How To Manage Breastmilk And Meals When Traveling With A Baby Or Toddler
Here are some tried-and-tested tips and tricks on how to manage meals when traveling with a baby or toddler.
I think one of the trickiest parts of traveling with babies, toddlers and young kids is being prepared for meal times, so I hope this post is helpful.
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Traveling with a newborn baby to 6 months old
During this phase most babies are mostly on milk and/or formula, so actually it’s not too difficult to plan “what” to feed your child. The tricky part is the “how”, especially on flights and long days out and about.
The first thing to know is you are allowed to take as much breastmilk, formula and water as you want for your baby on flights. The rules for bringing liquids on a plane do not apply to moms with babies. Some airlines have rules about bringing hot water on board, but do not worry you can always ask for hot water on the plane when you need it.
How to carry breastmilk and hot water on a flight
If you’re traveling with breastmilk, then pack a cooler bag with ice packs for frozen breastmilk and milk bottles. Breastmilk tends to stay fresh with ice packs in a cooler bag for up to 24 hours. While on flights and long days out and about, I kept my frozen breast milk as well as milk in bottles ready-to-drink in a cooler bag with ice packs.
Portion out formula beforehand
If you’re traveling with formula, then make sure to prepare about 4 formula feeds in a separate container and keep room temperature water in a few bottles separately. I keep a large insulated mug with hot water, so that on flights and on-the-go I can quickly warm up milk or formula.
Traveling with babies aged 6 months to 12 months
Once my son was about 6 months he started on solids and then the “what” of meal prep on-the-go became the tricky part. While traveling, my son was basically on a diet of mashed banana (alternated with avocado if available) mixed into Nestle Cerelac instant baby cereal or quick cook oats for breakfast. Bananas are easily available anywhere and everywhere, so it’s a really easy and filling breakfast meal.
Keep some pre-cooked meals, ready made purees, or jars of baby food
For lunch and dinner, to keep things simple I opted for ready-made pureed food or carried portions of rice cooked with either veggies and lentils/rice congee. On flights baby meals are available but I think it’s wise to err on the side of caution and keep extra jars of baby food you know your baby likes (and be sure to introduce it well before you travel so can see if baby likes it or not).
Stay in a hotel or apartment with a kitchen
While traveling I always opt to stay in a hotel or serviced apartment with a kitchen, so I can cook fresh meals. I pack some rice, lentils, and dry spices as well as a portable steamer/blender, so I can quickly whip up a meal. It’s important to mention that rice cannot be cooked in a steamer/blender; it’s mainly used to steam and blend veggies. I usually cook once a day and split the food into two meals for lunch and dinner.
Most hotels are happy to prepare baby meals if guided, so rice congee or rice and tomato soup are good options. I think the key is to ensure you have access to a kitchen and fridge, so you are prepared for all scenarios.
Get your baby or toddler used to room temperature food
Here’s a hack that worked for me: carry refrigerated cold food and let it get to room temperature on its own, if you know meal time is an hour or two away. This way the food is ready to eat without having to worry about warming it up. The trick is to get your baby used to room temperature food and milk beforehand.
Related:
Beach Trip Packing List For Babies And Toddlers
Tips For Traveling With A Baby On A Flight
Traveling with a toddler aged 12 months to 18 months
I think the only major change for traveling with a toddler 12 to 18 months is that a steamer/blender isn’t necessary.
For breakfast, try quick cook oats boiled with milk with mashed banana or avocado. Quick cook oats are also very easy to cook on-the-go, if you have access to a kitchen.
For lunch and dinner, try a steady diet of rice cooked with veggies and lentils, rice congee, and fried rice and tomato soup following the tips mentioned before. I like this Skip Hop Insulated Food Jar to carry meals. It’s compact, spill-proof, and keeps food warm for hours.
Most toddlers at 12 months start cow’s milk, so long-life UHT milk boxes are great for traveling and being on-the-go. If I’m not sure I can get fresh milk easily wherever I am or don’t want the hassle of having to warm up milk for each feed, then I pack enough boxes of UHT milk for my trip. They can be stored for weeks and months at room temperature.
Traveling with a toddler 18 months+
At this point my son’s teeth (and taste buds) developed for him to easily eat food and snacks prepared outside home, so it made it a a lot easier whenever we are traveling or out.
I introduced things like yogurt, cheese and organic veggie snacks bought from the store as snack options.
At this age, meals like pasta with tomato sauce; macaroni and cheese; lentils and rice; or stuffed rotis/paranthas with pumpkin/sweet potato are great options while traveling with a toddler.
I hope you found the tips and tricks above helpful. Let me know your comments and questions below.