Bringing formula on the plane?

[alicenwonder99]

I know they are allowing baby formula on the plane, but I want to hear others' experiences with this. We were thinking of bringing the powder formula, and then asking for bottled water from the flight attendant. But then that may take too long to get the bottled water. So, do you just bring along bottles with just water in it, then mix it on the plane? Are baby bottles with just water in them allowed on a plane?

I told my dd to just bf her baby on the plane (she bf and ff her baby). But she wants to have the formula too.

Once you make a bottle of formula with the powder, how long is it good for (sitting at room temperature)? I always thought that you had to dump it after an hour. I bf all of my kids, so I'm not sure on this "rule".

 

[camlace]

You will be able to get water from the Flight Attendants on the plane to mix the formula. Formula at room temperature is good for approx an hour. Many Flight Attendants have been offering water/juice to family with kids before the flight even takes off. Just ask NICELY and you shouldn't have a problem. If they ask you to wait a few moments (especially if they are still busy prepping the plane for take-off) just be patient, but I have heard the FAs have been very helpful with making sure everyone is comfortable and has what they need.

I will be flying with an infant next month and was also curious about the same issue. Since I work at an airport, I asked the TSA rep if I could bring the Playtex bottle with water in it so I could mix the formula on the plane since it is only good for an hour and he said no. I said I would show the TSA screener that I had the fomula to mix and he said nope it wouldn't fly (no pun intended). I may bring 1 bottle pre-mixed with the powder to have during takeoff and then bring a can of the premade stuff (shelf stable until opened) for later in the flight. Not sure what I would have done if my daughter was younger, she couldn't digest the premade stuff, she would spit it up. Now that she is closer to 1 yr she can tolerate any kind

Good luck!

 

[Nanu57v]

I called about this...I was told I can get water immediately on the plane (Southwest) but they don't have milk. They told me just to put milk in a baby bottle to take it on. I tried to explain DD never drank bottles (breastfed and sippy cup), but they said just to use it to transport. I thought this was kind of wrong. So we'll just give DD water for the plane I guess.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I second the "transport in a bottle" idea for milk-type liquids. It allows the screener to quickly function within his or her "box." It's almost as though they're programmed to not see white liquid in a bottle.

 

[las3888]

You might want to check out pre-made formula that comes in individual sizes. It seems I have seen these at Target. Then you don't have to deal with the water issue etc. You could even pack a few and have some for landing too? My DS has moved onto milk. We asked for some water or juice for his sippy cup on take-off and for both of our flights they were very nice and accommodating.

 

[alicenwonder99]

Thanks everyone!

I didn't know they made premade formula in individual sizes! lol. We'll have to look for some of those, that would make everything easier.

Mary

 

[dsneygirl]

You might want to check out pre-made formula that comes in individual sizes. It seems I have seen these at Target. Then you don't have to deal with the water issue etc. You could even pack a few and have some for landing too? My DS has moved onto milk. We asked for some water or juice for his sippy cup on take-off and for both of our flights they were very nice and accommodating.

This is exactly what I am planning to do. The cans are a bit more than one bottle for DS so I will just toss the rest. It's only a 2.5 hour flight and not worth any other hassle for a couple of bucks.

 

[camlace]

I also just remembered a suggestion from another thread on keeping stuff cold on the plane. Use frozen grapes in a zip lock bag. They'll keep the formula cold and they're a great snack

 

[2goofykids]

I just flew with my ten month old dd right after they banned the liquids. On the way to WDW we took the powder and asked for water on the plane. The flight attendant got it for us but it was a rush to get it fixed before we took off. So on the way home we bought the small 8 oz cans of pre-made formula. We took two on the plane with us and the screeners just had to physically inspect them (basically look at the can). Also we had baby food and they inspected that also.
Here in NJ I have been able to find the 8 oz cans in Walmart and Babiesrus. In WDW I found them in CVS, Walgreens, Goodings, & Walmart.

Also I had planned to give my dd decongestant right before we got on the plane, but they would not allow me to take it through security, but they did let me give it to her before I threw it out. She ended up getting it way too early because our flight was slightly delayed. She scratched her ears up all the way to WDW. So on the way back I put just enough in a small container and we waited to go through security until an hour before our flight, but we made sure it wasn't backed up before we did that. It worked out well.

HTH!

 

[las3888]

I also remembered that they sell the individual formula cans at the baby centers in Disney. They are more than 1 serving worth from what I remember, and very expensive, but you can buy 1 if you run out to have on the plane for your return.