Flying with baby questions

[hammie59]

When we go my dd will be just shy of 1yr and still on formula. We aren't air travel savvy and are pretty clueless when it comes to what's allowed on board even after reading the guidelines posted by northwest.

I know formula is allowed, but does it already have to be mixed? I was planning on packing a whole unopened can (powdered) in the diaper bag and a couple bottles of water. That way I can mix it when she needs it and not have to have it kept cold. I would want her to have a bottle for the flight and also since we're having ME pick us up, I'd need the can with me instead of in my checked luggage since bags aren't delivered until later in the day. And can babyfood come on board as well?

I'm just wondering if they'll let me past security with the bottles of water since they wouldn't have been purchased past the security checkpoint.
Another question would be can I also bring juice boxes on board? And if not, would it be really dumb to put them in our checked luggage? Will they burst open?

I suppose I could always purchase the prepared formula in bottles or cans for the flight, but was wondering if I could get around doing that. TIA

 

[Perditamarie]

I think you have a good plan....just consider purchasing your water after security so there are no hassles. They also make the formula in the single serving tubes of powder----will make it easier to make up a bottle! Also, you make want to give baby a drink at take off and landing to help manage any pain w/ear pressure. Have a great trip!

 

[dsneygirl]

When I travelled with DS and he was on formula I bought the 8oz cans premade. More $$$ but much less hassle. They were sealed and clearly labeled so I never had an issue with security.

 

[blessedby3]

I agree with buying the ready to feed bottles or the single serve packets for the plane ride. We flew this past Jan. with DD (nursing at the time) and I had some formula singles just in case. My friend on the same plane had formula and her own water and they made her dump out the water in her bottles and refill it at the water fountain on the other side of security. They said either she had to do that or mix the formula right there. She didnt want to have to mix it up since it would be a while before her DD needed it so she dumped the water and walked 10 feet and refilled it at the fountain. Be sure and just buy bottled water too after you get through security if you are using powder. Its just much easier. Flying with an infant is stressful enough- you dont need the added stress of something going wrong at the security check too.

 

[frtchr]

You can bring the juice on board. I did with my 11 m.o. in December. When I went through security, I told them that I had juice for a child, and it wasn't a problem. When we left MCO, I forgot to mention it, and they pulled me aside and checked all my carry-on stuff. As long as you tell them, it shouldn't be an issue. Either that or you can buy it once you're past security. (Of course, wouldn't you know it, my DD wouldn't drink the juice at all! LOL) Have a fun trip!

 

[mrstomrice]

When I traveled with DS 11mo. we carried the single serve packets and an empty bottle. We asked for warm water after passing through security and got it from a vendor without a problem (it was hot water but we bought a water bottle and diluted it) We ended up buying DS a seat and we brought his car carrier...he fell asleep on takeofff and landing to and from MCO...yeah! Unfortunatley he also had a bm on takeoff and changing a diaper was not going to be easy on the plane! We ended up having to wait until landing...I never thought about changing a diaper on the plane....silly me!

 

[taitai]

Actually, I have changed many diapers on airplanes. It really isn't that hard. Pretty much every airplane I have ever flown (and I tend to fly the big legacy carriers) has at least one bathroom with a changing table. Often all of them but at least one. So, it is a bit cramped but changing diapers is something I can do in my sleep so it really isn't a big deal.

Taitai

 

[hammie59]

Thank you! The replies have been most helpful. I think I'll be bringing some canned formula or the packets. Sounds like that's going to be a whole lot easier. Am I allowed to bring a can opener on board? (good grief, the questions never end...)

 

[mrstomrice]

I'd be surprised if they let you bring a can opener with all of the restrictions. They sell small glass jars with a twisting lid...like what some hospitals offer when you ahve a newborn. I think they are 4 oz. servings. The powder would be easier, imo.

 

[blessedby3]

Thank you! The replies have been most helpful. I think I'll be bringing some canned formula or the packets. Sounds like that's going to be a whole lot easier. Am I allowed to bring a can opener on board? (good grief, the questions never end...)

Dont even try to bring a can opener on the airplane. Too much hassle (if they would even let you) when there are so many easy things available. Similac makes the single serving powder tubes, but if you want ready to feed they also have 8 oz plastic bottles available. Enfamil has the powder singles as well as ready to feed bottles. Just get what is easy and leave the can opener at home.

 

[hammie59]

When I travelled with DS and he was on formula I bought the 8oz cans premade. More $$$ but much less hassle. They were sealed and clearly labeled so I never had an issue with security.

So I won't have any trouble with the cans that have the pullback tops then? Seems like they could ban those too since the lid could be a potential "weapon" . I prefer those to the glass bottles because the cans are 8oz and the bottle are only 6oz.

Just to clarify, I plan on taking (8) 8oz cans of premade formula with pulltops and (8) 4oz gerber prepacked apple juice in plasic bottles in my diaper bag. Does that sound OK? Do they care how many ounces you bring onboard? I'll just pack the large can of powder in my checked luggage.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to the Transportation Security Administration page about travel with formula, breastmilk, juice, etc. They are the ones who make the rules, so anythin g on your airline's page is the airline's interpretation of the TSA rules.

 

[katied]

I've traveled all over with DS (age 11 months now). We've been domestic, international, and I've been on most US airlines (including Northwest). He's been to 13 states and 3 countries so far.

Generally, you can take what you need for a baby without any trouble. I've even filled a bottle with water and been allowed to take that. Most of it is up to the screeners discretion, but I have not had a single problem.

My normal plan is:
Take a little formula carrier (my has 3 compartments which hold enough formula for 3 6 oz bottles). If it's a long flight, I take 2 formula carriers, so I will have almost 2 days worth of formula.

Before i get to the airport, I fill at least one of my bottles with 6 oz of water. Take a juice bottle (4 oz of apple juice). Take some baby food & yogurt. Once I'm thru security, I then buy a bottle of water to mix the other bottles if needed, but at least then I know I have water with for 1 bottle, plus juice, food, etc. Worst case - they make me dump the water, but they never have. I always want to make sure I have enough for him.

To make security easy, I put all my baby bottle/food/drink/formula into a gallon ziplock bag and run it through x-ray separately. They screeners always need to check it, but when they see it's all just baby items, they let me through and then don't have to search though my bag.

My son's been on more than a dozen flights, no problems, so PM me with any questions. Our next trip is to Greece in a couple weeks...

 

[abolanwoski]

So I won't have any trouble with the cans that have the pullback tops then? Seems like they could ban those too since the lid could be a potential "weapon" . I prefer those to the glass bottles because the cans are 8oz and the bottle are only 6oz.

Just to clarify, I plan on taking (8) 8oz cans of premade formula with pulltops and (8) 4oz gerber prepacked apple juice in plasic bottles in my diaper bag. Does that sound OK? Do they care how many ounces you bring onboard? I'll just pack the large can of powder in my checked luggage.

Just out of curiosity, why so much for the flight? Wouldn't it be easier to just take what you need as carry on and either order groceries to be delivered or ship stuff to yourself, or check it even. I don't know if you've travelled with an infant before, but you'll have to carry a bunch of other stuff, plus baby, maybe a stroller, maybe a carseat. It seems like an additional 80+ oz of liquid would be a PIA unless you absolutely needed it for the flight.

 

[hammie59]

Just out of curiosity, why so much for the flight? Wouldn't it be easier to just take what you need as carry on and either order groceries to be delivered or ship stuff to yourself, or check it even. I don't know if you've travelled with an infant before, but you'll have to carry a bunch of other stuff, plus baby, maybe a stroller, maybe a carseat. It seems like an additional 80+ oz of liquid would be a PIA unless you absolutely needed it for the flight.

Well yes, my liquid load does sound a bit extreme. I don't actually need that much for the flight, but there's two reasons for my thoughts on that. 1) I know nothing about what does well in checked luggage (ie: exploding in your suitcase) so I was just going to pack the questionable liquid in my carry on. And 2) we're using magical express, so Lord know when we'll get our luggage and I want to have extra for later.

We've thought about doing the grocery delivery, but that doesn't solve my problem with flying. I'm already packing a large can of powder formula in my checked luggage so that's not really an issue for the rest of the week at this point. To be honest, we're already going to look like a family of pack mules, so a few more bottles of juice won't matter much!

PS- My DD is an Audrey too.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

We flew in 2006 with our then 10 month old. This was just after the no liquid ban came into play.

I have found after flying many times after with a little one, that if you declare what you have in your carry on bags it makes things go smoother.

When we flew when DS#3 was 10 months old (2006) I took some of the premade formula that could be poured into the bottles. I also had some powder back up. My issue with this flight was I had packed too much baby food. We were staying on site and I didn't want to lose any of my baby food, so I opted to carry it on. TSA said I could only bring on enough for the day so I had to go back and check my bag of baby food. They didn't have issue with the formula, just the food.

Since then we have flown 3 more times with DS#3. We have taken sippy cups of liquid through TSA, we just showed it right away. And they let us through. I have also found that if you take your ziploc bag of liquids out and put it in the bin you go through easier.

I have unknowingly taken 2 full bottles of water through Orlando TSA without question. This was just this past January. Go figure.

Sarah

 

[LoveKermit]

I know everyone has said this, but we all have $.02 to give.

I would travel with enough for delays. Though 11 mo is mostly on solid food so that helps. Last summer our daughter was about 7 mo so we had formula and baby food. I would carry-on about a day's worth. Then I checked about another 1/2 day's worth. When we got to the destination (once Dallas, once WDW) we hit the Target to buy formula.

Target being Target, they didn't have the small container of powder (the 15 6 oz servings) that worked so well for us on a previous trip so we bought premade bottles--the new plastic 8 oz Similac. What a WAY better idea! No measuring....no extra water bottles.....no mixing! Just pour and go! That was in Dallas. Huge delay coming home, only one feeding left when I walked in the house. Phew!

We were so impressed with ourselves we did the same thing a week later in Orlando (but we always rent a car). We bought the right amount of baby food each time too and at Target, you can use your coupons. Huge delay coming home, I think NO feedings left when I walked in the house.

 

[NotUrsula]

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: with an infant, you NEED to carry-on 24 hours worth of ALL supplies that are necessary to keep the child nourished, clean and content.

24 hours worth, always. TSA may tell you it is too much, so remain scrupulously polite, but stand your ground. Ask for a supervisor if necessary. TSA has *no* control over airline operations, and they have no way of knowing if your flight(s) are likely to be delayed or stranded on the runway. It is ENTIRELY possible that it may take up to 24 hours to reach your destination, even if your flight is non-stop and short.

I've been there and done that. I've traveled extensively with children, and I've been caught short before I learned my lesson. Airport stores don't normally sell formula or diapers except in international terminals, and when they do they sell one brand, which your child very well might not be able to eat. They don't sell infant food, either. Neither do airport-hotel gift shops, if you have to take an overnight layover due to weather or a ground-stop. Planes do not stock baby supplies or even (except for long haul widebodies) cow's milk. You also do not want to depend on the aircraft having enough bottled/canned water to mix formula -- bring it on board yourself, either by buying it bottled or bottling it from an airside tap at the airport. (And bring extra -- you haven't known thirst until you've been sitting on a hot runway for 8 hours in an unairconditioned aircraft with a nursing baby!)

My recommendation is to avoid carrying glass if you can -- it is heavy and prone to breakage. (If you have to, pack the jars in baby's socks.) Go with the Gerber plastic food packs if possible, and the pre-mixed 8 ounce plastic bottles of formula. (They last longer when opened than powder-mixed formula does.) You CAN bring ice packs to cool formula; you just have to declare them with everything else. For convenience, you should probably fill one small softside cooler bag with all of baby's feeding needs, and label it so that TSA can immediately see that it is all for the baby.

Lastly, if you normally use powder-mix and need to use premade, or vice-versa; try your baby out on it before you go. Some kids will balk at the difference in consistency.

About diapers: FA's serve food, and because of that they are not allowed to touch used diapers. (Most of the time they are not allowed to hold babies, either -- even briefly. Liability insurance issues.) Unlike a previous poster, I've been on plenty of narrow-body aircraft that had no changing tables. While you might be able to change a newborn on top of the toilet seat, or a toddler who is standing up, most of the time you will not easily be able to do it inside the lav. The best technique is to carry disposable paper changing pads (the kind that hospitals have), and change the diaper on the floor directly outside of the rear lav door. You also want to carry sealable plastic bags to hold the used diapers/wipes. Keep the lav door open with your foot so that you can reach in and dump waste into the toilet without letting go of the squirmer. Seal up the used diaper junk, put baby back together, and dispose of the diaper in the lav trash. Wash your hands initially with a diaper wipe, then (if you can) take baby back to your seat and hand him over to someone else, and then go back to the lav and wash up properly.

Changing a baby at your seat is generally considered a rather nasty faux-pas. However, it has been my experience that if it comes down to smelling a soiled diaper for an entire trip, or witnessing a quick change, most people will go for witnessing the change. Obviously, only do this if the seat belt light is on and the FA (or the pilot) tells you that it is going to stay on for a while. You want to make it fast, and contain the smell immediately. Apologize to nearby passengers and tell them that you would get up if you could. Don't use the tray table. Lay the baby across your lap with his legs facing the bulkhead, and if you are not traveling alone, have your SO help you deal with the details, like handing you the clean diaper and bagging the soiled one, and with holding down the baby so you can get the change done quickly. When you finish, bag the diaper and changing pad in plastic, then put it in an airsickness bag, which you will hold on to until you can get up to dispose of it. Wipe down the entire seat area with fresh diaper wipes, just to make it clear that you care.

 

[blessedby3]

So I won't have any trouble with the cans that have the pullback tops then? Seems like they could ban those too since the lid could be a potential "weapon" . I prefer those to the glass bottles because the cans are 8oz and the bottle are only 6oz.

Just to clarify, I plan on taking (8) 8oz cans of premade formula with pulltops and (8) 4oz gerber prepacked apple juice in plasic bottles in my diaper bag. Does that sound OK? Do they care how many ounces you bring onboard? I'll just pack the large can of powder in my checked luggage.

What brand of formula are you using? Similac makes PLASTIC bottles that are 8oz and you can just screw on a nipple.

 

[MNMickeyWorldMom]

When my DS was 3 mos, I had powder formula in one bottle and measured water in another bottle, and we had to mix it right before we went through security. I was joking with my DH about how separate, not ok, but mixed together, ok. Rediculous IMO. Anyway, OneStepAhead dot com sells (or at least they used to sell) disposible plastic powder formula bags (similar to breast milk storage bags) so you don't have to pay extra for individual sized containers. Plus, you can use whatever brand your baby is used to. They are called Formula One Shot Bags and they are made by The First Years. You can put however much you need in each bag and label it. I used to just always keep a few in the diaper bag. It's easy to find water when you're traveling or otherwise, but not so easy to find formula. Also, they take up way less room than the plastic compartmented containers you can buy. You could easily pack a dozen or so in your carry-on for the trip.

On our last trip, DS was just over a year, so no more formula. On the way down, I purchased milk after security, but on the way home I noticed in the TSA documentation that was with our boarding pass, that it's ok to bring milk with if you're traveling with young children. I had a small cooler with ice packs that I used on the way down to carry some medicine for my DS, and I also had a small rubbermaid container that I used for bringing milk into the parks, so I filled it and brought it with on our flight home. I had to take everything out of the small cooler and put it in a bin, but when I told them it was milk and they saw my son, they let it go through.