BEST COOLER FOR TRAVELING WITH BREAST MILK

THE 12 BEST COOLERS FOR TRAVELING WITH BREAST MILK

As a mom that breastfed for more than 14 months, one of the most important things to me while traveling was storing my liquid gold. Our guide for the best coolers for breast milk will help you travel easier.

Traveling with breast milk is easier than you think. All you need is the right equipment and information.

Before we get started, you can get through TSA with breast milk. There is no limit to the amount of breast milk you can take when you travel.

The number one thing you need when traveling with breast milk is a good cooler to keep your breast milk cold or frozen. The best coolers for breast milk are lightweight, durable, insulated, and have storage.

My wife even flew to Cleveland, Ohio, from San Diego, California, with 1,400 oz of frozen breast milk for our six-month-old son, so we know a thing or two.

Our guide for the best coolers for breast milk will help make your journey, easier, and hopefully save you a lot of time, research, and frustration.

Do I need a breast milk cooler?

The short answer is yes. If you plan on traveling or being away from your little one for an extended time, you will need a cooler for your breast milk.

Breast milk is precious and one of the most important things in regulating and preserving the temperature.

How do you use a breast milk cooler bag?

Many people may think this is an easy question, but the most important thing when traveling with a cooler for breast milk is to leave it closed. Once you store your milk, do not open the cooler unless it is necessary.

When you continuously open and close the cooler, you are changing the temperature inside, especially if you are traveling with frozen breast milk. When my wife flew from San Diego to Cleveland with 1,400 oz of breast milk, it was still completely frozen, after the 10-hour journey.

BEST COOLERS FOR TRAVELING WITH BREAST MILK COMPARISON TABLE

Our guide for the best coolers for traveling with breast milk is based on my experience throughout my breastfeeding journey. We speak from experience, so the coolers on our list are all great for moms on the go, whether you are pumping at work or traveling.

THE BEST COOLER BAG FOR BREAST MILK TRAVEL

Traveling with breast milk isn’t as difficult as many people think. Most TSA and international airport security will let you by without a problem.

The most crucial thing is having the right cooler to keep your breast milk at the right temperature. The travel breast milk coolers in this section are great for traveling with fleshly pumped or cold milk.

Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Bag

The Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Bag is our favorite based on the price, features, size, and additional storage.

This is the cooler that I used while pumping at work. It was easy to clip onto my laptop bag and put it in the fridge when I finished pumping. I also like the additional space to store my pump pieces.

If you use a wider bottle, such as Como Tomo or Tommee Tippee, you can fit four or five bottles in this cooler, depending on the size.

We used the 5 oz and 9 oz bottles for our son, they were better for his tummy, and they helped with gas. Plus, as a bonus, it can fit wine bottles, that’s always a win.

Our blog is a no-judgment zone. You’ve earned it, so don’t be hard on yourself. You can keep your baby’s food warm or milk cold when needed. The option of the detachable buckle of should strap makes it easy to carry on the go.

My one drawback is that there is only one color available. Our cooler got dirty pretty quickly, but that may be my fault because I did throw it around a little bit.

Note: If you like this brand and want a different print, this Momcozy floral cooler bag, may be an option.

Not compact, like other bags
Need to purchase an ice pack separately
Only one color available

Elvira Insulated Tote Bag

The Elvira Insulated Tote Bag is a stylish cooler bag for moms, that want more style from their breast milk cooler. This cooler bag looks more like a purse, so if you want something fashionable, this is it.

The inside is lined with aluminum, so it’s easier to clean and will stay cold for longer periods. This cooler is easy to clean, so spills can be cleaned up quickly. The outside material is water and dirt-resistant, so overall this is a solid breast milk cooler.

Stylish working moms will love this cooler to keep their breast milk cold while traveling. Plus, the additional front and back pockets give extra storage space for pump pieces.

Pros

Additional storage pockets
Different colors/prints/designs available
Shoulder strap included
Waterproof material

Cons

Need to purchase an ice pack separately
Uncomfortable/short handle

Tiblue Breastmilk Cooler Bag Reviews

Mommy Knows Best Breastmilk Cooler Bag

The Mommy Knows Best Breastmilk Cooler Bag doesn’t fit as many bottles as the other cooler bags on our list, but it is perfect for moms that use tall bottles. You can easily fit four Dr. Brown’s bottles inside of this cooler.

The additional front storage pocket is perfect for keeping additional breast milk storage bags. This cooler bag is small enough to fit inside your breast pump bag, so there are no additional bags to carry. Your milk will stay colder longer, with the double insulated material.

Overall, if you are looking for an affordable option to keep your breast milk cold, then this is the best breast milk cooler bag for you.

Pros

Decent capacity (6 bottles)
Front pocket for storage
Fits into breast pump bag
Shoulder strap for carrying

Cons

Uncomfortable carrying strap
No bucket to clip onto stroller or bag
Lining is not waterproof

Mommy Knows Best Breastmilk Cooler Bag Reviews

Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set

The Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set is one of the most popular coolers for breast milk. If you use a Medela breast pump, then this may be the perfect cooler for you.

This cooler set comes with everything you need, such as four 5oz bottles with lids, a contoured icepack, and a waterproof cooler bag.

If you plan on pumping at work or need something for short trips, this may work for you. Since this cooler set is for Medela products, if you use another brand of bottles, this may not be for you.

Unlike some of the other coolers on our list, this one isn’t great for long-term use. If you need to keep your milk cold for more than 6 hours, this isn’t the cooler for you. Also, the carrying strap is short, and there isn’t an adjustable buckle to clip the bag for easy transport.

Pros

Perfect for Medela pump users
Contoured ice pack and bottles included
Best for short term travel

Cons

Only fits Medela 5 oz bottles
Ice pack melts quickly in hot temperatures
Small carrying strap

Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set Reviews

Skip Hop Insulated Breastmilk Cooler

The Skip Hop Insulated Breastmilk Cooler is one of the best-selling coolers for breast milk because it is more versatile. Unlike the Medela cooler, you can use different bottles with this cooler bag.

Although you can’t fit many bottles in here, it’s perfect for work, daycare, or while running errands. The dual two-way zipper allows you to access one bottle quickly if needed. You will need to include an additional ice pack if you want to keep your breast milk colder for longer.

My grip about this cooler bag is that it is not waterproof. If something spills or leaks inside of this bag, it is annoying to clean up. I used it for a few weeks but decided to return it because it wasn’t large enough for us.

Pros

Quick access via two-way zippers
Freezer pack pocket
Interior mesh pocket
Handle with a buckle for easy transport
Different colors/designs/prints available

Cons

Can only fit 2 bottles inside the bag
Requires additional ice packs to keep cold
Reports of tearing of stitching near the handle
Not waterproof

Skip Hop Insulated Breastmilk Cooler Reviews

Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag

The Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag is a popular brand for moms, not just for their cooler bags, but also for their diaper bags and breast pump bags. This brand offers the cutest cooler bags if the style is important to you. You get style and functionality, all in one.

According to the website, this cooler should keep your milk cold for up to eight hours, depending on some external factors. Since this cooler for breast milk is taller, you can fit up to four 8 oz bottles inside. If needed, there is enough room for additional packs to keep your milk colder, longer.

There have been complaints about the icepack, which is why this year, they released a new and improved version. Plus, this cooler bag comes with a lifetime warranty, so if you have any issues with the workmanship or material, contact customer service.

Pros

Different design/prints/colors available
Fits a lot of milk storage bags
Ice pack included
Lifetime warranty
Buckle for easy transport

Cons

Doesn’t fit wider bottles (2)
Ice pack reported leaking or explode
No additional pockets

Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breastmilk Cooler Bag Reviews

BEST COOLER FOR FROZEN BREAST MILK COMPARISON TABLE

The coolers in this table are especially for traveling with frozen breast milk. There is a difference when traveling with chilled vs. frozen breast milk.

These coolers will help keep your milk frozen when traveling a long distance, either by plane or car.

THE BEST COOLERS FOR TRAVELING WITH FROZEN BREAST MILK

RTIC Soft Cooler

The RTIC Soft Cooler is one of the best coolers for traveling with frozen breast milk. This breast milk cooler has 2-inches of closed-cell foam, which keeps the items inside colder for longer periods.

If you plan on traveling a long distance or long-haul flight, I recommend using this cooler bag. It’s close to the Yeti cooler, without the price.

There are some complaints about the zipper, but it’s airtight to keep your breast milk frozen while traveling. This cooler ships with zipper lube, so follow the instructions and apply as needed.

Depending on how much breast milk you need to travel with, there are different sizes available. The smallest should be enough for you to travel with a few hundred ounces of breast milk.

If you are looking for a breast milk cooler comparable to the Yeti, this is the best cooler for traveling with breast milk at an affordable price.

Pros

Leak-proof
Large capacity
Multiple sizes
Easy to clean
2 inches of closed-cell foam

Cons

Expensive
Zipper issues
No padded shoulder strap

RTIC Soft Cooler Reviews

Luxja Breastmilk Cooler Bag

The Luxja Breastmilk Cooler Bag is one of the highest-rated cooler bags on our list. With 4.8 out of 5.0 stars, this is a breastmilk cooler bag that moms love.

I would consider this our second favorite cooler for moms traveling with frozen breast milk.

What many moms like about this cooler, are the pockets in the front and back. That gives you more storage space for anything you need while pumping. The included ice pack keeps your milk separated, plus it keeps the bottles cold.

This is one of the tallest cooler bags, so if you need to transport taller bottles this is the perfect cooler for you. You can fit up to six 9 oz. bottles inside this cooler bag.

There is more than enough room in this cooler to fir your freshly pumped breast milk, along with the pieces to your breast pump.

Pros

Different ways to carry
Fits larger bottles
Icepack is included
Additional pockets
High capacity

Cons

More expensive than other coolers
No aluminum lining

Luxja Breastmilk Cooler Bag Reviews

NorChill Marine Boat bag Soft-Sided Cooler

If you travel frequently and are away from your little one, the NorChill Marine Boat bag Soft-Sided Cooler is one of the best coolers for keeping frozen milk cold for up to 2 days. Although I don’t recommend leaving your breast milk in a cooler for that long, you can with this cooler bag.

This was the bag that my wife used when she traveled with over 1,400 oz of milk. When she arrived in Cleveland from San Diego, the breast milk was still frozen solid.

We used the 24 cans, and I used higher capacity breast milk storage bags, which made packaging easier.

The zippers are heavy duty and the bag can take a lot of damage. I’ve thrown it around a few times, and haven’t had any problems.

Inside is a gator skin liner that makes it waterproof, just in case, there is a spill. I think the best part is the pour spout. If there is a spill, pour it out and wipe the inside clean, it’s almost too simple.

Pros

Durable
Pour spout for water
Heavy-duty zippers
Padded shoulder strap and handle
Can fit over 10 bottles

Cons

Expensive
One color option
Need to purchase ice packs separately

PackIt Freezable Baby Cooler

I think the PackIt Freezable Baby Cooler is one of the most interesting coolers on our list because the icepacks are built into the cooler bag. Instead of placing icepacks in the bag, you put the entire cooler in the freezer. There is a freezable gel lining inside the wall of the bag that keeps your milk cold for hours.

According to the reviews, this bag does great at keeper your milk cold for hours. Plus, the designs are cute too.

The only drawback with this technology is remembering to put it in the freezer flat every night. The manufacturer recommends placing it in the freezer for at least 12 hours, for the gel to completely freeze.

Since this is one of the short cooler bags on our list, larger bottles over 6 oz will not fit, unless they are on their side, instead of standing up.

Pros

Built-in ice packs
Compact
Divider
Different patterns/colors available
Fits inside breast pump bag

Cons

Need to purchase separate ice pack to keep colder longer
Have to remember to place the bag in the freezer 12+ hours
No shoulder strap or adjustable buckle

PackIt Freezable Baby Cooler Reviews

Teamoy Breastmilk Cooler Bag

You can see based on our chart that the Teamoy Breastmilk Cooler Bag is our favorite cooler for traveling with frozen breast milk. This cooler is one of the most purchased from our blog, and we get emails from moms thanking us for recommending this breastmilk cooler bag.

There are so many things to love about this cooler bag. It is affordable, has a high capacity, includes an ice pack, and has a padded shoulder pad for additional comfort.

Honestly, I couldn’t think of one con for this travel cooler. It has everything moms pumping moms need to transport their breast milk.

Pros

Can fit over 6 bottles
External storage pockets
Different colors/designs/patterns available
Includes contoured icepack
Padded shoulder strap

Cons

No cons

Teamoy Breastmilk Cooler Bag Reviews

YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler

The YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler is the most expensive cooler on our list, and I usually do not include an item so expensive, but I decided to provide the option for a more durable cooler for storing your breast milk. The closed-cell foam can keep your milk cold for up to 12 hours.

Let me start by saying I only recommend this cooler for specific people. I recommend this cooler if you plan to breastfeed for an extended time, travel long distances without your baby, are an avid camper, go on frequent picnics, or outings that require a cooler. If any of these apply to you, then you will get your money’s worth out of this cooler.

One major drawback for me is the need to purchase the ice pack separately. It is recommended that you buy the brand’s icepack for it to work at its best. To me, that is disappointing, given the price of the cooler, an ice pack should be included.

Many of the reviews complain about the zipper as it malfunctions frequently.

Just know, if you have an issue with the zipper, it should be covered under the warranty. All you need to do is contact customer service before throwing away or purchasing another cooler.

Pros

Can keep milk cold for up to 12 hours
Can fit 8 bottles bottles
Perfect for long or frequent travel
Different colors available
Padded shoulder strap included

Cons

Very expensive
Reports of zipper failure (covered by warranty)
Need to purchase Yeti brand ice pack separately

YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler Reviews

BREAST MILK COOLER BUYING GUIDE

Here you can find more designs of breast milk cooler for travel.

When we decided to go to China with our infant, I began frantically searching for the best cooler for traveling with breast milk.

I researched for several months before deciding on the best cooler for traveling over 20-hours with frozen breast milk.

Insulation

The number one thing I look for in the best cooler for breast milk is insulation. In my opinion, insulation is the most important factor when traveling with breast milk.

The type of insulation will depend on your needs. If you only need to transport your milk to and from work, you don’t need a heavy-duty insulated cooler.

On the other hand, if you are like up us and need to travel long distances, then I recommend a cooler that is insulated with heavier material, but there are a few tips for keeping your milk cold/frozen while traveling.

Size/Capacity

The size/capacity is the second consideration you have to make when finding the best cooler for traveling with breast milk. If you plan to use breast milk storage bags, the size isn’t a huge concern. On the contrary, if you plan to use bottles, you will need to determine if your bottles will fit.

We used Tommee Tippie bottles, and a lot of coolers could not fit the bottles. For parents planning to use Tommee Tippee, Como Tomo, Philips Avent, or any other wider bottles, I recommend using a wider cooler. Also, if you want to store your pump pieces in the cooler as well, you may want to consider a 2-layer cooler.

Additional Storage

Having additional storage is more of a per than a requirement. It made things easier for me to transport all of my pump pieces to work, and as we traveled. I had quick access to everything I needed without having to open the main compartment.

Style

You can’t forget the style, especially since you’ll be carrying this cooler bag around a lot. There are bags for every preference from lunch box style, backpacks, and tote style.

Having a cooler with a clip makes it easier to attach to a bag or stroller is needed. Shoulder straps make it easier to carry like a purse. Whatever your preference, there is a cooler style to fit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a breast milk cooler?

Whether you’re pumping milk at the office and carrying it home or need to drop off supplies at your baby’s childcare, so they have enough to drink throughout the day, a breast milk cooler bag is a must. These insulated bags work to keep your milk bottles or storage bags at a safe, cool temperature.

How do you keep breast milk cool while traveling?

Breast milk storage when you’re traveling

But if your trip is longer than that or baby isn’t with you, you’ll need to cool it down. An insulated cooler with totally frozen ice packs will keep milk cool for up to 24 hours. Fill breast milk storage bags no more than three-quarters full to leave room for expansion.

How long is breast milk good for in a cooler pack?

24 hours

Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling.

Can you put breast milk in a cooler?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to six hours. However, it’s optimal to use or properly store the breast milk within four hours, especially if the room is warm. Insulated cooler. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day.

Do you need cooler for breast milk?

Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, freshly expressed breast milk is safe to stay at room temperature for up to four hours or in an insulated cooler bag with freezer packs for up to 24 hours. After that time, feed it to your baby or place it in the fridge or freezer for safer keeping.

How can I keep my breast milk cold while traveling?

Breast milk storage when you’re traveling

An insulated cooler with totally frozen ice packs will keep milk cool for up to 24 hours. Fill breast milk storage bags no more than three-quarters full to leave room for expansion. The same is true if you’re using bottles.