Roadtripping while breastfeeding? 5 essential hacks for moms

Beach vacay? Glamping? A roadtrip to see your in-laws? So many moms and their littles hit the road every summer. If this will be your first car trip while nursing or pumping -- check out these five hacks to help make your trip a smooth one! 

Hack 1: Packing and organizing like a pro 

Who else lives for lists?! Before we had kids I could pack for a trip in minutes (throw everything in a bag and hope for the best). But now I rely on lists to make sure EVERYTHING travels with us. 

Pumping moms – lay out all your pump parts the night before and take an inventory. We love this bag from BeMyBreastfriend that can help you stay organized. Don’t forget the containers to store the milk and your pumping pillow. Also if you have a portable pump don’t forget that as well!

Easy nursing clothes can help with pumping and nursing on the go. Many moms love the easy access nursing tops provide (especially during rest stops on a car trip). 

Hack 2: Keeping your breastmilk chilly

If you plan to pump along the way, make sure you figure out how you want to store your breastmilk. According to the CDC, freshly expressed or pumped breastmilk can be kept at room temperature for up to four hours. If you'll be traveling longer than that, you'll want to look at bringing a small cooler with ice packs to keep your breastmilk cold. You may want to consider using a cooler that plugs into your car. These are super handy and you'll never worry about ice melting! 

The CDC notes that "breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it." 

Click here to look at the full guidelines from the CDC when it comes to storing your milk on the go. 

Hack 3: Drink LOTS of water

A water bottle and snacks are essentials! It is so important to stay hydrated and keep your supply up during your road trip. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as a breastfeeding mom you need about 16 cups (128 fl oz) of water per day. What does that look like? 16 cups of water is equivalent to a gallon, so think of a gallon of milk. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not much of a water person. But don't worry, there are realistic ways to stay hydrated while breastfeeding. Here are a few tips:

• Pack your insulated water bottle to keep your drinks cool and refreshing.
• Snack on water-rich foods like cucumbers, melon, strawberries, oranges, and lettuce.
• Avoid going long stretches without fluids—set reminders on your phone if needed. You may have to stop a lot during the trip but that's better than being dehydrated! 
• Avoid high-sugar drinks over hydrating fluids, while they are fun in small quantities, they can impact your ben

Here are some other suggestions to help you stay hydrated on the road. 

Hack 4: Map out your stops before you hit the road 

Plan your stops before you pull out of the driveway! We always tried to pullover around the time the baby needed to eat. This will help make sure your child doesn't get too hungry (and thus fussy) in the car. If you're pumping, keep your normal routine to help your breasts from becoming engorged. Also just take a break to rest! Walk around for a few minutes and take in some fresh air. It's great for you and the little one.  Of course, plans can sometimes go out the window! So, budget some extra time to give yourself a break when you need it! 

Hack 5: Find a place to pull over where you feel comfortable to nurse

Find a place that works for you to nurse or pump. I nursed in the car, but also inside restaurants and at the park. Do what feels right for you and your baby. Keep in mind there are breastfeeding laws in all 50 states to protect your right to feed your baby anywhere at any time -- covered or uncovered. That includes public or private locations.

Flying with your breastfeeding child anytime soon? Check out these hacks: