One thing that many moms don’t like to do is breastfeed while flying. But it doesn’t have to be that way! While it may sound like too much work or even scary, traveling with a breastfeed baby doesn’t have to an ordeal.
One big question breastfeeding moms want to know is where they can breastfeed their baby while flying. And the answer is easier than you may think.
Whether you’re comfortable breastfeeding in public, or you would prefer more privacy, finding a place to comfortably breastfeed your baby while flying doesn’t have to be a stress factor. I flew with my breastfed baby when he was only seven months old, and it was much more doable than I had anticipated.
In this post, I’m going to share with you six places you can look for to breastfeed your baby when you fly.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Where To Breastfeed While Flying
1. Anywhere, Anytime
If you’re planning to fly with your breastfed baby, know that you have the legal right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime—even if it’s a public location (source). If you’re nervous about flying with a breastfed baby, don’t be. You will be free to nurse your baby anywhere that works for you and your baby.
If you’re like me and are uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public places, don’t get stressed out about it. I flew with my breastfed son when he was about seven months old, and I was able to find many locations to feed him in relative privacy. If you do end up needing to nurse (or pump) in a public space, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself feel more comfortable.
2. Nursing Rooms
If you’re looking for a private space to breastfeed, nursing rooms are my top pick for airports. Many major airports offer these private rooms for moms to nurse or pump breast milk for their baby. Nursing rooms typically have several comfortable chairs for moms to use, as well as diaper changing tables.
To find these rooms, look for “nursing room” or “mother’s room” on the airport’s terminal map. You can find them in advance before your trip (advisable if possible), or look at the maps provided in the terminal when you arrive.
3. Mamava Pods
I first found out about these pumping and breastfeeding pods when I was planning our trip to New England, back when Elijah was seven months old. And I was pleasantly surprised by the experience when I got to use one of the two Mamava Pods located in Logan Airport.
Mamava Pods are small, portable pods designed specifically for breastfeeding and pumping moms to use while on the go. They come equipped with an outlet, bench to sit on, a counter space to set your pump (or whatever), and plenty of space for your bags. There’s even enough space to hold other children inside the pod if you are traveling with multiple kids.
The pods lock, of course, and are surprisingly comfortable to use while feeding your baby. While it’s not sound proof, it sufficiently muffled the outside noise. I was able to comfortably breastfeed my easily distracted baby without all the noise and distraction of the airport. Definitely recommended if nursing rooms are unavailable in your airport.
To see if your airport has a Mamava Pod, check the Mamava website as well as the airport’s terminal maps.
4. First Aid Stations
If the airport you are at doesn’t have nursing rooms or Mamava Pods, you might check a first aid station for a private spot to breastfeed. While I haven’t had experience with this myself, I have read of other moms who have had success with First Aid stations.
Some First Aid stations have a back room that they will allow you to use if you need a private place to pump or nurse. It’s worth asking about if you can’t find a place set aside for breastfeeding moms.
5. Family Restrooms
Now, hear me out on this one. Yes, I am aware that restrooms are typically not a sanitary place to be pumping or feeding your child. And no, you don’t have to breastfeed in a bathroom if you don’t want to. By law, you are free to breastfeed anywhere. But, if you are uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, a family restroom may offer a last resort in the absence of a more suitable place.
Some—not all—family restrooms have a sitting area set apart from the main bathroom area. Assuming the restroom is kept clean, this sitting area may provide you a private place to sit and nurse (or pump). If you do want to go this route, use your discretion. Don’t feed your baby in a setting that isn’t clean, and don’t place your pump/pump parts anywhere unsanitary.
6. On the Plane
Last but not least, there’s always the plane if you are unable to privately breastfeed in the airport. While it may not sound like this is a private setting to feed your baby, it can be more private than a busy airport. On a plane, you will likely only have a couple people sitting with you, and a few across the aisle from you.
A window seat may be the easiest seat to breastfeed in, plus it provides you a wall to lean on and help support your baby. If you don’t have a window seat, it never hurts to ask to switch with someone who does. The worst they can say is no!
What has been your breastfeeding experience while flying?
Have you ever breastfed while flying, or are you planning to in the future? Share with me in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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