6 Tips to Make On-the-Go Pumping Easier—From Moms Who’ve Been There

If pumping milk is in your plans, a successful journey usually comes down to being prepared: the right gear, plenty of water, a few snacks, extra patience and some trial and error. But pumping on the go can add another layer of complexity: It often means packing extra supplies, keeping equipment charged and figuring out how to store milk safely—all while juggling the logistics of being away from home and potentially off your routine.

Having the right supplies (and being able to find them easily) can make all the difference, saving you time, increasing your output and helping to keep your stress levels in check. That’s why we partnered with Boon to ask six moms how they managed pumping away from home. From helpful gear to tried-and-true tips, here’s their advice to make pumping a little easier.

Make a game plan

Planning when and where you’ll need to pump ahead of time can take the stress out of trying to figure it out on the fly. “I’d put reminders in my phone or have my schedule written out in my notes app,” Kailie, mom to 1-year-old twins and a 10-year-old, says. “For a business trip, I got the itinerary beforehand and added my pumping times, so I wasn't worrying about it throughout the day!”

Collecting small amounts really adds up

Dealing with leaking milk can be frustrating (and messy), but a collection cup can prevent it from going to waste. It’s a small container that fits on your breast (and often inside your bra) to catch milk without you having to do much at all. You can pop it on before your first nursing or pumping session of the day to relieve engorgement, wear it on the other side while feeding or pumping, or even while doing errands around town. “I used this for my extra letdown in the morning while my baby nursed,” Cheska, mom to a 4-month-old and 3-year-old, says.

One to try: The Boon TROVE breast milk collector is a silicone cup that works with natural suction, meaning it can be quickly put to work anywhere you go. It also fits entirely inside your bra, so your baby won’t be able to grab it or kick it off your breast, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

TROVE Silicone Manual Breast Pump with Travel Pouch

$23.99

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Something to keep in mind: “I was advised not to build a stash just with this milk because it tends to be only the watery foremilk and not the nutrient-dense hindmilk,” Cheska says. Instead of storing this milk on its own, you may want to combine it with milk from other pumping sessions to increase your daily output. (Tip: Read and bookmark the CDC’s guidelines for proper milk storage).

Hack your pump to work for you

Using a pump isn’t always one-size-fits-all—just like how pumps come with different flange sizes to better fit individual needs, there’s not always one set way to use a pump.“Hacking a standard pump to make it portable made pumping less of a chore,” Jessica, mom of a 1-year-old and 5-year-old, says. She recommends trying out anything that would make it more comfortable for you, whether that’s switching to softer silicone parts or using different adapters, bottles or collection cups to pump into directly (read: fewer parts to clean). “Don’t think that just because you have a certain pump, you must use their parts and flanges,” she says.

One to try: The clever Boon NURSH bottle system has a compatible pump adapter and storage caps for use on the go. The silicone pouches can collapse into space-saving containers about the size of a hockey puck, which can keep them clean while taking up less space in your pump bag or diaper bag. Different lids (sold separately) can also grow with your baby from a sippy cup, straw cup and snack cup, so you won’t have to switch out your gear at every new drinking stage.

Boon x Babylist NURSH Baby Bottle & Accessories Starter Set

$39.99

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Consider a second set of gear

With so many breast pumps available, choosing the “right” one really comes down to personal preferences and needs. What works at home might not be ideal when working or out and about. Hands-free pumps are convenient, but these wearable pumps typically aren’t as powerful as traditional ones, which may mean less milk collected per session. It often helps to have both a traditional and wearable pump since you may not be able to get by using a wearable as your primary pump. Several moms we spoke with suggested getting an extra pump to leave at work (in addition to the one you can get for free through health insurance). Or, Cheska says, at the very least, “buy extra parts (flanges, valves, etc) so you have the leeway to skip a mid-day cleaning or avoid cleaning in a public restroom.”

Try a portable milk chiller

Having a cooler on hand can extend how long you have to get your freshly pumped milk to a fridge or freezer, especially during long trips or busy days away from home. But many moms we spoke with say a portable chiller is a “game-changer” because it removes the need to tote around a bulky cooler and ice packs. “This made it easier to avoid spills when transferring to storage bags, as well as less space needed to store the milk,” Kailie says.

One to try: The Boon FROSH portable milk chiller is a dishwasher-safe storage container about the size of those ubiquitous viral water bottles. It can fit inside a purse, work tote or diaper bag and keeps up to 24 ounces of milk chilled at safe temperatures for up to 17 hours or maintains a temperature for up to six hours. 

Boon FROSH Stainless Steel Portable Milk Chiller

$29.99

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Staying organized is key

Wherever you plan to pump, having all your supplies easily accessible will make it easier. “I wish I had a dedicated pumping bag the first time around,” says Laura, mom to a 7-month-old and 3-year-old. “Now that I have all the supplies that I know I'll need, I can pack up and pump on the go really quickly.” 

Whether you’re pumping at home, at work or on the go, making sure everything is in place will help you avoid scurrying around to find everything when your alarm goes off to indicate it’s pumping time. “I try to get all of my supplies (flanges, pump, pump bra, etc.) set up at a nursing station right next to my desk before the day begins,” says Kristina, mom of a 7-month-old. “This way, if a meeting runs late, I can still pump.”

Feeding your baby can be challenging at times. However, it can often be a rewarding part of parenting and a major bonding moment. But figuring out what makes the most sense for you is important, too. “I do a self-check-in at the end of each week to ask myself, ‘Is this working for me, or does something need to be adjusted?’” says Alex, a mom of a 2-year-old and 3-month-old. “It takes a lot of the pressure off the whole process and gives me the freedom and flexibility to remember that having a healthy headspace is always the most important part of caring for my baby.”

This article is sponsored by Boon. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.