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What to know about going through TSA with baby food

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Bringing your little one along for a trip is a great way to bond and make lifelong family memories. Flying with your baby doesn’t need to be intimidating or stressful, and neither does getting their food through TSA. Your baby’s food is the most important thing you’ll travel with, and you’re permitted to bring frozen and bottled breast milk, as well as juices and formula for your baby on planes. All you need to do is plan ahead and budget more time at the airport! 

TSA policies regarding baby food

TSA allows baby food in your carry-on bag — don’t leave your child’s food in your checked bag and risk it all getting lost in transit! Pack your formula, breast milk or juice in TSA pouches . When you arrive at TSA with your carry-on full of baby food, be sure to inform the TSA agent that you are traveling with the food before you begin your screening process. TSA will ask you to take these items out of your bag and will screen them through a separate process. 

All formula, breast milk and juice will go through an X-ray screening process, the same one as your checked bag. TSA may need to test your liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items and may request you to open them. If you don’t want your baby food open, you can deny this request — additional steps will be taken by TSA to ensure they’re safe for travel without opening. 

Formula, breast milk and juices are an exemption under the 3-1-1 liquids rule for flying. This means that you can bring them in quantities greater than 3.4 oz, which is not the case for most other liquids going through TSA . Additionally, TSA allows ice packs and freezer packs for the purpose of freezing baby food — you can line a cooler bag with these to keep your baby food fresh! If you’re flying with a toddler , you can bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred, and processed food along in carry-on baggage.

Tips for getting baby food through TSA without hassle 

Make traveling with baby food quick and easy! 

Determine how much food you’ll need to travel with in advance

No one knows your baby better than you — you know when your baby needs to eat! Before your trip, think about how long you’ll be gone, how many times and the amount your baby eats per day. Plan to bring at least this much food for your trip!

For parents that pump, consider pre-pumping and freezing some breast milk, and bring your pump with you to supplement the rest. For parents using formula, pre-package your baby’s food in TSA baby food pouches and store them away for the trip. 

Pack your baby food well & keep it with you

TSA allows ice packs, freezer packs and the like for baby food — take advantage of this! Make sure you’re packing your cooler bag tightly and putting as many of these as you need inside to keep your food frozen. 

Since baby food is allowed in your carry-on bag, be sure to keep your eye on it at all times. Don’t let it leave your sight when it’s going through TSA or in the airport in general — your baby needs it and unless you’re on a very short flight, they’ll probably need to eat on the plane.

Insider Tip: Some airlines, like Southwest , allow babies and young toddlers to travel for free! Always be sure to check if there’s a child fare when booking your flight.

Give yourself extra time to go through security

Because of all the policies TSA has surrounding baby food, it’s important to give yourself extra time when traveling with it. You might need to jump through a few hoops to get it past TSA, and all food needs to be separately screened. This applies especially if you plan to bring a large amount of baby food on the plane. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case — make sure you get your baby food through security and make your flight with plenty of time to spare! 

FAQ for traveling with baby food

Can you bring squeezable baby food on a plane.

Yes! Squeezable pouches, jars or cans of baby food are all allowed on the plane and adhere to the same rules as breast milk, juices and formula. You can even bring gel or liquid-filled teething rings and toys for your little ones on the plane! 

How much baby food can you take on a plane? 

TSA allows baby food in “reasonable quantities” on planes. Basically, this means there is no strict cut-off for how much food you can bring on the plane. Bring only the amount of baby food your baby needs for the trip and you shouldn’t have any problems getting through security. 

Can I bring water for baby formula on a plane?

Yes! Again, water for baby formula and babies is permitted by TSA in “reasonable quantities” in carry-on bags. The water for your baby formula will have to undergo the same screening process as the other foods you bring for your baby, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it onto the plane. 

Bottom line

Whether you’re solo parent traveling or tag-teaming it with little ones, getting your baby’s food through TSA can be a stress-free and hassle-free process. TSA allows formula, breast milk and juices in quantities that exceed 3.4oz, which is the typical rule, and you’ll be able to bring stocked cooler bags as well if needed. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and have the food screened properly, plus keep it in your carry-on bag to make sure you have it with you whenever your baby needs it. After that, all that’s left to do is enjoy your trip with a happy and full baby!

Alexandra Maloney

Contributor

Alexandra Maloney is a contributor for Million Mile Secrets where she covers points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel. She's worked as a writing consultant for the University of Richmond and is a features writer for The Collegian UR.

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Traveling with Children

All passengers are required to undergo screening. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the child’s screening.

TSA standard screening procedures apply for children 13 years and older. Carry-on property of all passengers, regardless of age, must be screened. All passengers who alarm will undergo additional screening.

Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids

Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device.

Let the TSA officer know if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by a parent/guardian. You may carry your child through the WTMD. The TSA officer will not remove your child from their mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.

Request Assistance

TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and those that need additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. Call  TSA Cares 72 hours prior  to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint.

Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches)

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. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.

It’s helpful to the officers when formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.

TSA X-ray machines are not harmful to food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to resolve alarms. You or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Passengers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting  TSA Cares  or by phone at (855) 787-2227.

Screening of Children’s Items

  • Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
  • Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray.
  • Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
  • Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.

Screening Technology

Walk-Through Metal Detector

Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required.

Advanced Imaging Technology

If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.

You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child.

Screening your Child

  • Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.
  • Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
  • Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.
  • Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening
  • Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.

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TSA Baby Food & Formulae Rules (Plus Tips for Flying)

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Home » TSA Baby Food & Formulae Rules (Plus Tips for Flying)

It’s finally time for your baby’s first trip on an airplane. Luggage is packed , the itinerary is planned, and the camera is ready to snap a million first-time family travel photos.

But what about food for the flight?

While traveling with a baby , one of the biggest concerns for us parents is making sure that our little ones are well-fed and comfortable. Especially if the flight is going to be a long one.

A full tummy keeps your munchkin happy and playful, which is the best-case scenario while you’re up in the air.

TSA Baby Food & Formulae Rules (Plus Tips for Flying)

The TSA is pretty strict about what you can and what you cannot carry on the plane. Especially liquids.

But baby foods are an exception. If you follow their rules and guidelines properly, there should be no hassle in carrying your baby food and baby formula past the security and onto the flight.

best travel toys for toddlers

Can You Bring Baby Food on an Airplane?

Anyone traveling with an infant is allowed to pack baby food, milk, and juice for the flight into a carry-on.

While the TSA has strict rules about other liquids and foods allowed on the plane, baby food and formulae are less restricted. You may bring as much baby food as you need.

Tip: Check out what we like to use for packing baby food for the airplane.

TSA Rules for Baby Food

The TSA aims to protect passengers while traveling. Which is why they are so particular about the items in your carry-on bags.

Flying with a Baby

They have a list of food and liquids that are allowed on the plane, as well as how much.

However, not all of the rules apply to baby food and liquids, regulations are quite simple for infants:

  • You must be traveling with the baby to carry food (obviously)
  • Keep your baby food and other liquid carry-on items separate
  • Inform the TSA officer that you are carrying these liquid food items at the checkpoint

Traveling with Formula and Baby Food

It’s always a good idea to know in advance what you’ll be required to do at the airport in terms of security procedures while traveling with formula and baby food.

1. Notify the TSA When Traveling with an Infant

Just as you need to remove your laptops from your carry-on bag during the screening process at the airport, the same is required of baby food as well.

The reality of flying with newborns

At the security checkpoint, take your formula, juices, breast milk, and other baby foods that may be in liquid form out of your bags. They will be screened separately.

You will have to inform the TSA officer before the screening that you’re traveling with a toddler and are carrying liquid baby foods in excess of the permitted limit.

2. Liquid Rule Exemption for Baby Food on Planes

Typically, the permitted quantity of liquids that you can carry on a plane is 3.4 ounces(100 milliliters).

But when it comes to baby food, this is often not nearly enough for a full flight.

Thankfully, the TSA understands this and allows you to travel with as much as you need.

In addition, if you need to carry additional paraphernalia such as ice and frozen gel packs to keep your baby food fresh, you’re allowed to do so.

But they are subject to the same screening process as the rest of your baby food items.

3. Screening Process for Baby Food and Baby Formulae

The TSA officers need to be absolutely sure that the liquids that you’re carrying are safe for the other passengers on the flight.

Hence, they are screened thoroughly for concealed prohibited items.

Flying with Baby

You might even be asked to open the bottle and dispose of it a little bit or transfer it to another empty container, which is also screened.

If you’re specific about the fact that the bottle must not be opened before consumption, you can inform the TSA officer and they will find an alternate method of screening.

You may then have to undergo a more vigorous check yourself before they clear you to carry your baby formula on the plane.

4. TSA PreCheck with Kids

When you’re traveling with baby formula, it’s always better to get TSA PreCheck . You can also get a free TSA precheck .

This will help you get a Trusted Traveler Number, which means that you qualify for expedited screening.

PRO Packing Cubes Review

TSA PreCheck queues are much shorter relatively and you have to spend very little time awaiting your turn.

In addition, you don’t need to take off your shoes, and your laptops can stay put in your carry-on bags .

But the biggest advantage for people flying with baby food pouches and breast milk is that they do not need to take these contents out of their bags.

Sure, the bags are screened from the outside for detecting explosives, but that’s about it.

Your formula can stay arranged in the bag and doesn’t need to be taken out until it’s time to feed your baby.

Having said that, you may still be asked to remove the baby food pouches and bottles from your bag under certain circumstances.

Read more about the TSA PreCheck Process here.

5. Carrying Water to Make Baby Food on the Airplane

Since you’re traveling with baby food, you’re definitely going to need water to make fresh formula when your little peanut gets hungry.

It’s advisable to buy bottled water after the check-in point from an authorized vendor, instead of bringing it from home.

When is the earliest a baby can fly

While the TSA does not restrict carrying food items for your little ones, they may want you to discard the water, as it’s easily available beyond the check-in point.

You can carry an empty thermos along with you which can easily be filled at the many water fountains at the airport.

Another alternative would be to ask your flight attendant for a sealed water bottle before mixing up your formula.

Avoid using tap water from the bathroom faucets of the airplane as it’s not considered safe for your child’s sensitive tummy.

6. Pre-Preparation when Flying with Baby Formulae

It’s essential to be prepared for your baby’s hunger needs on the airplane. Preparing a bottle in a small space, with a baby on your lap or playing next to you isn’t ideal.

You may have no choice, for an emergency feed, but try to have as many of your feeds already planned for and portioned into bottles.

That way, you will only have to pour water into them later, eliminating the need to deal with loose powder.  

This will also save you the hassle of additional screening by the TSA as your baby food will not be in liquid form at the time of check-in.

Tip: You might be also interested in reading our article about tips for surviving the trip with your little one here .

How to pack formula for air travel?

Getting past the TSA is one thing, but you also need to make your life easier by packing the formula for maximum convenience.

1. Carry a Formula Dispenser with Sections

If your formula dispenser is sectioned, you won’t have to worry about measuring the powder quantity every time you make the formula on the plane.

Each section of the dispenser can simply be emptied into a bottle to make enough for a single feed.

Munchkin® Formula Dispenser Combo Pack, Colors May Vary, 1 Pack

Check out the price for this formula dispenser on Amazon here .

2. Take a Cooler Bag when Traveling with Baby Food

In addition to carrying ice and gel packs, it’s important to carry your baby food in a cooler bag as it helps keep your breast milk and other pouches fresh for a longer duration.

Skip Hop Baby Breastmilk Cooler Insulated Bottle Bag, Grab & Go, Chevron

Check the price for this baby food cooler bag on Amazon now .

3. Carry Extra Formula

As we mentioned, the restrictions on baby food are much lighter than usual TSA regulations.

So pack a little extra and be prepared in the case of delays.

Summary – Flying with Baby Food

Traveling with kids requires a little more preparation and planning, but it’s often easier than it seems at first.

With a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can make some of the best memories of your life traveling with your little ones.

The TSA is meant for the safety of the people and they are extremely cooperative when you’re traveling with children.

There’s no limit on the amount of food you can carry for your little ones.

Tip: Check our article on what accessories to take for a long haul flight here .

Not sure where to go for your first vacation? Here is our list of the best places to travel with a 1 year old .

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  • Packing Lists

The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids

From activity books to wipes galore, everything you need for your next flight with kids.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

baby food for flight travel

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Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

The trick to flying with young kids? Careful preparation. Our writer has traveled the world with twins, and she knows that flying with children can be miserable if you don't bring the right items on board with you. But with the right tools, a flight with your youngsters is not just feasible but can even be fun. We've rounded up all the supplies you’ll need for feeding, cleaning, soothing, and entertaining little ones — plus transporting all that cargo. So use this guide to prepare properly for your next family flight .

Packing Checklist for Flying With Kids

We've broken down all categories of things you’ll need to pack when flying with children and included the exact items we’d recommend.

Read more about our specific recommendations below and start your own checklist, too.

Entertainment 

  • Best Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
  • Best Headphones: Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
  • Best Tech Stand: Airglo Cell Phone and Tablet Holder
  • Best Coloring Book: Unicorn Imagine Ink Magic Ink Book
  • Best Book: "Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey"
  • Best Activity Book: On the Plane Activity Book
  • Best Craft: Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks
  • Best Game: Magnetic Travel Games
  • Best Set: Mini Voyager 4-7 Jetsetter Travel Kit
  • Best Sound Machine: Frida Baby Portable 2-in-1 Sound Machine
  • Best Pillow and Blanket: Roamwild Kids Travel Pillow and Travel Blanket Set
  • Best Portable Bed: Flyaway Kids Bed

Food and Drink

  • Best Reusable Water Bottle: Yeti 12-ounce Kids Water Bottle
  • Best Lollipops: Ring Pops (20 Count)
  • Best Snacks: Healthy Snacks Variety Pack
  • Best Snack Activity: Fred Match Up Memory Snack Tray
  • Best Changing Pad: SkipHop Portable Baby Changing Pad
  • Best Multi-purpose Wipes: Hello Bello Unscented Baby Wipes
  • Best Face Wipes: Baby Wipes by Boogie Wipes
  • Best Surface Wipes: Lysol Disinfecting Surface Wipes
  • Best Hand Sanitizer: Kinia 8-pack Hand Sanitizer Holders
  • Best Diaper Bag: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
  • Best Crossbody Bag: Kibou Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
  • Best Kids Backpack: Herschel Backpack Kids 9L
  • Best Wheeled Backpack: Jansport Driver 8 Backpack
  • Best Carry-on Suitcase: Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Spinner
  • Best Ride-on Suitcase: Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox 19-inch Ride-on Carry-on

Accessories

  • Best Luggage Trackers: Apple AirTags
  • Best First Aid Kit: PreparaKit Take Along First-aid Kit
  • Best Storage Bags: Hefty Slider Storage Bags

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Entertaining kids is absolutely critical to keeping the peace on any flight. For babies and younger kids, one rule of thumb is to think of entertainment in 15-minute increments; bring enough options to rotate activities often. For older or generally tech-minded kids? Well, the magic power of screens sure comes in handy.

Best Tablet

Amazon fire hd 10 kids edition.

Why We Love It: This tablet has plenty of storage space and comes in a virtually indestructible case.

What to Consider: This isn’t as full-featured as, say, an iPad, so kids will outgrow it eventually.

Tablets are great for long-stretch occupation — just be sure to download your child's favorite shows and movies ahead of time rather than relying on airplane wifi to stream. Amazon’s Fire for kids simpler and less expensive than standard adult versions, and it comes with an indestructible, kid-friendly case with a stand. The Fire HD 10 also includes a two-year guarantee and a yearlong subscription to Amazon Kids+. We find this to be a great investment to keep children from ages 3 to 5 occupied.

Best Headphones

Puro sound labs bt2200s volume limited kids headphones.

Why We Love It: These Bluetooth headphones have a safe maximum volume for kids.

What to Consider: They are pricier than some alternative kids' headphones.

In the same way that you’ll likely lean hard on that tablet to keep kids occupied, you'll depend on quality kids' headphones to go with it. This compact but powerful pair is made to protect early hearing damage by following the World Health Organization’s recommendation of an 85dB-limited volume range. The Bluetooth capability has a 30-foot range of movement so the child can feel free to move about the cabin, too.The lightweight, durable headphones come in nine fun colors.

Best Tech Stand

Airglo airplane travel essentials.

Why We Love It: This universal tech holder is a great hands-free solution for use in planes, cars, and more.

What to Consider: It might not be the most secure stand for larger phones or tablets.

This nifty gadget is the brainchild of a flight attendant who saw a need for a phone stand that would allow passengers to watch movies and TV shows on long flights. Now kids can also watch on your devices hands-free with this tool that fits any brand’s gadgets. It folds fairly flat when not in use, and this lightweight stand could also be repurposed to hang a bag on a chair or tray table.

Best Coloring Book

Bendon unicorn imagine ink magic ink book.

Why We Love It: This compact book is small, self-contained, and mess-free.

What to Consider: The cover is slightly misleading: This book isn’t actually full of unicorn themes.

These invisible ink activity books are self-contained — no crayon collection to roll under plane seats — and guaranteed mess-free. Kids just use the Imagine Ink marker to stay busy with 16 pages of games, all in a portable-size book just right for tossing in a travel bag. We've found invisible ink books particularly effective for children aged 3 to 6.

Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Paperback

Why We Love It: This book is challenging for kids of all ages (including pre-readers) and delivers on a healthy dose of nostalgia for parents as well.

What to Consider: A book will never be as tempting as a tablet for tech-addled kids.

Books that challenge little ones keep them entertained. And Where’s Waldo does just that — even for kids who aren’t reading yet. The paperback book is not only small and lightweight for travel, but its journey motif fits in nicely with vacation adventures, too.

Best Activity Book

On the plane activity book.

Why We Love It: This lightweight book gets kids excited about their flight, with plane-themed games and activities.

What to Consider: You’ll need to bring and keep track of your own coloring implements.

Engage kids in the excitement of travel with this activity book that has an airplane journey theme. Think: spot the identical pilots on their way through the airport, true-or-false airplane and flying facts, and more. Just pack a pencil (or probably two).

Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks for Kids

Why We Love It: This generously stocked wax stick kit has plenty of sticks to share between or among siblings.

What to Consider: You'll probably leave some sticks on the floor and in the seats.

This set of wax craft sticks will be a novelty for most kids, and waxy sticks won’t roll away as easily as crayons or markers. This kit comes with 300 sticks in 15 colors and two different lengths, plenty for multiple siblings to have a go. Kids can endlessly shape and reshape them with no noise and no mess.

The Purple Cow Magnetic Animal Homes Matching Puzzle

Why We Love It: Magnetic pieces keep this tin game set together for play on the go.

What to Consider: Pieces are only magnetic on one side.

Nothing’s more frustrating than trying to travel with a game that’s rendered immediately useless after some essential piece slides irretrievably under an airplane or car seat. This compact game set provides a frustration-free alternative with magnets that keep everything together. We recommend it for children over 2.

Mini Voyager 4-7y Jetsetter Travel Kit

Mini Voyage

Why We Love It: This kit combines a customized array of kids entertainment items into one grab-and-go bundle.

What to Consider: You may save money by finding and buying all of these items separately (if you have the time and inclination).

If creating a DIY bag of entertainment ideas for every flight seems like a lot of work, buy this kit, which compiles it all for you in one convenient bundle. Choose from multiple items to build your own customized pack based on your kid’s interests and ages, including stickers, books, toys, and games.

When kids don’t get adequate rest, the whole thing goes off the rails in a hurry — for everyone. In addition to comfy clothes and layers, these packable items help keep children warm, soothed, and rested on the plane.

Best Sound Machine

Fridababy 2-in-1 portable sound machine.

Why We Love It: This portable sound machine also has a nightlight, and it hooks onto a tray table hinge or arm rest.

What to Consider: It can be hard to differentiate the buttons in the dark.

This little machine produces five soothing sounds for kids, including shushing and a heartbeat. It has an adjustable strap, so you can hook it onto an arm rest or or tray table hinge, or a car seat or stroller once off the plane. During your flight, just but be mindful of using anything beyond pink noise in flight out of respect to your fellow passengers. Conveniently, it also has a nightlight with three glow levels which could help you locate items in a dimmed cabin, too.

Best Pillow and Blanket

Roamwild kids travel pillow.

Why We Love It: This cute and cuddly set is a pillow, blanket, and toy all in one.

What to Consider: While the sleeve-style cover adds comfort to an armrest, it’s still an armrest — so it may be too firm for some kids’ tastes.

A travel pillow and blanket are always useful tools in keeping children cozy for long flights. This one has a niche feature: After you remove the blanket, the sleeve-style toy slides over any armrest to transform it into a kids’ pillow. So, it’s a penguin toy, a comfy pillow, and a warm blanket, all in one cute and compact package.

Best Portable Bed

Flyaway kids bed.

Why We Love It: Not just a place to sleep, this comfy surface also keeps toys and accessories from rolling onto the floor.

What to Consider: You’ll be happy to have it on the plane, but then you’ll be committed to traveling with it for the duration of your trip.

When kids are overtired, everyone loses. And a tool like this can be just the ticket for helping them sleep on long flights. The bed for babies, toddlers, and little kids inflates in 90 seconds and deflates quickly, too. It comes in a carry bag with a pump included, and it can be wiped clean.

When it comes to traveling with kids, you’ll always need more snacks than you think. Think you’ve packed enough? Great, now double it. And don’t forget a refillable water bottle to kep your kiddo hydrated.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Yeti rambler jr. kids bottle.

Why We Love It: This water bottle is impressively leakproof and made to withstand a beating.

What to Consider: The bottle itself is heavy, especially compared to its relatively small 12-ounce payload.

Staying hydrated with kids while traveling is a must, and this water bottle means business. The Yeti is durable, spill proof, and double-wall insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) for hours. Plus, a straw cap makes it easy for kids to sip on the go.

Best Lollipops

Ring pop individually wrapped bulk lollipop variety party pack.

Why We Love It: It acts as both a snack and a bribe — er, reward , that is — and can help reduce ear discomfort on planes.

What to Consider: Nope, there’s no nutritional value here!

Lollipops and their ilk are a multifunction tool for traveling with kids: It’s a snack! It’s a reward! It keeps them busy! And the act of swallowing while sucking on them can also ease ear pressure on takeoff and landing. Even better, Ring Pops are a smart, toy-like alternative to stick lollies for hands-free holding.

Best Snacks

Stuff your sack healthy snacks variety pack organic care package.

Why We Love It: This variety pack includes 18 different flavors to keep kids interested.

What to Consider: The packaged snacks may be organic, but they are still processed food.

Having kids means having snacks handy at all times; traveling makes it all the more necessary to keep kids fed and comfortable to combat whining. This variety pack includes 25 organic packaged snacks from 19 different brands; 18 different flavors keep them intrigued as little surprises unfold throughout a long journey.

Best Snack Activity

Fred match up memory snack tray.

Why We Love It: Dispensing snacks this way keeps the experience fun for kids — and prolongs the process to keep them busy, too.

What to Consider: Make sure your child is able to push buttons.

Snacks serve two important functions: nutrition and amusement. For that reason, try to prolong these food breaks as a way to keep kids busy and amused. Try putting different snacks into this fun tray with compartments; it’s fun for littles to discover treats behind each door, and it adds time to the whole process. For slightly older toddlers and children, you can make a memory game out of it.

Keeping kids clean — and cleaning up after them — has long been a top concern among traveling parents. A global pandemic only underscored the importance of traveling with wipes and sanitizer.

Best Changing Pad

Skip hop pronto changing station.

Why We Love It: When you travel with your own changing pad, you’re guaranteed a non-public surface no matter where you are.

What to Consider: A separate changing pad may not be necessary if you have a diaper bag that comes with one.

Change a diaper on the go without fear of exposing baby to gross, public surfaces. This changing pad takes the form of a clutch, with a large mesh pocket that holds four diapers and accessories, plus a translucent wipes case. A front zipper pocket holds essentials like keys and cash. Drop it in any bag, or clip it on a travel stroller or luggage handle instead.

Best Multi-purpose Wipes

Hello bello unscented baby wipes.

Why We Love It: You can use these extra-soft baby wipes on just about everything.

What to Consider: These full-size packs aren’t tiny.

Is there nothing a baby wipe can't do? From diaper changes to on-the-go hand cleaning to wiping up half-eaten miscellany, traveling with baby wipes is a must. These are super soft with aloe and chamomile extract — and no alcohol, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens.

Best Face Wipes

Boogie wipes.

Why We Love It: These hypoallergenic, ultra-soft saline wipes are great for cleaning snotty faces and even clearing airways.

What to Consider: If you don’t want to pack a bag full of different wipe options, this specialty product might be the first to go.

With kids, runny noses are just about guaranteed for chunks of the year, and they're even more likely when you add in the fatigue and exposure from traveling. These hypoallergenic and alcohol-free cloths are designed expressly for nose-wiping, with gentle saline, vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.

Best Surface Wipes

Lysol disinfecting wipes to-go pack.

Why We Love It: You’ll find tons of uses for this travel-sized package of wipes when traveling through public spaces with (or without) kids.

What to Consider: These are ideal for surfaces, but they are not for use on kids’ faces.

These germ-busting wipes are ideal for cleaning nonporous surfaces like a tray tables or seatback entertainment screens, and they're a must for both safety and peace of mind when traveling with littles known to touch everything.

Best Hand Sanitizer

Kinia 8 pack empty mixed kids hand sanitizer.

Why We Love It: These cute and colorful hand sanitizer holders keep gel easy to access for frequent cleanups.

What to Consider: Be advised these containers come empty, so you’ll need to fill with your favorite brand.

In addition to wipes, hand sanitizer is a must for quick cleaning on the go. Keep your gel handy by filling these colorful jelly wrap silicone carriers. The 1-ounce, flip-top-cap bottles attach with adjustable silicone cords to backpacks, diaper bags, and just about anywhere else.

Depending on kids’ ages and sizes, they may be candidates to tote their own cargo. Backpacks, rolling bags, and even ride-on options help keep the process moving smoothly. Adults, on the other hand, can benefit from bags that keep hands free in case they need to carry tired children or hold little hands along the way.

Best Diaper Bag

Dagne dover indi diaper backpack.

Why We Love It: This bag is sleek, chic, and unisex, and it delivers on functionality with tons of specialized compartments.

What to Consider: It's spacious and deep, so smaller items can be hard to spot in a hurry (and when are you not in a hurry when traveling with kids?).

Traveling with kids means prioritizing performance in a diaper bag ; we're huge fans of Dagne Dover because the brand fuses functionality with style so well. Done in chic, 100-percent vegan neoprene, this backpack-style diaper bag also clips to a stroller upon arrival. It includes a mini changing mat and extra pouches, with an extra zipper opening for easy access to wipes.

Best Crossbody Bag

Kibou diaper bag.

Why We Love It: This crossbody doubles as a compact diaper bag for hands-free convenience.

What to Consider: A diaper bag this small obviously isn’t a feasible option for longer outings or multiple babies, so consider your usage.

This vegan-leather waist pack, which extends into a crossbody, is a great choice for traveling through airports and wearing on the plane. The ultra-compact diaper bag has tons of features so you can travel hands free: A built-in waterproof pocket holds 20 wipes wet for up to a week, a detachable changing pad unfolds from the back flap, a hook holds a pacifier or key, slots secure credit cards or cash, and the nylon lining is wipeable and stain resistant. It's even possible to use this as a regular bag once your little ones are out of diapers, too.

Best Kids Backpack

Herschel heritage backpack | kids.

Why We Love It: Encouraging kids to carry their own backpack builds independence while keeping the family’s cargo moving.

What to Consider: This kid-size version is best for ages 3 to 7; move up to youth size for older kids.

Herschel has just the right size backpack for children preschool age and up to carry their own gear — both to help out the family and to develop a bit of self reliance. This kid-proportioned version is just 13 inches high and has a removable sternum support strap. The next size up is right for youths ages 8 to 12 and, at 15 inches high, it also features a 13-inch laptop or tablet sleeve.

Best Wheeled Backpack

Jansport driver 8 core series wheeled backpack.

Why We Love It: A rolling backpack keeps the weight off kids’ backs and holds a solid amount of cargo.

What to Consider: This well-equipped pack is substantially sized and a better bet for grade school ages and up.

This 21-inch rolling backpack is packed with features for bigger kids. It has two spacious main compartments plus skate wheels and a telescoping handle for a smooth ride. An exterior mesh bottle pocket stretches to fit large bottles, and a 15-inch laptop sleeve has a buckle to keep technology extra secure. It comes in an array of solid colors and appealing prints, and you can easily tuck away the shoulder straps when not in use.

Best Kids' Carry-on Suitcase

Rockland london hardside spinner wheel luggage carry-on.

Why We Love It: Kids can grow with this 20-inch spinner, small enough to manage but large enough to hold proper cargo.

What to Consider: A 20-inch spinner will be too large for preschoolers to easily maneuver.

When it comes to kids’ roller bags, we advocate for choosing a piece small enough for them to manage but large enough to hold a meaningful amount of cargo. To be worthwhile, it must be an efficient use of hands and bin space, not just a character-shaped gimmick that holds very little. Our writer's twins have these durable hardside cases, which they’ve carried independently since age 6 (going on three years and many miles and still going!).

Best Ride-on Suitcase

​​stokke jetkids bedbox.

Why We Love It: This wheeled ride-on suitcase transforms into a leg rest or bed in flight.

What to Consider: Not all carriers permit the use of items like these as leg rests while in the air.

This ride-on rolling suitcase has hidden talents beyond scooting through the airport: It transforms into a leg rest, or an in-plane bed, to help keep kids comfy and rested during the flight, too. Bonus: It even includes two sheets of stickers for kids to personalize their own luggage.

It may seem overwhelming to keep track of all the things you need to bring, especially after you've left home. GPS trackers can be lifesavers for locating your items during the journey, and a small first aid kit and plastic slider bags prepare for just-in-case moments and help clean up mid-flight messes, too.

Best Luggage Tracker

Apple airtag 4-pack.

Why We Love It: Track your kids’ stuff — or even your kids themselves — amid hectic environments like airports.

What to Consider: These tiny trackers are made to interface with Apple devices only.

In crowded, chaotic environments — especially when the dependability of baggage handling could use improvement — a small GPS tracking device tucked into a bag can make all the difference in reuniting with it after, say, a kid blithely walks away from their belongings after being distracted by a candy display. You can also use these tags on children themselves, with an array of specialty wristbands, keychains, and necklaces designed to incorporate the tags for wearability.

Best First Aid Kit

Preparakit small compact first aid kit for kids.

Why We Love It: This well-stocked first aid kit covers the basics in a compact, highly portable package.

What to Consider: You can save money if you choose to compile your own kit with customized supplies.

This TSA-approved mini first aid kit contains all the essentials for babies and toddlers in a package just about the size of a wallet. The curated array of 50 items includes bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, thermometer strips, and more. There’s also additional room to add your own prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Best Storage Bags

Hefty slider storage bags.

Why We Love It: They have a stand-up bottom for convenience.

What to Consider: They're less durable than sturdier bags made for freezer storage,

There are so many uses for slider storage bags while flying with kids: Use them within backpacks to organize cables, toys, and snacks. Or, use them to separate wet or soiled items, and to collect trash tidily. Plus, they’re super lightweight and waterproof.

Prioritize new or special items

When it comes to keeping kids entertained during a long flight, they’re most likely to stay engaged when playing with something that is new to them. Now’s the time to choose new or rarely used games, books, toys, and technology to pack in your kit for maximum novelty value.

Consider portability

You may be accustomed to your full arsenal of supplies at home, but carefully consider how portable and necessary each of these items is before committing to travel with it. Luggage fees add up, arms and hands quickly fill, and only the truly portable items are usually worthwhile to bring along on travels with kids.

Children over the age of two must have their own ticket, and therefore are entitled to the same baggage privileges of other ticketed passengers in the category. Check your airline and ticket class for the specific baggage allowances.

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food (including purée pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage, according to the TSA regulations ; these are considered medically necessary liquids. Just make sure to take these items out of your carry-on bag to be screened separately.

The same permission applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, like ice packs and freezer packs.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and a frequent traveler. She’s also a twin mom with plenty of hard-earned experience from world travels with kids.

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How to Feed a Baby During Travel (Nursing, Bottles, Formula & Solids)

Written by Becca

Updated on March 8th, 2024

The Quince child lunchbox filled with baby food puree squeeze tubes and happybaby teether crackers

Whether feeding your baby by nursing and breastfeeding, with bottles, formula or solids, there are lots of products to help with feeding a baby on the go. See my best travel tips for your next trip!

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

  • Nursing (0-12+ months)
  • Transporting refrigerated or frozen breastmilk
  • Feeding breastmilk on the go
  • Bottle Feeding & Formula Feeding (0-12+ months)
  • Feeding solid food while traveling (6+ months)
  • How to pack your baby’s feeding essentials for travel

When I first started realizing we had to figure out ways to leave home and feed our baby on the go, I was overwhelmed. Well, most parts of being a new parent are overwhelming, but when it comes to one of the most important parts of your baby’s life — their feeding — you want to get it right when you’re away from home.

Given, there are many ways to feed a baby, and for many parents, they’re combining a few of the following: nursing, bottle feeding, formula feeding and solids, as the baby becomes older. With all of these ways to feed a child, nailing it when you’re on the road, on the go and on vacation is an art.

In the following tips, I’m combining my practices in feeding my daughter with my sister’s tips, because between the two of us and our children, we have experienced all four of these ways to feed a baby. We’ve put together the handy products that have helped us set up comfortable feeding environments on the go, whether in the car, in a hotel room, in an Airbnb, on a cruise ship or on a plane.

Let’s see all the creative and proven ways to feed a baby while away from home!

A bunch of luggage on the floor of a room.

Will you be feeding your baby during a flight? Don’t forget this list of the best tips for flying with an infant .

Nursing (0-12+ months)

Breastfeeding by definition doesn’t truly require many products, as the main goods are already on your body; however, there are some tips and tricks in terms of what I’ve been able to find for when I’m on the go and traveling.

Specifically for when I’m on road trips with my baby , I want to have everything ready for nursing if we need to have a feed in the car in a parking lot or rest area.

Remember, it’s legal to breastfeed anywhere (in the US: this may vary by country). In our guide for how to plan a trip to NYC with a baby , I talk about feeding our baby in a Starbucks with no problem.

Milkies Milk Saver

I started using this slim silicone “milk saver” as a way to catch drips and save milk, both at home and on the go. I started using this product during our trip to the Litchfield Hills and I’ll always have fond memories of nursing our daughter on the couch in the living room at our Airbnb.

The Milkies Milk Saver is dishwasher safe, and when I first took it out of the box (it also comes with a plastic carrying/storage case), we sanitized it in boiling water and then gave it a run in the dishwasher.

I think it’s a handy and simple product that fits great in my diaper bag, and it even can be “stood up” if you lean it against a large mug, bottle or other upright surface. I use the diaper bag from Nike, which you can read about at my Nike Diaper bag review .

For all the items I mention below that require washing, it’s crucial to bring your own dish soap. Until our most recent trip, we had always stayed in Airbnbs or hotels with kitchenettes, so there was always dish soap available. If you’re staying at a hotel with no kitchen, bring your own! I had the idea of bringing along a tiny 1.5-oz. milk vial full of dish soap from home, but I just found out that you can get Babyganics foaming dish soap for travel in a TSA-approved 100ml volume! Even better.

Travel-sized Hakka hand pump

I was introduced to the Hakka hand pump when I first gave birth to our daughter. I found out later that it comes in two sizes — 4 oz. and 5 oz. I keep the larger one at home, and I keep the smaller one in our diaper bag for when we are on the road.

The small Hakka pump can be used in two ways: first, it can also be a milk catcher, and can create suction to draw out more milk on the side from which you’re not feeding. It can also be used to pump, if you can get the hang of it (some women like to keep it on a nightstand to “comfort pump” in the middle of the night if they are feeling discomfort).

It’s small and because it’s silicone, it is slightly bendy, so it’s also easy to keep in a diaper bag or suitcase.

Medela hand pump

The Medela hand pump is something I’ve kept at the bottom of my diaper bag for travel for a while now. While it is not squishy silicone like the Hakka, its saving grace is that it can be broken down into a bout five pieces.

I’ve used this hand pump on the go if my baby refuses to take one side, and the sides feel uneven. I can use the manual pump to express a bit, and then put the milk into the bottle with the yellow Medela cover, right into a fridge or the Medela insulated carrying case. Many nursing moms consider this one of the best baby products for travel .

Disposable nursing pads

If you tend to have leaks, opt for disposable nursing pads that you don’t have to come back home with (anything for a lighter bag on the return trip, right?).

A few of these are good to keep in a diaper bag or in your toiletries bag while traveling, especially when you have a newborn and your supply is acclimating.

Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller

I’m not an owner of this rather revolutionary product in the world of nursing on the go, but I found out about it recently from a friend, and had to look into this one!

The Ceres Chill Reusable Storage Container is a breastmilk cooler that keeps milk at safe temperatures for 20+ hours. It also connects to most major pumps (Medela, Evenflo and more). It’s ideal for commuting, road trips and even being out at work for eight to nine hours.

It holds up to 24 ounces of milk and is dishwasher-safe and compact. Adapters are available for making it compatible with breast pump brands with which is not a direct fit.

Medela pump wipes

These sanitizing wipes from Medela help clean a pump while you’re out and away from a dishwasher.

Transporting refrigerated or frozen breastmilk

We do bottle feeding at night, so if we’re going to be away for even one night at minimum, we bring that night’s milk in a cooler and ice pack set when we leave the house. Recently I’ve been packing some refrigerated milk bottles from the fridge, along with a pack or two of frozen breastmilk from the freezer.

On our last road trip, we left home at around 9:30 am, stopped for lunch for about 90 minutes and then got to our Airbnb by 1 pm. The first thing I did was put the milk in the Medela cooler into the fridge, and like magic, the fridge milk was still cold and the frozen milk was about 95% still frozen.

Milk bags for the freezer

I have tried milk bags for the freezer from various brands, and I think the Lansinoh freezer bags are the best. They have the easiest zipper to close, and all you have to do is put the milk in and label it with a Sharpie.

Remember: breastmilk in a regular freezer is good for up to six months! I go by the CDC guidelines for breastmilk safety. View the CDC guidelines here.

Refrigerator milk bottles

For milk in the fridge, I wind up using the bottles that come from my Spectra pump . These are also the bottles I’ll take on a road trip in the Medela milk cooler, and they fit perfectly because they’re a standard 5-oz. size.

I also have some Lansinoh storage containers, as they’re for the Lansinoh bottles that my daughter takes as soon as we put the Lansinoh nipple on those. While we mostly use Comotomo bottles , I like that the Lansinoh bottles are a more standard size, so they’re less bulky in a diaper bag.

Medela milk cooler with ice pack

The Medela milk cooler is also not something I knew I needed, but I am so glad that I have it for being out and about or on a trip.

With this handy travel milk cooler, we could (if we needed to) bring up to 20 oz. of fridge milk in bottles, to our destination.

Typically I have a few fridge bottles and one or two frozen milk bags in there during a travel day.

Medela mini milk storage vial

For hand pumping or saved milk from a nursing session, I keep small amounts of milk (at room temperature for up to four hours as recommended by the CDC) in these vials while on the road.

Feeding breastmilk on the go

Now that you are able to store your breastmilk during travel, what about feeding it to your baby with bottles (if not breastfeeding)? Here are a few tips from my sister, who has done this more than I have, due to exclusive pumping for four months.

A diaper bag with insluation

My sister has the Bluekiwi diaper bag , which can fit four narrow 8-oz Dr. Brown’s bottles.

In the center insulated pocket, she’ll fit two bottles, plus an ice pack. The side insulated pocket can fit one bottle (without an ice pack). The fourth bottle-sized pocket is not insulated.

“Breastmilk pitcher”

This is a bit of a hack and workaround: my sister bought this smoothie/water bottle to use as a “breastmilk pitcher.”

When she has defrosted bags of breastmilk, she has poured them into this pitcher. Sometimes for travel, she’ll bring milk in this, and put it in a lunchbox with an ice pack.

Bottle Feeding & Formula Feeding (0-12+ months)

When my sister goes out of town, she usually packs four bottles. This is a good number of bottles to cycle through while also always having a clean one.

She washes her baby’s bottles in the dishwasher, and she brings a dishwasher basket (mentioned below) for the small bottle pieces. She and I both travel with a collapsible bottle drying rack, which again, helps keep things organized because there are so many bottle pieces (and pump pieces).

When Lily’s baby was younger, she avoided the dishwasher, and they hand washed the bottles and used the microwave sterilization bags. If you’re interested in microwave sterilizer bags , try these for times when you’re away from home.

Travel formula dispenser

While Lily and her husband are on the go, they bring a Munchkin travel formula dispenser . She just mixes the pre-measured formula with water, and shakes it up.

This dispenser has an easy spout, a snap-on lid for security, and holds enough formula to make three 8-oz. bottles.

Baby bottles for travel

Every parent (and baby) certainly has preferences about which brand of bottles to use. Before our baby was born, we had noooo idea that this was even a thing!

After experimenting with various brands of bottles (NUK, Dr. Brown’s, Comotomo, Spectra and Lansinoh) over her first three months, we came out with two contenders for the #1 favorite: Comotomo and Lansinoh.

My sister’s baby, however, prefers Dr. Brown’s bottles — the “skinny” type with the small nipple. I’ll leave links for all these types below!

Comotomo bottles are somewhat “modern” in that they’re very round (in the 5-oz. version) and have a bowl-like nipple. I like that they’re squishy. Our baby also likes playing with them in the bath (ha!).

Lansinoh bottles were recommended to us as bottles for breastfed babies because apparently the nipple mimics the “real thing.” We’ve had good luck with these, and I like that the small version is not so bulky when I pack one up in the diaper bag for a trip.

Dr. Brown’s “The Skinny Kind”

My mom group refers to the two models of Dr. Brown’s bottles as “the fat one” (or “the wide one”) and the tall/narrow version as “the skinny one.” My niece specifically takes the Dr. Brown’s skinny bottle , and has started feeding herself the bottle!

OXO Bottle brush travel kit & drying rack

This travel-sized drying rack was something I didn’t know I needed, and it’s so useful in serving as both a travel bottle brush (with a tiny bottle brush as well) and drying rack.

Check out Dan’s review of the bottle brush.

Open the folding case, and there’s a brush, along with a complete bottle or pump part drying rack. During our trip to Livingston Manor in the Catskills , we used this because we didn’t have a dishwasher in the hotel room. It was incredibly handy and kept our baby’s bottles clean for two days, making it one of the best items for surviving a hotel stay with a baby .

IMG_4253.jpg

Portable bottle warmer

While you very well could use a hot mug of water to warm up a bottle where you’re staying, the Tommee Tippee travel bottle warmer is good for on the go. It fits into a changing bag and can warm up a bottle when you’re traveling.

It’s a mobile bottle warmer because it doesn’t require an external power source; it securely stores hot water with insulation, so that you can pop a bottle right in, whether you are camping, or in and out of a hotel.

Dishwasher basket for bottle parts

If you’re staying at a friend’s house, family member’s house or a vacation rental house, hopefully there is a dishwasher and you can use it to wash bottle and pump parts. Having the Munchkin dishwasher basket is pretty necessary for tiny things like bottle nipples, bottle tops and small parts of a pump like the small duckbill parts.

What’s great about this one is that it has two “levels,” with the lower basket big enough to hold things like sippy cup parts.

Feeding solid food while traveling (6+ months)

Babies are messy eaters, and unfortunately, our daughters both cannot be trusted to eat neatly without a high chair tray! If you’re up to feeding solid food while you’re on a trip, check out these ideas of how you can make the experience more seamless for you and your baby.

The Quince child lunchbox filled with baby food puree squeeze tubes and happybaby teether crackers

Travel-sized lunchbox

We’re using this adorable travel lunchbox from the new baby & toddler product line at Quince!

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Shop the deal

It’s made from recycled bottles and has a mesh zipper pocket for holding toddler or child silverware, along with a clear sleeve for a name tag. Check out how our baby food fits inside.

The Quince lunchbox for kids with zipper

Booster seat for travel

My sister has the Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat , which stays at Grandma’s house. It has a good-sized tray and supportive seat back. It’s also totally packable for a road trip.

Canvas folding high chair

She also has the PandaEar portable canvas folding high chair that folds up into a little fabric travel bag. It’s very lightweight and can go right into the backseat on a road trip, or in the trunk of a car. You can strap it to a dining chair like a booster seat.

She can throw it into the stroller basket when they are having a picnic (it can be used on the ground and stands up on its own) in the park, or when heading to a restaurant. The weight and size of it are super convenient, although my sister admits that the tray is quite small, but it does have a cup holder. However, the “flat tray” is important to her.

Travel-friendly placemat

This is a placemat that she intends to buy, to bring to restaurants during trips. It would be good because if it is sticky after the meal, you can fold it shut and it won’t make the rest of your belongings sticky. Many restaurants in family-friendly travel destinations will be fine with you bringing this for the high chair.

Container of puffs and cereal

My sister keeps a container for puffs/cereal in the diaper bag when traveling. She likes this leak-proof plastic container because it’s small!

Also, the lid won’t fall off (it’s a screw lid, which is also pretty baby-proof). If you had a Ziploc bag, the cereal would get squished to crumbs.

A bib that folds up small for travel

We travel with an easy polyester bib that folds up small into our diaper bag. We call it “the smock!” Also, this long-sleeve bib is popular and works well for messy toddlers. It avoids having to use up an outfit change during a trip!

Cereal puffs

Lily also buys these cereal puffs from “Happy Baby” because many Gerber products have added sugar, which is good to know.

Puffs and finger-food cereals are great starter solids for being on the go because they’re not super messy. The older babies at my weekly baby/parent meetup often munch on these when they’re outside of the house.

Having a pouch of spoon-feedable baby food is going to be great for times when you’re feeding purees to your child. Also, we got our own pouches for purees so that we can make our baby’s favorite foods at home, put them in pouches, and take them on the go.

One of these would even safely fit in the pocket of our Baby Tula Compact Lite Baby Carrier , or in my Kibou fanny pack diaper bag for travel days.

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Plum organics baby food puree in the Quince lunchbox for kids

How to pack your baby’s feeding essentials for travel

When you’re at home, you don’t necessarily think about how to make your set up mobile. Here are a few quick tips for taking your kit on the go.

On a road trip

For a road trip, like the ones we’ve done, we’ve taken our daughter’s milk in the small milk bottle cooler , and any baby food like jars or pouches in a food bag with our food and snacks. If you have a baby or toddler who’s eating what you eat, whlie at restaurants, that’s even more convenient!

The only thing to keep in mind about the milk cooler is that if you are thinking of leaving it in the car and it’s hot during summer, consider bringing it in with you into a rest stop or restaurant to keep it less hot, while the car is heating up in the sun in a parking lot.

In a personal item

On most airlines (at least in the US), your diaper bag is considered the lap infant’s personal item, meaning if you and a partner are already traveling on a flight, your diaper bag “does not count” toward the personal item allowance between the two of you.

In the diaper bag, you can keep enough food to feed your baby during the flight itself, and hopefully enough to sustain the baby before the flight and after landing as well.

As a measure of security, please check with your airline regarding its allowances for diaper bags, bags of formula or milk and baby food.

In a carry-on

If your food or milk for your baby or toddler won’t all fit in the diaper bag, consider splitting it up between a carry-on suitcase or backpack, as well as a checked bag. This way, if your checked bag gets lost, at least you will have some of your baby’s food in the carry-on, which came on the plane with you.

In checked baggage

If you have your baby’s feeding essentials (or half of them) in checked baggage (which is pretty realistic, if you are flying and going away for more than a day), consider pickin gup Apple AirTags for the trip. This way, if your luggage gets stuck during connecting flights somewhere, or even just stuck in holding at your destination, you can track the location of the bag from the Find My app on your phone.

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How To Travel With Baby Formula And Food

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

How To Travel With Baby Formula And Food

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.

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What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

Lori Zaino

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

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Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

baby food for flight travel

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

  • Travel diaper backpack.
  • Portable changing pad.
  • Travel car seat.
  • A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
  • Portable baby monitor.
  • Baby carrier or wrap.
  • Swaddle or baby blankets.
  • Inflatable bathtub .
  • Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
  • Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
  • Baby chair strap.
  • Disposable bottle liners.
  • Disposable bibs.
  • Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

  • Extra clothing for you and your baby.
  • Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
  • Pacifier and clip (and backup).
  • Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
  • Extra diapers.
  • Breast pump.
  • Snacks (for you and your baby).
  • Baby wipes.
  • Sanitizing wipes.
  • Extra bibs.
  • Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
  • Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
  • A basic first aid kit.
  • Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

baby food for flight travel

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

Can You Bring Baby Food on a Plane?

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If you’re flying with a baby, you no doubt want to know everything there is to know about bringing baby food on your next flight.

According to TSA regulations, you can bring baby food in both your carry on and checked bags.

But does the type of baby food you want to bring matter?

Is there a limit to how much baby food you can bring with you?

What about baby formula and milk – is that okay to bring too?

Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 Carry on Bags
  • 1.2 Checked Bags
  • 2 You Can Bring Baby Food on International Flights
  • 3 The Type of Baby Food Doesn’t Matter
  • 4 Bring Baby Food in “Reasonable Quantities”
  • 5 Don’t Worry About X-Ray Machines
  • 6 Or Baby Food Pouches Exploding in Checked Bags
  • 7 How to Pack Baby Food for Air Travel
  • 8 You Can Bring Baby Formula and Milk on a Plane
  • 9 A Diaper Bag Won’t Count as a Carry On

Bringing Baby Food on a Plane

Carry on bags.

The TSA has a rule in place called the 3-1-1 rule that prohibits passengers from bringing liquids, gels and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4oz/100ml.

Thankfully, this rule doesn’t apply to baby food, so you can bring baby food on a plane in your carry on without any worry.

However, the TSA require you to remove baby food from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

Checked Bags

You can pack baby food in your checked bags without any additional screening or having anything else to worry about.

If you are planning on bringing a large amount of baby food to your destination, it would be smart to pack the baby food that you need on the flight in your carry on (and maybe a little extra to account for lost luggage) and the rest in your checked bags.

You Can Bring Baby Food on International Flights

While the TSA only has authority in the U.S., you will find that the same rules apply when flying internationally.

So regardless if you’re flying from or within Canada, Mexico, the UK, Europe, or any other country worldwide, you will be allowed to pack baby food in both your carry on and checked bags.

The Type of Baby Food Doesn’t Matter

The type of baby food you want to bring on a plane makes no difference, whether you want to bring jars, cans, or pouches.

You can bring baby cereal, breast milk and formula, pureed vegetables/fruit/ meat /cheese, unsweetened yogurt, mashed food, finger foods, and any other type you want to bring onto a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.

You can also bring ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories in your carry on to keep formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food cool.

Bring Baby Food in “Reasonable Quantities”

We recommend bringing only the amount of baby food you need to feed your baby for the flight in your carry on, and perhaps a little extra, because the TSA only allows you to bring baby food in “reasonable quantities.”

Just how much baby food this is, is hard to define as it is subjective, with the final decision resting with the TSA officer at the airport.

Don’t Worry About X-Ray Machines

The X-Ray machines used at airports will not adversely affect any baby food you want to bring with you.

If you would still prefer not to have any baby formula x-rayed, you can choose not to by informing a TSA officer who will take additional steps to clear the food, and you may also have to undergo additional screening procedures for yourself and your belongings in your carry on bag.

Or Baby Food Pouches Exploding in Checked Bags

While there’s a small chance that baby food pouches will explode when packed in checked luggage, it is still very unlikely.

If you are worried about this happening, make sure that you pack the pouches in a Ziploc bag to avoid damaging and staining your personal belongings.

How to Pack Baby Food for Air Travel

Here are 3 tips for packing baby food when flying to make sure your next flight goes as smoothly as possible.

  • Bring insulated containers, snack catchers, reusable pouches, bibs, baby wipes, and any other items you may need to store baby food.
  • Make sure that you inform a TSA officer that you are traveling with baby food at the beginning of the screening process.
  • Make sure that the baby food is easy to reach, as it will require separate screening.

You Can Bring Baby Formula and Milk on a Plane

You can bring baby formula on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags. The same screening procedures will apply as with baby food.

The TSA do not specific a limit as to how much baby formula you can bring.

While you are usually not allowed to bring liquids in quantities greater than 3.4oz/100ml in your carry on, there is an exception for milk if it is for your baby.

This is because breast milk is considered to be a medically necessary liquid

A Diaper Bag Won’t Count as a Carry On

If you’re planning on packing baby food in a diaper bag, it’s good to know if it is counted as a carry on or personal item.

In the USA and Canada, almost all the major airlines do not count a diaper bag towards your carry on allowance.

Some airlines will count a diaper as a carry on, personal item, or neither.

We go into more detail in our Does a Diaper Bag Count as a Carry On article.

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).

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34 Easy Homemade Travel Foods For Babies and Toddlers

Published: June 8, 2015 | Last Updated on: June 6, 2023 | by Dr Hemapriya

Before we dive into the world of travel foods for babies and toddlers, let’s embrace the evolving trends of parenthood. Gone are the days when parents had to wait for their children to grow up before embarking on adventures. Nowadays, little ones join in on the exploration, their curious eyes witnessing the vast wonders of the world. While modern conveniences have made life easier for parents, one concern remains: what to feed their children while traveling.

Given the concerns surrounding packaged food and unhygienic food preparation in restaurants, many parents prefer to take matters into their own hands. This requires meticulous planning, but worry not! We are here to lend a helping hand. To ensure a seamless journey, we have curated a collection of convenient and nutritious travel foods for babies and toddlers. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, making travel an enjoyable experience for both parents and little ones.

homemade travel food ideas for babies and toddlers

If you are breastfeeding your baby, there’s no need for any additional milk supplement during your journey. However, if your little one has been weaned, you can consider using substitutes for milk such as formula or commercially available milk powder. To prepare these substitutes while traveling, simply carry hot water in a thermos flask and mix it with the powder. This ensures that your baby’s milk is ready whenever needed, making it a convenient option for travel foods for babies.

Fruits to give to babies and toddlers during travel

Fresh fruits are one of the best travel foods for babies, being convenient and and hygienic. For toddlers, you can just cut up the fruit and feed them. For babies, you can mash and puree fruits like papaya , muskmelon , banana or chikoo . When ripe enough, they can be easily mashed with just a fork.

Instant Porridge

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Here is a list of 15  instant porridge powder recipes , all of which require only hot water to be added.

No time to make these powder, no worry !! Just click, order and get home delivered here . We also have Instant food ‘trial’ packs available now, because you can never tell what the baby might like!

Main Meals – Lunch

Travel Food

Main meals like lunch and dinner are a little more difficult to handle while travelling as it isn’t easy to prepare a filling rice meal on the go. However, you can still work your way around this problem with a few tips:

1. If you have a rice cooker then all you need to do is plug it in to  make a simple khichdi with carrots or potatoes. You can carry carrots and potatoes as they last for more than 2 to 3 days without refrigeration.

2.For a convenient rice meal while traveling, dry roast rice and dal, grind them into a powder, and carry it in an airtight container. Mix the powder with hot water from your flask to cook. You can also add grated carrot for added nutrition. Discover more travel foods for babies to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free.

If you don’t have time to dry roast rice and dal, you can easily order homemade  Instant Khichdi mixes here .

3. If you want to give lunch from a restaurant, ask for steamed hot rice with dal. Mash it with sanitized fingers or spoons and feed your baby.

travel snacks recipes for babies and toddlers

When it comes to snacks, most parents reach out for packaged foods like biscuits. But you can go healthy here too, especially since toddlers snack a lot and you don’t want so much junk going into their bodies! Try these homemade snack recipes that don’t require refrigeration.

  • Roasted chickpeas
  • Energy bars – Groundnut Bars, Maple Oat Cluster Bars  , Chocolate trail Mix

Tips for Feeding your Baby at a Restaurant

Travel Food

Sometimes, you find yourself with no option but to feed your baby from a restaurant. In such cases, there’s no need to panic; just keep these few tips in mind:

1.Ensure the safety of your baby while feeding from a restaurant during travel. Avoid giving raw foods like salads or chutneys. Opt for cooked and suitable meals. Prioritize the well-being of your little one by following travel foods for babies.

2. Along with raw foods, you should also avoid dishes with raw ingredients like mayonnaise, souffle, sushi etc.

3. Always try to go for steamed foods – steamed rice, steamed idlis  and cooked vegetables.

4. Use your own cutlery.

5. Ensure a safe eating experience for your baby by eliminating choking hazards from their food. When preparing meals, cut or mash food into appropriate sizes and avoid giving small, hard, or round foods that may pose a risk. Prioritize your baby’s safety during travel by following guidelines for travel foods for babies.

6. Prioritize your baby’s safety while traveling by avoiding new foods that may cause allergies. Stick to familiar and trusted options to ensure a worry-free journey. Explore travel foods for babies that are suitable and known to your child.

7. Stick to boiled/bottled water and don’t give baby juices or milkshakes.

8. Stay away from anything with artificial coloring or flavoring.

Don’t let the stress of feeding your baby or toddler during travel weigh you down. With some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can ensure a worry-free journey filled with delightful moments. Bid farewell to food-related concerns and embrace the convenience of travel-friendly and nutritious options for your little one. Let us be your guide in making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable with our helpful tips and suggestions on travel foods for babies. Bon voyage and happy travels!

If your baby has recently started on solids, you might also want to check out our detailed post – High Chair Vs Booster Seat: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Feeding Chair.  Some of the feeding chairs recommended in this article are travel friendly too!

We have compiled a comprehensive Travel Food packing List for Babies and Toddlers

Download Packing List

  • Dr Hemapriya
  • Fabida Abdullah
  • Dhvani Shah

Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !

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Check this out! Instant Poha Moongdal Porridge powder for babies [Easy porridge recipe for Travel], a perfect nutritious travel food for your little one!

December 28, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Dear Dr. Hema,

Could you please suggest some travel foods for 2.5year toddler. I know by this age toddlers eat most of the foods, but mine doesn’t. Hence seeking your advice. Is it safe to offer outside food to 2.5 yr kid?

baby food for flight travel

January 10, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Hi Madhavi, You can try the recipes given in this article. It should be a hit 🙂 You can give outside food if it’s from a trusted source.

baby food for flight travel

February 3, 2021 at 1:20 am

Plz give ideas of travel food for 8 months old baby, for one week. Any suggestions and advices are welcomed

February 4, 2021 at 8:14 pm

The blog has so many ideas. Please use it according to the age recommendation. Hope you find it helpful 🙂

baby food for flight travel

November 12, 2018 at 9:39 pm

hi Dr I m going to travel in train for 25 hrs can you suggest home made food for my 11 months old baby. he has cool body so pls tell me can i give him uncooked apple?

November 13, 2018 at 5:20 pm

Hi Revathy,

Please find link below with easy travel recipes. Hope this helps you. Link – https://goo.gl/2V9Zm4

baby food for flight travel

August 31, 2018 at 7:45 pm

Hiii mam….I am travelling to North…. For 15days….. My baby is 10months old…. Can pls suggest me instant receipes… (no cooking)

September 5, 2018 at 11:09 pm

Kindly check on the link below for travel food ideas dear. You can also check for instant mixes from our shop. Hope this helps. Happy and safe journey 🙂

Link – https://goo.gl/3DUmJH

baby food for flight travel

April 10, 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hi Doctor, I m traveling to north india for a week with my 1 year old… i will not have access to kitchen would like to purchase a few instant packs from you. I haven’t introduced my baby to anyinstant foods. Could you please suggest me a few required ones please!

baby food for flight travel

April 12, 2018 at 12:55 pm

Hi dear, Thanks for choosing to purchase our products, you can choose and order from our instant packs here: https://goo.gl/MsrRpE

baby food for flight travel

January 7, 2018 at 9:22 am

Could you suggest some veg food ideas for a 24hr train travel.. It is for a 1yr old kid.

January 8, 2018 at 11:37 am

Please check some of these options dear https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/homemade-travel-food-ideas-for-babies-and-toddlers/

baby food for flight travel

November 13, 2017 at 5:19 pm

Hi Hema madam, As I m traveling out of my city for 15days with my 1.5 months old son.. Plz suggest some snacks for him..

November 14, 2017 at 1:16 pm

Dear this article has most options for kids and you can also check on our site for some wonderful ways to keep kids engaged. Just type “Travel” in search box.

baby food for flight travel

September 20, 2017 at 4:29 pm

Hello Hema, I will be travelling on a 10 days holiday to New Zealand with my 8 months son in November. Please suggest me instant food I can give him thrice a day. I am very much tensed about his health during our stay at that time.

Thanks in advance

September 20, 2017 at 5:47 pm

Dear, while on travel the best bet is to feed, fruits, boiled potatoes, eggs, dry snacks (like biscuits which can be made and carried along). If you must feed outside you can take boiled rice and give along with curd, or some mashed fruit based on your kids preference. Also in most places now you get indian foods so that is another option you can pick while on travel. Don’t worry much, kids too adapt to changed food.

baby food for flight travel

September 1, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Hi Mam..We r traveling for 4 to 5 days confused about water how will boil water or can v give bisleri to 10 months baby..? As flask will serve purpose only for 1-2 days..plz help with other options?..

September 21, 2017 at 10:32 pm

You can always request at some places restaurants etc. to help you with boiled water.

baby food for flight travel

March 31, 2017 at 11:54 am

I was wondering if bottled mineral water should be boiled before being given to a 1 year old

May 7, 2017 at 6:20 pm

You can give it like that also, as eventually we have to give them such water.

baby food for flight travel

October 4, 2016 at 3:56 am

Thanks alot for this information…..

baby food for flight travel

October 19, 2015 at 5:22 am

Quick qs !! For the porridge do we need to soak dal and rice then dry to make a powder ? Or we can directly powder it.

Thanks, Akshita

February 29, 2016 at 4:55 pm

Dear Akshita,

You can check the recipe here

baby food for flight travel

October 16, 2015 at 1:25 pm

These recipes were really helpful. Also please tell me how can we add sweetness to it. I have been using jaggery for my lil one. Now for these instant porridges, other than fruits what can be added for sweetness. Please help. Thank you

February 29, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Yes fruit purees can be added for sweetness

baby food for flight travel

June 9, 2015 at 12:14 pm

Hi.. This post is very timely, we are travelling to Europe with my 15month old in July. I am quiet confused about what food to give him and also Milk. The instant porridge recipe needs no cooking? just hot water will be enough? Pls share any other tips you have.

June 9, 2015 at 5:13 pm

Hi apeksha,

Yes the instant porridges do not require cooking. Just add hot water and it is done,

baby food for flight travel

September 9, 2015 at 5:35 pm

hello ma’am!! is warm water ok? for making instant porridges?

October 26, 2015 at 1:08 pm

The water has to be hot for cooking porridges or else the powder will not get cooked .

Hope this helps

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Carry On for a Baby or Toddler | 12 Essential Items to Pack for a Flight

T he thought of flying with a baby for the first time produces a certain level of stress. Packing and considering everything you might need during the flight can be daunting, but with careful planning, you can ensure a stress-free journey.

One of the most important things to consider when flying with your infant for the first time is what to pack in a carry on for a baby. 

This baby carry-on guide lays out the essentials you’ll need to put in a carry-on bag, so you can be prepared and ready for anything during your travels.

Our experience packing a carry on for a baby

I always called our baby’s carry-on bag “the arsenal bag”. A properly packed carry on is a must-have for anyone flying with an infant .

Well-prepared parents must be able to cover all bases when in the enclosed confines of an airplane cabin. Your fellow passengers will thank you if you are ready to tackle the tears, tantrums, and bodily functions your baby might experience during your flight. 

Having been on more than 50 flights with an infant, and countless more flying with a toddler , we learned what was necessary and what wasn’t necessary to include in a carry-on bag for a baby and compiled a list of our top carry-on essentials you will likely need when flying with a baby or a toddler.

Best Carry-On Bag for Baby

Before we lay out what to put in your carry-on bag for a baby, you’ll first want to make sure you have an adequate bag that will suit your travel needs. Here are 3 carry-on bags or diaper bags that work wonders on a plane.

HOTBEST Baby Diaper Bag Backpack  

This diaper bag makes for the perfect baby carry-on bag because of its many functions and level of versatility. It even has a built-in bassinet or changing pad, 3 insulated compartments, and multiple pockets for all your necessities. 

Dikalson Diaper Bag Tote

If you prefer a tote style bag to a backpack, this functional bag is both stylish and durable. With tons of storage, there is ample room for all your carry-on essentials or even all your baby’s needs for a weekend getaway or shorter trip.

Essential Carry-On Items for Little Ones

Now that you’ve seen a couple options for the best carry-on bag for a baby, let’s detail what to put in your bag. Here are the necessary items to pack in your little one’s carry-on bag. 

Extra diapers and wipes

Diapers can take up a lot of space in your luggage or carry-on bag when traveling. So, we usually recommend packing most of them in your checked luggage or, better yet, buying them once you arrive at your destination. 

However, you should always travel with more diapers and wipes in your carry-on bag than you think may be necessary for the duration of your flights. You definitely don’t want to run out if there is an unexpected layover or flight cancellation. 

We typically take the number of diapers we think we would need and double it. That way if you end up with a long layover that wasn’t planned, you won’t have to worry about running out.

Formula and bottles or expressed breastmilk, if needed

As with diapers, you’ll always want to travel with more formula or mother’s milk (if you pump) than you expect to need during the journey. Because unlike diapers, you may not be able to get your baby’s particular brand of formula at your destination, so we recommend bringing enough formula for your entire trip. 

Feeding your baby during the plane’s takeoff and landing will also help your little one with the pressure changes which can often cause a baby’s ears to hurt.

If flying with liquid formula or expressed breastmilk , you can even bring an additional cooler with you through security in the United States.

Snacks, Snacks, Snacks

Puffs, Cheerios, teething wafers, if your baby is old enough to eat early solid foods, be sure to bring some of your little one’s favorite snacks. 

Beginning around 6 months old when we introduced solid foods, our daughter constantly had snacks during flights. It distracts and keeps little ones busy during the flight.

While we understand snack foods in general lack nutritional value, when traveling, especially when on a plane – try not to be too strict. Happy babies are quiet babies. So, plan to pull out all the stops when flying with a baby to keep your little one entertained, busy, and happy during your flight.

Food Pouches

While snacks are great to keep a little one busy, chances are if you are traveling with a baby over the age of 6 months old, at least once while enroute to your destination your child will need to eat more than just a snack.

So, you’ll want to plan for a solid meal on the plane. 

Food pouches are much more convenient to travel with than jars of baby food, especially when traveling solo with your baby . Our infant daughter could even hold them and suck the food out herself.

Toys and Books

When flying with a baby, a new toy can go a long way in keeping your child entertained. 

When our daughter was an infant, we made sure to bring a new, inexpensive toy that she had never seen or played with before on every trip. The newness of the toy can often keep babies occupied and entertained longer than an old toy to which they have become accustomed. 

Also, pack a few of your baby’s favorite, smaller toys from home and a book or two in your baby carry on bag. That way, if your baby doesn’t like the new toy, you’ll have several more options available.

Wet bag and change of clothes

Have you ever experienced a diaper blow out on a plane? We have. Fortunately, we had a wet bag, but we didn’t have a change of clothes! Lesson learned. Our baby spent the rest of the flight wearing nothing but a diaper. Don’t be like us. 

Your baby could throw up, spit up, poop, or spill something. In fact, I’d venture to say if the flight is more than a couple of hours, one of those scenarios is very likely. An extra outfit is a necessity in your carry on bag for baby. 

The wet bag will prevent the nasty clothes from touching everything else in your carry-on, so be sure to have one every time you travel.  If you don’t want to invest in a wet bag, simple plastic bags will do.

An extra shirt for you

Babies have a way of projecting their bodily fluids. So, if any bodily fluids are released while in flight, there is a really good chance you and your baby will both need to change.

No one wants to spend a flight wearing a shirt covered in baby spit up. An extra shirt and even a pair of leggings will come in very handy if your baby’s projectile bodily fluids end up on you. 

Disinfectant wipes

Airports and planes are gross! While many people realized that during the COVID pandemic, we realized that the first time we flew with an infant. 

Until you have a kid who wants to lick the window, chew on the laminated insert in the seat back pocket, or crawl around on the floor at the airport gate, you may not realize just how necessary disinfectant wipes are when traveling. 

When flying with an infant, I wiped down everything with disinfectant wipes when we got on the plane. Plus, I wiped my daughter’s hands routinely while traveling. Even now that our daughter is older, disinfectant wipes are a travel necessity. 

Medicine and Safety Kit

It is a good idea any time you travel with a baby or toddler to always travel with Infant Motrin or Tylenol and Gas Relief Drops , at the very least.

A safety kit, basic medicines, and of course any medicine that your child needs or uses regularly should be packed in your baby’s carry-on bag. I’ve actually never had to use them while we were traveling, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

An iPad or tablet

Even if you limit or restrict screen time at home, you may want to consider a more lenient stance when traveling.

Having a couple entertaining and educational shows your baby or toddler likes already downloaded and stored on a tablet will be very helpful when your child gets restless and needs an instant distraction.

Baby Einstein and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse are two options that present educational content in an engaging way. 

The older your child gets, the more beneficial allowing screen time during a flight will become. Don’t forget the headphones ! No one else on the plane wants to listen to Mickey Mouse’s voice for the duration of their flight. 

A comfort item from home

If your baby or toddler has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or lovey , do not forget to bring it and pack it in the carry-on bag for the baby. The cabin of a plane can be an overwhelming new environment.

A comfort item will help your little one adjust to being in that new environment simply by providing a familiar and loved piece of home for them.

Having this item will also help your little one sleep better in a hotel and make hotel cribs feel more familiar.

A receiving blanket

Whether the plane is cold, or your baby wants to lay down or crawl on the airport floor, a blanket will come in handy in multiple scenarios. 

These lightweight swaddle blankets are larger and thinner than typical receiving blankets, and make great nursing covers, as well.

If traveling with a car seat on the plane, you can also drape the breathable blanket over the top of the car seat to create a darker, quieter area that will promote better sleep during the flight. This is great for helping your baby or toddler with jet lag on longer, international flights, also.

With several practical uses, a receiving blanket is a must-have in your carry-on for a baby. 

Other carry-on essentials for a baby

Of course, don’t forget to pack your typical diaper bag essentials in your baby carry-on bag. Here are a few things that we always had in our carry-on bag for our little one.

  • A travel diaper changing mat
  • Nail clippers
  • Burp cloths
  • Travel Spoon
  • Extra Pacifiers (if your baby uses one)
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Infant Thermometer
  • Boogie Wipes
  • Nursing pads (if nursing)
  • Bottles (if your formula feeding)
  • Travel-sized baby shampoo and lotion
  • Infant washcloth

Usually, these carry-on essentials for a baby helped me through almost any difficult or trying flight. 

Tips for Packing Light and traveling carry on only with a baby

If trying to pack light and travel carry-on only with a baby, know it is definitely possible. There are definitely benefits to traveling carry-on only, even when flying with babies and toddlers. 

First and foremost, not checking luggage saves both time and money. You also have less risk of losing your luggage or your checked luggage not making it to your final destination.

And finally, if staying in a hotel vs. an apartment when traveling , packing light takes up less room in small hotel rooms. 

When traveling carry-on only you will want to be prepared for any possible scenario. But try not to stress when things don’t go as planned. Here are a few tips for packing light even when traveling with a baby or toddler.

Plan for one carry on + backpacks for the two adults and a smaller carry-on for the baby 

We primarily travel carry-on only – even on longer trips. Each adult typically brings a larger rolling carry-on bag plus an additional backpack, which serves as a personal item. We then bring a carry-on (like the ones above) for the baby. 

Buy diapers later

As previously mentioned, diapers can take up a lot of space in a suitcase. So, if traveling carry-on only, bring enough for your flight duration (plus an extra day) and buy the rest when you arrive at your destination.

Pack only what’s needed

When our daughter was an older toddler, we began allowing her to pack a small bag, which ultimately was filled with a bunch of toys and junk she didn’t touch the entire trip.

When traveling only with carry-on bags, don’t do this! 

Pack only the items you need for the trip and leave everything else at home. 

Share a larger carry on

Through the baby and toddler years, your child’s clothes are tiny. Because of that, one parent can share a carry-on bag with the baby.

Pack your clothes and your baby’s clothes together in a larger carry-on and then keep essentials for the flight and toiletries in a smaller backpack-sized bag. 

Use packing cubes to keep items together

Packing cubes are one of the best inventions for helping traveling families stay organized. I like to pack cubes, not by person, but by day or type of item.

Going to the beach with a toddler or baby ? Swimwear and beach items all go in one cube.

Expecting rain one day? Your lightweight rain jackets and clothes for the whole family that day go in one cube together.

FAQs about Carry Ons for Babies

Understandably, when flying with a baby or toddler for the first time, it is normal to have a little anxiety. Here are a few questions we’ve gotten asked a lot about the essentials in a carry-on bag for a baby.

Do babies get their own carry on?

To some extent, yes. Even if you are flying with your baby on your lap, you can bring a separate carry-on or personal item in the form of a diaper bag for the baby.

On most airlines, a diaper bag or backpack with baby carry-on essentials and items will not count against you as your own carry-on or personal item. 

Can you take liquids on a plane for a baby?

Yes! The TSA limits on liquids do not apply to babies. So, you can bring as much liquid formula or breastmilk on the plane as you need. The exemptions also apply to baby food.

We have personally traveled carry-on only with our baby for weeks-long trips, which meant we brought a significant amount of baby food and expressed breastmilk with us through security.

While we never had any trouble, be sure to check the guidelines for your country and the countries you are visiting if traveling internationally with a baby or toddler .

What other carry-on baby essentials would add to this packing list? What is in your carry-on bag for baby? Let us know in the comments below.

Like it? Pin this carry on for baby packing guide to save it for later!

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The thought of flying with a baby for the first time produces a certain level of stress. Packing and considering everything you might need during the flight can be daunting, but with careful planning, you…

WonderBaby.org

Helping Your Baby Reach Greater Wonders

41 Easy Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

Ashlee Kasten

  • TSA allows formula, water bottles, breast milk, and baby food to pass security in larger quantities than 3.4 ounces.
  • Healthy protein options like tree nuts, cheeses, and yogurt tubes are also acceptable items and are great snacks for air travel.
  • Pack an empty water bottle or sippy cup, and then fill the container after you pass through security.

When I fly with my little kids in tow, there’s one thing I always overpack in my carry-on. Okay, maybe two things—hand wipes and snacks. But the snacks always take priority.

No one wants to be stuck in a confined space with a toddler in a full-blown, hunger meltdown. When this happens, there’s little you can do to calm the storm. And since flights can be unpredictable, you just never know how long you’ll spend traveling. 

Over the years I have learned that snacks are one thing that will keep a toddler entertained and satisfy their hunger. Whether we are waiting for a sibling to finish their dance class, keeping a child occupied during church, or traveling on a crowded plane, snacks always win. 

If you’re preparing for a flight with a toddler, you should spend some time gathering a list of the best snacks to bring. Snacks that are new, fun, or just tasty are sure to save you some troubles. Plus. bringing your own snacks is also a great way to save money, as airport food can be expensive.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one shopping list for the best airplane snacks for toddlers, look no further. We’ve gathered a list of our favorite airplane snacks for toddlers to make your shopping trip easy and your flight stress-free.

Preventing Toddlers From Getting Hungry During a Flight

Has your child ever switched from happy to angry very suddenly? Were they hard to reason with and impossible to console? They might have been in the middle of a hunger meltdown.

Hunger meltdowns happen in both adults and children alike and can be a bit of a nightmare. But thankfully they are easy to prevent. On a flight, you’ll want to do anything to avoid this situation.

What might happen if a toddler gets hungry during a flight?

A drop in blood sugar causes hunger. When a child’s blood sugar drops, it sends a signal to their brain that they are hungry. The body then starts producing a hormone that causes physical reactions. 

If a child’s blood sugar drops too far, you’ll notice a sudden change in mood. This can result in tantrums, crying, fits of anger, or other odd behaviors. No amount of soothing videos, entertainment, or other tricks will satisfy hungry kids.

It’s possible for your child to experience other types of meltdowns, such as a sensory meltdown , on a plane. But you’ll know immediately if it’s hunger-induced. Hunger meltdowns are quickly remedied with snacks, as they help raise your child’s blood sugar and balance their emotions. 

Be sure to pack plenty of toddler snacks in your carry-on luggage. You never know what delays may occur or how long you’ll have before your next flight if you’re connecting to another city. A bag full of snacks will keep you from scrambling when your toddler decides it’s time to eat .  

Little boy drinking water and eating snack during the flight.

How to Choose Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

There are a variety of snacks on the market available for children. But that doesn’t mean that all of them are appropriate for an airplane setting. You should know what you are and aren’t allowed to bring on a plane before you shop. 

Some snacks could make your child too hyper for a confined space. We’re here to help you navigate how to choose the right snacks.

What type of food or snacks are not allowed on an airplane?

TSA has strict policies on what liquids are allowed on a plane. To be sure that your snacks are approved, follow these guidelines: 

  • Do not bring liquids in containers or food pouches that are more than 3.4 ounces.
  • Liquids include creamy items like yogurt, jams, or nut butter.

What types of foods or snacks are allowed on an airplane?

As far as approved snacks are concerned, the possibilities are endless. TSA doesn’t have any special requirements for non-liquid snacks. This doesn’t mean that all snack choices are the best airplane snacks, though.

Many airlines aim to provide a nut free flight. Due to the possibility of someone on board having a severe peanut allergy, try leaving the peanut products at home. 

Also, consider how messy a snack might become. Your neighbors and the flight attendants will appreciate the consideration. 

What are some healthy snacks that you can bring on a flight?

Many parents want to choose snacks that will keep their children from bouncing off the walls. This is wise, especially in a confined space. 

Thankfully, fruits and vegetables are completely fine to take on board. Healthy protein options like tree nuts, cheeses, and yogurt tubes are also acceptable items and are great snacks for air travel. 

How to Pack Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

The way you pack your airplane snacks for your toddler is just as important as what you pack. You’ll want the snacks to be easy to access. You’ll also want to avoid creating a huge mess on the floor and seats around you. 

To minimize the mess with dry snacks, put your child’s snacks in a snack catcher cup. This type of snack cup is a snack container that limits spills. When your child reaches in and pulls a handful of snacks out, the rubber lid helps limit the amount they can pull out at once. 

Another great idea is to use Bento box snack containers. These boxes have separate departments, making it easy to separate small servings. You can also use single serving snack bags if you don’t have a Bento box. 

For beverages, pack an empty water bottle or sippy cup . You can fill the container after you pass through security.

Don’t forget to bring wipes to disinfect the tray tables and hand sanitizer for your child’s hands. A pack of baby wipes will also provide an option for easy cleanup. 

Can You Bring Milk or Other Liquids on an Airplane

Does your little one still drink formula or breast milk? Or are you concerned about your child having a drink for the plane? Thankfully, the TSA makes special exceptions for parents traveling with young kids.  

What are the TSA rules when bringing milk bottles and other liquid foods on a flight?

If you’re traveling with an infant or toddler, you may bring breast milk or formula with you on the plane. TSA’s traveling with children guidelines states they allow formula, water bottles, breast milk, and baby food to pass security in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces. However, they must be removed and inspected separately at security.

Pack these items in a separate bag for easy inspection as you go through the security line to avoid extra delays. TSA will also only allow a reasonable amount of food and beverages through security. This means you cannot pack 14 pouches of baby food for a one-hour flight. 

Be reasonable about the amount of liquids that you pack, and you should breeze through without significant issues. 

Asian baby boy eating chocolate bar during flight on airplane.

Must-Have Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

Now let’s get to the section you’ve been waiting for. We know you need to grocery shop for the best toddler airplane snacks before you take flight. And you probably still have to create your list of airplane activities for toddlers . 

Take our list of snack ideas with you as you grocery shop to make snack-buying simple. Here are our favorite snacks for toddlers separated by category:

Dry snacks make great airplane snacks for toddlers. These items don’t require any special packing, and they are usually easy to throw in a snack container or straight into your carry-on bags. Many of them come in single-serving options as well.

Here are some dry, plane snacks your toddler is sure to love:

  • Granola bars
  • Wheat Thins
  • Yogurt melts
  • Ritz crackers
  • Pirate’s Booty 
  • Veggie Straws
  • Puffed cereal
  • Pita crackers 
  • Graham crackers
  • Goldfish crackers
  • Cheese sandwich crackers
  • Bread and jelly sandwich (go light on the jelly to avoid a mess)

Refrigerated Snacks

The TSA allows you to bring an ice pack in your carry-on bags. This means you can also include refrigerated items like fresh fruit and cheese in your snack bag. 

The airplane snacks we included on this list will be fine if kept in a cold cooler bag with ice packs for a few hours. Just be sure to keep your cooler bag zipped shut so that all your snacks don’t become warm and spoil.  

  • Yogurt tubes
  • Baby carrots
  • Celery sticks
  • Apple slices
  • Cutie oranges
  • Babybel cheese
  • String cheese
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Cucumber slices
  • Strawberries (cut to make them less messy)
  • Grapes (cut in half or quarters since whole ones are a choking hazard)

Healthy Treats 

All passengers on the plane will thank you if you don’t pack snacks for your toddler like Mountain Dew and candy bars. A hyper child is a hard one to contain in a small space. We recommend bringing some healthy snacks your kids love instead. 

Granola bars, for example, make great toddler snacks when your child wants something sweet. Granola bars don’t have as much sugar as most candy bars. 

Here are a few of our favorite healthy toddler airplane snacks that are also a little sweet:

  • Fruit leather
  • Juice boxes
  • Mini muffins
  • Animal crackers 
  • Vitamin C lollipops
  • Applesauce pouches
  • Yogurt covered raisins
  • Fruit snacks with real fruit juice
  • Trail mix with chocolate chips 

What snacks or foods can help prevent airplane ears in toddlers?

Airplane ears refers to the pressure that builds up in your ears at take-off and landing. Adults can usually relieve the pressure by yawning or swallowing. Kids, however, have a harder time relieving the pain and pressure.

Getting your child to swallow will help their ears to “pop.” Some helpful items to try are lollipops, ice chips, or gummies. You can also encourage your child to take small bites of any snack and take sips of water through a straw.

Easy Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

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Photo: Dubai Media Office

Published: Fri 19 Apr 2024, 1:23 PM

Last updated: Sat 20 Apr 2024, 3:34 PM

In a statement posted by Emirates, the CEO, Tim Clark, has said that flight schedules "have been restored", as of April 20, 2023.

Clark added in the statement, "Passengers previously stranded in the airport transit area have been rebooked and are enroute to their destinations. We have put together a taskforce to sort, reconcile, and deliver some 30,000 pieces of left-behind baggage to their owners."

Meanwhile, Flydubai has returned to operating its full flight schedule from terminals two and three at Dubai International Airport, a statement said on Saturday.

Dubai International Airport advised all departing passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight to allow sufficient time to check-in, and urged them not to come too early to the airport to avoid increased congestion in the terminal.

Dubai Airports has previously indicated that 31 flights were transferred from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum Airport "Dubai World Central" due to unprecedented weather conditions this week, noting that all Al Maktoum Airport guests received the necessary support as they continued to complete their travel plans.

Dubai Airports on Friday extended the temporary limiting of inbound flights to Dubai International (DXB) airport due to operational challenges in the aftermath of torrential rains this week.

Emirates suspended check-in for passengers transiting from Dubai. Meanwhile, Air India has also announced cancellation of flights to and from Dubai.

Etihad Airways has announced the resumption of scheduled operations after disruptions following the recent challenging weather conditions in the country.

However, departures at the Dubai Airports will continue to operate as scheduled.

“Dubai Airports is endeavouring to do its best to support passengers at Dubai International impacted by travel delays due to the recent unprecedented weather conditions the UAE experienced.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels .

"However, due to the ongoing disruption, and to assist the effectiveness of recovery, DXB is temporarily limiting the number of inbound flights from 12 pm on April 19 for 48 hours. Departures will continue to operate,” said the statement on Friday afternoon.

Around 1,244 flights were cancelled in the first two days after the torrential rains. Many inbound flights, too, have been cancelled.

Earlier in the day, Emirates announced suspending check-in for all customers in its network travelling with onward connections through Dubai until 2359hrs [GMT] on April 19 to support operations recovery from the recent bad weather at its Dubai hub.

Passengers already in Dubai and in transit will continue to be processed for their flights, it said

Flydubai said it has adjusted its schedule for Friday and there have been further flight cancellations due to operational challenges after massive flooding at Dubai International (DXB) airport last Tuesday.

It asked passengers to check the status of their flight before they leave for the airport.

“We are working hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers’ travel schedules and are coordinating with all parties at the airport. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the operational challenges,” the airline’s spokesperson said.

Etihad Airways has announced the resumption of scheduled operations, stating that some flights experienced delays on April 16-17 due to the rainy weather conditions in Abu Dhabi, WAM reported.

The airline has advised passengers to check their flight schedules on the airline's website.

Meanwhile, Air India announced cancellation of its flights to and from Dubai due to continued operational disruptions at Dubai Airport. "We are doing our best to get affected customers on their way by re-accommodating them on flights as soon as operations resume. Customers booked on our flights with valid tickets for travel till April 21, 2024 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling and full refunds for cancellation," the airlines posted on X.

The services of India's budget carrier IndiGo have also been impacted.

“Flights to/from Dubai are impacted due to airport restrictions and operational challenges caused by bad weather. Please keep track of your flight status before leaving for the airport,” IndiGo posted on X.

The Indian Embassy, in a statement issued earlier, urged Dubai-bound Indian passengers to reschedule non-essential trips.

Inputs from: Waheed Abbas and Ashwani Kumar

  • UAE: Indian Embassy urges Dubai-bound travellers to reschedule non-essential trips
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Fresno airport offers food trucks, more flights as expansion continues

Come fly with me. Let’s fly, let’s fly away. 

Summer is just around the corner and so is summer vacation, for many.

With hot weather and schools soon to be out, that brings more air travel. Fresno Yosemite International Airport offers flights to a variety of travel destinations and continues to expand. They welcome thousands of people daily, according to their website.

The airport is upping their game to make your pre-flight a little better. If you are planning to fly out of the Fresno International Airport after 8 p.m. this spring or summer, you may have the opportunity to sample delicious local food truck offerings. 

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport is excited to bring this new food truck concept that is unique and provides passengers with additional food offerings while exposing local vendors to operating their businesses in an airport environment,” Director of Aviation Henry Thompson said. “We appreciate our partnership with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation for their support with outreach efforts to area vendors to create a program that incorporates the popularity of food trucks within our community and the appeal of local culinary favorites.”

Approved vendors will operate at FAT on a rotating schedule. There will be no more than two trucks operating nightly. Each truck is approved to sell food at the airport through summer. This fall, a new food truck vendor will provide food services. This system will be in place until 2025 when terminal construction is finished and online food options are in place. Travelers purchasing food from the local food truck vendors will have the option to take their food into the airport and on their flight. All food containers are TSA approved to carry onboard the aircraft. 

“We want to provide the best possible experience for travelers,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer, “and what better way than with local food trucks.”

Los Mexicanos Frutas y Antojos and Tacos Tepa will be the first food trucks to operate this spring.

The airport partnered with Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation to find local vendors to create a program that combines the popularity of food trucks and their offerings. 

“As we mark our 20th anniversary serving our community,” said Dora Westerlund, CEO & President, Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, “we find immense satisfaction in assisting the small businesses participating in the Mobile Eats initiative at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.”

City leaders also took to social media to applaud the airport's proactive step to help hungry travelers.

“As we watch our airport grow at a record rate, it’s our priority to accommodate the thousands of families traveling to Fresno every day,” Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, “The addition of food trucks to the airport will help ensure our late-night flyers receive a warm and delicious Fresno welcome.”

Adding summer routes

Beginning in June, travelers will have the nonstop seasonal summer option provided by Southwest Airlines that adds service between Fresno (FAT) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). The airline will operate the route with one flight on Saturdays. The new route will offer passengers more travel options with intrastate connectivity that includes connections to Texas, the East Coast, and Florida. 

Southwest will also add a third Fresno to Las Vegas flight to its Saturday schedule this summer. The airline currently operates daily nonstop flights from Fresno to Las Vegas and Denver. 

“Southwest Airlines continues to meet the air service demands of Central Valley travelers by adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies during peak travel seasons,” Director of Aviation Henry Thompson said. “We extend our appreciation to Southwest Airlines for its continued commitment and investment in the Fresno market.”

In September, Delta Air Lines announced the launch of daily nonstop flights between FAT and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) beginning June 7. Atlanta will be FAT’s farthest route, according to airport officials. 

Tickets for the Dallas Love Field route are now available. For flight schedules and bookings, visit  https://www.southwest.com/  Hudson signs 15-year contract with FAT

Work in progress

Hudson, a familiar name across airports, is set to open three reimagined stores at FAT in 2024 and 2025 under a newly awarded 15-year contract, according to airport officials.

The company will convert and expand its existing retail spaces. The three reimagined stores are: a standalone Hudson store, a combination Hudson and Brookstone store, and a hybrid Hudson and Einstein Bros. Bagels. The restaurant will offer freshly baked bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and coffee. Brookstone offers electronics, comfort goods and personal care items.

“A continued partnership with Hudson delivers new and refreshed concepts to travelers flying through Fresno Yosemite International Airport while introducing visitors to our region with locally produced products,” Thompson said. 

Each new store will have self-checkout and mobile point of sale system to make shopping even faster and easier. 

The stores will also sale souvenirs and local goods that "celebrate" Fresno as a top agricultural producer in California like Hinkle’s Honey, Life’s Grape, and Raphio Chocolate, according to airport officials.

The stores will be operated with longtime local Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Partner Martinez Niebla, LLC.

“Hudson is excited to further the strong partnership that we have built over the years with the Fresno Yosemite International Airport with this opportunity to reimagine our retail offering,” said Brian Quinn, North America head of retail operations. “These new stores will give travelers the best retail experiences in the industry through the leading digital innovation, brand assortments, and customer service we’re known for.”

So pack your bags… adventure is just a plane ride away, and while you’re at it, grab some delicious local cuisine.

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COMMENTS

  1. Baby Food

    The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. 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.

  2. Traveling With Baby Food • Ideas • Packing Tips & Rules

    Yes, you can bring baby food on planes. If it is in your hand luggage and it is for your baby on the flight, then it is NOT subject to the 100ml/3-1-1 liquid rule set by individual countries. This includes water, breast milk, powdered milk, baby food pouches and jars.TSA state, "Baby food is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags.

  3. 3 Easy Tips to Meet The TSA Baby Food Guidelines

    Pack your formula, breast milk or juice in TSA pouches. When you arrive at TSA with your carry-on full of baby food, be sure to inform the TSA agent that you are traveling with the food before you begin your screening process. TSA will ask you to take these items out of your bag and will screen them through a separate process.

  4. Traveling with Children

    Traveling with Children. All passengers are required to undergo screening. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the child's screening. TSA standard screening procedures apply for children 13 years and ...

  5. Baby Products You Can Take On a Plane

    The TSA allows passengers to pack canned, jarred and processed baby food in both checked luggage and carry-on bags (if you take it with you on the plane, it'll need to be screened separately from the rest of your travel gear, however). These pureed fruit and vegetable pouches from Gerber are easy to pack — and eat — on the go.

  6. TSA Baby Food & Formulae Rules (Plus Tips for Flying)

    Liquid Rule Exemption for Baby Food on Planes. Typically, the permitted quantity of liquids that you can carry on a plane is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). But when it comes to baby food, this is often not nearly enough for a full flight. Thankfully, the TSA understands this and allows you to travel with as much as you need.

  7. What to Pack for a Flight With Kids: A Complete Checklist

    Having kids means having snacks handy at all times; traveling makes it all the more necessary to keep kids fed and comfortable to combat whining. This variety pack includes 25 organic packaged ...

  8. Baby Travel Checklist: What to Pack When Traveling With Children

    Wipes, lots of them. A changing pad. Diaper cream (no more than 3.4 ounces if you're flying by plane) Two bibs. Three baby blankets that you can use as burp cloths or to cover yourself up with while breastfeeding. Two bottles (if you use them) Change of clothes for your baby.

  9. How to Feed a Baby During Travel (Nursing, Bottles, Formula & Solids)

    Given, there are many ways to feed a baby, and for many parents, they're combining a few of the following: nursing, bottle feeding, formula feeding and solids, as the baby becomes older. With all of these ways to feed a child, nailing it when you're on the road, on the go and on vacation is an art. In the following tips, I'm combining my ...

  10. How to Fly With a Baby: Airplane Travel with Infants Explained

    Flying with a baby: 5 tips to follow. Consider booking a flight that coincides with your baby's nap schedule. Pack some healthy, age-appropriate snacks for your baby. Bring entertainment activities on board with you. Pace the aisles if your baby is fussy. Stay calm.

  11. TSA: How to Fly with Baby Formula & Baby Food

    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 ...

  12. Ultimate Guide to Travel With a Baby: Including Expert Tips

    Here's your ultimate guide to travel with a baby: filled with tips and expert advice on traveling with babies near and far. ... pack a few items to keep your baby entertained and comfortable during your flight. Include baby travel toys, ... Although baby food, milk, and juice are exempt from the 3 oz rule, you should still be prepared for ...

  13. Flying With a Baby

    To obtain one for your baby, you'll need to use the DS-11 form and apply together in person, so plan ahead. For domestic flights, babies and children under 18 don't need a passport or an ID. Her birth certificate. Some airlines require proof of age documentation for babies and children under 18.

  14. Practical Tips for Managing Baby Food While Traveling

    1. Bring a Travel High Chair. Be prepared with one of these best portable travel high chair s. Even if you are traveling in a country where high chairs are readily available, a travel high chair will be a life saver for feeding your baby in the hotel room or Airbnb apartment. 2.

  15. 31 Must-Know Tips for Flying with an Infant (By a Mom)

    Page Contents [ Collapse] Tips for Flying With An Infant. #1: Know the Rules for Flying with a Lap Child. #2: But Consider Buying Your Baby a Seat. #3: You Can Only Have One Lap Baby Per Adult. #4: Baby Airplane Tickets May Be Cheaper Than Adult Tickets. #5: Babies Flying Internationally Do Cost.

  16. How to pack

    A basic first aid kit. Small toy (s). The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

  17. Can You Bring Baby Food on a Plane?

    Carry on Bags. The TSA has a rule in place called the 3-1-1 rule that prohibits passengers from bringing liquids, gels and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4oz/100ml. Thankfully, this rule doesn't apply to baby food, so you can bring baby food on a plane in your carry on without any worry. However, the TSA require you to remove baby food ...

  18. A guide to taking your baby food onboard your flight

    Any baby food or milk you are taking on the flight may need to be tested before it is allowed through security. This will usually be done by asking you to taste it yourself. If you are unwilling to do this, it is unlikely you will be permitted to travel. Remember to book your airport parking, airport hotels and airport lounges with ...

  19. Baby Food On Planes: Ordering Baby And Child Airline Meals

    Eva Air offer baby, post weaning and child meals. Baby Meal (BBML) is for babies between 6 months and 2 years old. Milk powder is not supplied. A Post-Weaning Meal (PWML) is for over 2 years old infant - This meal is soft and easy to chew. Child Meal (CHML) is for 2 years old - 5 years old.

  20. Ultimate Guide to Packing Travel Food

    Review airline and TSA food rules if flying. Pack water in a water bottle to keep the kids hydrated. For adults, some easy travel foods or road trip foods can include almonds, Greek yogurt, beef jerky, nut butters in pouches, carrot and celery sticks, dark chocolate, chips, turkey and cheese, and more.

  21. Travel Foods For Babies and Toddlers: 8 Helpful Tips

    Prioritize the well-being of your little one by following travel foods for babies. 2. Along with raw foods, you should also avoid dishes with raw ingredients like mayonnaise, souffle, sushi etc. 3. Always try to go for steamed foods - steamed rice, steamed idlis and cooked vegetables. 4.

  22. Carry On for a Baby or Toddler

    Boogie Wipes. Nursing pads (if nursing) Bottles (if your formula feeding) Travel-sized baby shampoo and lotion. Infant washcloth. staying in a hotel vs. an apartment when traveling. When traveling ...

  23. 41 Easy Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

    41 Easy Airplane Snacks for Toddlers. TSA allows formula, water bottles, breast milk, and baby food to pass security in larger quantities than 3.4 ounces. Healthy protein options like tree nuts, cheeses, and yogurt tubes are also acceptable items and are great snacks for air travel. Pack an empty water bottle or sippy cup, and then fill the ...

  24. The Best Toddler Travel Snacks: That are Easy to Pack!

    Toddlers love to graze on food, so having a mix of snacks will help get you through the whole flight. 12. Pack Some Familiar Travel Snacks. ... Pouches with both fiber and protein is excellent travel food for 1 year old baby. See on Amazon Peaceful Squirrel Toddler Mum-Mum Rice Rusks Mum-Mum rice rucks are an easy to pack snack that your ...

  25. Yosemite airport adds TSA-approved food to take on flights

    Fresno Yosemite International Airport is piloting a new food truck program that offers "approved travel-ready containers to enjoy prior to boarding flights or to carry onboard the aircraft for ...

  26. Dubai travel: DXB limits inbound flights for 48 hours due to ongoing

    Customers booked on our flights with valid tickets for travel till April 21, 2024 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling and full refunds for cancellation," the airlines posted on X.

  27. Fresno airport offers food trucks, more flights as expansion continues

    There will be no more than two trucks operating nightly. Each truck is approved to sell food at the airport through summer. This fall, a new food truck vendor will provide food services. This ...