It’s that time of year again, and everyone is leaving to go on vacation. Traveling with a little one can be a challenge for even the most seasoned parents. We are often asked, “How do I manage formula feeding while on vacation?” Thankfully, there are several good feeding options while living life on the go.
Boiled Water, Is it That Important?
It might seem like a hassle, but yes, it is important to always boil the water and mix your formula hot. These days, we are breeding super germs and food contamination issues are worse than ever before. Though formula companies are careful about their products, accidents happen. Bacterial contamination can come from a myriad of sources, including from your hands, in the water, on the bottle or in any container. Bacterial contamination is dangerous thing. Play it safe, boil your water.
On a Plane
Though TSA regulations allow you to travel with premade bottles, it may be less hassle not to. Instead, take powdered formula and a few sterilized bottles through the security checkpoint. After you make it through, find a restaurant and request a cup or two of hot water. You can also call ahead and ask if your flight will include drink service, and if the stewardess will have hot water for tea.
On the Road
Traveling means lots of in the car or rest stop feedings for your little one. Here are some tips for making the process easier.
-Pre-make Formula: Making formula in the morning, before you leave, or the night before, will save you a lot of hassle. You can keep the formula in any sterilized container, be it individual bottles, a sealed jug or a thermos. If rinsing your bottles will be an issue, you can also purchase disposable inserts (beware not to over-heat your inserts), and take extra nipples along.
If you will be making a large quantity of formula, for an all-day car ride, you can make it in a blender and then pour it into whatever sterilized container you will be traveling with. Most formulas mix to an even one to one ratio, 1 oz of water for every scoop of formula. If you know you are going to need 5, 5 oz bottles, you can make 25 oz of boiled water and mix in 25 scoops of formula and be done with it in no time.
-Hot or Cold: If you are going on a particularly long car ride, it might be best to refrigerate your formula until it is completely cold and then place it in a cold pack or cooler. Make sure to change the ice out periodically. Keeping your formula nice and cold will prevent any bacteria from growing.
Another convenient option is a high quality thermos, like this one, or this one. They are guaranteed to keep liquids hot for 24 hours.
-Bottle Warmers for the Car- Yes, there is such a wonderful thing! If you will be on the road a lot, invest in one of these. You won’t be disappointed. Just keep in mind that it may take a little more time to warm up than your at home warmer.
-Finding Boiled Water on the Go- One of the biggest questions parents have, while traveling for more than just a simple day trip, is where to find boiled water. And where to wash bottles. The following are a list of resources for doing both.
- Starbucks- it might cost you a dollar, but Starbucks always has plenty of hot water on hand. And chances are there is one right around the corner. If you catch the right barista in a good mood, he/she might even give your bottle a quick rinse in the antibacterial dishwater they use.
- Diners- If you are stopping off for a meal, ask your waitress to help out. Most restaurants have hot water for tea. With the offer of a nice tip, he/she might be willing to wash your bottle at the bussing station, as well.
- Gas Stations- Most gas station convenience stores carry hot water for making tea at their coffee station. If you’re mixing straight into a bottle, the attendant might even be good enough to let you have the water for free.
- Hotels- Hotel food services, or bars generally have hot water as well. If not, some places have a coffee maker in each room, or one you can request. If you are concerned, purchase an electric kettle, and take it with you. It’s great for use at home too.
We hope that the above tips will make your life a little easier as you plan your trip. Happy and safe travels from your support team at MyOrganicFormula.com