Breastfeeding while traveling

"It's easiest to travel with a baby who is still sucking. The food is always there, at the right temperature, hygienically safe, and you can feed the baby at any time. "

During the trip, you will breastfeed your baby the way you breastfed him/her until then. However, before you leave, it is good to prepare and inform yourself.

Traveling by car

It is easiest to travel by car with a small child. Traveling with a baby is much easier than when the child is older. While driving, your child must always be in an age-appropriate safety seat. When it's time to breastfeed, take a break.

Traveling by plane

During the take-off and landing, due to the change in air pressure, we feel pressure on the ears (eardrums). Your baby may be agitated and cranky because of this. Breastfeeding will help him/her reduce discomfort and pain. Your baby must have a infant seat belt during breastfeeding.

If you plan to bring your expressed breastmilk, check with the airline whether there are any restrictions on bringing liquids on the plane; follow the recommendations for storing and transporting expressed breastmilk.

Breastfeeding in other countries

If you are traveling abroad, it is helpful to find out about views on breastfeeding in the destination country. You can get information online or from a travel agency.

Breastfeeding in public is acceptable in most countries, but in some countries the mother is expected to be covered while breastfeeding; bring a scarf or blanket to cover yourself while breastfeeding your baby.

Reduced amount of milk

During the trip, you may notice that the amount of milk decreases, due to stress, fatigue, dehydration. What you need to do to prevent this:

  • Rest as much as possible, including during the day
  • Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water
  • Eat regularly, more often than usual
  • Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages

Medications and breastfeeding

If you are taking any medications during the trip, for nausea, leg swelling or for other reasons, consult your doctor about whether it is safe to take them while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding at the seaside

  • Cold sea water will not affect breastfeeding, nor does sea water contain any ingredients that would affect breastmilk production.
  • You will enjoy swimming even more than usual; it will alleviate the back pain that every mother feels, and it can also contribute to the loss of any excess weight.
  • Sunbathing has no effect on breastfeeding; take care that your breasts or areolas do not get sunburned, because it can be very painful.
  • Sunscreens do not enter the bloodstream in larger quantities; nevertheless, using a herbal one is recommended. When applying the sunscreen, be careful not to apply it on the areas from which the baby could ingest it.
  • Do not use self-tanning products during breastfeeding
  • After swimming, change out of your wet bathing suit; the moisture retained around the nipples in a synthetic suit is conducive to the development of fungal infections (thrush).
  • If you are breastfeeding on the beach, wash your breasts with fresh water before breastfeeding to wash away sweat, sand and sea salt. Sit comfortably in the shade with your baby, if it will make you feel more comfortable, cover yourself with a light scarf.

Do I need to breastfeed my baby more often during the summer vacation?

In summer heat, babies also have an increased need for fluids. An exclusively breastfed baby gets water only from breastmilk, so he/she needs to be offered to suckle more often. The child him/herself will ask to suckle more often; don't be surprised if these feeds are short; your baby is thirsty, not hungry, so foremilk, with a higher water content, is enough. If your child is already getting solid food, after the age of 6 months, give him/her water to drink more often.