Can You Take Baby Food On A Plane? Here Are The Requirements And Restrictions

When preparing for your trip, awareness of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines about carrying liquids on board is crucial. Known as the 3-1-1 rule, these regulations cover liquids, gels and creams in your carry-on luggage. To adhere to this rule, make sure your liquid containers are no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). You should pack all these containers into one clear plastic bag that holds a quart in size, and remember that each traveller can bring only one such bag.

Interestingly, baby formula is not subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. According to Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, owner and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, “Formula and breast milk are considered medically necessary liquids required for health reasons during your trip.” This exemption allows parents to bring baby formula in both checked and carry-on bags without being restricted to the usual size limitations.

When travelling with baby formula, it’s essential to pack it thoughtfully. For the best security and ease during your journey, it’s advisable to store the formula in clear, transparent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches.

Can you bring baby food pouches on a plane?

When it comes to flying with baby food, the answer is yes. Like baby formula, it falls under the category of medically necessary liquids. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows parents to bring baby food in their carry-on bags as well as checked luggage in amounts larger than the standard 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

However, Revere says that it’s worth mentioning that some creamy products such as peanut butter or yogurt are subject to the usual size limitations of 3.4 ounces.

Can you bring breastmilk on a plane?

Flying with breastmilk is entirely feasible. According to Revere, “You can take breastmilk and formula on the plane, but you must take them out of your carry-on bag when going through security.”

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows parents to carry more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) of breastmilk in their carry-on luggage, and these containers are not required to be packed in a quart-sized bag. Just like baby formula, breastmilk can be stored in clear bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches.

What else is there to know about travelling with baby food?

X-Ray screening

Similar to other liquids carried while travelling, baby food, formula and breast milk may be checked by X-ray machines at security checkpoints.

According to the TSA, these X-ray screenings are considered safe for food items and medications. If you’d rather avoid having your formula go through the X-ray machine, just inform a TSA officer. They will accommodate your request by using different screening techniques for your breast milk.

Other items 

The TSA allows parents to bring accessories for their little ones' food and drinks in carry-on bags. This includes ice packs, freezer packs and frozen gel packs, even if you're not carrying breast milk.

Parents can also pack liquid-filled teethers and cooling items for formula, toddler drinks and baby food (including puree pouches). Just keep in mind that if these items are partially thawed or slushy, they'll need to go through the same screening process as other liquids.

Top products for travelling with baby food on a plane

Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Breastmilk Cooler Bag

This cooler makes storing your breastmilk simple and efficient. It's insulated to keep liquids at just the right temperature—hot or cold—and is compatible with most bottle brands. It can hold up to six bottles and includes a compartment for effective space management, plus a front pocket for stashing small essentials like phones and keys.

Taking it on an airplane is straightforward, too. Jennifer, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "I love this bag for travelling. I’ve used it multiple times when flying. It makes it so easy to go through TSA. I just give them the bag and they test all the milk without me having to pull it out of multiple compartments of my diaper bag."

Medela Ice Pack for Breast Milk Storage

This ice pack is designed specifically for travelling with frozen breast milk. The contoured shape fits around Medela breastmilk bottles (up to four at once) and keeps frozen breastmilk at a safe temperature for up to 12 hours. The Medela bottles come in sets of four to accompany one ice pack.

Medela Easy Pour Breastmilk Storage Bags

For easy transport of breast milk, consider adding these milk storage bags to your travel checklist. Choose from five size options to suit your needs. These bags are thoughtfully designed with flat-stacking, double-layer construction and a double zipper seal, ensuring your precious milk stays secure.

The BPA-free material and special spouts make for safe, easy and clean pouring. Plus, you'll appreciate the included resealable transport pouch that keeps your bags tidy and protected. These breastmilk bags come in sets of 100 and are recyclable.

Termichy Stackable Formula Dispenser Milk Powder Container Pack of 2

These stackable containers are a game-changer for travelling families! Perfect for storing milk powder, formula or cereal, the three included containers each holds up to 60g (2.1 oz) and are crafted from safe, BPA-free food-grade PP plastic. They come in packs of two, so you get six containers in total.

The set's clever funnel design has earned it a stellar 4.7-star rating, with parents raving about how easy it is to pour formula into bottles without spills. Sandra, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "This is great for pre-measuring your formula and cereal. We use them at home and for travel! It has a large opening so you can easily pour a bottle into it without making a mess! Highly recommend!"

Serenity Kids Meat & Veggies Variety Pack

Don't let your travels compromise your kids' nutrition! These convenient food pouches from Serenity Kids are perfect for on-the-go meals. Packed with protein, essential fatty acids, veggies and high-quality, ethically sourced meat, these pouches offer a balanced diet even when you're far from home.

As a bonus, they're certified organic and gluten-free, ideal for those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions. These food pouches have a long shelf life and provide mess-free eating, thanks to the squeezable design. They come in packs of eight.

Serenity Kids Dairy-Free Smoothies Variety Pack

When your child craves something sweet, these dairy-free smoothies, also from Serenity Kids, are an excellent choice. They're convenient, portable and packed with organic vegetables, grass-fed collagen protein and healthy fats. They also contain organic coconut cream (as a dairy substitute) and are grain-, rice- and gluten-free. They come in packs of eight.

KeaBabies Nord Glass Baby Food Storage Containers Pack of 12

Looking for a plastic-free option? These travel-friendly glass jars are perfect for on-the-go snacks, drinks and baby food. They're food-safe and certified for your peace of mind. The see-through design means you'll always know what's inside, and the silicone seal keeps everything fresh. Choose from packs of 6 or 12, with nine fun colours to choose from.

OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers Pack of 6

These specialized freezer-friendly storage containers are ideal for transporting baby food wherever your travels take you. They're leak-proof, airtight and BPA-free, available in sets of six. They stack neatly to save space in your bag, featuring a clear design with measurement markings, allowing you to easily monitor the amount of food or liquid inside. Cleaning them is a breeze since they are dishwasher-safe.

Amazon customers have given this set an impressive 4.8-star rating, noting their TSA-friendly nature. One verified buyer, CL386, shares their experience, "These are perfect portion containers for my 6-month-old to put the baby food I made into. They freeze great, are dishwasher-safe, and travel well. TSA had no issues. They are also steamable with your bottle warmer from frozen. Great great great."

Experts:

• Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is the owner and founder of Gold Coast Doulas.