Baby formula through security...

[Piecey]

I'm trying to figure out what to do about formula for my son for when we fly in October.

DS has had previous issues with feedings-- it took serveral tries to find a formula he can tolerate and we can only mix it with Nursery Water. We've tried to just use regular tap water [as the hospital said it would be ok since we live in the city] but anything other than Nursery Water has caused blood in his stool.

It's been awhile since we've had issues, as we've stuck with what we know works... but I'm trying to figure out to take care of his feedings in October.

Can I dump water out of water bottles and fill the bottles with Nursery Water and carry them on if they're not mixed with the powdered formula yet?

Any suggestions will be helpful...

 

[hmontgomry]

I traveled many times with my twins and you can have Formula mixed for babies on flights. You are supposed to just let them know, but sometimes I even forgot to tell them I had 4 bottles and no one said a word!

 

[laughinplace199]

Does your pediatrician have any suggestions? Could you try regular bottled water to mix with the formula? I've read stories where passengers were required to dump out water in baby bottles and buy bottled water after going through security. I don't think TSA is supposed to do this, but it has happened. So, although you probably will be ok with nursery water in the bottles, you might want to consider a back-up plan.

Have you considered trying ready-to-feed formula? My youngest had feeding/allergy issues and was on Nutramigen ready-to-feed. It was easy to travel with that type of formula because you don't need to add water and you don't have to worry about keeping unopened formula cold.

 

[tjmw2727]

You are allowed to bring formula through security - but water to mix formula can be hit or miss depending on the TSA agent.

Here is the info from the TSA website:

"Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint"

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm#disabilities

If I were in your situation I would mix the formula ahead of time and bring the mixed bottles - you can bring an ice pack to keep them cool. I would also bring some extra powder just in case of emergency - although you would have to use bottled water.

By October you may be able to use regular bottled water anyway

TJ

 

[Piecey]

Hmmm... sounds like I should try to feed him before we go through security and maybe only risk it with one bottle of Nursery water and some powder.

That should fulfill him until we get on the plane and hopefully the bottled water won't be a big issue. Don't imagine it will be... Nursery Water is pretty much the same stuff except with fluoride added in.

I was actually praying bottled water will be okay because I was going to ship a case to CBR to use while we're at Disney for his bottles.. Garden Grocer doesn't list Nursery Water as something that they will deliver.

Maybe I'll try a bottle with regular bottled water before his next pediatrician appointment and ask them to check his diaper for blood, just to be sure.

Thanks for the help everyone,

As for the ready-to-feed stuff, he's only tried it once. He seemed not to like it as much, but I've also only ever given him room temperature formula so I think it might have just been too cool for his liking. Once you open the ready-to-feed doesn't it need to be kept cold?

 

[NotUrsula]

Hmmm... sounds like I should try to feed him before we go through security and maybe only risk it with one bottle of Nursery water and some powder.

That should fulfill him until we get on the plane and hopefully the bottled water won't be a big issue. Don't imagine it will be... Nursery Water is pretty much the same stuff except with fluoride added in.

For your child's sake, please don't try to scrimp on what you are carrying for him. You should carry on 24 hours worth of feeding supplies for your child, including the water if you are going to be mixing from powder. Regular bottled water is readily available airside in airports, but is NOT readily available on planes -- they stock very little of it, and it tends to run out quickly. If you don't bring your own supply onto the aircraft and you get in a situation where the plane is held on the runway or has to circle for several hours, you will have nothing to give the baby, as the water from the aircraft's main holding tanks tends not to be sufficiently clean for an infant, especially one with digestive issues.

IME, Nursery water does tend to get through security, if the baby is present and the powdered formula is presented along with the nursery water -- especially if it is one of the "special" formulas, such as Alimentum. Regular bottled water won't get though security, but you can buy it airside. (Or if tap water will do at that point, fill empty bottles from the drinking fountain taps.)

Give yourself a bit of extra time to get through security. If TSA tells you that you are carrying too much formula, you should politely ask for a supervisor, and explain that the child is on a special diet for medical reasons, and that you need to carry one full day's worth in case of an unforeseen serious flight delay. TSA has no control over flight delays, and they will have to concede that 24 hours worth of food for a child on a special medical diet is not an unreasonable amount.

 

[laughinplace199]

I agree with the PP, always carry 24 hrs worth of supplies with you (I did this for diapers, wipes, etc as well as for formula).

As for ready to feed, it does need to be refirgerated once it's opened. For travel, I always bought the single serve (6 oz) nursette bottles. No need for heating or keeping cold. Just feed baby the room temp bottle and discard what's left over. It's not the most economical way to feed baby, but it's convenient for travel and for feedings in the parks.

 

[Piecey]

Sorry- I didn't mean that I was only going to take enough powder for one bottle, I plan to carry the entire tub on just in case. He can only have Similac's Isomil Advance and I don't want to run the risk that our luggage gets lost and I can't get my hands on any of it in Orlando. I just meant I'd only attempt to carry 1 bottle of water through security, I know I can buy more on the other side. At least I hope. We're flying out of Yeager in Charleston, WV and I've never been past security at that airport. I figure at the very least there will be machines, right?
At that age I know he will be eating solids as well. I plan to have plenty of baby food with me!

I also searched a bit and found that the people who make nursery water make individual bottles. I've only ever seen the gallons but I'm going to check the local stores and hopefully those will make it through, as they will be sealed and labeled as to what they are-- nursery water. I'll have to go hunting for them.

I thought about the ready-to-feed nursers (I have 1 2oz. left from the hospital) but I don't know where you get the nipples that screw on them. I've looked at TRU and such but haven't found those little nipples like the hospital gave us anywhere...

Thanks for the suggestions-- I think I'll search for those individual nursery water bottles and cross my fingers. Thanks!!

 

[laughinplace199]

I don't know if Similac products are different, but the Enfamil ready to feed nursette bottles came in 3 oz and 6 oz. The 6 oz bottles could take a regular bottle nipple (I think we used Gerber).

Also, your baby may be starting solids by then, but maybe not. Some pediatricians recommend waiting until 4-6 months old to start solids. At that point, and really for the whole first year, eating solids is for the learning experience. Babies get all of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula for the first year. The reason I mention this is that you don't need to worry about bringing baby food if you don't want to deal with having to pack extra stuff (food, bowls, spoons, etc.).

 

[Piecey]

I don't know if Similac products are different, but the Enfamil ready to feed nursette bottles came in 3 oz and 6 oz. The 6 oz bottles could take a regular bottle nipple (I think we used Gerber).

Also, your baby may be starting solids by then, but maybe not. Some pediatricians recommend waiting until 4-6 months old to start solids. At that point, and really for the whole first year, eating solids is for the learning experience. Babies get all of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula for the first year. The reason I mention this is that you don't need to worry about bringing baby food if you don't want to deal with having to pack extra stuff (food, bowls, spoons, etc.).

Lucas was a big boy at birth (9lbs 5 oz) and his pediatrician told me to plan to start him on solids at 4 months. He said we might need to re-evaluate, of course, but we talked about it briefly because I plan to make my own baby food. I asked because I would like to make a few batches a few weeks before he actually starts eating solids. See how good I am at it and get some practice in.

Anyway, Lucas isn't even 2 months old yet and already drinking 8oz of formula at a feeding soooo... I figure we'll be sticking to the original plan of introducing limited solids at 4months. I see the pediatrician in a few weeks, though, so I figure we will discuss it further at that time.


I believe that the Similac come in 2oz bottles and 8oz bottles. We use the Playtex Drop In bottles and the nipples do not fit on those little ready-to-feed bottles. They are much, much bigger. Maybe I need to browse the baby aisle more carefully. I didn't realize nipples came in more than one size. I'm still using what came in the Drop Ins starter kits, I haven't had to buy anything extra other than liners.
That would definitely be worth purchasing for the flights at the very least. I know I will probably get more tolerant TSA agents in Charleston than I will in Orlando.. just due to the sheer amount of people they have got to deal with. I'll check it out. Thanks!!

 

[maraki527]

I just flew with my 8 month old to disney and we had the premade 8 oz bottles of similac. I didnt have a problem with Tsa until I was leaving Orlando and the agent said he was going to have to open it. I told him TSA website said it wasnt going to be tested and if he opend the bottle I would have to use it within 2 hrs. He backed down let me go.

 

[Missyma919]

This isn't about carrying water on but more about Garden Grocer.
If you email them and ask them to get Nusery Water they will without any added fees. (they will do this with many things that are not listed) My ds could only use Nursery Water as well. Thought you may want to know.

 

[Alderbrook]

When I travelled with my son when he was 8 months they let me bring water in bottles no problem. I had my formula in the can with me. They actually never really said anything at all. When we went thru security they saw I had an 8 month old & said "do you have formula & bottles" I said yes & that was the end of it. They aren't going to starve your child.

 

[TiggerStac]

Lucas was a big boy at birth (9lbs 5 oz) and his pediatrician told me to plan to start him on solids at 4 months. He said we might need to re-evaluate, of course, but we talked about it briefly because I plan to make my own baby food. I asked because I would like to make a few batches a few weeks before he actually starts eating solids. See how good I am at it and get some practice in.

Anyway, Lucas isn't even 2 months old yet and already drinking 8oz of formula at a feeding soooo... I figure we'll be sticking to the original plan of introducing limited solids at 4months. I see the pediatrician in a few weeks, though, so I figure we will discuss it further at that time.


I believe that the Similac come in 2oz bottles and 8oz bottles. We use the Playtex Drop In bottles and the nipples do not fit on those little ready-to-feed bottles. They are much, much bigger. Maybe I need to browse the baby aisle more carefully. I didn't realize nipples came in more than one size. I'm still using what came in the Drop Ins starter kits, I haven't had to buy anything extra other than liners.
That would definitely be worth purchasing for the flights at the very least. I know I will probably get more tolerant TSA agents in Charleston than I will in Orlando.. just due to the sheer amount of people they have got to deal with. I'll check it out. Thanks!!

patsy..here is my expereience w/delta. Not sure what you are flying..I think airtran.

With Brady he was on same formula. I actually bought a pack of the ready to feed cans and brought those on the plane w/me. I believe there were 6 of them. I packed 3 in suitcase for flight home and had 3 on me in diaper bag. I use the little packets of powder so I had a bunch of those. I filled 2 or 3 bottles w/8 oz of h2o. I had read that you can bring h2o thru w/it in the bottle. The TSA told me that I couldn't do that. I nicely said I had checked online and that was specifically what the website said. She checked w/sup and let me go. Hubby and I always get extra h20 for ourselves for the flight just in case...so we just got another bottle. Needless to say, i'm always over prepared, but you just never know. I've had a flight from bahamas go from 3 hours on plane to 18!! YUP 18 and many of them were sitting on the tarmack!

 

[MartDM]

I've flown twice with my son and had no problems with liquids. The first time he was 6 months old & I went through security with three bottles containing 5 oz. of breastmilk each. It was only a 2.5 hour flight but I had no problems. I just had to pull them out of my carry on, state what they were.

Since then, with him as a toddler, we've brought shelf-stable containers of cow's milk and juice boxes through security for him to have on a flight. Again, I just was sure to claim them and we had no problems.

Sorry if this is an ignorant question (I'm not familiar with formula protocol) but could you just pre-mix the bottles so you don't have to bother worrying about them questioning your nursery water?

 

[TiggerStac]

I've flown twice with my son and had no problems with liquids. The first time he was 6 months old & I went through security with three bottles containing 5 oz. of breastmilk each. It was only a 2.5 hour flight but I had no problems. I just had to pull them out of my carry on, state what they were.

Since then, with him as a toddler, we've brought shelf-stable containers of cow's milk and juice boxes through security for him to have on a flight. Again, I just was sure to claim them and we had no problems.

Sorry if this is an ignorant question (I'm not familiar with formula protocol) but could you just pre-mix the bottles so you don't have to bother worrying about them questioning your nursery water?

Can't premix...once they are "mixed" they are good for 1 hour. Not an ignorant question at all.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I just flew with my 8 month old to disney and we had the premade 8 oz bottles of similac. I didnt have a problem with Tsa until I was leaving Orlando and the agent said he was going to have to open it. I told him TSA website said it wasnt going to be tested and if he opend the bottle I would have to use it within 2 hrs. He backed down let me go.

Good for you! More people need to call TSAers when they fabricate policy on the spot.

It never hurts to carry a printout of the web page that supports your position.

 

[MartDM]

Can't premix...once they are "mixed" they are good for 1 hour. Not an ignorant question at all.

Ahh! Thanks for the education

 

[kazzy3]

1- re: delivery of nursery water...have you tried www.diapers.com? I placed an order of diapers and formula and it was waiting at WL upon our arrival. You could also try Babies R US or Buy Buy Baby for delivery to your resor.
2- I have traveled twice with a formula fed infant in the last 9mos.
From Newburgh, NY, I carried 6 8oz ready made formula bottles in their carton (enough to get to my destination). They were going to make me open all of them and I said just take them then, they will be no good. The TSA agent opened and tested only 2 and marked them so I could discard if not used w/in 1h. I then got the full security check and pat down.
From Orlando: They waved me through and I told them what happened in NY and TSA agent told me they have a "gun" that can test the fluid if need be w/o opening and smaller airports don't have such advanced technology.
From Newark to Ireland, I said forget it I will just take powder for the overnight flight and buy very expensive bottled water after clearing security.
From Ireland to Newark, I had to have 1 bottle of water b/c I didn't know if I could buy after clearance, they made me sip the water.
On all trips, we had my son's rx cough medicine ( >3oz) and inhaler and not one agent gave it a second thought b/c it was clearly labeled. I would suggest that if you must take the nursery water, it wouldn't hurt to have a dr's note. Unfortunately, despite what the TSA statement is, different agents and airports have different resources. Also, I do believe that no matter what every so many people who have any liquid ( even approved) will undergo some extra security check. This is often done to show other travelers that they are being vigilant.

 

[tjmw2727]

Can't premix...once they are "mixed" they are good for 1 hour. Not an ignorant question at all.

Is this new - or brand specific? I always used powder with my dd's and mixed up at least a quart at a time and then poured bottles as needed. In fact IIRC the can has measurement instructions by the quart and the gallon?

If I were the OP I would premix enough for the trip plus a few, pour into bottles and use a cooler and an ice pack to keep them cold. This way there is no issue as to water at all. I would also bring extra powder just in case and then have nursery water delivered via a grocery service.

Alternately if the water is in baby bottles rather than water bottles your chances of it clearing security is better. Then you can add the powder as needed.

TJ