So, you are traveling by air and have a baby.
Are you confused about bringing baby food on the Plane?
Alright!
After reading this, you can have a relaxing flight with your baby. We’ll learn everything about the baby’s food and feeding her on the Plane.
On a plane, baby food is allowed with a few restrictions to avoid. But you can take baby food on a plane.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has made rules and regulations, as feeding the little after short intervals is necessary.
When we talk about a baby on the Plane, our efforts are to comfort her as much as possible.
First, we’ll discuss the most common questions asked, and then we’ll learn about feeding the baby on a plane:
Q#1. Are Baby Foods allowed on Plane?
Yes, baby foods are permitted.
Q#2. What Baby Foods are allowed?
You can take milk, cracked wheat, juices, and other baby foods on the go. Just make sure the food is appropriately packed in cans or jars.
There’s an exception to TSA’s ‘liquid rule’ regarding bottled breast milk or formula. So, no worries if you take baby fluids on the Plane.
Q#3. How much-bottled milk can I take?
The quantity you can take varies on the airline’s rules, so calling their support before you leave for the airport would help you know how much-processed milk/fluid you can take. However, depending on the flight duration, you can pack a reasonable quantity for your baby.
Q#4. Is Screening necessary for Bottled Milk?
No worries about the empty baby bottles in your backpack or carry-on baggage. But you can tell the TSA agent at the security screening area for bottled milk or formula. The agent might take bottles and return you after Screening.
So yes, Screening is necessary.
Q#5. Is Bottled Water allowed for the baby?
For baby comfort, you can take bottled water with you on the flight. Generally, TSA doesn’t allow water bottles for adults. There’s an exception for babies, i.e., bottled water is permitted.
Feeding Your Baby on the Plane
Now as you’ve got most of the common questions answered, here’s a mom’s guide to feeding a baby on a plane:
Step 1. Follow the Rules
Before we start, make sure you follow the rules.
- Call your airline’s customer support and ask for the baby food quantity you can take.
- Make sure you take fluids in bottles and food in cans.
- When you’re in the screening area, tell the TSA agent about the baby food so they can screen it for security reasons.
Step 2. Take Extra Fluids with you
Besides bottled breast milk or formula, your baby must stay hydrated throughout the flight. So, take extra fluids like juices with you.
Step 3. Pack a Nursing Cover
Pack a nursing cover to feed your baby on the go if you’re nursing. A nursing cover is helpful as you can comfort your baby on your lap. After all, comfort is what you require for your baby.
Step 4. Get Milk or Food Warmed Before you Feed
To feed your baby whenever she cries, ask the flight attendant to warm the milk or formula. They have got solutions to warm your baby’s fluid or food. Ovens, I mean!
Step 5. Feed your baby during takeoff and landing
It is compulsory to feed your baby when you take off and land. This helps in equalizing your baby’s ears. Another way to balance the baby’s ear is to owe her a pacifier.
BONUS: Always consider your flight duration
Being a mom, you know after what time she requires feeding. Considering that, compare the time with your flight duration to understand your baby food and pack accordingly.
Tips For a Comfortable Baby Flight
Book a Separate seat or a Car seat:
Book another seat for your infant. Although airlines allow under babies (max two years ) old, the baby may feel uncomfortable on your lap if you’re on a long flight. If you are tight on budget and can’t book a separate seat for her, book a window seat for yourself. If the medium-sized middle seat is not reserved, you can have your baby there throughout the flight. If you can afford it, go for a car seat which is the most comfortable choice for the little one!
Cover Your Baby adequately:
Have some clothing for her to cover correctly, as the baby may get uncomfortable during the takeoff and landing.
Use a Pacifier:
Using a pacifier or feeder in the baby’s mouth can help her equalize ears and relieve pressure during crucial times, i.e., landing and takeoff. Other than a pacifier or feeder, you can take a teething ring. Despite their inner contents, TSA allows teething rings for babies.
Deal with Fellow passengers:
The passenger sitting next to you will not welcome you when he finds out that you’ve got a baby with you. Communicate with them effectively to ensure you and your baby enjoy a comfortable journey. Take extra care of the infant, and don’t allow her to disturb fellow passengers. If she has a dirty diaper, go to the washroom and change it correctly. Be extra nice to the passengers next to you to experience a smooth flight.
A Final Thought
Taking a flight with your infant is not easy at all. You may experience some weird situations but you can make it easier by preparing for them. Prepare for the worst scenario, carry extra fluids and diapers, and be confident. There’s a saying: “Prepare for the worst and forget the rest.”
In case of a worst-case scenario, think that you’ll never reach your destination. Relax, as there’s no solution either. 😀 Happy Travel!