How to Ship Frozen Breast Milk Safely

Introduction: A Mother’s Gift, A Baby’s Lifeline

Breast milk is more than just nourishment—it’s immunity, connection, and life. But what happens when you’re away from home? When your baby is in another state, or you’re donating milk across the country? Whether you’re a working mom, military spouse, or milk donor, there’s one question that surfaces every time:

How do you ship frozen breast milk safely—without it thawing?

The answer lies in one cold, powerful solution: dry ice. This guide will walk you through exactly how to use it, how much it costs, which carriers to trust (yes, even FedEx shipping frozen breast milk), and how to avoid the most common mistakes. We’re here to inform, guide, and empower you—because shipping frozen breast milk shouldn’t be complicated. It should be safe, simple, and stress-free.

1. Can You Ship Frozen Breast Milk?

Yes, you absolutely can ship frozen breast milk—and more families are doing it than ever before.

Whether you’re:

• Traveling away from your infant,
• Shipping milk to a NICU or surrogate baby,
• Or contributing to a milk bank—

…it’s legal and encouraged, provided you follow safe packaging procedures.

Most major couriers—including FedEx, UPS, and some medical transport companies—accept frozen breast milk shipments, even with dry ice. Just make sure to package it properly, use a sturdy cooler, and follow any labeling requirements. That’s where this guide comes in.

2. How to Ship Frozen Breast Milk: Step-by-Step with Dry Ice

If you’re wondering exactly how to ship frozen breast milk, here’s the clear roadmap:

Step 1: Pre-Freeze the Milk

Make sure the breast milk is fully frozen before packing—this preserves nutrients and maintains quality.

Step 2: Get a Sturdy Insulated Cooler

Use a Styrofoam cooler, ideally 2-inch thick walls or more. Line the interior with a silver mylar bag for added insulation and reflectivity.

Step 3: Add Dry Ice

Place dry ice on the bottom and/or sides of the cooler. Use gloves to handle it—it’s -109°F and can cause burns.

💡 Pro Tip: 10–20 lbs of dry ice typically lasts 24–48 hours depending on cooler quality and outside temps.

Step 4: Pack Milk Bags

Place frozen milk in breast milk storage bags and then inside the mylar bag. Seal the mylar bag tightly.

Step 5: Label Properly

• Write “Dry Ice – UN1845” on the box
• Include net weight of the dry ice
• Indicate “Perishable: Human Milk” if possible

Step 6: Choose Overnight Shipping

More on that in the next section—overnight or express is key.

3. What’s the Best Way to Ship Frozen Breast Milk?

Hands down: the best way to ship frozen breast milk is using a silver mylar bag, thick cooler, and dry ice, sent overnight.

Why?

• Dry ice doesn’t melt—it sublimates (turns to gas), keeping milk rock-solid.
• Mylar bags reflect heat and insulate better than plastic.
• Overnight shipping reduces thaw risk and ensures milk arrives safely.

Skip gel packs. They’re fine for short rides, but not for overnight or multi-state transport.

4. How to Ship Frozen Breast Milk Overnight

If speed matters (and it does), here’s how to ship frozen breast milk overnight:

1. Choose an overnight courier (like FedEx Priority Overnight).
2. Drop off as late as possible the day before—ideally after 5PM.
3. Use at least 5–10 lbs of dry ice depending on shipment size.
4. Confirm delivery ETA and add signature confirmation if possible.

Time = temperature. And temperature = safety.

5. FedEx Shipping Frozen Breast Milk: What You Need to Know

When it comes to FedEx shipping frozen breast milk, they’re one of the top choices for reliable overnight service—especially with dry ice.

Here’s what to know:

• FedEx allows dry ice shipments up to 5.5 lbs per package for Express services (more for Ground with special arrangements).
• Must label the box “Dry Ice – UN1845” with weight and class 9 hazard symbol.
• You’ll need a FedEx Express Clinical Pak or strong outer box.
• Choose “Perishable” option in shipment dropdown.

FedEx also offers real-time tracking so you know exactly where your milk is.

6. How Much Does It Cost to Ship Frozen Breast Milk?

Let’s break it down. The cost to ship frozen breast milk depends on:

The main factors: distance, cooler size, and dry ice weight.

To save:

• Buy dry ice from local suppliers in bulk
• Use a reusable cooler
• Ship fewer but larger packages (batch your milk)

So, how much does it cost to ship frozen breast milk? Expect about $100–150 for an average overnight shipment.

7. Shipping Frozen Breast Milk with Dry Ice: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Keeps milk frozen for 24–72 hours
• Lightweight and clean (no melting mess)
• Accepted by most couriers

❌ Cons:

• Can be dangerous if mishandled (requires gloves)
• Must be vented (do NOT seal airtight)
• Slightly higher upfront cost

Still, for long-distance or overnight? Dry ice is unmatched.

8. How Do You Ship Frozen Breast Milk Without It Thawing?

This is the million-dollar question: How do you ship frozen breast milk and keep it solid?

Answer: Triple insulation + dry ice.

Your Setup:

• Milk inside bags
• Sealed inside a mylar bag
• Inside a Styrofoam cooler
• Surrounded by dry ice
• Inside a strong shipping box

Add vent holes for dry ice gas release. Seal everything except airflow vents.

9. Packing Checklist for Shipping Frozen Breast Milk

Here’s your go-to prep list:

✅ Frozen breast milk in storage bags
✅ Silver mylar bag (heat-reflective layer)
✅ Dry ice (10–20 lbs, depending on duration)
✅ Gloves for handling
✅ Styrofoam cooler
✅ Shipping box
✅ Labels: “Dry Ice – UN1845,” net weight, Class 9 symbol
✅ Shipping form with delivery address & contact

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these, and you’re golden:

• ❌ Using gel packs instead of dry ice
• ❌ Underpacking dry ice (better too much than too little)
• ❌ Forgetting to label the package
• ❌ Sealing the cooler airtight (dry ice needs ventilation)
• ❌ Last-minute drops that miss same-day shipping windows

11. Can You Ship Frozen Breast Milk Internationally?

Yes—but it’s more complex. When asking can you ship frozen breast milk abroad, know this:

• Some countries treat it as a medical product; others see it as biological material
• Customs paperwork is required
• Dry ice is considered hazardous internationally

Best approach? Use a medical courier or partner with a milk bank experienced in global logistics.

12. Where to Buy Dry Ice and Packing Supplies

Here’s where to find everything you need:

• Dry Ice: Sub Zero Dry Ice, grocery store chains (Kroger, Publix, Safeway), ice distributors, welding gas suppliers
• Mylar Bags: Sub Zero Dry Ice, Amazon, packaging supply stores
• Styrofoam Coolers: Online (Uline, ThermoSafe) or pharmacies
• Shipping Boxes: UPS, FedEx, or office supply stores

Always call ahead—some stores don’t stock dry ice regularly.

Final Thoughts: Ship Frozen Breast Milk with Confidence

Breast milk deserves protection. And when you ship it, you’re not just sending nutrients—you’re sending care, love, and hope in every drop.

Dry ice is your best friend. When used with a silver mylar bag, proper packaging, and overnight shipping, your milk can travel safely across cities or across the country—without losing a degree.