Flying With Breastmilk, Formula, And Baby Food: An Easy How-To Guide (2023)

FAQs

How do you fly with breast milk and formula? ›

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

Baby food is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Please see traveling with children for more information.

You can pack more than 3.4 ounces of formula — and more than 3.4 ounces of water for babies, such as for mixing formulas powders — in your checked luggage and carry-on. (If you're bringing it with you on the plane, however, the TSA requires you to separate these items from the rest of your gear to be screened.)

Absolutely! If you are wondering “How much baby milk can I take on a plane?” – the first important thing to know about traveling with baby formula is that you are exempt from the normal hand baggage liquid rules which limit liquids at 100ml.

Your breast milk cooler does count as a carry-on. storage bags. Your freezer packs and breast milk storage containers may be more than 3 oz. Declare them at security, even when they are empty.

Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). These don't count as your personal item or carry-on: Diaper bags (1 per child) Breast pump.

According to the TSA, limiting containers to what can fit inside a quart-size bag prevents what former TSA administrator Kip Hawley once called a “critical diameter” to blow anything up. The size of the container precludes enough of a potentially explosive liquid from being carried on board.

Baby ear plugs for flying or earphones are great companions in these situations. First of all, it stops more pressure from entering the tubes. Most pieces have built-in filters that control changes in pressure. Some earplugs are designed only for children.

TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches.

How much baby food is allowed on flight? ›

It's always better to be prepared. Formula, breast milk, juice, and baby foods in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces [100mls] are allowed in carry-on baggage and don't need to fit in a quart-sized bag.

For Infants: Pack your standard diaper bag complete with all the items you need on an outing: diapers, changing pad, wipes, diaper cream, plastic bags for soiled clothes, blankets, tissues, pacifiers, teeth toys, extra change of clothes (two, just to be safe), a hat to keep baby's head warm when the plane gets cold, ...

If it's a short trip, pack your prepared formula in a cooler or insulated bag with lots of ice packs. This can be done with prepared powdered, concentrate, or ready-to-feed formulas. Prepared formula can be stored within a cooler bag with ice packs for as long as the temperature inside remains cold enough.

Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H₂0 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

You can take expressed breast milk, boiled water to make up feeds or for drinking, formula powder and baby food on board. You are allowed to take powdered baby formula on all flights, but you'll need to show it for screening when you go through.

You can get travel-size ready-made formula bottles, or stackable formula towers to pre-portion your powder feeds to make with boiled water at the airport or on the flight. It's also worth remembering some cool boiled water for in between feeds – baby's got to stay hydrated.

While there are restrictions on the liquids you can take on a plane, they don't apply to food or milk for your baby. That means you can take what you need for the journey in your hand luggage. This includes: expressed breastmilk, formula, or cow's milk.

Bottle & formula (if Using)

Obviously don't have a ready-made bottle sitting in your diaper bag, but if you use powder formula, you can leave a can or packet in there along with a water bottle. You can pre-fill a formula dispenser or keep some powder in a Ziploc bag and stuff it in an empty bottle.

According to the TSA, a breast pump is considered a medical device and does NOT count as one of your carry-on bags, so you should be able to carry your breast pump bag, cooler and purse without a problem.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice - regardless of the presence of breast milk - are allowed in carry-on.

Does a breast pump count as a personal item on a plane? ›

They are TSA-friendly and also stay cold longer than gel or water ice packs). Your breast pump is a medical device – meaning it does not count as a carry-on item. Your cooler, however, WILL count as a carry-on item if it is separate.

TSA regulations limit carry ons to one bag and one small, personal item. Most airlines will include diaper bags in your carry on allowance. If your child is traveling for free as an unticketed infant/child, they do not have a baggage allowance.

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

A common rule of thumb is to pack one diaper per hour of travel time. It doesn't hurt to pack a few extra ones beyond the ones allotted for flight time.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

According to Doug and Sanjay, the back row of the plane is the best place to sit when traveling with a baby for 5 reasons. Over the next shot of the aircraft's galley, they explain that since the back of the plane is near the galley, it's easier to get up and walk around if a fussy baby needs settling.

With young babies, the later in the day, the more fussy they become. I learned the hard way not to book a flight in the 3 to 7 p.m. window. Travel with baby is best done in the morning because babies are better rested, happier and therefore more adaptable.

The safest way to transport formula is to take cooled, boiled water and the powdered formula in separate containers. But if you need to transport bottles of formula that are already made up, make sure the formula is icy cold when you leave the house.

Can I wear my baby through airport security? ›

TSA agents will allow you to go through the metal detector while still wearing your baby in a soft-bodied carrier. In fact, in airports that have both a metal detector and a full-body scanner, you will be sent through the metal detector if you are wearing your baby through airport security.

Infants under 2 years old can travel at no charge in the lap of their parent (any age), or an accompanying adult 16 years or older traveling in the same cabin. We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants less than 7 days old require a 'Passenger Medical' form to be completed before your flight.

When you travel with a child under 2 years old, you may choose to travel with the child on your lap (infant-in-arms) or travel with your child in an FAA-approved child safety seat. To use a FAA-approved safety seat, you must purchase a ticket for your child so they have a reserved seat.

The TSA and major airlines don't ban any common baby gear on planes. Stash a breast pump in your purse or fill a carry-on with nothing but diapers, and TSA agents won't blink an eye.

You may bring your child's car seat and stroller free of charge as checked baggage. You can check these items with your other baggage, or wait until you reach the gate area. Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter.

Checked Bags: Yes

Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags.

For sterilised baby bottles for travelling consider bringing some disposable sterilising bags. They come complete with a sterilising tablet so you just need to add water. These are ready for use within 15 minutes. The bags are also suitable for use with water abroad and last for 24 hours.

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

Can you bring an empty water bottle on a plane? Yes, you can bring an empty water bottle on a plane. According to TSA, you can bring an empty water bottle on a plane by packing it in your checked bag or by stowing it in your carry-on.

The 3-1-1 rule is, of course, that liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less; they must be placed inside a single, clear plastic bag; and only one plastic bag is permitted per passenger. If you think it will take a long time to get through security, the freezing method might not work.

Do baby wipes count as liquid on plane? ›

Sanitizing Wipes: Wet wipes, in any quantity, can be carried on. This includes baby wipes! Disinfectant sprays: You are allowed to have sprays in your carry-on bag as long as they do not exceed 3.4 oz. Pack larger sizes in your checked luggage.

On any given flight, there is only a limited number of bassinets available. Bassinets are often free. But, sometimes you must pay extra to secure the bulkhead. Prior to booking, familiarize yourself with the policies of the airlines you will likely fly on.

The TSA has a few additional pieces of advice when it comes to traveling with a child who needs a stroller. Strollers that aren't being checked (or are being checked at the gate) will need to be screened by the X-ray, and you can carry your child when going through security.

The safest way to transport formula is to take cooled, boiled water and the powdered formula in separate containers. But if you need to transport bottles of formula that are already made up, make sure the formula is icy cold when you leave the house.

Powder-like substances over 12 oz. or 350mL in carry-on that cannot be resolved at the central checkpoint will not be allowed onto the cabin of the aircraft and will be disposed of. For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.

You are allowed to take powdered baby formula on all flights, but you'll need to show it for screening when you go through. Baby products, prescription and non-prescription medicines (including special dietary products) and medical items required during a flight are exempt from the rules.

Transporting Milk

You can carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. After arriving at your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

It is important to use breast milk-specific bags because other storage bags like Ziplocs are not sterile. Many breast pump brands or bottle brands make a version of a breast milk storage bag.

Breast Milk Storage Bag Air Bubbles: Safe Or Not

The air inside the breast milk storage bag causes a freezer burn on the milk. After you defrost it, you're going to feed it to your child. It causes stomach aches in the little one. You don't want to see your baby suffer troubles like this.

To do this, you could use a travel bottle warmer. These come in various designs, including one that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter. Or take a flask of hot water and a large plastic container. Then just put the hot water from the flask into a container and dip the bottle in, with its cap on, to warm it.

How many baby bottles to travel with? ›

How many bottles should you pack whilst travelling? You should pack as many bottles as your baby uses in 24 hours, plus one or two spares. If you do your washing and sterilizing in the evening or overnight, you'll always have enough bottles for the following day.

Bottle & formula (if Using)

Obviously don't have a ready-made bottle sitting in your diaper bag, but if you use powder formula, you can leave a can or packet in there along with a water bottle. You can pre-fill a formula dispenser or keep some powder in a Ziploc bag and stuff it in an empty bottle.

Milk over 100ml IS allowed in hand luggage

That means two things– your holiday might be the first time you sample your child's warm milk.

Sanitizing Wipes: Wet wipes, in any quantity, can be carried on. This includes baby wipes! Disinfectant sprays: You are allowed to have sprays in your carry-on bag as long as they do not exceed 3.4 oz. Pack larger sizes in your checked luggage.

Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz.