Formula feeding and flights: tips and travel bottles

Since being told to give up breastfeeding, I’ve had lots of lovely supportive comments – and even more usefully some helpful tips on how to combine formula feeding on a plane, as I’ll need bottles rather than being able to rely on breastfeeding.

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So if you’re looking for disposable and travel bottles, or you’re just wondering where to begin, I asked around for some suggestions from fellow mums who had been there and done that.

Along with some advice from my friend Lynley, who was already taking long-haul flights when her baby was two months old, these are my tips for the best travel bottles and other formula feeding essentials for travel.

Don’t get the warming habit

‘My son was happy to feed at room temperature. In fact he has always hated his food too warm, and continues to dislike it to this day,’ she said.

It’s a tip I’d had from others during my pregnancy as well, and while Minnie hates milk straight from the fridge, she’s not too fussed as long as I’ve taken the chill off. Which means that I shouldn’t have to worry about heating bottles. (If you are, check out my review of this self-heating bottle)

Take ready-made formula cartons and disposable pre-sterilised bottles

‘I took a few in my luggage, and a few in my carry-on for use on plane,’ she says. I’ve been using the Aptamil readymade cartons and bottles for Minnie’s top-up feeds (although no-one’s allowed to recommend particular brands of formula, the grapevine seems to suggest this is easily digested so a good one to start with).

I’m planning to investigate recyclable steri-bottles – instead of having to wash and sterilise, you just unwrap and use. They’re for three months plus, with fast flow teats.

You can also get disposable teats for Aptamil bottles – the clever screw on teats are designed to transform the ready-made formula into a bottle (plus you can sterilise them afterwards and reuse) so it’s a quick and simple solution.

Bottle sizes do change so it’s worth checking how they perform with the latest shape, as they may also work with brands like Cow & Gate and SMA – although beware that if you don’t have a tight fit, you may also end up with leaks.

Pre-order at Duty Free

Although I’d always want something to hand in case of long security queues (and baby milk doesn’t count in the 100ml limits, although you may be asked to taste it).

Boots offers the service at most airports – just order online in advance to collect. It’s also worth remembering that some low-cost airlines (especially Ryanair) will insist your Duty Free shopping fits in your single hand luggage bag, so leave some space or be prepared to pay through the nose.

Measure in advance

‘The other absolute necessity for travelling with formula, for me, was a little round container with a lid in which you can put three lots of already measured out formula,’ says Lynley. ‘They will have boiling/boiled water on the plane, get a bottle filled up ready, and cooling once you’re in the air.’

It’s also a useful bonus for night feeds, as you can measure the amount you need when you’re not sleep-deprived.

There’s one from MAM, which you can get on Amazon. You can also pack the readymade Aptamil travel bottles, if you think you might have trouble getting hold of water.

Boil in the bag

‘Lindam (Munchkin) Microwave steriliser bags (20 uses) are an absolute godsend too,’ she adds. ‘Especially as when I got them they had instructions in three languages so I could give bottles to hotel staff to sterilise in the kitchen.’

I’ve found them on Boots as well as Amazon and they have been fantastic – check out my full review of the Munchkin microwave steriliser bags here

 

Images courtesy of Depositphotos