Feeding Baby On-the-Go: Stress-Free Travel Tips

Getting out of the house with your baby is a wonderful way to break up the day and create new memories—but successful, stress-free outings require a little planning, especially when it comes to feeding.

Two Main Approaches for Formula Feeding On-the-Go

1. Prepare Formula When Needed (Recommended)

• Store powder and water separately to minimise the risk of bacterial growth and keep formula fresher.

• Use safe water at the right temperature. The simplest method is filling a baby bottle or thermos with boiled water.

• Pre-measure formula powder. Use a dispenser or portion it into small containers or sealable bags for quick, accurate mixing. Some brands also offer convenient single-serve sachets.

• Mix only when your baby is ready to feed. Freshly made formula is safest and helps prevent wastage.

2. Bring Prepared Formula

If you prefer to prepare bottles in advance:

• Chill before leaving: Ensure bottles are fully cooled in the fridge to 0–4°C before travel.

• Use a cooler bag or esky with ice bricks: Transport bottles straight from the fridge and keep them cool at all times.

• Safety window: If the formula’s temperature rises above 5°C, use it within 2 hours and discard any leftover milk after feeding. However, if you arrive at your destination within 2 hours, you can refrigerate the formula upon arrival and use it within 24 hours.

Warming Water or Milk On the Go

• Thermos flask: A good thermos will keep pre-boiled water warm for up to 12 hours.

• Bottle warmers: Portable, battery-operated warmers are readily available and practical for travel.

• Request hot water: Cafes or airlines will normally provide hot water on request for washing or warming bottles.

• Microwaves: Some public feeding rooms have microwaves available for warming water—just ensure your bottles are microwave safe.

Cleaning & Sterilising Equipment Away from Home

Clean and sterilise all feeding equipment before you leave, and store any spares in clean, sealed containers or zip-lock bags.

For longer trips, you'll need a way to clean and sterilise while you're away:

• Cleaning: Rinse bottles as soon as possible after feeding to prevent milk residue from sticking. Pack some dishwashing liquid and a bottle brush for washing on the go.

• Cold-water sterilising: Use anti-bacterial tablets or solutions (e.g. Milton). Pack a suitable plastic container—this can be a collapsible bucket or a compact, bottle-sized container.

• Microwave sterilising: Steriliser bags, self-sterilising bottles, or small microwave-safe containers offer quick and easy sterilisation—ideal if you’ll have access to a microwave.

• UV sterilisers: Battery-operated and compact, these are a handy, space-saving option. Just ensure batteries are charged and bring spares.

Other Tips

Pack a Well-Stocked Nappy Bag: Make sure your nappy bag is always ready to go and includes all the essentials you might need throughout your outing to keep things smooth and stress-free.

Be Prepared for Anything: Delays and spills can happen unexpectedly, so it’s wise to pack more than you think you’ll need. Bringing extra bottles, bibs, a change of clothes for your baby, and a spare shirt for yourself can really save the day. Always have additional feeding supplies on hand, including backup bottles and formula powder, to ensure you’re never caught off guard with a hungry baby or without clean equipment.

Maintain Hand Hygiene: Carry hand sanitiser and wipes to clean your hands and feeding items easily when you’re out and about.

Plan Ahead for Your Destination: Whenever possible, check ahead to see if your destination offers baby change and feeding facilities to make feeding times more convenient.

Flying with Baby

Baby Supplies in Carry-On
When flying with a baby or toddler, you're allowed to bring a reasonable amount of baby supplies in your carry-on luggage—including liquids. These must be declared at airport security.
Items can include:

• Infant formula milk or breast milk

• Infant formula powder

• Water for formula preparation

• Baby food

It's helpful to pack these items in clear, easily accessible containers or bags to speed up security screening.

Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to ask cabin crew for support—they’re usually happy to help with warming bottles, storing gear, or helping you settle in.

Baby Comfort on Board

• Ears and pressure: To ease pressure during take-off and landing, offer your baby a dummy, bottle, or breastfeed—swallowing helps relieve discomfort.

• Nappy changes: Try to change your baby just before boarding, as airplane toilets can be cramped and changing tables limited. Most long-haul flights have at least one change table.

• Extra clothes: Bring a change of clothes for both baby and yourself—spills and accidents are common!

International Travel Tips

• Research the availability and safety of formula and water in your destination country ahead of time.

• Bringing your baby’s usual formula from home can provide peace of mind and help avoid tummy troubles.

• Check customs regulations before packing formula or baby food in bulk, as some countries have biosecurity restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your baby on the move doesn’t have to be stressful. A little forward planning, the right gear, and these practical tips will ensure your baby stays happy and fed—wherever your adventures take you. Remember, the goal is to make outings enjoyable for you both!