Track & Field Star Allyson Felix Shares Her Family Travel Tips

Since making her track and field debut in 2004, Allyson Felix has made her journey to the Olympics every four years, bringing home a medal in all five appearances. This year, things are a little different. Not only is this the first time Felix will be heading to the Olympics as a retired athlete and Olympic mom advocate, but she’ll also have her toddler Camryn and her nursing newborn Atlas in tow. As she prepares alongside her husband, Kenneth Ferguson, for this out-of-town adventure, the task might be even more daunting than stepping onto the starting blocks.

During a recent event with The Lactation Network, we caught up with Felix and got the lowdown on how she’s prepping to bring the whole family to Paris 2024. “This will be a whole different experience. The last time I went to the Olympics, all I had to worry about was myself. And now I’m packing for two kids,” she noted.

When it comes to packing, Felix says her secret for organization is packing cubes and plenty of lists. “I love packing cubes. Everybody has their packing plans, they’re all sorted,” she says. For gear, she’ll be bringing everything from bottles to pumping parts and “all of the things,” she jokes. “We have got a little blow-up chair that we will use in our Airbnb, and we will request a crib and all of the more practical things. At the end of the day, I’m all about lists and resources, making sure I’m talking to people who have done it before, and they’re telling me what’s helpful.”

Right on cue, the Lactation Network’s Director of Clinical and Strategic Partnerships, IBCLC and RN, Leah Tribus, chimed in with said advice for traveling parents. “When you have your partner, I always liked teaming up, so maybe you’re going to take care of the baby and dad is going to help with the big sister. And just kind of knowing I’m on that duty for the most part,” she explained. “For older children, I always recommend bringing novel things, things that she’s never played with before, because it really helps keep them engaged and interested.”

For parents, specifically those who are breastfeeding while traveling, Tribus advises starting by mentally preparing. “If you are a super private person or don’t like the noise associated with pumping, you need to mentally prepare to be doing these things on a plane or potentially out in public. Because if you are stressed out, it will affect your supply,” she notes. “Having a list and really thinking through not only the logistical pieces, like needing to pump or breastfeed a certain number of times, but also being prepared for spills, pump malfunctions, or battery issues. I always recommend bringing a manual pump as a backup.”

“Being as prepared as possible is super important for reducing stress. Flying with children is stressful, but doing what you can to take the edge off by being prepared helps. Many parents get embarrassed and stressed out when their kids cry, but it’s a human condition. Kids are going to cry. You might get a glare here and there, but recognizing this and having backup plans with your partner is key,” she added.

Another event attendee reminded all breastfeeding parents to get familiar with their legal rights while traveling. Federal law protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in any public or private location where she and her child are allowed to be. Additionally, when traveling, TSA regulations permit parents to bring breast milk, formula, and juice for infants in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, as long as they declare these items at the security checkpoint for inspection.

Overall, Felix says however the journey goes, she’s excited to share the Olympics with her family for the first time. “It’s a whole new experience for me. I’ll be working in a lot of different capacities she’s worked with Pampers to launch the first-ever Olympic village nursery, but I’m excited to bring my family. My daughter started gymnastics not too long ago, so we’re going to watch Simone, then we’ll go to swimming track, and just get a whole new perspective. So I’m excited.”