Breastfeeding and travel

Breastmilk is instantly on hand and contains immune factors, so it is the safest food and drink for your baby while travelling. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, you won’t have to worry about unclean water supplies or sterilising bottles.

In developing countries, avoid travelling with a baby outside major centres. There is a higher risk of disease and it can be difficult to find good medical facilities.

Cultural sensitivity when breastfeeding#

Many families with babies travel to visit and stay with family and friends. If this is the case for you, you will most likely already know what is normal and polite in the country you are visiting.

Babies are welcome in most places, and can be a great way to help you interact with the people you meet on your travels. Breastfeeding in public is generally accepted, but people in some countries may consider it offensive. Before travelling, check the local customs of the country you are visiting, for example through your country’s embassy or consulate or an official travel advisory service. A discreetly placed shawl or wrap is very useful when breastfeeding in a public place.

Immunisation and breastfeeding#

See your doctor to discuss vaccinations before you travel. Research suggests that vaccinations are safe for mothers and babies. However, a newborn baby cannot be vaccinated against some diseases, and breastmilk will only offer limited protection. Unless you really must travel, it may be wiser to delay your trip until your baby is older.

Malaria and breastfeeding#

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. If you are travelling to a place where malaria is present, you will need to take anti-malarial medication. Small amounts of this medication will pass to your baby through your breastmilk. Doctors do not think this is harmful, but the amount your baby receives in milk will not be enough to protect them against malaria.

Before you travel, discuss with your doctor which medications and dosages will be suitable for your baby. To reduce mosquito bites:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and make sure your baby’s skin is well covered with clothes.
• Wear insect repellent. Do not put insect repellent on your baby’s hands, as they may swallow the lotion if they suck their fingers. Instead, keep them in a pram covered with netting in areas where mosquitoes are a problem.
• Use insect sprays or mosquito coils in your room.
• Sleep under mosquito nets – both you and your baby.

Other medications while breastfeeding#

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal remedies, can pass to your baby through your breastmilk. Generally the amounts are so small that taking the medication is usually fine while you are breastfeeding. Only take medications prescribed or recommended by a doctor who knows you are breastfeeding.

If possible, take with you all the safe over-the-counter medications you think you may need during your trip. Remember that other countries may not have familiar brands, and what you assume to be a suitable substitute may not be a good thing to take while breastfeeding.

Maintaining breastmilk supply when travelling#

Some women find their milk supply temporarily decreases at times during a trip. This could be due to dehydration after flying, illness such as travellers’ diarrhoea, or simply fewer opportunities to breastfeed. It may help if you:

• continue to breastfeed as often as your baby wants
• drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, especially on long-distance flights, and avoid caffeinated drinks
• get enough rest and plan plenty of rest breaks and feed breaks
• avoid smoking and smoky environments

Tips for breastfeeding when travelling#

• Ask friends or your travel agent for advice on child-friendly airlines, as some are more accommodating than others. Speak directly with the airline if you have questions or concerns.
• Be aware that water does not come to a full boil on aeroplanes. Make sure you can breastfeed, or take sterile water with you if you need to make up infant formula.
• If you are unsure whether baby products will be available at your destination, take enough supplies to last the whole trip.
• Take sachets of an oral rehydration product (to treat fluid and electrolyte loss) in case you or your baby gets diarrhoea. If your baby gets diarrhoea while travelling, keep breastfeeding. It is fine to go back to exclusive breastfeeding for a while until your baby is better.
• If you express milk, take your own equipment (such as a breast pump). Remember a power adaptor if your breast pump is electric.
• If you are travelling alone, ask the airline whether they can give you an ‘assistant’ to help you at each stop – for example, to collect your luggage and help you on and off the plane.
• While travelling by plane, try to time your baby’s feeds so they are drinking during take-off and landing. This helps avoid ear pain caused by changes in cabin pressure.

Keeping your baby and belongings safe#

Thieves tend to target people travelling with young children, because parents are often distracted and less able to hold on to their bags. Carry your valuables on your body, such as in a neck pouch or money belt worn under your clothes.

Carrying your baby in a sling or a specially designed backpack carrier can make it easier to get around places like airports, train stations and bus terminals. You will also know exactly where your baby or toddler is, that they are safe and secure, and that they can gain comfort from being close to you.

Where to get help#