How to pump breast milk in the car
Do you have a long commute or plan to take a road trip? Here are tips for pumping in the car! I always pump on the way into working at the hospital and on the way home to save time.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Battery operated pump or a adapter + charger
- Hands free pumping bra (can be a dual pumping/nursing bra too)
- I love the Dairy Fairy dual pumping and nursing bra! You can use it if you are direct breastfeeding and pumping and doesn’t require you to put a bra on or take one off while pumping! (use code BUMBLEBABY for discount).
- See my favorite dual pumping/nursing bras in my “back to work essentials” post
- Pumping friendly outfit or a nursing cover
- This dual purpose nursing cover is so soft and is a car seat cover too!)
- Bottles, tops and baggies (keep extras in your car! I’ve forgotten tops soo many times!)
- These baggies are my favorite because of the double zipper
- Check out my “back to work essentials” post for tips and tricks to go back to work and for pump to bottle adapters so you can pump directly into the bottle (for pretty much every bottle – Comotomo, TommyTippee, Avent and more!)
- PRO TIP: pump into bottle only in the car to prevent spills. Transfer the milk to a baggie when you are done driving.
- Dry bag
- I keep all of my spare parts, bottles, tops, baggies and a sharpie in my dry bag. If you don’t have time to clean, it’s waterproof and you can rinse with soap and water or vinegar when you get home.
- Quick clean spray/wipes
- Microsteam bags to clean parts
- PackIt Freezable lunch box cooler
- Great for travel, daycare, work, day trips and so much more. Keeps cool for hours.
- Checkout my travel post for more tips!
- LaVie warming massagers (optional but honestly they are amazing and cut down on pump time!)
- Use code BUMBLEBABY for discount.
HOW TO PUMP IN THE CAR:
- Get in your car and before you start driving, attach the pump and parts as your normally would. Before you attach your tubing, put your seatbelt on! Then, attach the tubing. Plug your pump in if necessary and turn on.
- Keep your pump either:
- In the middle compartment
- In a pumping bag on the passenger seat within an arms reach (my fav is this Idaho Jones pumping bag).
- Make sure to have the power button easily accessible.
- Cover yourself if you want to with a nursing cover over your clothes (oops! I never did. Haha. Made for some interesting days stuck in traffic).
- And then…DRIVE!
If you have a short trip, pump the entire time and then turn the pump off when you get to work/your destination.
If it’s a longer trip, pump for the amount of time you normally would.
DO NOT turn off your pump by taking your eyes off of the road! Only turn your pump off if you are not driving.
PRO TIP: You can stop the suction (and therefore stop pumping) by removing the tubing from your pump parts. Always use caution when driving!
DO NOT disassemble bottles when you are driving. This is dangerous but can also lead to spills! I always wait until I am done driving to remove the bottle (I would just drive with all parts attached and pull the tubing).
Depending on the weather, the Packit cooler bag keeps milk cold for a few hours. You can always add more ice packs if it’s a long trip. It’s GREAT for traveling, too! See my travel post here.
If you’re going to be pumping more than once and don’t have access to a sink, the Quick Clean spray or wipes can be used to sanitize in between uses. Make sure to wash with soap and water and/or sanitize at least once a day. If you have access to a microwave, I love the microsteam bags between uses! Rinse with water (no soap needed) and then steam in the bag according to instructions.
PRO TIP:
If you’re a Silicone Pump fanatic like me, you can use two silicone pumps at the same time to “pump” in the car. Don’t forget your topper!
*see my “How to use a silicone pump” post for more info. This is a great option for every once in a while if you’re not a huge fan of pumping.
Have more questions?
If you have more questions about pumping in the car or pumping in general, book a text or videochat consult with me, Lauren, or Natalie (NICU RNs)!
Book now with Kate / Book now with Natalie / Book now with Lauren
Click here to download our FREE pump in the car checklist.
Check the boxes from your phone/ computer or print at home.
The CDC recently changed their breastmilk storage guidelines. Swipe through and save these somewhere you can easily find when you need them!
Have more questions? Schedule a text or video chat consult with Kate, Lauren or Natalie (NICU RNs) and they can help answer any questions that you have!
**This post is educational and not meant to take the place of your provider. Bumblebaby makes a small commission on some of the items listed above
