Packing a toddler for the plane

[aristocatz]

Heading for our first trip to WDW with a baby & I'm trying to pack for the plane. I have not flown in a few years, so I am not up to date with all of the rules of what you can't bring.

Can i pack a sealed package of applesauce (sort of a liquid)?
Unopened jar of baby oatmeal (also sort of a liquid, but not really)?

Also, what do other parents do about milk? I'd love to be able to pack her a sippy or two. Should I just buy it at the airport? I'm guessing they will let milk purchased at the airport on the plane?

Thanks!

 

[sam_gordon]

Heading for our first trip to WDW with a baby & I'm trying to pack for the plane. I have not flown in a few years, so I am not up to date with all of the rules of what you can't bring.

Can i pack a sealed package of applesauce (sort of a liquid)?
Unopened jar of baby oatmeal (also sort of a liquid, but not really)?

Also, what do other parents do about milk? I'd love to be able to pack her a sippy or two. Should I just buy it at the airport? I'm guessing they will let milk purchased at the airport on the plane?

Thanks!

You can pack anything you want in your checked bags. To get through security though, you need to put any liquids (simply defined as something that doesn't keep it's shape outside the container) in a 3.4oz holder and that holder in your 3-1-1 bag.

And yes, anything you purchase after security can be taken on the plane with you.

In regards to your title... make sure you surround the toddler with clothes to cushion any bouncing, and place in the center of your suitcase.

 

[SMD]

Baby food is subject to the 3.4 oz limit. If your child can eat solid snacks, like cereal, consider packing that. If you run into a TSA agent who decides to hassle you, is applesauce really the hill you want to die on?

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children
http://www.tsa.gov/traveling-formula-breast-milk-and-juice

 

[aristocatz]

You can pack anything you want in your checked bags. To get through security though, you need to put any liquids (simply defined as something that doesn't keep it's shape outside the container) in a 3.4oz holder and that holder in your 3-1-1 bag.

And yes, anything you purchase after security can be taken on the plane with you.

In regards to your title... make sure you surround the toddler with clothes to cushion any bouncing, and place in the center of your suitcase.

LOL-thank you!!!!

 

[aristocatz]

Baby food is subject to the 3.4 oz limit. If your child can eat solid snacks, like cereal, consider packing that. If you run into a TSA agent who decides to hassle you, is applesauce really the hill you want to die on?

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children
http://www.tsa.gov/traveling-formula-breast-milk-and-juice

Thank you-I typically keep applesauce in her diaper bag as an emergency snack & I'm bringing her diaper bag on the plane. You are right-I just took it out and packed some Puffs instead.

Thank you for the link about the milk-I'm going to check it out right now.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

In regards to your title... make sure you surround the toddler with clothes to cushion any bouncing, and place in the center of your suitcase.

I totally disagree. Put the toddler in your carryon--make sure it will fit under the seat in front of you.

 

[minnie mum]

In regards to your title... make sure you surround the toddler with clothes to cushion any bouncing, and place in the center of your suitcase.

I totally disagree. Put the toddler in your carryon--make sure it will fit under the seat in front of you.

And please poke a few air holes in the sides of the luggage to allow those diaper fumes to escape. Don't want an explosion due to a buildup of methane.

 

[PrncessA]

I totally disagree. Put the toddler in your carryon--make sure it will fit under the seat in front of you.

My kiddos always have a hard time with adjusting to the change in air pressure, especially when landing, so I try and give them snacks that they are chewing around that time. Gummies work best, but might be a little much for your little one. I am not sure if puffs will work but they might.

Just thinking about DD on landings makes me . It's enough to make me drive!

 

[Disneychick75]

Not sure anymore about the recommendations for toddlers but the advice used to be to give them a decongestant for a couple of days before the flight.

 

[FigmentFinder]

I totally disagree. Put the toddler in your carryon--make sure it will fit under the seat in front of you.

But what if they pee in there and ruin a perfectly good carry-on? I prefer a doggy crate. Sized appropriately for your toddler's size.

Milk, I would purchase after the check point, just so it's not sitting out for too long. I took a small amount of baby food in my 3-1-1 bag when my DD was 8 months. TSA never commented on it.

For take off and landing on our last trip, I gave my DD dum-dums. The only problem was she spent the entire week looking for the diaper bag for them.

 

[bcla]

As someone who has flown recently with a young child, anything specifically for the consumption of a baby or toddler should be OK even if it's in excess of the 100 ml limit. Security has always allowed us up to two 500 ml water bottles and other stuff for a child.

The main issue is that they will take it out and place it in a tester. While typically we forgot and they tested it afterwards, it would probably be faster to declare it first. I remember when we were allowed to keep a couple of water bottles, but they didn't buy that cans of Coke were needed (would have actually been helpful). They say it should be something for the "immediate comfort" of the child.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children

Medically required liquids, such as baby formula and food, breast milk and medications are allowed in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the Transportation Security Officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the beginning of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. We recommend, but do not require, that medication be labeled to facilitate the security process.

Passengers going on long trips should only carry on the medically necessary liquids and gels needed for their infant/toddler’s immediate comfort during the flight. Please pack larger amounts of liquids for the remainder of the trip in a checked bag.

The worst thing they can tell you is that you can't take it past the screening area. Also - there are single-serving packages of applesauce. The ones from Mott's and TreeTop are about 4 oz each. While I wouldn't guarantee that they'll allow them, I would think that they would be more likely than not to allow them as a "medical exception". If they don't, you toss them and there's no problem.

 

[bcla]

Baby food is subject to the 3.4 oz limit. If your child can eat solid snacks, like cereal, consider packing that. If you run into a TSA agent who decides to hassle you, is applesauce really the hill you want to die on?

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children
http://www.tsa.gov/traveling-formula-breast-milk-and-juice

Not all airport security is TSA, although all US airports are supposed to follow TSA procedures. Each airport has contracts for security screeners, and some have opted out from using TSA. Most airports contract out directly to TSA, but there are exceptions. San Francisco International Airport still contracts with a private security company that the used before there was a TSA. One deal is that they did have a lot of screeners who weren't US citizens, and after the TSA was established, their requirements were that all airport screeners (TSA or private) must be US nationals. I've read a lot of forums, and quite a few people prefer the screeners at SFO compared to TSA at other airports.

http://www.budgettravel.com/blog/more-airports-consider-ditching-tsa,11620/

Some of the the country's largest airports are thinking about hiring private firms to replace the Transportation Security Administration's front-line screeners. Sixteen airports, including San Francisco and Kansas City, have switched since 2002, says The Washington Post. Charlotte, N.C., Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., are all considering converting to private contractors, says MSNBC.

www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/us/airports-with-new-law-are-freer-to-split-from-tsa.html

WASHINGTON — A new law makes it easier for airports to replace federal screeners with private contractors, and several airports, after years of passenger complaints, are lining up to make the change.

The law was welcome news to Larry Dale, president and chief executive of Orlando Sanford International Airport, who said his airport’s request to opt out of using Transportation Security Administration officers last year was denied by the federal government.

Mr. Dale said his desire to use private screeners in place of T.S.A. personnel was motivated by hundreds of complaints from passengers, and added that he had his own problems with the agency’s screeners.

“We’ve visited a number of airports who have opted out of the T.S.A. screenings, and no one wants to go back,” Mr. Dale said. “We think this will be more efficient and customer-friendly for us.”

 

[WDWAurora]

We just flew with our 3 year old and 18mo. We had no issue with milk either direction (they actually allowed us to bring some for the 3 year old on the way there. We were planning to dump it). I wouldn't do liquid snacks. I believe the definition of liquid is something about taking the shape of the container it is in, so the applesauce and oatmeal are technically liquid. Just go with puffs, etc and make it easier on yourself!

 

[bcla]

But what if they pee in there and ruin a perfectly good carry-on? I prefer a doggy crate. Sized appropriately for your toddler's size.

There used to be another way. The Smithsonian's National Postal Museum has even researched this.

http://postalmuseumblog.si.edu/2013/02/very-special-deliveries.html

The first child “mailed” in the U.S. was an unnamed boy in Batavia, Ohio in mid January 1913. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Beauge of Glen Este, Ohio was carried by Rural Free Delivery carrier Vernon Little to its grandmother, Mrs. Louis Beague about a mile away. The boy’s parents paid 15-cents for the stamps and even insured their son for $50.

** **

Carriers and photographs had fun with the idea of “mailing” babies. This image is not only a part of a collection of Smithsonian photographs on Flickr, but is the most popular photograph from the Institution in that collection.

 

[bcla]

We just flew with our 3 year old and 18mo. We had no issue with milk either direction (they actually allowed us to bring some for the 3 year old on the way there. We were planning to dump it). I wouldn't do liquid snacks. I believe the definition of liquid is something about taking the shape of the container it is in, so the applesauce and oatmeal are technically liquid. Just go with puffs, etc and make it easier on yourself!

If it's something to specifically provide comfort for a young child, they'll typically allow it as a medical exception. I know this from personal experience.

The issue that some have had is that they might ask that a sealed container be opened to facilitate testing. In that case, then carrying an air tight container (I just bough a 3-pack of 200 ml containers from a NZ company called Sistema) might be a good backup. Of for that matter maybe load in such a container in the first place and make sure it's refrigerated to reduce the chance of spoilage.

I've actually gone through with sealed containers. The explosive detection equipment is supposed to be sensitive. I would go through and ask that it go through the equipment rather than be opened.

 

[malibuconlee]

I had no issues flying with baby food in my diaper bag. Jars or plastic cup type. I used to just buy milk once thru security and right before the flight.

The advice about asking for the outside of the container to be swabbed is good. Just be aware that not all airports have the same equipment or didn't 5 years ago! Referring to smaller airports (like El Paso)

 

[Poohforyou]

And please poke a few air holes in the sides of the luggage to allow those diaper fumes to escape. Don't want an explosion due to a buildup of methane.

I'd sprinkle some cheerios in for good measure and make sure she's in a super absorbent diaper.

 

[bcla]

I'd sprinkle some cheerios in for good measure and make sure she's in a super absorbent diaper.

Basically this will happen:

 

[MSSANDRA]

Apple sauce (and other fruit) pouches are hugely popular and you should be able to purchase some past security. Of course you will pay a lot more for them but so worth it. I would plan to take a ton of snacks. they can be very helpful for ears as well as just being fussy and restless. Try some of the gerber graduate snacks and choose some she likes. Milk and juice should be very available after security.

 

[akcire]

OP-

Have been flying with my almost 3 year old since she was a few months old. Literally I take everything than will make her happy on the plane. I take applesauce, yogurt, frozen grapes, water, bananas, liquid fermented dairy (probiotic), regular milk in sippy cups and tons of baby food, formula, and expressed mom milk when younger. I keep it all in the diaper bag. I never remove it. I tell the TSA agent when I put it on the belt that the whole bag is for my daughter.

I have never had an issue. My biggest fear is being in an airport with no access to things that my daughter can/will eat or being stuck on a plane on the tarmac. If that means I pack snacks for 3 days for a 2 hour flight-so be it. I've had to share with underprepared parents on at least 3 flights, including my backup pack of wipes and a dress of my daughters to the poor guy who had the toddler boy who was throwing up for an hour.

So pack away, bring all the things that are for your young child and just let them know the kid has a bag. Other than swabbing the outside they have never done anything. I even accidentally had a diet pepsi can (misplaced car beverage)on the outside pocket of the bag one time and they let it go.