Ice Packs

Best Ice Packs for Breast Milk

Sharing is caring!

I’ve gotten quite a few questions about traveling with breast milk, so I’ve written several posts to help parents travel with frozen breast milk. One of the most common questions I am asked is, what is the best ice pack for traveling with breast milk?

Disclosure: Kindly be aware that certain links provided below may be affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It’s important to note that I am an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases. For the comprehensive disclosure statement, please click here.

Like most of the answers to my questions, the answer depends on how long you will be traveling, your method of travel, and how much breast milk you will be taking with you or pumping along the way.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk

BEST ICE PACKS FOR TRAVELING WITH BREAST MILK COMPARISON TABLE

Image
Most Popular
Nice Packs Dry Ice Packs for Coolers, Lunch Box, Shipping Frozen Food – Ice Packs for Kids Lunch Bags – Reusable – Long Lasting - Flexible
ARCTECH Dry Ice Packs for Coolers - Lunch Box Shipping Frozen Food Lunch Bags, Leak-Proof Gel Refrigerant, Reusable Ice Packs -Large Sheets, Long Lasting, Flexible, Absorb Water
Different Sizes
Stays Cold up to
48 Hours
24 Hours
Type of Ice
Dry Ice
Dry Ice
Customer Rating
-
-
Price Rating
$$
$
Most Popular
Image
Nice Packs Dry Ice Packs for Coolers, Lunch Box, Shipping Frozen Food – Ice Packs for Kids Lunch Bags – Reusable – Long Lasting - Flexible
Different Sizes
Stays Cold up to
48 Hours
Type of Ice
Dry Ice
Customer Rating
-
Price Rating
$$
Image
ARCTECH Dry Ice Packs for Coolers - Lunch Box Shipping Frozen Food Lunch Bags, Leak-Proof Gel Refrigerant, Reusable Ice Packs -Large Sheets, Long Lasting, Flexible, Absorb Water
Different Sizes
Stays Cold up to
24 Hours
Type of Ice
Dry Ice
Customer Rating
-
Price Rating
$
Details

Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BEST ICE PACKS FOR TRAVELING WITH BREAST MILK

The ice packs in this section are best for traveling with fresh or frozen breast milk on an airplane. TSA can be a pain, so avoiding gel-based ice packs will make getting through security less of a hassle.

Here are the best ice packs for breast milk for parents traveling on an airplane.

Related Post: Best Cooler for Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk

Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Pack

No products found.

Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Pack is my favorite ice pack for traveling with breast milk.

I’ve used these ice packs for well over a year when I was exclusively pumping for our son. We’ve traveled to three countries and flew nearly 20 flights using these ice packs, with no problems.

What I like is how they stay frozen for long periods. I was always worried about my breast milk getting spoiled, but these ice packs alleviated that stress.

When used with a quality cooler, these ice packs can stay cold for nearly 48 hours, so if you have a long trip ahead, these will fit your needs.

The temperature stays at 18 degrees, which is more than cold enough to keep your breast milk frozen.

Since water keeps this ice pack solid, you won’t have an issue getting through TSA with these ice packs. They do not melt like other brands, so there is no liquid for airport security to check.

I recommend this brand to the parents that reach out to me about traveling with their frozen breast milk. In nearly two years, I never had a problem.

Pros

  • Stays frozen
  • Uses water
  • Reusable
  • Different sizes available

Cons

  • Requires a lot of water
  • Expensive compared to other ice packs
  • Need to be frozen at least 12 hours before use

TOURIT Reusable Ice Packs

No products found.

TOURIT Reusable Ice Packs are the most affordable options for parents traveling with frozen breast milk. These ice packs are similar to the brand above but at a cheaper price.

These affordable ice packs will keep your frozen breast milk cold for quick flights. If you are taking a long-haul flight, I recommend looking at another ice pack brand on our list.

This brand is perfect for errands, quick road trips, or traveling to and from work. The slim design doesn’t take up much space, so you can pack more milk into your cooler.

A consistent complaint from the reviews is durability. These ice packs aren’t as durable as some of the others on our list. There are reports of the ice pack leaking after a few months of usage.

Pros

  • Stays cold longer
  • Affordable
  • Slim design

Cons

  • Not durable

Below Zero Colder Than Ice Packs

No products found.

Below Zero Colder Than Ice Packs are perfect if you are traveling with a larger cooler full of frozen breast milk. These ice packs are huge, so you can cover more space if needed.

These ice packs are used to keep blood cold for the Red Cross, so it’s a trusted brand within the medical community.

Although I’ve never used these ice packs if they work in hospitals, I’m sure they can be your frozen breast milk cold.

There are multiple sizes available for purchase for different size travel coolers. The number of ice packs needed depends on the size of the cooler. If you are carrying hundreds of ounces, I recommend using at least 4-6 ice packs.

Overall these are great ice packs for traveling with frozen breast milk. The larger ice packs are perfect for road trips.

Pros

  • Colder than ice
  • Different sizes
  • Non-toxic ingredients
  • Stays cold longer
  • Hospital-grade technology

Cons

  • Need several ice packs
  • Large (takes up a lot of space)

LIVE 2DAY Nice Packs

LIVE 2DAY Nice Packs

LIVE 2DAY Nice Packs are the most popular dry ice brands for parents traveling with breast milk. These dry ice cubes are versatile, which makes them an option for moms traveling with frozen breast milk.

You can cut the sheets into the size that you need, so you can use as many or as little as you’d like.
These dry ice cubes are reusable, disposable, non-toxic, and customizable.

Since there are non-toxic chemicals, you can even ship your breast milk with this dry ice.

These ice cubes stay cold 4-7 times longer than regular ice packs, making them perfect for parents taking long flights with their breast milk.

If you plan to fly with dry ice, be sure to check the airline rules. You may not be allowed to carry your frozen milk onboard with dry ice, so be prepared to check it with carry-on luggage.

Pros

  • Lasts longer than ice
  • Moldable (Flexible)
  • Can be cut to resize
  • Non-Leaking ice packs
  • Safe to ship

Cons

  • May not be able to carry-on to cabin
  • Need to be frozen overnight

Related Post: Best Travel Breast Pump

ARCTECH Dry Ice Packs

ARCTECH Dry Ice Packs

ARCTECH Dry Ice Packs are a slightly more affordable option for parents that want to use dry ice to travel with frozen breast milk. 

The important thing about this dry ice is that the instructions be followed for them to freeze properly. What many people like about these dry ice cubes is how customizable they are. 

You can cut these dry ice cubes into different sizes, so you can make them as large or small as you’d like. This dry ice brand is perfect for parents who may need to ship their frozen breast milk.

Pros

  • Cut to different sizes
  • Non-Toxic
  • Dry, no leak
  • Can be shipped

Cons

  • Require steps to freeze
  • Have to follow instructions closely

BEST GEL BASED ICE PACKS FOR BREAST MILK COMPARISON TABLE

Image
Best Value
TOURIT Ice Packs for Coolers Reusable Long Lasting Freezer Packs for Lunch Bags/Boxes, Cooler Backpack, Camping, Beach, Picnics, Fishing and More (Set of 4, Blue)
Our Favorite
Kona XL Large Cooler Ice Packs - Reusable Long Lasting Ice Pack (-5 C) Space-Saving Slim Ice Packs | Dry Ice Packs, Freezer Packs & Reusable Ice Pack For Cooler Bags, 10x13 Inch, 25 Minute Freeze Time
Most Popular
Healthy Packers Ice Packs for Lunch Bags - Original Cool Pack | Slim & Long-Lasting Reusable Ice Pack for Lunch Box, Lunch Bag and Cooler | Freezer Packs for Coolers (Set of 8)
ARCTIC ICE Tundra Series, Long Lasting Reusable Ice Pack, Purple, Large, 2.5 lb
Size
8.75 x 1.5 x 1.25 in
13 x 10 x 0.5 in
7 x 4.7 x 0.5 in
9.5 x 7.5 x 1.25 in
Stays Cold up to
Up to 6 hours
Up to 4 hours
Up to 6 hours
Up to 8 hours
Customer Rating
-
-
-
-
Price Rating
$
$$
$$
$$
Best Value
Image
TOURIT Ice Packs for Coolers Reusable Long Lasting Freezer Packs for Lunch Bags/Boxes, Cooler Backpack, Camping, Beach, Picnics, Fishing and More (Set of 4, Blue)
Size
8.75 x 1.5 x 1.25 in
Stays Cold up to
Up to 6 hours
Customer Rating
-
Price Rating
$
Details
Our Favorite
Image
Kona XL Large Cooler Ice Packs - Reusable Long Lasting Ice Pack (-5 C) Space-Saving Slim Ice Packs | Dry Ice Packs, Freezer Packs & Reusable Ice Pack For Cooler Bags, 10x13 Inch, 25 Minute Freeze Time
Size
13 x 10 x 0.5 in
Stays Cold up to
Up to 4 hours
Customer Rating
-
Price Rating
$$
Details
Most Popular
Image
Healthy Packers Ice Packs for Lunch Bags - Original Cool Pack | Slim & Long-Lasting Reusable Ice Pack for Lunch Box, Lunch Bag and Cooler | Freezer Packs for Coolers (Set of 8)
Size
7 x 4.7 x 0.5 in
Stays Cold up to
Up to 6 hours
Customer Rating
-
Price Rating
$$
Image
ARCTIC ICE Tundra Series, Long Lasting Reusable Ice Pack, Purple, Large, 2.5 lb
Size
9.5 x 7.5 x 1.25 in
Stays Cold up to
Up to 8 hours
Customer Rating
-
Price Rating
$$

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BEST GEL BASED ICE PACK FOR BREAST MILK

I don’t recommend using gel packs when traveling with breast milk. Although they are popular amongst many parents, they can be a hassle with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If the gel packs are completely frozen, they are considered a liquid. In terms of security, this means they can potentially throw them away, which is bad news for parents traveling with breast milk.

This is why I recommend using gel ice packs for breast milk when taking road trips or on errands, as opposed to on flights. If you like gel ice packs, here are the best gel-based ice packs for breast milk.

Related Post: 10 Tips for Pumping on the Go

TOURIT Ice Packs

TOURIT Ice Packs

TOURIT Ice Packs are unique, unlike the other ice packs on our list, they are slimmer ice packs. These gel-filled ice packs are great for traveling with breast milk, especially if you are going on a road trip.

These ice packs don’t take up much space, so you can fit them in your breast milk cooler bag. The gel keeps items colder for long periods.

The difference with this ice pack is that it has to be in the freezer for at least eight hours before the first use. This will allow the gel inside to freeze completely to keep your breast milk cold.

Pros

  • Slim design
  • Saves space
  • Stays cold long
  • Has different colors

Cons

  • Reports of leaks
  • Have to freeze at least 8 hours

Kona Ice Packs

Kona Ice Packs

Kona Ice Packs are thin ice packs for breast milk. Many reviewers love the design. You can pack as much breast milk as possible inside of your cooler without using unnecessary space. 

Although these ice packs do not last as long as the others on our list, they’re perfect for quick errands or road trips. 

The Kona ice packs freeze in less than 30 minutes, so you don’t have to wait days for them to freeze completely. Although I don’t recommend using these ice packs for frozen breast milk, they’re perfect for keeping your milk cold on a hot day or a short road trip (less than 4 hours). 

There is a satisfaction guarantee, so you can try them out and return them for a refund if you are unhappy.

Pros

  • Thin
  • Freezes quickly
  • Affordable
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Large, without taking up space

Cons

  • Doesn’t last as long as other ice packs

Related Post: Breast Pump Bags for Spectra Breast Pumps

YETI ICE Refreezable Pack

No products found.

The YETI ICE Refreezable Pack is a popular option for lovers of the Yeti brand. Yeti is one of the most popular coolers for breast milk, outdoor enthusiasts, and campers.

This 2 lb. ice pack can enhance the ice packs you currently use or be used as a replacement for keeping your fresh breast milk cold when traveling.

There are different sizes available, so if you need multiple sizes to travel, there are one to four pounds available.

One of the most common complaints about this brand is how expensive the ice packs can be. Unlike the other ice packs for breast milk, this only includes one cooler pack, so you’ll need to buy multiple.

Although this brand is more expensive loyal customers swear by the results.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Leak-proof
  • Freezes quickly

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Can be bulky
  • Doesn’t last as long as other ice packs

Healthy Packers Ice Pack

Healthy Packers Ice Pack

I used the Healthy Packers Ice Pack for road trips and inside my cooler bag when traveling to and from work. These are the best ice pack for breast milk for short road trips, errands, and short flights. 

I like that they are affordable, slim, and stay frozen. Plus, this pack comes with eight ice packs, which is more than enough for keeping my breast milk cold.

If you want the ice packs to last longer, I recommend packing at least six in your breast milk cooler bag. Although I’m not a huge fan of gel ice packs, these are acceptable for quick trips. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comes with a lot of ice packs
  • Slim design (saves space)
  • Quality guarantee for full refund

Cons

  • Not durable
  • Not for long trips

Arctic Ice Tundra Ice Packs

Arctic Ice Tundra Ice Packs

The Arctic Ice Tundra Ice Packs is part of a series of ice packs from Arctic Ice that helps keep drinks, food, and breast milk cold. This model is perfect for keeping breast milk cold or frozen while traveling.

The freezing point is 5 degrees, which makes it great for keeping frozen food frozen. There are five sizes, ranging from small to XXL.

You can pack these ice packs inside of a breast milk cooler bag or a beach cooler for spending a day outside with your family. 

The thin design makes it perfect for traveling with frozen breast milk since they don’t take up much space. Store as much milk as possible without the ice packs taking up valuable space.

If you plan on using these to travel, they require a few days to freeze completely. Place these ice packs in the freezers 4-5 days before traveling.

The longer they are in the freezer, the better, so you can be sure that your milk or other goods will stay frozen.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Slim design
  • Leak-proof
  • Different sizes available

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Take a few days to freeze

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.