this nursing top from motherhood, it has side access and keeps you pretty covered if that’s a concern for you.
2. Wear your Baby
Yes, if you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know that I LOVE my Tula! I wore Little One the entire time. Through bag check, security check, while waiting to board, and when we got off the plane. It was a LIFESAVER! Oh my gosh, the carrier made everything a breeze. We didn’t bother with bringing a stroller, so we were completely hands-free. Another big plus is that you can nurse in the carrier! Yep, which makes everything super easy.
3. Bring a Muslin Blanket or Nursing Cover
I like a little bit of privacy when nursing, I know some women don’t care and that’s fine. Personally, I’m pretty shy so letting it all hang out isn’t for me. That’s where a light blanket comes in handy. I opted for a muslin blanket since it’s lighter. I didn’t want to fiddle with the cover on the plane, again, you want to EASILY and QUICKLY nurse your baby! We flew Southwest so we were able to choose our seats, but if you’re flying a different airline you may have assigned seats. Being able to have a little barrier between you and someone you don’t know is kinda nice!
4. Choose a Window Seat
Again, I like privacy so I opted for a window seat. That allowed me to nurse comfortably. This also gave Little One a chance to look out the window. We didn’t do screen-time at all when she was a baby, so a window seat helped in that area as well.
5. Nurse during Take-off and Landing
Pressure from landing and take-off is pretty annoying. I can only imagine how it feels for a baby. I made sure to latch Little One during landing and take off.
6. Bring a Manual Breast Pump
Whether you nurse or you pump exclusively, it’s always nice to have a manual pump. Although I didn’t use mine it was nice to have just in case. I have the Medela manual pump. It works well and gets the job done. I suggest bringing a manual pump in your carry on and packing the electric pump in your checked luggage. For me, less is best when on the plane.
7. Find the Lactation Rooms Before you Arrive
For me, this was a must. I personally need to know what’s available to me before I go somewhere. Finding out if your airport has a Lactation Room at your Terminal is important. Especially if you just want a quiet moment with your baby before you board the plane. I don’t know about you, but I always get a better nursing session when it’s just us with no distractions. Also, at 7 months we were in the distractible stage, so a quiet spot was nice.
8. Have snacks and water
I didn’t bring a water bottle, but I did take advantage of the complimentary water on the plane. Snacks are a must, we all know breastfeeding leaves you HUNGRY! I opted for easy snacks, granola bars, nuts, and an apple. You can always choose what’s best for you.
9. Bring a Change of Clothes
For you and for baby. If you still have an EBF baby then you know those poops! Having a change of clothes in a must. I kept everything in one bag. I purchased this from Amazon and it worked out perfectly! I was able to keep diapers, wipes, diaper balm, and a change of clothes all in one place.
10. Patience
Last but not least, have a little patience mama! Yes, flying with a baby can be diffierent, but if you plan ahead of time you may find that it can be a breeze. Just take a deep breath and relax!
Have you taken a flight with a breastfeeding baby before? Was it difficult? Let me know in the comments!
I will be flying again this year with a toddler. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on my tips and advice!
-xoxo
