Travelling with a baby always comes with extra planning, and feeding on the go can feel like one of the biggest challenges. Whether you’re heading on holiday or just taking a long day trip, deciding between powdered formula and ready made formula milk is an important part of your preparations.

While ready made formula can feel convenient, many parents find that powdered formula is a far more practical option when travelling. Here are some of the key reasons why:

Why powdered formula can be easier when travelling:

• Weight & space – Unless you’re happy to pay for extra baggage, powdered formula is lighter and takes up much less room than ready made formula milk.
• Better for the environment – Ready made formulas are typically sold in single-use plastic bottles. Choosing powdered formula helps reduce this waste.
• Cost – Ready made formula is generally more expensive. Buying enough for a holiday can quickly become a significant extra cost.

What water to use

If you’re travelling to a country where tap water isn’t safe to drink, you can use boiled bottled water to make up feeds. Always check the label and choose water with:

• Low sodium (no more than 200mg per litre)
• Low sulphate levels (no more than 250mg per litre)
  

It’s important to remember that goat formula milk must always be made with freshly boiled water that hasn’t cooled below 70°C. This kills any potential bacteria that may be present in formula.

When using bottled water, don’t boil it more than once, as this can increase sodium and sulphate levels.

Top Tip

Before you travel, check what facilities your accommodation has. Most places will provide a kettle, microwave, or access to hot water, which will make sterilising and preparing feeds much easier.

Our Recommended Holiday Kit

Here’s our packing list with our fav items for holiday feeding. 

1. A tin of your baby’s formula (or more)
Work out how much you’ll need for your trip, and pack a little extra, just in case.

2. Travel formula storage container
Perfect for day trips. Pre-measure the right amount of powder for each feed into small containers. We like these like these stackable ones from Bèaba.

3. Bottles
Pack at least a full day’s worth of sterilised bottles so you’re not rushing to clean them immediately. Stick to your usual bottles to avoid any fuss.

4. Bottle wash or travel sized washing up liquid
Decant a small amount into a water-tight container and label clearly.

5. Sterilising Kit
Options include cold-water sterilisers, self-sterilising bottles, microwave pouches (if facilities allow), or travel UV sterilisers.

6. Access to boiling water
Essential for preparing each feed correctly. Most hotels provide a kettle.

7. Milk Cooler - e.g. Nuby Rapid Cool
Handy for quickly cooling feeds to the right temperature. Not essential, but a brilliant extra for travel.

8. Hand sanitiser
A couple of travel-sized bottles are always useful.

Preparing Your Bag

When heading out for the day:

• Pre-measure powdered formula into containers
• Pack sterilised bottles
• Carry a flask of boiling water

This way, you’re always ready to make a safe, fresh feed on the go.

Making A Bottle Whilst Out and About

1. 1. Before preparing a bottle, always wash or sanitise hands 
   2. Use fresh sterilised bottles
   3. Boil the kettle 
   4. Add the correct amount of water to bottle or rapid cool flask. 
   5. Add formula milk powder to bottle or rapid cool flask.
   6. Replace the lid onto bottle or rapid cool flask.
   7. Shake well.
   8. If using rapid cool flask, milk will be ready in approx two minutes and when lid turns green.
   9. If preparing in a bottle, you now need to cool the milk by running it under cool water or placing in a bowl of cool water and wait until milk is correct temperature. You can test this by squeezing some milk onto the inside of your wrist, the milk should be body temperature, which won’t feel cool or warm but it should never feel hot.
   10. When milk is at correct temperature for baby, it’s ready to serve. 
   11. Wash and sterilise bottles ready for next feed.

Clean and prepare

At the end of the day it’s back to your usual routine of washing and sterilising your bottles ready for the evening and next day using your washing up liquid and sterilising kit. 

Rest Assured

If this is your first time travelling with a baby, it can feel daunting. But remember, many families do this every day, and hotel staff are usually more than happy to help with practicalities like kettles, microwaves, or hot water.

Always follow the instructions on your tin of formula milk carefully, as preparation guidelines can differ slightly between brands.

Important Notice:

Breastfeeding is best for baby, where possible. Follow on milk is suitable for babies over 6 months as part of a mixed diet. Every parent should feel supported in their feeding choice. For guidance, speak to your healthcare professional.