Breast Pump as a Carry-on

I have always heard 1 carry on for a plane.
You may want to Fed-Ex the rest so you don't have to
bother with it, especially when you have to carry a baby !

You may want to call the airline to be sure because all of them have different rules, but usually, you can have your carryon and a personal item and a diaper bag (the diaper bag doesn't count as one of your items if you have the infant with you). I'm not sure about having a 4th item such as a breast pump since I never took mine with me when I traveled. That is the part you may want to ask about.

Also, something to keep in mind is that some airlines have an "infant fare" that you can purchase. While you don't have to buy a ticket for a child under 2 years old, sometimes it's easier for them to have their own seat. The infant ticket is half the price of a regular ticket. If the baby has a ticket, then you could have all 4 pieces with no questions asked (2 for each of you).

Good luck and have a great trip!

I was worried about it too, so I went and bought a Medela Swing...it is smaller pump. I just used it for the week I was out of town. I got a big quilt type bag that was huge and put the pump, my diaper bag, and my purse in it...it was my "1" carry on bag. It was one of those fabric bags with the shoulder straps that zipped up to keep all my stuff in it.

I know that American Airlines allows one carry on and one personal item. But you can have a diaper bag in addition. I packed my pump in the checked luggage.

If you bought a ticket for the baby, then you are fine... each ticket gets 2 carry ons. Also, usually diaper bags do not count. I think often times they relax the rules for parents if the plane isn't full. If you are on a full flight, they will be more stringent. Call ahead to be sure.

Call the airline directly, and double-check. I don't think it will be counted as a "carry on", but you may want to bag it with something else (like her stroller) and have the flight attendant put it in their "large carry on" storage area during the flight. The service reps will be able to tell you the exact dimensions that your other carry-on's MUST be, because they have to fit either under the seat directly in front of you, or go into one of the overhead bins. If they exceed the length and width, they must be checked in.

Also, don't forget to pack a pair of pj's and extra clothes for both you and your daughter, along with any medications you will be taking, because you may need them. I can't tell you how many times my grandmother got her luggage the NEXT day, because it ended up on a different flight! (It always got to her destination, just not always on the flight SHE was on!)

Congratulations on Sierra, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
~J.~

Hi S.,

I travel A LOT with my kids...who are now 3 1/2 and 7 months. The best advice is to carry on only what you will need for those few hours...the rest should be checked. If you will not be using your pump on board...pack it in a suitcase and check it. Mine has been packed numerous times and there's never been a problem with it. I only use 1 bag as carry on. It is a duffel type bag (from Sam Moon...cheap), that I put my diaper bag stuff in, my purse and anything else I want on me for immediate use (including medications and snacks). The key is that you need the ability to handle it all yourself. My baby is always in the sling as well...and carrying one bag and the baby is enough.
Good luck and have fun.

Will you use your pump when you're in transit? If not, may I suggest packing it in a suitcase? I packed my Medela pump in the luggage and checked it in. The pump still worked afterwards if that may be of concern. You have your hands full as it is and going through the security check point will not be easy.

And so, to answer your question :)
Check with your airline before packing to determine its carry-on guidelines regarding the number of items you may carryon and the maxiumum size of those items.
http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/aircraft_a...