Summer is in full swing, which means mommas are on the go! If you are planning a beach vacation this summer, I’m guessin’ you’re already stressin’ about pumping at the beach. For an exclusive pumper, pumping at the beach may seem really daunting. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun, but you also want to protect your milk supply! Let me help! Below you’ll find my top tips, tricks, and must-have pumping goodies to help make your beach trip a breeze!
Beach Tips:
The last thing I want you to feel this summer is controlled by your pumping schedule. YES staying on schedule is important. YES you’ve still gotta pump on vacation. BUT… with my help, you can stay in control, and hopefully you can feel more FREEDOM!
Get a Manual Pump.
Two words… MANUAL . PUMP . Get a manual pump and learn how to use it (I’ve got demos in my Manual Pump highlight!) Why a manual pump instead of electric? It’s so compact, lightweight, and there aren’t a zillion parts to set up and potentially get sandy. It doesn’t need to be plugged in or even charged, and it’s super easy to use the fridge hack with it (more on this later) Sure you can use any other pump… this one is just the easiest in this situation! I prefer the Medela Harmony manual pump (not sponsored), but Lansinoh has a good one as well! Definitely learn how to use it before leaving for the beach!
Go Portable
Can’t get the hang of a manual pump? (It does take practice!) Go as portable as possible! Using a pump like the Pumpables Genie Advanced or the Baby Buddha can increase your freedom, momma! For maximum freedom, try a wearable pump. MomCozy has some more affordable wearable pumps. So treat yo self! Pumping is hard work, You deserve it! (discount codes for both can be found here.)
Keep that Milk Cool!
Bring a good quality cooler and hard ice packs, or refresh loose ice frequently. Store your milk AND your manual pump in the cooler- it will ensure that your pump is clean and keep it from getting sandy or broken! And if you’re out longer than you expected, you can use that pump again without washing it. (That’s called the “fridge hack”- Simply pump, empty out the milk into your feeding or storage container, reattach the flange to the pump’s bottle, and store it in the fridge/cooler until you pump again without washing it each time.) Make sure to wipe the inside of the flange (I use medela wipes) Breastmilk will stay good with ice in a cooler for up to 24 hours, but get that milk into a refrigerator as soon as you can, upon returning from the beach! For more milk storage tips, check my storage page. The CeresChill can also be a great way to keep your breastmilk cool while out in the hot sun- Gotta protect that liquid gold!
Bring All the Bags
Yes, all the bags. I love the new waterproof Austin bag by Sarah Wells Bags, but any pumping bag works! (Especially if you bring an expensive pump- you’ve gotta protect that investment AND look super cute, amiright?) I’d suggest bringing your bottles and accessories in a gallon ziplock bag to keep them sand-free until you need them. A wet-bag will work just fine for used pump parts after pumping, if you aren’t keeping them in your cooler. Speaking of bags… some mommas find it easier to use breastmilk storage bags as opposed to bottles for storing milk at the beach- a bonus to this is that before opened, breastmilk bags are sealed and sterile!
Stay Comfortable
If you’re feeling modest, pump under a light summer scarf or caftan, and wear a big sun hat. For extra coverage, drape a towel over two chairs and pump in between, like a tent! Or bring one of those sun shade half tents. Or simply turn your back toward the crowd. Believe me, no one’s looking that closely.
Keep Baby Cool
Did you know that you don’t HAVE to heat breastmilk to feed to your baby? Baby might enjoy the cold milk on a summer day! Remember, your breastmilk is all your baby needs as hydration- no need for water! Keep baby cool with shade- I am obsessed with THIS pop-up beach playpen with sun shade, but a simple beach tent will work just fine! Bring a clip-on fan for your stroller or wagon. Consider visiting the beach in the morning or evening, out of the day’s highest temps and brightest sun.
Or… Schedule around pumping
Alternatively, you can plan your beach excursion around your pumping schedule. Pump right before leaving for the beach, and pump right when your return. This will help you feel comfortable at the beach, and is a great plan for short beach visits. However, many exclusive pumping mommas pump pretty frequently, and planning to only pump at home/hotel can really cramp your plans!
Packing List:
$ = bargain, $$ = investment, $$$ = splurge (Always read reviews, look for sales/discounts, and consider that you often get what you pay for!)
- Breast pump bag
> Suggestions: $ Momigo pump backpack, $$$ Sarah Wells Austin (save with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15) - Manual pump or portable/wearable pump
> Suggestions: $ Medela Harmony, $$ Pumpables Genie Advanced (code PMP10), $$$ MomCozy S12 or M5 (code pumpmama) - Cooler
>Suggestions: $ Coleman hard cooler, $$ RTIC Soft Cooler, $$$ Yeti Roadie - Ice Packs
>Suggestions: $ Loose ice, $$ Contoured ice packs for bottles, $$$ RTIC Ice Packs - Breastfeeding-friendly Bathing Suit
>Suggestions: $$ Davin&Adley Amelia swim cami (code PMP10) $$$ Kindred Bravely swimsuit (code: PMP15) - Wet Bag
> Suggestions: $ 2 pack from Amazon, $$ Sarah Wells Pumparoo with staging mat! (code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15) - Gallon plastic bag
> Suggested link: Ziplock brand - Flange wipes
>Suggestions: $ Dapple pump wipes, $ Medela wipes, $$ Medela wipes, individual packs - CeresChill milk chiller
>Linked here (code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15) - Shade tent for baby/mom
>Suggestions: $ Beach shade tent, $$ Old Bahama pop-up, $$$ Pop’n’Go Playpen
Have you pumped on the beach?
Have any wisdom to share?
Comment below!
Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)
