How to Nurse a Baby while Flying in a Plane

You are about to embark on a plane ride but are nervous about being away from home with a nursing baby confined in a rather public place that allows little privacy. It is actually much easier to travel with a nursing baby than one who is using a bottle. Being prepared and having a knowledge of what works best for you will make the trip much easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• pillow or Boppy Pillow
• water
• receiving blanket
• nursing bra
• nursing or large shirts
• nursing pads
• travel breast pump if desired

Preparation

1. Know before you leave where you are most comfortable breastfeeding.
2. Pack the items that you may need to nurse and store the items in an easily accessible area in the diaper bag.
3. Know each flight and layover times. If possible, find this out weeks or days in advance. This will allow you time to adjust the baby's nursing schedule if necessary.

On the Trip

4. Choose a window seat if possible. This will allow you to have one breast with no one nearby it and will allow you to have more privacy.
5. Nurse while taking off and landing. No one is walking around the cabin area and the sucking helps the baby's ears from popping.
6. Nurse while taking off and landing. No one is walking around the cabin area and the sucking helps the baby's ears from popping.
7. Keep hydrated! Bring a large water on the plane with you if allowed by security. The courtesy cup given by the airline will not be enough.
8. Nurse with the baby in a sling or cover with a blanket.
9. Nurse the baby in the restroom if all else fails.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a nursing bra.
• Wear nursing or loose tops that allow the baby to go under your shirt.
• If available, "family restrooms" typically are quiet places to nurse a baby in an airport.
• Bring a travel pump so you can bottle-feed in the plane seat if necessary.
• No matter what the controversy, your baby needs to eat. Don't worry about what others may think.