Taking food and milk into the states with you

[London Calling]

Hi

Travelling to Orlando in may with my two kids aged 3.5 and 18 months. Both my kids drink lots of milk and my daughter (3.5) in particular especially when we're in a car. We plan to take cartons of SMA with us for the flight until we get into the hotel as well as other snacks like crisps etc etc , however, I understand we shan't be allowed to take any of this stuff into the states with us. On the way back we can stock up at a supermarket, however, is there is a long delay at customs/immigration my daughter will not beimpressed espacially as it will be late uk time.

When I went to LA a couple of years ago, I took in loads of tinned food as she was barely 9 months, and although they asked me if I had any food I lied and said no. Things are a lot tighter from what I hear so what do other parents do ?

 

[Cochise]

Might be best to take a look at the US immigration website for solid advice. I wouldnt recommend lying to them.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

We had no trouble taking tins of SMA gold powder, they spotted it in the case through the scanner though. They saw we had a child and asked if it was formula.

I think we took a couple of cartons of ready made through in our hand luggage, not sure if we were meant too. Normally we take cooled boiled water in a bottle and add the 4 oz sachet of powder and mix it up. It is easier than fiddling about with the cartons- I always tear them wrong and spill it.

Crisps are fine, only animal and dairy products are a problem, plus fresh fruit and veg I think.

If your children have milk in their cups as they pass through immigration I am sure it will be fine. A carton or 2 in your bag will be ok too I imagine. You can buy a US product identical to SMA Gold in stores there, phone the SMA careline and they will tell you the name.

Good luck!

Mandy

 

[lynnmci]

When I was there last time they had King Charles Spaniels sniffing for food when we were waiting in the line for immigration. Its the same priniciple as the drug dogs. The dog sits down next to the bag it smells and the handler will search it.

 

[alisonbestford]

As I understand it baby milk is fine.
DD (6) has to drink lactose reduced milk but, fortunately, it's widely available from Walmart etc in the states.
She, too, guzzles about 2 pints of milk a day but, when we travelled to Orlando and she was about 3 I just ensured we had enough milk in the hand luggage and then gave it to the air hostess as we left the plane. No problems.
Yes, there were sniffer dogs at the airport that time but not the time when we last went - about a week ago. Now DD is 6 so the milk thing isn't a big issue but she'd have created havoc at 3 if she couldn't have her milk.......

 

[alisonbestford]

And yes, I did fill up her cup before we got off the plane ;-) Again, no problems.

 

[BevS97]

we took jars of baby food in (as well as SMA powder), the babyfood was checked and anything containing meat was removed (I have a feeling chicken was ok, but not sure), everything we had was ok, mostly spaghetti type things.
We have taken baby milk in lots of times and never any problems.

I never managed to find the SMA equivelent baby formula and ended up buying a random one of the shelf and DD did not like it - I would take enough formula for the trip if at all possible