Planning a family trip is exciting, but packing for it can be overwhelming, especially if you plan to fly with your little ones. You can travel with milk, formula, or baby food no matter where you are. When you must pass through airport security and have enough supplies on hand for days, handling these items requires some simple preparation.
Before packing your bags, here are a few tips on traveling with baby formula and food so that you – and the whole family – stay happy.
Can you bring baby formula on a plane
The TSA classifies baby formula as medically necessary, so you can pack as much baby formula as you need for the trip without being limited to the 3.4-ounce rule that applies to other liquids. When you go through security screening, inform airport security of the amount of baby formula you’re carrying. Remove the formula from your carry-on so the agent can screen it separately. TSA officers may test the liquid to confirm it is baby formula and not a prohibited liquid.
Can you bring powdered formula on a plane?
You can pack unmixed baby formula in your carry-on. As with premixed powder, inform the TSA agent you have the baby formula during screening. Ideally, keep the formula in its original packaging. Security may test a small portion of the formula for prohibited substances but will not add anything to the formula package.
Breast or Store-Bought Milk
The rules for breast milk are the same as for baby formula. You can bring as much breast milk as you need for the trip in your carry-on, preferably stored in transparent bottles. The same rules apply if you’re wondering how to travel with milk for a 1-year-old. Milk for older children will be subject to the same 3-1-1 rules as other liquids.
Can you bring baby food on a plane
You can bring baby and toddler food on a plane in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, including jars and baby food pouches of fruits, vegetables, and meat/poultry purees. Store the food in well-sealed containers separate from the rest of your personal belongings.
Can you bring homemade baby food on a plane?
Homemade baby food is allowed in carry-on bags but may be subject to additional screening by TSA agents. Label all homemade baby food before packing, and have it stored in an accessible location in your carry-on bag.
How to keep baby formula and food safe on board
Once you have figured out just how much baby formula powder/ breastmilk and food you should pack, you need to plan how to keep the food safe. Some trips can be long and involve many more hours than just your flight time. How can you ensure your baby’s food stays fresh?
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your baby's food and formula are safe during travel:
- A travel cooler bag is your best bet for day trips to week-long adventures. Some are made for wet and dry foods and can be used to keep food warm or cold.
- Check baby food and formula containers for expiration and refrigeration requirements
- Use ice packs to keep food and formula cold when needed.
- Avoid giving your baby food from open containers that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Do not heat baby food or formula using the airplane's microwave.
Being prepared by following these few guidelines will give you peace of mind for a safe and healthy trip. Check out more of our family travel blogs for other helpful tips and tricks on kid- and baby-friendly travel.
