5 Tips for Stress-Free Pumping While Out & About
For many breastfeeding mums, life doesn’t pause just because you need to pump. Whether you’re heading back to work, catching up with friends, or taking a weekend trip, expressing on the go can feel like a juggling act. Between keeping milk fresh, finding privacy, and warming bottles safely, there’s a lot to think about.
The good news? With a little planning (and the right tools), pumping while out and about doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are five tried-and-true tips to make expressing on the move easier, calmer, and a whole lot more efficient.
1. Pack Smart with a Dedicated Pump Bag
A well-organised pumping bag is a total game-changer. Instead of tossing everything into your regular nappy bag, invest in a Breast Pump Backpack designed specifically for mums who pump on the go.
Our Milkbar Insulated Backpack keeps all your essentials — pump, bottles, flanges, milk bags, and wipes — in one tidy place. With two spacious compartments, it separates your pump and accessories from your milk storage area, keeping everything hygienic and easy to access.
The insulated lower compartment helps keep your expressed milk cool and fresh for longer, so you don’t have to worry about spoilage between sessions. Lightweight, compact, and stylish, it’s made for busy mums who want practicality without sacrificing comfort or design.
2. Keep Milk Cool Until You’re Ready to Warm
Once you’ve expressed, it’s important to store your milk at a safe temperature. If you’re out for the day, use ice packs or the insulated compartment of your pump bag to keep bottles cool.
Tip: Pre-label your bottles or milk storage bags before heading out... it’ll save time and stress later (especially if you’re juggling baby and coffee at the same time!).
3. Bring the Warmth with You
No more awkwardly asking for hot water at cafés or guessing bottle temps at the park! The Milkbar Portable Bottle Warmer gives you the freedom to warm bottles anywhere, anytime.
Simply attach your bottle, set your preferred temperature, and in just a few minutes, your baby’s milk is ready! Perfectly warm every time.
With four adjustable temperature settings (37°C–55°C) and USB-C rechargeability, it’s a must-have for parents who want to make feeding on the go stress-free. Plus, its lightweight, cordless design fits perfectly into your pump backpack, ready whenever your little one is.
4. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
When you’re out and about, the last thing you want is to realise a tiny (but crucial!) pump part has gone missing or broken. A spare valve, insert, or duckbill can be the difference between a smooth pumping session and having to cut your outing short.
Keep a small pouch of spare parts in your bag, along with a few milk storage bags and cleaning wipes. They take up barely any space, but you’ll be so glad to have them when you need them.
It’s also worth sticking to your regular pumping schedule while you’re out. Set phone reminders to stay consistent and protect your milk supply.
If you’re away from home for long periods, plan ahead for where you’ll pump, whether it’s your car, a parent’s room, or a quiet café corner. Our Invisi Flow Wearable Pump pairs beautifully with your Insulated Backpack and Portable Warmer for ultimate freedom, you can pop it straight into your pra and pump on the go, no cords, no stress.
5. Give Yourself Grace (and Celebrate the Small Wins)
Pumping on the go can feel like a lot sometimes, but you’re doing an amazing job providing for your baby. Even if things don’t go perfectly (spills happen, bags get heavy, and naps don’t always align), remember that every drop counts.
A little preparation and the right gear can make all the difference, giving you the confidence to pump anytime, anywhere, without the chaos.