Ontario International Airport has completed an upgrade of its family-friendly nursing stations, expanding and refreshing its private lactation rooms in both terminals through a continued partnership with UCR Health. The improvements were finalized on August 25, 2025, timed with National Breastfeeding Month. The airport says the work focuses on comfort, privacy, and health for traveling parents who need a clean, quiet place to breastfeed or pump.
The result is a pair of single-occupancy rooms past security in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 with more space, softer seating, charging access for pumps and phones, and a changing area for infants. For many families, that means less stress during an already demanding travel day.
Purpose-built design and amenities
These rooms are purpose-built for nursing and pumping, not retrofitted restrooms. They are separate, private spaces placed close to nearby restrooms for hand-washing and other needs—without mixing the two functions.
Key features:
– Single-occupancy rooms to protect privacy and reduce noise
– Expanded interiors with more square footage for ease of movement
– Refreshed furnishings such as padded benches to support different feeding positions
– Electrical outlets for breast pumps and phone charging
– A dedicated changing space for infant care
– Located past TSA security near gates to reduce walking and save time
These design choices reflect parent feedback: privacy matters, space matters, and comfort matters when feeding or pumping during travel.
Locations and how to find them
- Terminal 2: second floor, past TSA screening, across from Gate 207, next to the Women’s Restroom.
- Terminal 4: second floor, past TSA screening, across from Gate 407, next to the Family Restroom.
Airport staff can help travelers locate the rooms or check availability. If you need assistance while in the terminal, call the information desk at (909) 937-2700. Ontario International Airport also provides facility details on its website at https://www.flyontario.com, and UCR Health has regional service information at https://www.ucrhealth.org.
Public health partnership and impact
The project is part of a multi-year collaboration with UCR Health that began in 2022. That partnership has included:
– Initial nursing room modernization
– Seasonal health awareness campaigns
– Bi-annual healthcare activations designed for travelers
Leadership comments and evidence:
– Atif Elkadi, CEO of Ontario International Airport Authority, emphasizes a safe, inviting environment for parents who breastfeed or pump.
– Dr. Brenda Ross-Shelton, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at UCR Health, cites research showing:
– 36% lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome for infants exclusively breastfed
– 27% reduced breast cancer risk for mothers who breastfeed
Dr. Ross-Shelton also highlights UCR Health’s role as the first milk depot of the UC Health Milk Bank and the organization’s sponsorship of the rooms—linking airport services with a clinical network focused on maternal and infant health.
UCR Health’s role and mission
UCR Health is the clinical arm of the UC Riverside School of Medicine. Its mission focuses on care for Inland Southern California, with attention to medically underserved communities. The partnership with the airport reflects UCR Health’s goals to:
– Provide culturally aware, inclusive care
– Promote health equity and access
– Reach people where they are through traveler-focused campaigns and terminal outreach
Practical traveler guidance
Why these rooms matter:
– Pumping on schedule is essential to maintain milk supply; missing a session can be painful and stressful.
– Rooms are placed past security and near gates to cut walking time and make access faster during short connections or delays.
Tips for parents:
1. Build a buffer into your itinerary, especially with connections.
2. Keep pump parts and feeding supplies in a carry-on under the seat for easy access.
3. Scan for signs to the nursing room when you arrive at the gate or ask at the information desk.
4. If a room is occupied, notify staff— they can provide wait times or alternatives.
5. Report any issues inside a room so staff can respond quickly.
Federal guidance on carrying breast milk, bottles, and pumps through security is available from the Transportation Security Administration at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/formula-breast-milk-and-juice.
Design choices that improve daily use
The rooms are designed for daily reliability—weekday light traffic or holiday crowds:
– Electrical outlets for pumps and phones
– Padded benches for comfort
– Space to stand, sit, or set down a diaper bag
– Changing area so parents can complete feeding and diaper care in one stop
– Nearby restrooms for sterilizing parts or cleaning bottles, keeping the lactation room focused on quiet care
Community and regional significance
Ontario International Airport serves as a gateway for Inland Southern California and is often closer for local families than coastal airports. The nursing room upgrades send a message to the community: this place is for you. The partnership with UCR Health adds local clinical roots, connecting terminal services to a regional health system.
Public health advocates note that small barriers—lack of privacy, limited pumping time, few places to pump—can reduce breastfeeding. Airports that address these barriers help commuting parents and short-route travelers maintain feeding schedules and avoid discomfort or medical issues like clogged ducts.
Accessibility and inclusivity
The rooms are intended for a variety of users:
– A mother pumping during a business trip
– A parent feeding an infant before boarding
– A caregiver transporting expressed milk
They are designed for one adult and one infant at a time; staff can assist if a second adult is needed. The single-occupancy layout reinforces privacy and dignity for parents and caregivers.
Accreditation and continued commitment
Ontario International Airport has earned multiple Airport Health Accreditations from ACI World, reflecting a broader focus on health and safety across terminals. The nursing room expansion builds on prior modernization efforts and the ongoing airport–UCR Health partnership.
Future outlook
Both partners describe a shared goal of making care easier to reach. Potential future work could include:
– Expanded outreach
– More traveler education
– Additional touchpoints supporting family health
For now, the updated lactation rooms are a practical win—turning a common stress point into a manageable part of travel and reaffirming the airport’s message to the community: families belong here.
Quick reference
- Help while traveling: (909) 937-2700
- Ontario International Airport website: https://www.flyontario.com
- UCR Health site: https://www.ucrhealth.org
- TSA guidance on breast milk and pumps: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/formula-breast-milk-and-juice
- For broader family-focused travel coverage: VisaVerge.com
Upgrades and Locations (summary table)
| Terminal | Location (past TSA) | Nearby restroom | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Across from Gate 207 | Women’s Restroom | Expanded interiors, refreshed furnishings, electrical outlets, changing space, single-occupancy |
| Terminal 4 | Across from Gate 407 | Family Restroom | Expanded interiors, refreshed furnishings, electrical outlets, changing space, single-occupancy |
For planning before travel, visit https://www.flyontario.com or call (909) 937-2700.
This Article in a Nutshell
On August 25, 2025, Ontario International Airport opened upgraded single-occupancy lactation rooms in Terminals 2 and 4, featuring expanded space, power outlets, and changing areas. The project, part of a partnership with UCR Health since 2022, enhances privacy and supports breastfeeding travelers.
