Flying with infants

[hardingk]

Does anyone know if you can bring the reusable ice packs on airplanes? We have flown to Florida a few times and didn't need them. But we are flying to California in a few weeks and I need to keep DD's food & formula cold. Is this allowed? We are flying on American out of JFK, if that makes a difference.

 

[alyssa810]

i am pretty sure that you will be able to bring these; when you're traveling with a baby they seem to be more flexible with the restrictions, and all airports we've flown in and out of since our DS was born have the family lines through security where they expect that you're traveling with these kinds of things. I brought breast milk in a cooler bag with the ice packs when I was still pumping for my son with no problems. My dad is diabetic and always has a cooler with him on the flight, and he puts ice in a ziploc bag to keep his snacks cold; sometimes they ask him to lose the ice (and then he just gets more on the other side of security), other times he gets through ok. But again, with the baby, you should be fine.

 

[malibuconlee]

Does anyone know if you can bring the reusable ice packs on airplanes? We have flown to Florida a few times and didn't need them. But we are flying to California in a few weeks and I need to keep DD's food & formula cold. Is this allowed? We are flying on American out of JFK, if that makes a difference.

For formula I found it much easier to take the powder and just ask for water on the plane. I had several bottles of the pre-mixed on the one trip we took. You would have thought we were terrorists!! They had a lot of discussion on how much they should let me bring (we had a plane change and layover, an I wanted extra for jsut in case). On the way back the El Paso airport didn't have the device to test the formula from the outside and would have had to open the bottles I had with me, which would have negated bringing them since they are only good for 2 hours once opened at room temp. I told them to just dump it I had powder with me.

I know that doesn't help if you have to take pre-mixed, but just wanted to give you my experience.

 

[laughinplace199]

I guess it depends on the airport/TSA person doing the screening. I've flown several times with ready to feed formula. It was the easiest choice since it doesn't have to be kept cold. I had 6 single serve nursette bottles with me for each flight and I never had a problem. I did bring some powder and a couple of empty bottles just in case, but thankfully I didn't need them.

 

[JerseyMamaBear]

they made me throw ours out in March. We had 2 premade bottles and I was worried about them spoiling. I was so upset.

 

[tjmw2727]

The TSA allows formula for infants - in "reasonable amounts" and ice packs to keep them cold.

Per the webiste:

"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. Click here to learn more about 3-1-1."

Here is the best place for TSA information, including traveling with babies/toddlers:

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

TJ

 

[hardingk]

So it look like it could be hit or miss with the ice packs. I always use the powder & water for the bottles; however, bc it is a 6 hour flight I need to bring juice & snacks. I need the ice packs to keep it cool.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

I have the same issue flying with my dd. I bought this cooler bag called fridge to go by playtex. They sell it at Babies r us in the bottle isle. You put the whole cooler bag in the freezer and it keeps bottles cold for 7 hours. There is something sewn inside the lining of the bag that keeps the bottles very cold. I have taken it with me on over 10 trips and have never had a problem. It holds 2 bottles so you may need to buy 2 of the cooler bags.

 

[pilotwife_02]

I always just used the powdered formula and bought the water and juice AFTER I went through security. Why type of snacks will you bring bringing that you will need to keep cold? They won't give you a hard time if you need to bring baby food through, but you may encounter problems with the ice packs, just depends on the TSA agent. The website can say whatever, but they do what they want.

 

[hardingk]

Why type of snacks will you bring bringing that you will need to keep cold?

Cheese sticks & fresh fruit....dd won't eat the jar stuff anymore.

 

[ericalynn1979]

For formula, yes, print out the link that was previously posted and take it with you. Not all of the screeners know all of the rules, you have to be proactive about it.

They won't allow the ice packs for the food alone, but it's my experience that you don't have to keep a banana cold, and sealed cheese sticks can last the day if they're chilled up until you take them out to leave the house.

I am a frequent flyer for work, and had to take my breast pump and supplies with me everywhere. I knew all of the rules by heart, and always had them printed out so I could show any screener that gave me a hard time about the rules.

 

[pilotwife_02]

Can you take a few baggies with you and then ask some of the restaurants/counter service places after you get security for some ice to use to keep the cheese and fruit cold?

Even if you print out the "procedures" they may see you as being difficult and tell you to give it up anyway, you know?

I have had one TSA agent tell me my son's bottle which he was drinking was ok, just put it through the machine and another one in the same airport tell me I had to have it marked as "special liquid". It's like they don't even talk to each other.

 

[tjmw2727]

Frozen grapes - make a great ice pack and pass through security without issue.

I always pack a lunch when we fly and the grapes keep everything nice and cold. I just purchase bottled water after secuity and we are good to go.

TJ

 

[pilotwife_02]

Frozen grapes - make a great ice pack and pass through security without issue.

I always pack a lunch when we fly and the grapes keep everything nice and cold. I just purchase bottled water after secuity and we are good to go.

TJ

What a GREAT idea! Thanks for the tip.

 

[hardingk]

So I just got back from Babiesrus and got the fridge to go bag by platex. It looks neat and got good reviews. I also got 2 Avent Tempo disposable bottles to use in Disneyland and DisneyWorld when we aren't staying in DVC. We use Dr. Brown's, but I don't want to have to wash all those bottle parts in the bathroom sink every night! I can just wash the nipple and be all set. I hope they fit in the playtex bag though!