Pumping on the Go Essentials
Pumping on the go can be a daunting task for any new mom, especially if you are exclusively pumping. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and tips, pumping on the go can be just as easy as pumping at home. Make skipping outings or get-togethers due to the inconvenience of pumping a thing of the past with these pumping on the go essentials.
I think the trick to making pumping on the go successful is to be organize. Sure, you can use your wearable breast pump to pump your breast milk, but how are you going to store it once its pump? How are you going to keep your pump clean? Thankfully, there are some quick and easy solutions, it’s just a matter of making sure you have them on hand in your pumping bag.
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Key Takeaways
- Skipping outings or get-togethers due to the inconvenience of pumping is a thing of the past.
- The trick to making pumping on the go successful is to be organize.
- Start with the essentials, and then add extras as you need them. You don’t need your whole pumping station with you when you’re out and about.
Essentials for Pumping on the Go
Whether you’re at work, travelling, or just heading to a friend’s house, here’s my list of breast pump essentials specifically for pumping on the go.
Portable Breast Pump
If you’re pumping on the go, you will need a portable breast pump that can come with you. The type you use will come down to your individual needs and preferences.
A manual breast pump, like a Haakaa, is a very affordable option and great for occasional use but may not be ideal for frequent or prolonged pumping sessions.
Wearable breast pumps, like the all in one Momcozy M5 or a hands free Medela Freestyle, are my preferred option for those that are pumping on the go regularly. They are perfect for being discreet and being hands-free.
Portable electric pumps, like the Spectra S1, can generally be plugged into a power source of run of a rechargeable battery. They are great if you are using them regularly, however they can be bulking and less discreet than a wearable breast pump.
Make sure if you are using a wearable or portable breast pump, you also have the correct flange size on hand and a spare flange insert if needed.
Pumping Bra
Unless you are using a manual breast pump, you’ll want to invest in a great hands-free pumping bra. It makes pumping more convenient and allows you to have your free hands.
Pump Bag
You’re going to need somewhere to put all your pumping gear and a pump bag the perfect solution. They are different to a diaper bag as they have dedicated compartments to keep your breast pump and parts safe and secure. Many also come with insulated compartments to help with the storage of your pumped milk. Depend on the size of the pump bag you get, it can also be large enough to also carry all your diapering essentials, which is great as then you can carry everything you need all in the one bag.
Portable Drying Rack with Brushes
A portable pump cleaning kit can help you quickly clean and dry your pump equipment when away from home. Depending on the kit you buy, you will generally get a cleaning brush and tines that allow for easy drying. It easily fits in a diaper bag and is the perfect solution for cleaning pump parts on the go.
Breast Pump Wipes
Breast pump wipes are a great alternative to cleaning pump parts with soap and water. They’re safe for cleaning breast pumps, breast shields, and accessories and will kill any germs or bacteria. These are a must in my books for convenience when pumping on the go!
Cooler
If you’re planning to travel long distances with breast milk you will need a breast milk cooler to ensure that your breast milk does not spoil.
I recommend reading my guide on how to store breast milk for more tips on storing your breast milk on the go.
Storage Bags
When you’re on the go, you want to minimize the amount and weight of things you need to carry with you. That’s why I love using milk storage bags. They are incredibly lightweight and can easily be stacked to reduce the amount of space needed to store them. Ideally you have a pump that can pump directly into storage bags, but if not, pump into bottles and transfer to the bags when you get the chance.
Nipple Cream
Just because you are on the go it doesn’t mean that your nipples won’t get sore while pumping. I highly recommend carrying a small tube of nipple cream with you to apply after your pumping session.
Breast Pads
The last thing you want is for leakages to show through your clothing when you’re out and about, so make sure you pack a couple of breast pads to soak up any milk leaks.
Hand Sanitizer
Washing your hands before pumping isn’t always possible when you’re on the go, so I always recommend keeping a travel size hand sanitizer on you to help kill any germs. I use it prior to touching any of my pumping equipment and before each pumping session.
Muslin Burp Cloth
From cleaning up spills to protecting your clothing to using as a light cover, muslin burp cloths are great to have in your pumping bag. They are lightweight and can be rolled up so they don’t take up much room.
Tissues and Wet Wipes
Accidents and spills are inevitable during pumping sessions, making tissues and wet wipes essential for quick clean-ups. Whether it’s a spill of breast milk or a runny nose, having these items on hand, especially on the go, can be a life saver.
Baby Bottles and Nipple
Whether or not you need baby bottles and nipples in your pumping bag will depend if you are also planning to feed your baby your expressed breast milk on the go or not. If you are only pumping for later consumption, then there is not much point carrying the extra bulk of bottle with you. However, if you’re planning to also feed your baby then you will need baby bottles, complete with suitable nipples, to feed them.
Portable Bottle Warmer
Similar to the baby bottles, if you plan to also feed your baby whilst on the go, you will want a portable bottle warmer that warms up baby’s milk on the go.
Snacks and Water
Pumping is hard work! Make sure you have a few breastfeeding snacks like granola bars in your pumping go bag for those times when you’re hungry but might not be able to easily grab food. And don’t forget to bring your water bottle to stay hydrated!
