Planning a family trip can be such an exciting time, but packing for it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are planning to fly with your little ones.
Not only do you have to make sure to pack enough clothing, but what about travelling with baby food? Can you take bottles through security checkpoints? Will you have to check a bag, or can you take what baby needs in your carry-on luggage?
Milk and/or formula and food are two essential items for any baby, no matter where you are in the world. When you have to pass through airport security and need to have enough supplies on hand for days at a time, these items require a bit more thought.
Before you start packing your bags, here are a few tips on how to travel with baby formula and food so that you – and the whole family – stay happy.
Can you bring baby formula on a plane?
Airlines allow baby food, formula, and breast milk in a carry-on bag, but the TSA has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids, including all baby food items. Each passenger is allowed 3.4 ounces or less of liquid, gel, or aerosol products per container, and all containers must fit in one clear, quart-size bag per person.
Think about your baby’s feeding schedule. Depending on how much your baby consumes, this small amount of liquid in small bottles may pose a challenge.
A workaround: Bring powdered formula. Go through TSA with baby formula in powder form, then buy bottled water to mix the solution before getting onboard. Be sure to bring more formula than you will need, to accommodate for any travel delays.
NOTE: Never use the water from an airplane bathroom to make formula. It is non-potable - meaning it is not safe to drink.
If you need to pack more liquid than is allowed in your carry-on, you will have to put it in a checked bag. Alternatively, you can source what you need at your destination ahead of your trip and only bring what you will need for a couple of days.
Can you bring baby formula on a plane?
Yes, you can bring baby food on a plane. This includes jars and baby food pouches of fruits, vegetables, and meat/poultry purees. Just make sure that you store the food in your carry-on bag separated from the rest of your personal belongings.
You will want to ensure that the food is sealed well, so it does not leak during the flight. For extra safe storage, place these items in the wet pocket of your suitcase or in a zippered storage bag, and be sure any breakable containers are well cushioned.
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 you will 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. For other helpful tips and tricks on kid- and baby-friendly travel, check out more of our family travel blogs.
