
Alright, as many of you know I’m a bit of a Danny Zuko, I like to bend the rules but sometimes can be a real square on other topics. *Cue Grease*
You’ve seen me out and about with my pumps in my bra for three hours at a time, you’ve also seen me tossing my cups into a cooler with an ice pack to keep them chilled until the next use. Aka the "fridge hack on-the-go".
But what if you’re a Sandra Dee and you don’t want to bend the rules? Don’t worry, I’m still here to help you navigate this traveling and pumping dilemma. Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t mean you should feel pressured into doing something you’re not comfortable doing. Not into the fridge hack on-the-go? No problem. You’ve got my support, so let’s talk this out…

What is Fridge Hack On-The-Go?
First let’s touch on what the fridge hack on-the-go is, then you may have a better idea of whether you want to use it or not. Basically you will travel with a cooler and ice pack to hold your collection cups or bottles and flanges between uses. By keeping them cool you’re reducing bacterial growth. I want to toss in here that a wet/dry bag and ice pack will not suffice, you want to use storage that will hold the chill of the ice packs.
Cooler options I’d recommend:
-
Mimi and Pal Radley Breast Milk Cooler (bemybreastfriend for 10% off)
- Sarah Wells Cold Gold Breast Milk Cooler (MYBREASTFRIEND15 for 15% off)
- PackIt, a freezable, foldable cooler bag
So now your next question may be, "Well how long are we using this said fridge hack on-the-go?" This answer will vary depending on how long you’re traveling, or (more importantly) how long that ice pack is staying frozen. I love the fridge hack on-the-go, but if the ambient temperature is really hot, I typically won’t use this hack because I don’t have that much faith in any cooler + ice pack combination for long. Ideally, the fridge hack on-the-go is a temporary solution anyway, so you’re typically looking at short term use. In my personal experience, I wouldn’t confidently recommend the fridge hack on-the-go for any longer than two pump sessions or totaling four hours from pump to pump session.
Example:
- 12Noon | Pump with a fresh set of cups, empty the milk and stick the cups into your cooler
-
4PM | Take the cups back out for your subsequent session, empty the milk, consider the cups dirty
- Next Session | Start with a fresh, clean set of cups
Now if after reading this section you’re still thinking this option just isn’t for you, don’t worry, there’s other options that will help make your pumping on-the-go less stressful.

Let’s chat about these alternative on-the-go options:
- Pump Wipes
- Extra Set-Ups
-
On-The-Go Cleaning Tools
Pump Wipes
The most affordable and possibly the easiest option would be to stock up on cleaning wipes, offered by both Medela and Dapple. These wipes are strictly for on-the-go, not long term, repeated use. The best clean you’ll get will always be with hot soapy water but these wipes can be a real asset when water source is limited or for emergency situations. These wipes are alcohol, bleach and scent free, they are not the same as Clorox wipes, and should not be used interchangeably. Use these cleansing wipes to remove most germs and bacteria from more than just pump parts. They can also be used to wipe down highchairs, cribs and more.
How to use:
After pumping, shake out as much milk residue from the bottles, cups, flanges, duckbills and backflow protectors. You’ll want to wipe any surface that milk has touched, then allow to air dry as best as possible before reassembling.
Extra Set-Ups
The second option may include spending a few extra bucks and carrying more extra baggage, but I can vouch that it’s worth it. This is how I pump on-the-go during those scorcher hot days or longer traveling times. I simply bring an extra set of flanges or in-your-bra cups or pumps. I know you’re probably thinking, "Wow Kristen, that’s not what I was expecting as one of your life changing recommendations". I know, it’s not worthy of any awards but some times the best answer isn’t always the most convenient. However, my next suggestion might set your lightbulb off. If you’re using an in-your-bra mobile pump, consider ordering another complete set of cups! Yes, this is possibly the best recommendation that I can offer, pop the motors off the dirty set and pop ‘em on the clean set! Boom, two clean sessions, no question about it!
On-The-Go Cleaning Tools
Last but certainly not least, cleaning tools that require clean potable water. Key word: POTABLE . Let’s define this quickly so you’re not questioning what I’m referring to:
Potable water is safe to drink water.
And just to we're clear, here are some examples of non-potable water: portable hand washing stations, river water, water collection tanks used for irrigation, or water labeled as gray water.
Okay, now that we know the meaning of potable, let’s talk when and where we are using this method: Anywhere you are traveling and have access to a running facet, or unopened, sealed water bottles. I'd recommend investing in a dedicated bottle brush and wash basin. And don't forget the soap!
Some of my favorite options for on-the-go cleaning tools:
-
Ceres Chill All-You-Need Washbasin Bag (Bemybreastfriend15 for 15% off)
-
OXO Tot Travel Size Drying Rack with Bottle Brush
- Collapsible Wash Basin
I’ll often receive the question of how to wash while traveling to other countries with non-potable water, such as somewhere you’re using bottled water to rinse and spit after brushing your teeth. My answer is to give your pumping parts and bottles the same treatment. Fill your basin with water, add soap, wash-wash-wash, rinse away dirty water, and allow to air dry.
For extra measure, after washing in soapy water, spray with this Medela Sanitizer Spray
Well, there ya have it! These are all options when wanting to avoid the fridge hack on-the-go.. or maybe you’re using a mix of both. I’ve definitely been on all sides of these scenarios. Ultimately, I’ve found the easiest way to pump on-the-go when not wanting to travel with a cooler and ice pack for storing parts between use, is to simply bring an extra set of pump parts. Investing in a second set of flanges and bottles or cups is probably my best suggestion, easy-peasy and very reliable. However, all these options have their pros and cons and can be situation-dependent, so test them out next time you are on-the-go and find what works best for you!