Travelling While Breastfeeding: A Practical Guide for Parents
Travelling with a baby is a new adventure. While it may look a little different from the trips you took before becoming a parent, breastfeeding doesn't have to stop you from exploring the world.
Whether planning a city break, a beach holiday or visiting family overseas, travelling while breastfeeding is entirely possible with a little preparation. Understanding your destination, knowing what to expect during your journey & packing thoughtfully can help make travelling more enjoyable for both you & your baby.
Plan Ahead
The key to stress-free travel is preparation.
Before you leave, take time to research your destination. Consider factors such as climate, access to healthcare, availability of pharmacies & family-friendly facilities (1). If you are travelling internationally, familiarise yourself with local customs around breastfeeding, although in many countries breastfeeding in public is widely accepted.
If you are flying, check your airline's guidance regarding carrying expressed breast milk, formula, breast pumps & cooling packs. Policies can vary slightly between airlines & airports (2).
Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation
Where you stay can make a significant difference to your experience (3).
Look for accommodation that offers:
A refrigerator for storing expressed milk if required
Kitchen facilities for sterilising equipment
Laundry facilities
Easy access to shops & pharmacies
A quiet environment for rest & feeding
Self-catering apartments or family suites can often provide greater flexibility than standard hotel rooms.
Packing Essentials
Packing efficiently helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Your travel bag may include (4):
Breast pads
Muslin cloths
Nursing-friendly clothing
Plenty of nappies & wipes
Spare clothes for you & your baby
A lightweight blanket
Breast pump (if expressing)
Milk storage bags or bottles
Cooling bag & ice packs if needed
Hand sanitiser
It is also worth packing a few extra supplies in case of travel delays.
Flying While Breastfeeding
Many parents worry about flying, but breastfeeding can actually make the journey easier.
Feeding during take-off & landing can help babies equalise pressure in their ears, making the flight more comfortable.
Do not worry if your baby's feeding routine changes while travelling. New environments, warmer temperatures & disrupted sleep patterns may all influence feeding frequency.
Allow plenty of time at the airport & do not be afraid to ask staff if you need assistance.
Staying Comfortable During Your Trip
Travelling can be tiring, especially with an infant.
Remember to:
Stay well hydrated
Eat regular nutritious meals
Take regular breaks
Wear comfortable clothing
Avoid becoming overtired
Accept that your itinerary may need to be more flexible (5)
Planning fewer activities each day often leads to a more enjoyable holiday for everyone.
Understanding Local Healthcare
Hopefully you won't need medical assistance, but it's reassuring to know where to access help if required.
Before travelling, identify:
The nearest hospital
Local pharmacies
Emergency telephone numbers
Your travel insurance details
If your baby has any ongoing medical needs, carry a summary of their medical information & ensure you have enough medication for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays.
Destinations That Are Great for Families
While every family is different, many destinations are particularly well suited to travelling with young children because of their excellent healthcare, accessible transport & welcoming atmosphere (6).
Some popular options include:
Portugal
Spain
Denmark
Sweden
Norway
The Netherlands
Austria
Switzerland
Singapore
Japan
Canada
New Zealand
These destinations generally offer reliable healthcare, clean public facilities, good transport networks & plenty of family-friendly attractions, helping parents feel more confident while away from home.
Be Flexible
Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to adjust your expectations.
Travelling with a baby is less about ticking off landmarks & more about enjoying time together. Allow for unexpected stops, slower mornings & changes to your plans. Some of the best travel memories come from simply enjoying the moment rather than sticking rigidly to an itinerary.
Confidence Comes with Preparation
Breastfeeding while travelling may require a little more organisation, but it should never prevent you from seeing the world.
With thoughtful planning, realistic expectations & the right support, travelling with your baby can be a rewarding experience that builds confidence & creates lasting family memories.
How Can Journeys For Health Help?
At Journeys For Health, we believe healthy travel starts long before you leave home. If you are travelling with a newborn, managing a long-term health condition, or simply looking for practical travel health advice, personalised preparation can help you travel with greater confidence, comfort & peace of mind.
We provide evidence-based guidance tailored to your individual needs, including destination-specific health advice, travelling with medications, managing medical conditions abroad, accessible travel planning, & practical strategies to help you prepare for a safe & enjoyable journey.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is intended for general educational purposes only & should not replace personalised advice from your GP, health visitor, midwife, lactation consultant or other qualified healthcare professional. Travel health advice should always be tailored to your individual health needs, your baby's age & health & your destination. Airline regulations, customs requirements & local healthcare services may vary, so always check the latest guidance before travelling. If you or your baby become unwell while travelling, seek medical advice promptly.
References
1. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Traveling Safely with Infants and Children. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/travel
2. International Air Transport Association (IATA). (2025). Travel Advice for Passengers. Available at: https://www.iata.org
3. La Leche League International. (2025). Breastfeeding While Travelling. Available at: https://llli.org
4. Royal College of Midwives. (2024). Infant Feeding Resources. Available at: https://www.rcm.org.uk
5. World Health Organization. (2023). Infant and Young Child Feeding. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
6. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. (2025). Breastfeeding Information. Available at: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/
