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16 tips for traveling with baby formula that will make your next vacation stress-free

The good news: You can bring as much formula as you need on the plane. The bad news: It takes some planning to pack water, bottles, cleaning supplies, and more. Here's how to make it easier on yourself.

Can you bring formula on a plane?

How to travel with formula on a plane, tips for traveling with formula via car.

BabyCenter selects products and services based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. We may earn a commission from links.

If your little one is formula-fed or takes a combination of formula and breast milk, you probably have a pretty established feeding station at home with plenty of baby bottles , cleaning supplies, and powdered or ready-to-feed formula. Understandably, the thought of somehow taking this entire process on the road can feel a little daunting. 

While it does take some planning, it's absolutely possible to travel with baby formula , regardless of where you're heading or the type you use; here's how.

Yes, you're allowed to bring baby formula or breast milk on a plane in a carry-on or checked bag. The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) rules about formula Opens a new window are also more lenient compared to other liquids and gels (which are limited to 3-ounce containers). 

"There aren't restrictions to how much formula you can bring on the plane, so make your life easier by doing what works for you and your baby," says Chandani DeZure , M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

Formula, breast milk, purees, and cooling accessories (such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs) are all considered medically necessary liquids, so the TSA doesn't limit how much parents can bring through security. You also don't need to fly with your baby with you in order to take advantage of this rule.

That said, the TSA does have different screening steps for these liquids. Here's what to expect when bringing formula through security: 

Tell the TSA ahead of time. As you're lining up, let the closest TSA officer know you have formula (and ice packs, etc.) and remove these items from your bag. They'll separate your feeding gear to screen separately. 

Know that pre-mixed formula will probably get tested. This is a safety precaution to make sure the liquids don't contain any explosives or concealed items. The same goes for any partially frozen ice packs. 

Finally, keep in mind that the rules might change for the flight home if you’re traveling from outside of the U.S. "For international flights , be sure to research what's allowed ahead of time," says Tanya Altmann Opens a new window , M.D., a pediatrician at Calabasas Pediatrics in California.

1. Choose what type of formula you'll bring 

The best way to transport formula will depend on the type of formula you're taking with you.

Powdered formula, unprepared

You can bring a formula canister in your carry-on bag and open it to prepare bottles on the plane, but many parents prefer to pre-measure and pack powder in a travel-friendly formula dispenser . These dispensers typically have a few sections, so you can put just enough powder for one bottle in each compartment, then mix it on the plane. Just label each section with how much water to use.

Powdered formula, prepared

Some parents find it easier to prep bottles at home and then pack them. While this means you don't have to source water on the go, it does mean you'll need to bring a cooler bag with ice packs: Prepared powdered formula is safe at room temperature for just two hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Opens a new window (CDC).

Although the TSA doesn't limit how much formula you bring, toting around prepared bottles can get heavy and inconvenient. If you're going on a long-haul flight, you might choose to prepare a few ahead of time, then make the rest on the plane.

Liquid concentrate formula

This type of formula requires you to add water and shake, which may be easier than measuring powder during the flight. However, liquid concentrate formula is more expensive and often sold in small cans, which may be harder to manage in the air.

Ready-to-feed formula

This is by far the easiest way to travel with formula, especially if you can find a variety that has an attached nipple (many do). You don't have to measure powder or worry about finding appropriate water. Plus, you can store ready-to-feed bottles at room temperature and potentially leave your cooler bag at home. (Unused portions do need to be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.) 

The downside is that ready-to-feed formulas are almost always more expensive. And like prepared bottles, it can be harder to bring enough without making your bag really heavy. 

2. Consider checking enough formula for your whole trip 

In addition to packing enough formula for the flight, you may want to pack more in your checked bag for when you arrive, especially if your little one takes a special kind. If you're traveling overseas, you may not find your go-to brand at all. Even within the U.S., it's sometimes tricky to locate the exact type you need, so plan ahead.  

"You can bring extra formula containers in your suitcase, direct ship to your final destination ahead of time, or even map out grocery stores to stop at that carry your desired infant formula," says Dr. Altmann. 

While it's fine for most babies to switch formula , some adjust faster than others. Your best bet is to stick with the same type, such as another milk-based, iron-fortified formula. And if switching brands overseas, make sure you understand the label; formula produced outside of the U.S. may use a different preparation ratio than you're accustomed to.

3. Pack extra in your carry-on

Even if you've packed additional canisters in your checked bag, you still need to access enough for the flight, as well as for time spent in the airport before boarding and after landing. "Bring enough formula to last the duration of the flight, but also to account for any potential delays that might occur," says Dr. DeZure. 

So if your flight is three hours long and your baby typically has an 8-ounce bottle every three to four hours, you might plan on having enough formula in your carry-on to prepare at least five or six bottles (one at the airport, one on the plane, one after landing, plus a few extras in case of a delay).

4. Have water on hand 

If you plan to mix bottles during the flight, you'll probably want to bring water with you on the plane. You could either pack water from home (such as tap water or water that's previously been sterilized) or purchase bottled water in the airport. 

Most babies can have formula mixed with bottled or tap water, according to the CDC Opens a new window . However, babies younger than 2 months old, as well as those born prematurely or who have a weakened immune system should have bottles made with water that's previously been boiled and then cooled. In a pinch, you can ask a flight attendant to boil water for you that's then cooled to room temperature, though this can take longer. 

For this reason, bottled water is usually simplest if your baby can have it. "I usually recommend parents buy bottled water after they are through security to pour into a baby bottle that has measuring units on it, then add the appropriate amount of powder, shake, and feed," says Dr. Altmann. 

5. Bring cleaning supplies 

"Pack dish soap and a nipple/bottle brush for easy cleaning," says Dr. DeZure. If you'd prefer not to wash your bottles on the plane (understandable, as airplane bathrooms aren't exactly the cleanest), separate used gear from clean bottles in plastic bags, then wash everything thoroughly at your destination. 

And while there is no substitute for a real soap-and-water cleaning, baby bottle cleaning wipes Opens a new window can help if you drop anything (pacifiers, bottles, etc.) on the floor during the flight.

6. Try to get your baby used to room-temperature bottles

It can significantly simplify travel if your baby isn't picky about cool bottles. "This saves the hassle of heating while en route," says Corinne McDermott, a travel consultant and founder of the website Have Baby Will Travel Opens a new window . "Flight attendants may be able to provide cups of hot water for heating, but they will not heat the bottle for you." 

7. Pack prepared formula in clear containers 

Although not required, the TSA strongly suggests parents pack prepared formula in translucent bottles. That's because scanners have a tougher time with bags and pouches, so you may have to open them.

8. Ask a flight attendant for hot water or bring a portable warmer

If your infant absolutely needs warm milk, alert the flight attendant early in the flight so they can have water ready. (The last thing you want is to try to track it down while your baby is crying out for a bottle!) 

There are also portable bottle heating gadgets on the market, but "I recommend testing them before you actually travel to ensure they work," says McDermott. And if you do warm your baby's bottle on the go, remember to put a few drops on the back of your hand to make sure it's not too hot.

9. Offer a bottle during takeoff

Changes in air pressure can be tough on little ears. "Feeding on takeoff and landing during pressure changes will minimize any discomfort the baby might feel," says Dr. DeZure. 

Take safe storage into account — if you feed your baby during takeoff, the rest of the bottle should be consumed within an hour. 

1. Pack a cooler

Road trips can be easier than flights when it comes to formula feeding, partly because you can bring a large cooler bag. 

Consider preparing enough formula bottles for the drive ahead of time and storing them in a cooler. This way, you won't have to mix and measure on the go. 

"You can also use the cooler for other medication items, snacks, or beverages that the rest of your family may need as well," says Dr. Altmann.

2. Bring enough canisters – and store them safely

Just as you would for a plane ride, you'll want to bring enough formula to last the entire trip (or have a plan for sourcing more after you arrive). 

"It's good to be well-stocked in case your usual brand is not easily available at your destination," says McDermott. And when packing canisters of powdered formula, make sure they're stored in a cool, dry place in the car. 

3. Stop for feeding breaks

While it may seem simpler to bottle-feed your baby in their car seat, pulling over for feeding time is safest. "Spills and spit-up are difficult to deal with while hurtling down the interstate, and safety is still the main concern," says McDermott. "If possible, give your baby a chance to digest a bit, and burp as usual before buckling them back in their car seat." 

During a road trip, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends Opens a new window parents pull over for a break every two to three hours during the day or every four to six hours at night. You can feed your little one and change their diaper , "and kids of all ages can get out, move around and stretch, eat or drink, or use the restroom," says Dr. Altmann.

4. Try to maintain your routine

While your child's schedule will inevitably shift during travel, it can help to follow their usual routine as best you can. "Any attempts to maintain your baby's routine while on the road will pay off with fewer disruptions down the road," notes McDermott. 

During the drive, pull over and offer a bottle at your baby's typical feeding times, and encourage naps at their normal times, too. Once you get to your destination, this will make it easier for your little one to get back into their schedule.

5. Pack cleaning supplies 

Just as you would for air travel, bring everything you need to clean baby's feeding gear, including dish soap, a bottle brush, and possibly a portable drying rack. For the car ride, "remember hand sanitizer, wipes, and even a mat to make a clean surface anywhere to mix your formula," says Dr. Altmann. 

And don't forget to pack a few emergency cleaning supplies and a change of clothes in case of spit-up : "It really, really isn't fun to travel long distances in a car that's recently been plastered in dairy-based vomit," says McDermott.

6. Once you arrive, set up a cleaning station 

You'll accumulate quite a few dirty bottles during the car ride, so McDermott says one of the first things she does after a road trip is determine where she'll store and clean baby feeding gear. 

"If the accommodation at your destination has a kitchenette or at least a microwave, packing a portable sterilizer will make cleaning easier," she says. Alternatively, you can wash bottles with warm water and soap.

"A small drying rack doesn't take up much room in your luggage and keeps baby's things clean and out of the way of your other stuff if all you've got is a bathroom sink," she adds. "It can be done!"

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2019. Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024] 

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2024. How to Safely Prepare Baby Formula With Water. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/how-to-safely-prepare-formula-with-water.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024] 

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2022. Forms of Baby Formula: Powder, Concentrate & Ready-to-Feed. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Forms-of-Baby-Formula.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024] 

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat for Hours at a Time? https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Is-it-safe-for-my-baby-to-travel-in-a-car-seat-a-few-hours-at-a-time.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2018. How to Sterilize and Warm Baby Bottles Safely.  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/How-to-Sterilize-and-Warm-Baby-Bottles-Safely.aspx Opens a new window   [Accessed February 2024] 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Infant Formula Preparation and Storage. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/formula-feeding/infant-formula-preparation-and-storage.html Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. How to Prepare and Store Powdered Infant Formula. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/downloads/prepare-store-powered-infant-formula-508.pdf Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. 2022. Flying With Children. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. 2023. Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=children&field_faq_category_target_id=1481 Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

KidsHealth From Nemours. 2024. Formula Feeding FAQs: Preparation and Storage. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/formulafeed-storing.html Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2024. Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/air-travel-with-infant/faq-20058539 Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. 2024. Traveling with Children. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. 2024. Baby Formula. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/baby-formula Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. 2024. Liquids Rule. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Food and Drug Administration. 2023. Infant Formula: Safety Do's and Don'ts. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/infant-formula-safety-dos-and-donts Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Chandani DeZure Opens a new window , M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

Tanya Altmann Opens a new window , M.D., a pediatrician at Calabasas Pediatrics in California.

Corinne McDermott, an authorized independent travel consultant, family travel specialist and founder of the website Have Baby Will Travel Opens a new window .

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously the executive editor of editorial strategy and growth at BabyCenter, the world's number one parenting resource. She is originally from Farmington, Connecticut, and now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two sons.

Where to go next

How to Travel with Baby Formula

Feeding our babies is the most important thing we do as parents. And the amount of pressure we put on ourselves over what to feed them and how to feed them carries over into travel. Travel with baby formula definitely requires planning in advance. The length of your journey and your destination will determine exactly how much you need to bring and how you need to bring it.

Packing Formula

You’ll need to pack formula for your travel day, and for the duration of your vacation if you aren’t certain your brand will be available where you’re going. Depending on the age of your baby and their tolerance for change, switching brands or formulations while on vacation is not recommended. Baby items are difficult to come by in airports and on the road. Always, always pack more feeds than you think you will need in your carry-on . And even if your brand is available at your destination, not having to rush out to a store when you arrive is worth packing extra.

FAA regulations allow for more than the allowed liquid requirements when traveling with a baby under two. Within reason . They aren’t going to allow you to go through security with a gallon of distilled water. However, it is safe to prepare powdered formula with bottled water. It must be below 200 mg/litre of sodium and no more than 250mg/litre of sulphate. Most brands fall well within these amounts.

Powdered Formula vs. Ready-to-Drink

If you are already feeding ready-to-drink formula, and you don’t think it will be available at your destination, it’s safe to say your luggage will be very heavy. Consider switching before your trip if possible. For ease of identification, travel with a can of the formula powder. The travel formula containers make life very easy in terms of portioning and mixing while en route. Although having the can handy for identification makes life easier while going through security.

Mixing Formula

Probably my biggest and best tip for travel with baby formula is to get baby accustomed to drinking room temperature bottles. Mixing formula while traveling is not such a big deal, however heating it up might be. Juggling cups of boiling water is no picnic if you’re also managing a hungry baby. Certainly there are portable baby bottle warmers designed for travel. If you have the money and the carry-on space for an extra gadget, and baby can’t tolerate a non-warmed bottle, then it’s worth the investment.

Traveling with Bottles

Bottles take up a lot of space. Although the powdered formula doesn’t take up a lot of room, the pre-sterilized bottles do. If your travel day is 12 hours, and baby feeds every four hours, that’s three bottles (plus at least two extra in case of delays). So there’s five empty bottles (plus nipples, plus caps) you need to pack and keep clean.

The pre-sterilized bottle liners definitely save space and make life easier for travel.

Washing and Sterilizing Bottles

Is it really a vacation if you’re still washing and sterilizing bottles? Of course! It’s not necessary to travel with a bottle sterilizer if you have access to (or pack) a travel kettle. However, if your accommodation has a kitchen or at least a microwave, the steam sterilizers are fairly compact and the sterilizer bags even more so.

Making bottle maintenance a part of your routine while on vacation is just part of travel with baby formula and once it’s done you can enjoy your evening together.

Have Baby Will Travel  is a participant in the  Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program . If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission.  Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

• Tips for Feeding Baby on Holiday
• How to Sterilize Bottles in a Hotel Room Sink
• Bottle Feeding Travel Tips
• How to Travel with a Breastfeeding Baby
• Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a Newborn

Photo by  Jaye Haych  on  Unsplash

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How To Travel With Baby Formula And Food

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

Planning a family trip is exciting, but packing for it can be overwhelming, especially if you plan to fly with your little ones. You can travel with milk, formula, or baby food no matter where you are. When you must pass through airport security and have enough supplies on hand for days, handling these items requires some simple preparation.

Before packing your bags, here are a few tips on traveling with baby formula and food so that you – and the whole family – stay happy.

Can you bring baby formula on a plane

The TSA classifies baby formula as medically necessary, so you can pack as much baby formula as you need for the trip without being limited to the 3.4-ounce rule that applies to other liquids. When you go through security screening, inform airport security of the amount of baby formula you’re carrying. Remove the formula from your carry-on so the agent can screen it separately. TSA officers may test the liquid to confirm it is baby formula and not a prohibited liquid.

Can you bring powdered formula on a plane?

You can pack unmixed baby formula in your carry-on. As with premixed powder, inform the TSA agent you have the baby formula during screening. Ideally, keep the formula in its original packaging. Security may test a small portion of the formula for prohibited substances but will not add anything to the formula package.

Breast or Store-Bought Milk

The rules for breast milk are the same as for baby formula. You can bring as much breast milk as you need for the trip in your carry-on, preferably stored in transparent bottles. The same rules apply if you’re wondering how to travel with milk for a 1-year-old. Milk for older children will be subject to the same 3-1-1 rules as other liquids.

Can you bring baby food on a plane

You can bring baby and toddler food on a plane in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, including jars and baby food pouches of fruits, vegetables, and meat/poultry purees. Store the food in well-sealed containers separate from the rest of your personal belongings.

Can you bring homemade baby food on a plane?

Homemade baby food is allowed in carry-on bags but may be subject to additional screening by TSA agents. Label all homemade baby food before packing, and have it stored in an accessible location in your carry-on bag.

How to keep baby formula and food safe on board

Once you have figured out just how much baby formula powder/ breastmilk and food you should pack, you need to plan how to keep the food safe. Some trips can be long and involve many more hours than just your flight time. How can you ensure your baby’s food stays fresh?

Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your baby's food and formula are safe during travel:

• A travel cooler  bag is your best bet for day trips to week-long adventures. Some are made for wet and dry foods and can be used to keep food warm or cold.
• Check baby food and formula containers for expiration and refrigeration requirements
• Use ice packs to keep food and formula cold when needed.
• Avoid giving your baby food from open containers that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Do not heat baby food or formula using the airplane's microwave.

Being prepared by following these few guidelines will give you peace of mind for a safe and healthy trip. Check out more of our family travel blogs for other helpful tips and tricks on kid- and baby-friendly travel.

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• Baby and kid

The Best Baby Formula

By Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

No matter how you do it, feeding a baby is hard work.

If you’re using formula, there are the added challenges of deciphering long lists of ingredients and distinguishing among the dozens of brands and types. And formulas can differ drastically in cost, which can create more confusion, not to mention worry.

We spent more than 80 hours researching formulas, interviewing pediatricians and other experts, and reading more than 20 scientific studies and journal articles. And we learned that all FDA-approved formulas made for healthy, full-term infants are safe and nutritionally adequate for normal growth and development from birth through the first year. We then analyzed the ingredients of more than 60 formulas to find the ones that we think offer the best combination of evidence-backed benefits and value.

Everything we recommend

Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula

The best traditional formula.

This Costco formula contains lactose (the same sugar that’s in human milk) as the only carbohydrate. And it has many of the same potentially beneficial extras found in more expensive options.

Buying Options

Member’s Mark Infant

Another great traditional formula.

This Sam’s Club formula also uses lactose as its only carbohydrate. And it has several potentially beneficial extra ingredients found in much more expensive formulas.

Up & Up Advantage Premium Infant Formula

A little more expensive, available in smaller quantities.

This Target formula also uses lactose as its sole carbohydrate, and it has many of the same extra nutrients as formulas that cost twice as much.

Parent’s Choice Tender Non-GMO Infant Formula

The best “gentle” formula.

This Walmart formula is made with all partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which may be easier for some babies to digest than the intact milk proteins used in our traditional formula picks.

May be out of stock

Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

The best hypoallergenic formula.

This Target formula is made with extensively hydrolyzed casein proteins and is typically appropriate for babies who have certain diagnoses, like cow’s milk protein allergy.

Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1

The best organic formula.

This is among the least expensive organic formulas that uses lactose as its sole carbohydrate. It’s also one of the few that contains the potentially beneficial component MFGM.

Aussie Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1

The best goat milk formula.

This is currently the only goat milk-based infant formula available in the US. But it is expensive.

What to consider

Experts say most babies do well on formula with lactose (the same sugar in human milk) as the sole carbohydrate.

Protein in formula can be either intact or partially or fully broken down, which may be easier for some babies to digest.

All baby formulas must meet the same basic nutritional requirements. Some include extra nutrients like DHA, ARA, and prebiotics.

Generic formulas are as nutritious as brand-name options and often significantly less expensive.

Because traditional formulas are all required to meet the same basic nutritional standards, we looked for the most affordable formulas that offer the most additional potential benefits. Costco’s Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula (about 64¢ per ounce, and slightly less if you’re a Costco member) uses lactose, the sugar naturally found in human milk. And this formula provides many of the same extra nutrients you’ll find in formulas that cost two or three times as much.

Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark Infant (around 50¢ per ounce, and a little less if you’re a Sam’s Club member) includes expert-recommended ingredients, such as lactose (the carbohydrate found in human milk), as well as a few desirable extras. This formula is also sold as Up & Up Infant at Target, Parent’s Choice Premium Infant at Walmart, and Mama Bear Infant on Amazon, so it’s easy to find.

Though slightly more expensive than our main picks, Up & Up Advantage Premium (around 60¢ per ounce) is still one of the least expensive formulas we found. Unlike our main picks, this formula is available in a smaller, 35-ounce size. It’s also sold in grocery and drugstore chains, as Walmart Parent’s Choice Advantage Premium , Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Advantage Premium , CVS Health Advantage Premium , and Amazon’s Mama Bear Advantage Premium , among others, so it’s also easy to find.

Parent’s Choice Tender, our “gentle” formula pick, is being discontinued. As alternatives, consider Gerber Good Start GentlePro or Bobbie Organic Gentle . Read on for more information about these formulas .

Most babies do well on traditional formula, but if your pediatrician recommends giving your baby a “gentle,” “tender,” or partially hydrolyzed formula (containing partly broken-down milk proteins, which may be easier for some babies to digest), we suggest the generic Parent’s Choice Tender (around 60¢ per ounce). At around two-thirds the price of brand-name formulas, it’s the cheapest partially hydrolyzed formula we found. But it has many of the same potentially beneficial additives as much more expensive brands.

If your doctor recommends a hypoallergenic formula, Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula is equivalent to Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum but available at a fraction of the price (roughly $1.46 per ounce). It’s also non-GMO and kosher. It’s the same as other store-brand hypoallergenic formulas, including CVS Health Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , Walgreens Well Beginnings Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , and Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , among others.

If you want a formula made from USDA-certified organic ingredients, we recommend Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1 . It’s among the least expensive organic formulas we found that has lactose as its only carbohydrate, and it contains whole milk in addition to nonfat milk. Some evidence suggests that milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which is naturally found in whole milk, may be beneficial.

Goat’s milk is sometimes considered more similar to human milk than cow’s milk, because, like human milk, it predominantly contains A2 beta-casein protein. (Most cow’s milk contains mainly A1 beta-casein.) Because Aussie Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1 is made with whole goat milk, it also contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which may be beneficial. There aren’t any studies that suggest goat milk is better than other formulas as far as tolerability , though there isn’t an abundance of research on it. It’s the most expensive of our picks, at about $1.70 per powdered ounce.

The research

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We interviewed seven experts and read more than a dozen scientific studies, journal articles , reports , and advances to understand formula ingredients, nutrients, and other components. We looked at information from the FDA and CDC to learn how formula is regulated and tested in the US. Finally, we analyzed the nutrition and ingredients labels of some 50 formulas to understand the differences and similarities among them.

I’m a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology and have covered health topics for The Atlantic , Undark , Smithsonian , and more . I have three kids, and I’ve experienced the difficulties that come with infant feeding. Also, I’m fascinated by nutrition science.

All babies require either human milk (breast milk), baby formula, or a combination of the two during the first year of life.

Four companies manufacture the vast majority of baby formula for sale in the US. Those companies are Mead Johnson ( Enfamil ), Abbott Nutrition ( Similac ), Nestlé ( Gerber ), and Perrigo (which makes generic formulas sold in many grocery and pharmacy chains and by other brands, including Earth’s Best and Bobbie ). A few smaller manufacturers have more recently entered the market: ByHeart (made in the US), Kendamil (made in the UK), and Aussie Bubs (made in Australia).

All infant formula sold in the US and labeled for healthy babies is safe. It will support normal growth and development from birth through 12 months. The FDA tightly regulates and monitors baby formula and has strict requirements for its nutrients , ingredients, composition, and manufacturing processes.

Brand-name and store-name formulas are nearly identical. A 2017 article on infant feeding in the journal Pediatrics states this. Pediatricians Jenny Thomas and Anthony Porto both told us that parents should feel comfortable using store-brand or generic infant formulas because they contain all of the same FDA-required nutrients and ingredients as formulas made by Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber (which cost two to three times as much).

Much of what you’ll read on a formula container is just marketing. There are formulas marketed for constipation , spit-up , fussiness , and more. Yes, there are differences among formulas, but “in terms of ‘this formula is for colic, this formula is for constipation’—all formulas have to meet the needs of all infants in the US, from 0 to 12 months. So you can’t have a formula that’s just for a baby who is also breastfed, or a 2-month-old baby who is constipated,” baby feeding expert Bridget Young said.

Switching formulas is most often not a big deal. Thomas said that most babies will tolerate changing formula brands and formulations well: “Switching from formula to formula is not a hardship on the baby.” Thomas, Porto, and Young all agree that if your baby is feeding well and happily on a certain formula, there’s probably no reason to change it, though.

But any given baby may have specific needs. Some otherwise healthy babies without allergies do have trouble digesting certain formulas and can exhibit gassiness, spit-up, constipation, or fussiness. Porto said it can be hard to determine whether it’s the formula that might be causing trouble for your baby (and, if so, which component of the formula). If the formulas we recommend in this guide aren’t right for your baby, or you use the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or you’re interested in what makes other formulas different, take a look at More baby formulas to consider .

Since 2017, we’ve considered every powdered formula available in the US.

Here we focus on powdered formulas because they are the most commonly used (PDF) and most economical, and they come in the most varieties. The 2022 formula shortage led to more imported formulas entering the US market. For a 2023 update to this guide we added imported formulas that remain available beyond the temporary supply brought in to help alleviate the shortage.

Based on our extensive research and conversations with multiple experts, there were only a few criteria we used to whittle down our list of contenders for the best formulas:

Traditional and organic formulas should have lactose as the sole carbohydrate. Since lactose is the energy-providing carbohydrate naturally found in all mammals' milk, and because formula seeks to mimic human milk as closely as possible, infant feeding experts told us it’s preferable to choose a formula that has lactose as the sole sugar. Most healthy babies don’t have issues digesting lactose, and there is little evidence that reduced lactose or lactose-free formulas reduce colic. For this reason, we didn’t consider any “sensitive” formulas that were lactose-free. (Most partially hydrolyzed formulas include another sweetener in addition to lactose, and all fully hydrolyzed formulas lack lactose.)

“Gentle” or “tender” formulas should contain only partially hydrolyzed proteins. If a pediatrician believes your baby would benefit from a “gentle” formula (which may be easier to digest), it should not contain “intact” proteins along with the partially hydrolyzed ones. (If the label lists milk in addition to hydrolyzed milk or hydrolyzed whey, then it contains both intact and partially hydrolyzed proteins.) This is because, according to Young (video) , the presence of some intact proteins will negate any benefits the partially broken down proteins could offer. (Imagine that you’re lactose-intolerant and you order an almond-milk latte but still put whipped cream on top.)

Finally, we considered cost. Formulas can range from just under 50¢ to nearly $2 per ounce of powder or more; this translates to about 45¢ to $1.75 per 6-ounce bottle. We found that many less expensive formulas have most or all of the same extra nutrients as more expensive ones.

We looked only at cow- and goat-milk–based formulas. Pediatricians Anthony Porto and Jenny Thomas told us they recommend soy-based formulas only if the baby has a medical need for it, or if parents want their baby to follow a vegan diet; this is also the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

We did not look at certain formulas like HiPP and Holle that aren’t regulated by the FDA and aren’t sold in US stores.

We also did not consider formulas intended for babies who are premature or who have certain other medical conditions, including formulas whose proteins come in the form of amino acids (such as Elecare, Puramino, Neocate, or Alfamino).

We didn’t do any testing for this guide, because babies have minds of their own, and it would be impossible to control for all of the variables that might make a baby prefer one formula over another.

At about 64¢ per ounce (for a pack of two 42-ounce containers), Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula is among the least expensive traditional formulas we found. Yet it is just as safe and nutritious as formulas that cost much more.

It uses lactose as the sole carbohydrate, and it has added whey protein, in addition to nonfat milk, to make the protein ratio more similar to that of human milk (close to 50% whey and 50% casein). It also includes the extra nutrients DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and two prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides and 2’-FL). This formula uses safflower oil, rather than palm oil, which may be a benefit if you are concerned about constipation (though our experts said palm oil is unlikely to impact a baby’s stool).

Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula is a generic formula available only at Costco. (However, Instacart now delivers Costco products without a membership—the delivery company’s upcharge makes the formula about 65¢ an ounce). The Costco representative we corresponded with said its policy is to not disclose the company that manufactures its formula, but Perrigo lists the Kirkland formula on its website . Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO has a similar ingredients list to the brand-name Similac Pro-Advance , which costs more than $1 per ounce.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Some reviewers have complained that the ProCare formula comes with an opaque blue scoop, which makes it harder to gauge the measurement.

This formula is available online only as packs of two or four 42-ounce containers, enough for about 68 or 136 8-ounce bottles. If you want to buy smaller quantities of formula at a time, you can purchase individual Kirkland formula 42-ounce cans in-store.

Although you don’t have to be a Costco member to buy this formula online, non-members pay a 5% surcharge. But even with that charge, this formula remains significantly less expensive than similar formulas from Similac and Enfamil .

Like Kirkland Signature ProCare, Member’s Mark Infant is produced by Perrigo. Its ingredients list is largely the same as that of Kirkland Signature ProCare , with protein from nonfat milk and added whey, and lactose as the sole carbohydrate (making this formula’s protein close to 60% whey and 40% casein). Member’s Mark Infant contains both galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides as prebiotics, and DHA and ARA. It also uses palm oil in addition to other vegetable oils.

At about 48¢ an ounce (if you’re a Sam’s Club member; if not, you’ll pay a 10% upcharge), this formula is barely a third the cost of brand-name formulas, like Enfamil Premium Infant (which has a similar ingredients list).

Member’s Mark comes in a smaller quantity than Kirkland Signature ProCare (one 48-ounce container, versus Kirkland’s four 42-ounce containers when bought online). Member’s Mark Infant is sold at Sam’s Club, and the exact same formula is also sold under other brands, including Up & Up Infant at Target, Parent’s Choice Premium Infant at Walmart, Little Journey Infant at Aldi, and Mama Bear Infant on Amazon. Though these versions are often more expensive than the Member’s Mark version, some of them are sold in smaller quantities, which could allow caregivers to try the formula before buying a full 48 ounces from Sam’s Club.

Though slightly more expensive than Kirkland Signature ProCare and Member’s Mark Infant , Target’s Up & Up Advantage Premium Infant Formula is still one of the least expensive formulas we found, yet it contains many of the same beneficial ingredients as much more expensive formulas, and comes in smaller sizes than our top picks.

It uses lactose as the sole carbohydrate, the protein is from nonfat milk and whey protein (making the protein in this formula 52% whey and 48% casein), and includes the extra nutrients DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and a prebiotics (2’-FL). Like Kirkland’s formula, Up & Up Advantage Premium does not contain palm oil.

Like the ProCare and Member’s Mark formulas, this one is manufactured by Perrigo; it is also sold as Walmart Parent’s Choice Advantage Premium , Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Advantage Premium Baby Formula , CVS Health Advantage Premium , and Amazon Brand Mama Bear Advantage Premium , among others.

Up & Up Advantage Premium (and the equivalent generics) are available in smaller, 12.4-ounce and 23.2-ounce sizes, as well as in a 35-ounce size.

“Gentle” or “tender” formulas use partially hydrolyzed milk proteins, which are partly broken down and may be easier for some babies to digest. If you or your child’s pediatrician thinks your baby might do well with a partially hydrolyzed formula, we suggest Parent’s Choice Tender Infant Formula , which is also manufactured by Perrigo.

It’s the least expensive partially hydrolyzed formula we found, costing about two-thirds the price of partially hydrolyzed formulas by Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber.

It uses only partially hydrolyzed milk protein, and it contains no intact proteins, as some formulas labeled “gentle” or “tender” do. (If you’re choosing a partially hydrolyzed formula for your baby’s digestion, you should ensure that it doesn’t also include intact proteins, because those larger proteins would negate any benefits the broken-down proteins might have.)

Like all partially hydrolyzed formulas currently available in the US, Parent’s Choice Tender has an additional sweetener (maltodextrin). But it’s also one of the few partially hydrolyzed formulas that contain some lactose, which experts recommend. (Parent’s Choice Tender, Gerber Good Start GentlePro , and Enfamil Reguline are the only partially hydrolyzed formulas that contain at least 50% lactose and no intact proteins. Bobbie Organic Gentle is the only partially hydrolyzed formula that is 100% lactose.)

This formula’s protein is 100% whey, with no casein. It also contains several potentially beneficial extra ingredients, including DHA and ARA, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and a prebiotic (2’-FL).

Hypoallergenic formula contains proteins that are fully hydrolyzed, or broken down, to make them suitable for babies with certain diagnoses, such as cow’s-milk protein allergy. If your doctor says you need to use a hypoallergenic formula, we recommend Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula . It’s equivalent to Similac Alimentum or Enfamil Nutramigen , but it’s a fraction of the price.

As with Alimentum or Nutramigen, its main carbohydrate is a corn-based sugar (corn-syrup solids), its protein is in the form of casein hydrolysate (a kind of hydrolyzed protein), and it contains soy oil. Unlike Similac Alimentum but like Nutramigen, it contains palm oil.

Like our other store-brand picks, it’s made by Perrigo, and it is also sold as CVS Health Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , Walgreens Well Beginnings Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , and Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Infant Formula , among others.

If you want to feed your baby a formula made from organic ingredients, consider Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1 . Organic formulas use ingredients extracted from USDA-certified organic milk and other food products, but they may contain synthetic ingredients that are not approved by the National Organic Standards Board.

Aussie Bubs formula is manufactured in Australia. The company's formulas are Clean Label Project certified , which means they are tested for chemicals of concern, including heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plasticizers. Aussie Bubs came to the US during the formula shortage of 2022, but a company spokesperson says the brand is here to stay.

This organic formula is made from grass-fed whole cow’s milk. Whole milk formula has only been available in the US in the last year, and it naturally contains the potentially beneficial ingredient milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), an ingredient our store-brand picks do not contain.

In addition to grass-fed whole milk, the protein comes from organic whey, and organic nonfat milk, making the whey-to-casein ratio 60 to 40). The carbohydrate is primarily in the form of lactose. This formula contains a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides), and it contains soy oil but no palm oil.

It is called “Stage 1” because in Australia (and Europe), formulas are sold in two stages—Stage 1 for babies 0 to 6 months old and Stage 2 for babies 6 to 12 months old. Each stage has its own nutrition requirements. However, in the US there is only one set of nutrition requirements, and stage 1 is most similar to other US formulas and can be used for babies 0 to 12 months old. (This formula is also available in Stage 2 for babies 6 to 12 months old.)

Aussie Bubs Organic is currently less expensive than our former choice for organic formula, Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula . However, it’s not cheap. It ranges from $1.12 to $1.42 per powdered ounce, depending on where you buy it, making it more than double some of the generic formulas we recommend. If you would like a whole-milk option that’s a bit less expensive, Kendamil Stage 1 is a similar formula made without organic ingredients.

This formula contains less DHA than other organic options—just 4.43 mg per 100 calories ( Bobbie , ByHeart , and Kendamil organic formulas each contain at least 18 mg per 100 calories). While there isn’t consensus about how much DHA babies need (quantities vary considerably in human milk), formula makers in Europe are required to include 20 mg per 100 calories DHA.

If you want a goat milk formula, we recommend Aussie Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1 , from the same Australian manufacturer of our organic pick.

While there aren’t any studies that suggest goat milk is better than other formulas as far as tolerability , there isn’t an abundance of research on it. Goat’s milk is sometimes considered more similar to human milk than cow’s milk, because, like human milk, it contains A2 beta-casein protein . Most cow’s milk contains predominantly A1 beta-casein. (Some cows produce A2 beta-casein, and there are A2 cow’s milk formulas available.) However, goat milk does contain some A1 beta-casein. And if your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, goat milk is not a good option because of the similar proteins in both kinds of milk.

Because this formula contains full cream goat milk, like our organic pick , it also contains natural milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which may be beneficial. And like our organic pick, this formula contains less DHA than some cow’s milk formulas, at 8.8 mg.

The carbohydrates are primarily in the form of lactose. It has a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides), it contains palm oil but no soy oil, and the protein is from whole goat milk and whey from goat’s milk (making the whey-to-casein ratio 60 to 40).

Stage 1 can be used for infants up to 12 months old, whereas Bubs Goat Milk Follow On Formula Stage 2 is only for babies over six months.

Baby formula available in the US is based on either cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or soy .

Carbohydrates and fats

Lactose is the carbohydrate occurring naturally in all mammalian milk, and it is the most abundant component of human milk. Some formulas marketed as “sensitive” have reduced lactose or are lactose-free and instead use corn syrup, sucrose, or other sugars. A Pediatrics in Review article states that “primary lactose intolerance is rare in children,” and most healthy babies are able to tolerate lactose, whether from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or human milk. Pediatrician Anthony Porto said that when a baby is having issues digesting a formula, it’s usually due to the protein and not the carbohydrate.

Each formula brand uses its own standard blend of fats in all of its formulas. Fat is the second-most-abundant component of human milk, after carbohydrates. But all US formulas use plant-based fats, the most common being coconut, soy, sunflower, safflower, or palm oil. Young says for some babies, palm oil might contribute to constipation, but “most infants are able to pass stool while consuming palm oil just fine.” Porto said if a formula-fed baby has hard stools, palm oil wouldn’t be the first thing he would consider as a culprit. He would first make sure that the baby was hydrated, and then maybe recommend a formula with hydrolyzed proteins, since some babies have difficulty digesting intact milk proteins. However, if you want a formula that doesn’t use palm oil—some people may also want to avoid it for environmental reasons — Kirkland Signature ProCare , all Similac formulas , Bobbie , ByHeart , and Kendamil formulas don’t include it.

Milk proteins

Aside from carbohydrates and fats, milk formulas contain different forms of milk proteins:

• Intact: The milk proteins have not been broken down. Baby formulas with intact proteins, often called “traditional” formulas, are the most commonly used.
• Partially hydrolyzed: The milk proteins have been partly broken down, which makes them closer to the size of the proteins in human milk. Formulas with this type of protein are often labeled “gentle” or “tender,” and they are marketed as being easier to digest.
• Extensively hydrolyzed and amino acids: The proteins have been fully broken down into peptides or amino acids. Formulas with extensively hydrolyzed protein are sometimes called “hypoallergenic,” and they’re for babies who are allergic to milk proteins or those who have or are at risk for other medical issues. You should consider these formulas only if your baby has a diagnosed medical need for them.
• A2: In 2020, Enfamil, Gerber, and Similac released formulas featuring A2 milk . A1 and A2 refer to the type of beta-casein (a protein) found in milk. Human milk contains A2 beta-casein. Most cow’s milk contains predominantly A1 beta-casein. But some cows produce A2 beta-casein, which is used in A2 formulas and is claimed to be more similar to human milk. Porto is skeptical that there would be any benefit, but acknowledged that for a baby who seems to have a milk-protein sensitivity, A2 milk formula could potentially be easier to digest , in the same way that formulas with broken-down (or hydrolyzed) proteins are.
• Whey versus casein: Most formulas include whey protein in addition to casein protein to make the ratio of the milk proteins more similar to human milk. Young generally advises first-time formula users (especially those whose babies have not yet started solids) to try a “formula that at least has some extra whey added. That’s because breast milk itself is whey predominant.” Human milk settles into a ratio that’s about 60% whey and 40% casein—though in the first few weeks after birth, human milk can be up to 90% whey. Some formulas use whey protein exclusively without any casein protein.

Extra nutrients

There are 29 FDA-mandated vitamins and nutrients that all infant formulas must include. Many formulas also have added nutrients and ingredients , which are intended to make formulas more similar to—or to confer benefits associated with—human milk. Here are some of the “extras” you’ll find (see the chart below for a full list ):

• DHA and ARA are fatty acids present in human milk. Research suggests that DHA promotes brain and eye development, and that ARA plays a role in reducing inflammation. However, a systematic review of studies on DHA and ARA in formula have not shown conclusive benefits. Though DHA and ARA are not mandated by the FDA, almost all formulas now contain them. Young and Porto both said it’s worth feeding babies formula that includes these fatty acids for the potential benefits.
• Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a mix of phospholipids, fats, and proteins naturally coating the fats in human milk. MFGM is found in cow’s milk, too, but it’s only found in whole milk, and most formula brands use nonfat milk. But some companies that use nonfat milk are adding MFGM back in, calling the isolated form “whey protein-lipid concentrate.” There have been several studies on the impacts of feeding formula with MFGM added that suggest a slight increase in a measure of cognition at 12 months, compared with babies fed formula not containing MFGM. Other studies show a slightly lower risk of infection with MFGM formula. However, many of these studies were funded by the formula industry, and overall, researchers conclude that MGFM needs more studies before we can say for sure whether it’s beneficial.
• Over 200 kinds of prebiotics , or oligosaccharides (sugar molecules), are present in human milk. They feed a baby’s gut microbes, and are the third-most-abundant component of human milk after carbohydrates and fats. Human-milk researcher Lars Bode told us that the unique prebiotic components in human milk positively affect the baby’s gut microbiome and immune system, prevent infection, and have other benefits. Most manufacturers now include at least one prebiotic, either in the form of a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) called 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) or in fiber-based forms called fructooligosaccharides or galactooligosaccharides. But there is little evidence that prebiotics added to formula are helpful. Bode and pediatricians Anthony Porto and Jenny Thomas all cautioned that the few prebiotics currently added to formula haven’t been proven to affect a baby’s gut microflora and immune system the same way the many dozens of unique prebiotics found in human milk do.
• Probiotics are included in some formulas, or you can add your own when mixing formula ( Gerber , Enfamil , and others sell infant probiotics). Porto cautioned to add probiotics only after consulting your child’s pediatrician. The beneficial bacteria found in human milk, Lactobacillus reuteri , has been shown to reduce colic-related gas in human-milk-fed babies. But one study did not find the same effect when babies were fed formula that included the bacteria, and separate studies found limited benefits to using other bacterias. Porto said that one of the best things you can do for a baby’s gut flora is “limiting the use of antibiotics, especially during the first few years of life.”

Though the FDA recognizes all these additives as safe, a 2017 article on infant nutrition in Pediatrics in Review concluded: “The benefits of these additives are still under investigation.” Research into human milk is ongoing. And the makeup, role, and benefits of many of human milk’s bioactive components , like white blood cells, immunological proteins, beneficial microbes (probiotics), and prebiotics, among many others, are still being understood.

“We have come ages in formula development. But [formula makers] are nowhere close to creating human milk,” Thomas said. “I don’t think that any of the newest additions to formula makes any one formula so great that you should stand up and say this is the one that you need.”

Following the guidance of these experts and other medical sources, we considered these formula “extras” to be just that: safe to consume, maybe nice to have, but not yet conclusively beneficial. These ingredients are one of the reasons the cost of formulas can vary so widely, but Young said you don’t need to stretch your budget for them.

And when it comes to formula companies touting certain ingredients as improving babies’ development or cognition, Young tells parents to be skeptical. “Talk to your baby, make eye contact with your baby, snuggle with your baby, read to your child,” she says. “All of those things together make such a bigger impact that there’s just no room for parents to feel any guilt if a formula is out of their financial reach.”

There is a dizzyingly long list of potential ingredients in formula, and understanding the label isn’t easy. Many of the ingredients that fulfill the FDA-required vitamins and minerals have complex names (“iron” might be listed as “ferrous sulfate”). And a formula might proclaim it “contains DHA” on the front, but to find it on the ingredients list, you’d need to know that DHA often comes from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil. Here, we’ve listed the FDA-required ingredients you’ll find in all US formulas.

Required nutrients, vitamins and minerals

We’ve also listed other common minerals and prebiotics, as well as other ingredients added to formulas. These “extras” are not required by the FDA, but they are all considered safe. Formula companies add these ingredients because they may confer potential benefits or are designed to make the formula more similar to human milk. And some ingredients act as emulsifiers or thickeners for the formula’s consistency.

DHA and ARA

Alpha-lactalbumin, beta-carotene, lactoferrin, l-carnitine, milk fat globule membrane (mfgm), nucleotides, non-nutritive ingredients.

Infant formula is one of the most highly regulated foods, and manufacturers are required to test samples of each batch of formula for Cronobacter and Salmonella , bacteria that can contaminate dry foods like powdered formula and can make infants, especially newborns, sick. Recalls due to potential pathogens are rare, but they do happen, and sometimes recalls happen for other reasons (such as things ending up in the formula that don’t belong there).

Though potentially harmful bacteria can sometimes come from powdered infant formulas, they can also be introduced during the process of preparing formula and feeding a baby. To minimize the risk, the CDC recommends sterilizing bottles and the feeding parts (such as the nipples), as well as washing your hands thoroughly before preparing formula or feeding.

For at-risk babies (those who are under 3 months old or are immunocompromised), the CDC and the World Health Organization recommend using premixed liquid formula (often called “ready to feed”) or mixing powdered formula with very hot water (158 degrees Fahrenheit), being careful to let it cool before feeding. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says you don’t need to boil or otherwise heat the water before mixing in powdered formula, unless you are concerned about water safety. Talk to your doctor about any special instructions for preparing your baby’s formula.

All FDA-regulated infant formula sold in the US is safe and promotes normal growth and development for healthy babies from birth through 12 months. We think our picks offer the best value and meet an array of caregiver preferences. But your baby’s needs may differ, and the list below includes nearly all powdered milk-based formulas available in the US (sorted by brand, alphabetically). We’ve noted which carbohydrate(s) and extra nutrients each formula includes, but for complete information, check nutrition and ingredients labels and refer to our charts and descriptions above.

Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber offer some of their formulas in liquid concentrate (which must be diluted) and ready-to-feed versions. Ready-to-feed formulas, some of which come in 2-ounce or 8-ounce pre-portioned bottles, are the most convenient and foolproof option because they require no mixing or dilution. They are significantly more expensive than powdered formulas, though.

Enfamil traditional

Enfamil’s traditional formulas all cost more than our equivalent picks. Like our picks, all traditional Enfamil formulas have DHA and ARA, taurine, L-carnitine, and nucleotides, and many have polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides (prebiotics).

Infant : lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein

NeuroPro Infant : lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein

Enspire Optimum : lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; lactoferrin; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein

Premium A2 : A2 milk; lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein from skim milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein

NeuroPro Sensitive : corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from milk protein isolate and whey is 55% whey and 45% casein

A.R. : maltodextrin in addition to lactose; rice starch as a thickener (Young points out that there is no solid evidence that rice starch reduces painful spit-up); polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein is from nonfat milk and has no added whey

Simply Organic : lactose and maltodextrin; galactooligosaccharides; the protein is from organic nonfat milk and does not contain added whey

Enfamil partially hydrolyzed

Like our picks, the Enfamil partially hydrolyzed formulas have DHA and ARA, taurine, and L-carnitine. But they cost more.

NeuroPro Gentlease : corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 70% whey and 30% casein before hydrolysis

Gentlease : corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein before hydrolysis

Enspire Gentlease : corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; lactoferrin; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 75% whey and 25% casein before hydrolysis

Reguline : corn-syrup solids and lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein before hydrolysis

Enfamil fully hydrolyzed

Nutramigen : hypoallergenic formula that contains fully hydrolyzed proteins and is meant for babies with milk intolerance and/or allergy

Gerber formulas all include DHA and ARA, taurine, nucleotides, and L-carnitine. Until fairly recently, the proteins in all Gerber formulas were partially hydrolyzed, but now only the Pro versions are partially hydrolyzed. They all contain 2’-O-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) as a prebiotic, and either B. lactis or L. reuteri as probiotics. Again, they cost more than our picks.

Gerber Good Start Gentle : lactose and maltodextrin; 2’-FL (prebiotic), B. lactis cultures (probiotic); the protein from whey and nonfat milk is 70% whey and 30% casein

Gerber Good Start GentlePro Stage 1 and GentlePro Stage 2 : lactose and maltodextrin; 2’-FL (prebiotic), B. lactis cultures (probiotic); the protein from hydrolyzed whey is 100% whey (no casein)

Gerber Good Start Gentle Supreme (formerly Good Start A2) : A2 milk; lactose; 2’-FL (prebiotic), L. reuteri cultures (probiotic); the protein from nonfat A2 milk and whey is 70% whey and 30% casein

Gerber Good Start SoothePro : maltodextrin instead of lactose; 2’-FL (prebiotic), L. reuteri cultures (probiotic); protein is hydrolyzed and is 100% whey (no casein)

Gerber Extensive HA : hypoallergenic formula that contains fully hydrolyzed proteins and is meant for babies with milk intolerance and/or allergy

Similac traditional

Similac traditional formulas cost more than our picks, and some use other sugars instead of lactose (which our experts preferred since lactose best models human milk). All traditional Similac formulas have DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, and nucleotides. They also contain a prebiotic in the form of 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), fructooligosaccharides, and/or galactooligosaccharides. None of Similac’s formulas contain palm oil.

Advance : lactose; lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein

Pro-Advance : lactose; 2’-FL and fructooligosaccharides; protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein

Organic : sucrose, maltodextrin, and lactose; lycopene; fructooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, only nonfat milk, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein

Pure Bliss : lactose; galactooligosaccharides; formula is made from milk from grass-fed cows; the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein

360 Total Care : lactose; five prebiotics (2’-Fucosyllactose, lacto-N-tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6’-Sialyllactose, 3’-Sialyllactose); the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein

360 Total Care Sensitive : corn syrup; five prebiotics (2’-Fucosyllactose, lacto-N-tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6’-Sialyllactose, 3’-Sialyllactose); the protein from milk protein isolate is 18% whey and 82% casein

Sensitive : corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, and it uses milk protein isolate as the protein source, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein

Pro-Sensitive: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; lycopene, 2’-FL, and fructooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, and uses milk protein isolate as the protein source, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein

For Supplementation : marketed as a formula for babies who are also fed human milk, but it meets the same criteria as all formulas; it has lactose, galactooligosaccharides, and lycopene, and the protein is 48% whey and 52% casein

Similac partially hydrolyzed

Total Comfort : maltodextrin instead of lactose; lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; the protein is 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (no casein)

Pro-Total Comfort : maltodextrin instead of lactose; lycopene; 2’-FL; the protein is 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (no casein)

Similac fully hydrolyzed

Alimentum : hypoallergenic formula that contains fully hydrolyzed proteins and is meant for babies with milk intolerance and/or allergy

More traditional formulas

Aptamil First Infant Milk Stage 1 is an imported milk-based formula from the parent company Danone that contains lactose as the primary carbohydrate. It contains two probiotics (galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides), it does not contain palm or soy oil, and the protein comes from skimmed milk powder and whey powder. Stage 1 can be used for babies 0 to 12 months. If you choose this formula, it’s important to note that the mixing instructions are different than most US formulas: mix one scoop of powder with one ounce of water (most US formulas are one scoop for two ounces of water). Always use the scoop that comes with the formula.

Bubs Supreme Infant Formula Stage 1 (and Stage 2 ) is made from A2 milk; the carbohydrate is primarily in the form of lactose. It contains two prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides), it contains soy oil but no palm oil, and the protein is from whey protein and A2 whole milk (making the whey-to-casein ratio 60 to 40). It has more DHA (24 mg per 100 calories) than many formulas. Stage 1 can be used up to 12 months, Stage 2 is only for babies over six months.

Kendamil Stage 1 is made with whole milk and has carbohydrates in the form of lactose, plus a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides). It has no soy or palm oils, and it contains protein from whole milk, nonfat milk, and whey protein (making this formula’s protein 60% whey and 40% casein). Stage 1 can be used for babies up to 12 months. This formula is similar to our pick, Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 , and may be a good choice if you’re looking for a less expensive non-organic whole milk formula. If you choose this formula, note that the mixing instructions are different than most US formulas: mix one scoop of powder with one ounce of water (most US formulas are one scoop for two ounces of water) and always only use the scoop that comes with the formula.

Mama Bear Sensitivity Premium is made by Perrigo, and it is also sold as Up & Up Sensitivity, CVS Health Sensitivity, Aldi Little Journey Sensitivity, and Member’s Mark Sensitivity, among other store brands. It contains corn-syrup solids and sucrose instead of lactose, and the protein comes from milk protein isolate with no added whey.

Nestlé NAN SupremePro 1 is a milk-based formula that contains lactose as the primary carbohydrate plus two prebiotics (human milk oligosaccharides): 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). The protein is from hydrolyzed whey. The types of vegetable oils are not disclosed on the packaging.

Up & Up Complete Comfort Premium , manufactured by Perrigo, is also sold under other store brands as “Complete Comfort” formulas. It is similar to Similac Pro-Total Comfort—both contain corn maltodextrin as the main carbohydrate, partially hydrolyzed whey as the source of protein, and 2’-FL as a prebiotic, and neither contains palm oil.

More organic formulas

Baby's Only Organic Premium Infant Formula is currently the most affordable organic formula available. It has lactose as its only carbohydrate, and it includes added whey. It does not contain palm oil. It also does not contain many other commonly added ingredients like DHA, ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and a prebiotic or probiotic. We were surprised that it forgoes DHA, which is found in human milk, and is required in European formulas. Though DHA is not currently required by the FDA, the experts we spoke with say choosing a formula with some DHA may be a good idea.

Bellamy’s Organic Infant Formula Step 1 (and Step 2 ) is an organic-milk-based formula with carbohydrates primarily in the form of lactose. It has a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides), it contains palm and soy oils, and the protein is from whole and nonfat milk plus whey.

Bobbie Organic , manufactured by Perrigo, fashions itself as a “European-style” formula. It’s made from grass fed organic milk, lactose is the sole carbohydrate, and the formula has added whey (making the protein ratio 60% whey and 40% casein). Bobbie’s blend of oils contains coconut, sunflower or safflower, and canola oils; it has no palm oil. Bobbie contains more DHA (at 20 mg per 100 calories) than any other formula available in the US, aligning with European standards, according to a Bobbie spokesperson. This formula lacks some added ingredients that many other US formulas have, but they are ingredients that many European formulas leave out (a prebiotic, lutein, nucleotides, beta-carotene, and taurine). Like ByHeart and Aussie Bubs, Bobbie is also Clean Label Project certified . Bobbie costs about $1.75 per powdered ounce at Target, making it one of the most expensive organic formulas.

Bobbie Organic Gentle is much like its original formula in many ways, except that the protein is entirely from hydrolyzed whey. And it is the only hydrolyzed, or “gentle,” formula available whose carbohydrate is entirely lactose.

ByHeart , which manufactures its own formula, produces one of the handful of formulas available in the US made with whole milk (ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is made with grass-fed organic whole milk), which naturally contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), an ingredient added to some formulas. The other ingredient that makes ByHeart’s formula unique is alpha-lactalbumin, which is a prominent protein in human milk, but isn’t found in other formulas. Lactose is the sole carbohydrate, and it has added hydrolyzed whey, making the protein ratio 80% whey and 20% casein. ByHeart contains DHA at a level that is higher than in many of the most common formulas in the US (18 mg/100 calories), it also includes a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides). This formula leaves out some ingredients commonly added to US formulas, such as nucleotides, beta-carotene, and taurine (beta-carotene and taurine are naturally found in the milk used in many US formulas). It also lacks palm oil and contains lower levels of iron than many US formulas (though it’s still within the FDA’s requirements). It’s also Clean Label Project certified , which means the company tests for concerning chemicals, including heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. Though we like some of the ways this formula stands out, it has had availability issues in the past.

Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula has lactose as its only carbohydrate, and it includes added whey (making this formula’s protein 30% whey and 70% casein), as well as the extra nutrients DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and a prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides). It contains palm oil. Previously a pick in this guide, Earth’s Best remains a great choice, but at the time of publication it was more expensive on a per-ounce basis when compared with Aussie Bubs .

Earth’s Best Organic Low Lactose Sensitivity has corn-syrup solids as the main carbohydrate, and the protein sources are organic milk proteins and whey proteins. It also contains palm oil.

Earth’s Best Organic Gentle contains partially hydrolyzed whey proteins, but it also contains intact proteins (in the nonfat milk), which, according to Young , counters the benefits that the partially broken-down proteins could offer. It also contains maltodextrin in addition to lactose, as well as palm oil.

Happy Baby Organic relies on lactose and contains two prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides), as well as DHA and ARA, and the protein is from organic nonfat milk and whey (making its protein 30% whey and 70% casein). It contains palm oil.

Happy Baby Sensitive is an organic reduced-lactose formula with maltodextrin and corn-syrup solids as the main carbohydrates. It contains palm oil, and the protein is from organic nonfat milk and whey.

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 is from a UK-based brand that has been in business for nearly 60 years and was brought to the US market during the formula shortage of 2022, and it is here to stay. This formula is one of the few made with organic whole milk and has carbohydrates in the form of lactose, plus a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides). It has no soy or palm oils, and it contains protein from organic whole milk, organic nonfat milk, and organic whey protein (making this formula’s protein 60% whey and 40% casein). This formula is similar to our pick, Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 , however, it may be a bit more expensive depending on where you purchase them. Kendamil also has more DHA than Aussie Bubs (20 mg versus 4.43 mg per 100 calories). If you choose this formula, keep in mind that the mixing instructions are different from most US formulas: mix one scoop of powder with 1 ounce of water (most US formulas are one scoop for 2 ounces of water). It’s important to always use the scoop that comes with the formula.

Parent’s Choice Organic (also sold under other store brands, and as Amazon’s Mama Bear Organic ) is comparable to Similac Organic. Like Similac Organic, these generics contain sugars in addition to lactose as carbohydrates, plus fructooligosaccharides as a prebiotic; the protein is from organic nonfat milk and has no added whey. Unlike Similac formulas, these store brands have palm oil. At 80¢ an ounce, Parent’s Choice Organic is cheaper than our organic pick , but because lactose is not the sole carbohydrate in this formula, it did not make our top picks.

Up & Up Gentle , which is manufactured by Perrigo, is also sold as Parent’s Choice Gentle, CVS Health Gentle, Aldi Little Journey Gentle, Member’s Mark Gentle, and Amazon’s Mama Bear Gentle, among others. This formula contains intact proteins (in the nonfat milk) in addition to partially hydrolyzed whey proteins, which would negate any benefits the broken-down proteins might have. It also contains corn syrup as the main carbohydrate.

Enfamil, Gerber, Similac, Perrigo Nutrition, Kabrita, Else, Serenity Kids, LittleOak, Baby’s Only, and a few other companies also produce toddler formula, or toddler milk, which is marketed for babies older than a year. Toddler formula is not regulated by the FDA in the same way infant formula is, and it is not meant for babies younger than 1 year old. When choosing formula for an infant under 1 year old, always be sure that the formula label specifies “infant formula.”

For babies over a year old, toddler formula is unnecessary. There is no evidence that toddler formula is better than whole cow’s milk for growth and development for babies older than a year. In fact, the AAP says toddler formulas are not only unnecessary but could be harmful to young children, because they contain extra sugars compared with whole cow’s milk. Toddler formulas are significantly more expensive than cow’s milk. If you have questions about nutrition for older babies, talk to a pediatrician.

Courtney Schley contributed reporting in 2017 and 2018.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Bridget Young, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and founder of BabyFormulaExpert.com , phone interview, February 9, 2018, September 30, 2020, and March 1, 2022

Anthony Porto, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and pediatrics professor at Yale University , phone interview, February 21, 2018, October 16, 2020, February 22, 2022, and April 3, 2023

Jenny Thomas, MD, pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist , phone interview , March 8, 2018

Lars Bode, PhD, professor of pediatrics at the University of California San Diego Medical School and director of the Bode Lab , phone interview , March 9, 2018

Laura Modi, CEO and co-founder of Bobbie , phone interviews, October 26, 2020, and May 24, 2022

Ron Belldegrun, CEO and co-founder of ByHeart , phone interview , May 13, 2022

Kristy Carr, founder and CEO of Aussie Bubs , phone interview , June 7, 2022

Grace J. Ahern, et al., Advances in Infant Formula Science , Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, March 2019

The National Academies Press, Institute of Medicine , Infant Formula: Evaluating the Safety of New Ingredients, 2004

Camilia R. Martin, et al., Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast Milk and Infant Formula , Nutrients , May 1, 2016

Dina M. DiMaggio, et al., Updates in Infant Nutrition , Pediatrics in Review , October 1, 2017

Tracy P. Milbrandt, MD, Standard Infant Formula and Formula Feeding—Cow Milk Protein Formulas , Pediatrics in Review , May 1, 2017

Tracy P. Milbrandt, MD, Specialized Infant Formulas , Pediatrics in Review , May 1, 2017

Lars Bode, PhD, Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama , Glycobiology , September 1, 2012

Meet your guide

Christina Szalinski

Further reading

The Best Baby Bottles (and Bottle Brush)

by Courtney Schley

After 30 hours of research and a test of 17 baby bottles, we think the Lansinoh Breastmilk Feeding Bottle is the one to try first.

The Best Baby Monitors

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

Local-video? Wi-Fi? Hybrid? Audio-only? The best baby monitor for you depends on your needs and preferences. We have picks in all four categories.

America Is Grappling With a Baby Formula Shortage. Here’s How to Navigate It.

by Christina Szalinski

A safety recall and pandemic-related supply issues have made some baby formulas hard to find. If you can’t find your child’s usual formula, you have options.

The Best Humidifier for a Baby

by Harry Sawyers

The best humidifier for a baby is the same one that’s best for adults—the Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier .

Journey with Ease: A Comprehensive Guide to Storing Baby Formula While Travelling

Aug 17, 2023

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Traveling with an infant can be a joy-filled experience, filled with new sights and sounds for both parent and child. Yet, it also presents unique challenges, none more significant than ensuring your baby’s nutrition is handled with the utmost care and precision. For those relying on baby formula, the need for secure, convenient, and hygienic storage becomes paramount. The days of cumbersome packing and the stress of maintaining the perfect temperature are a thing of the past.

This guide is designed to illuminate the best practices for storing powdered formula, whether you’re navigating the bustling terminals of an international airport or exploring a remote countryside. Understanding the importance of maintaining the quality of the powdered formula and the specific needs of your little one can make all the difference in enjoying a relaxed and pleasurable travel experience.

In the pages that follow, we will explore everything from choosing the right containers to considering temperature, mixing on-the-go, handling unexpected situations, and even international travel considerations. So buckle up and prepare to embark on a stress-free journey with your infant, equipped with the knowledge to make baby formula storage a breeze.

Understanding Baby Formula

Navigating the world of infant nutrition can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right baby formula for your child. This column will provide a brief overview of what baby formula is, discuss the different types, and emphasize the importance of maintaining quality. Understanding these aspects can help ensure your baby’s nutritional needs are met, especially when travelling.

What is Baby Formula?

Baby formula is a manufactured food designed to be a substantial equivalent to breast milk for babies who are not breastfed. It is specially formulated to support the baby’s immune system and growth and contains essential vitamins and minerals. When it comes to water for mixing formula, questions often arise such as “can babies drink purified water?” or “what is the difference between distilled vs purified water for a baby?” We will address these important concerns in this column.

Types of Baby Formula

1. powdered formula.

• Formula Powder : Easily mixed with warm water, convenient for travel, and often used by many parents. It’s vital to use the right water, with common choices being distilled water for babies or purified water for babies.
• Powder Formula Dispensers : Handy tools for pre-measuring formula for travel.
• Travel Tips : Using bottled water or a formula dispenser can make the process seamless when traveling with baby formula.

2. Concentrated Liquid Formula

• Mixing with Water : Requires mixing with equal parts water. A bottle warmer can help to prepare bottles ahead of time.
• Water Choices : Distilled or purified water for baby is generally preferred. Knowing the difference between nursery water vs distilled, or understanding if baby water is distilled or purified, can assist in making the right choice.

3. Ready-to-Feed Formula

• Convenience : Requires no mixing and is the simplest option, especially for a formula-fed baby.
• Travel Considerations : Ready to feed formula is great for carry-on bags and can be used with formula bottles without worrying about finding appropriate water for mixing.

Importance of Maintaining Quality

• Water for Baby Formula : Whether to use distilled vs purified water, or whether fluoride-free water is the best option, depends on various factors like the baby’s age and specific nutritional needs. Is purified water the same as distilled water? Not quite. Distilled water has had all minerals removed, whereas purified water has had impurities removed but might still contain some minerals.
• Storing Prepared Formula : The best way to store baby formula when travelling includes using proper formula containers, bottle liners, and keeping the formula cold with ice packs or a cooler bag.
• Feeding : Warming baby milk to the desired temperature, using clean bottles, and adhering to hygienic practices ensures that the baby’s bottle is safe and satisfying. A travel bottle warmer may be a handy investment for on-the-go feeding.

Pre-travel Preparation

Traveling with a baby requires meticulous planning, and ensuring that the baby’s feeding needs are met tops the list of priorities. When it comes to feeding your little one on the go, understanding the best practices for preparation and storage can make the journey smooth and stress-free. This column will offer insights into purchasing the right type of formula, deciding the quantity to carry, and ensuring the baby’s dietary needs, all essential steps in pre-travel preparation.

Purchasing the Right Type of Formula for Travel

• Understanding Baby’s Needs : Consider your baby’s age, dietary needs, and preferences when choosing the formula type. This includes whether to opt for powdered infant formula, ready-made formula, or other types.
• Water Considerations : Understand the differences between purified vs distilled water, or distilled vs purified water for baby, and choose the best water for baby formula accordingly. If you wonder, “is purified water the same as distilled water?” know that they differ in mineral content, and the choice may depend on baby’s specific requirements.
• Travel-Friendly Options : Consider formula dispensers, zip-lock bags, or travel bottle systems that allow you to pack formula in powder form, making bottle feeding more convenient on the go.

Deciding the Amount to Carry Based on Travel Duration

• Calculate Baby’s Needs : Estimate how many feedings you’ll need based on the baby’s feed schedule and duration of travel.
• Include Extras : Always carry a few extra servings for unexpected delays. This includes all the formula, bottles, and even a little extra purified or distilled water for babies.
• Carry-On Considerations : If traveling by plane, be familiar with airport security regulations, and pack reasonable quantities of formula in your carry-on bag, keeping in mind that it might be screened separately.

Ensuring Baby’s Dietary Needs

• Know Your Baby’s Formula : Stick with the brand and type your baby is accustomed to, and avoid experimenting during travel. If the baby has any allergies, make sure to pack specialized infant formula.
• Water Quality : Distilled or purified water for baby formula ensures quality. Consider baby water without fluoride, and understand the difference between nursery water vs distilled for specific requirements.
• Hygiene and Convenience : Include items like a bottle brush, sterilized bottles, wet wipes, and hot water facilities to warm baby milk. Many parents find a shoulder bag with compartments to be handy to organize all the essentials, including frozen gel packs to keep formula cold.

Choosing Appropriate Containers

When it comes to traveling with your baby, especially if your journey involves flights, selecting the right containers for storing baby formula is essential. The wrong choice could lead to leakage, spoilage, or even a run-in with airport security. Whether you are bottle feeding or planning to warm formula during your travels, knowing what to look for in containers can save time, prevent stress, and ensure that your baby’s nutritional needs are well taken care of. This column will explore how to select leak-proof, BPA-free containers, portioning considerations, and regulations for liquid carriage on airplanes.

Selection of Leak-Proof, BPA-Free Containers

1. Look for Quality : Choose baby bottles and formula bottles that are leak-proof to prevent spillage. Many bottles designed specifically for travel come with sealing disks or lids that prevent leaks.

2. Material Matters : Opt for BPA-free containers, which are safer for baby’s health. BPA-free bottles don’t contain the harmful chemicals found in some plastics.

3. Temperature Considerations : If you plan to warm formula, make sure the containers can withstand hot water or a bottle warmer without damage.

4. Convenience : Consider a bottle system with interchangeable parts or ones that can directly attach to the formula powder dispenser.

Portioning: Single-Serving Containers vs. Bulk

1. Single-Serving Containers : Pre-measured formula in single-serving containers can be a time-saver. It ensures you have the exact amount needed for each feeding, eliminating the guesswork.

2. Bulk Options : If traveling for an extended period or with a bottle-fed baby, you may want to carry formula powder in bulk. Make sure to have a reliable way to measure out each serving, like a scoop or pre-measured compartments.

3. Breast Milk Storage : For parents carrying breast milk, specific containers are designed to keep milk fresh and at the right temperature.

4. Formula Feeding Parent’s Choice : The choice between single-serving and bulk may depend on personal preferences, the baby’s feeding schedule, and the duration of travel.

Regulations Regarding Liquid Carriage on Airplanes

1. Understand Security Rules : Airports have specific regulations regarding the carriage of liquids. Be familiar with these rules and how they apply to baby food, bottled water, formula feeding, etc.

2. Declare Baby Essentials : Inform airport security about baby bottles, formula, and related items. They may be screened separately.

3. Bring Ice Packs : If you need to keep formula or breast milk cold, consider bringing ice packs. Check with airport security about how to pack these properly.

4. Sterilized Bottles : Carry sterilised bottles and be prepared to explain your needs if questioned by security.

Emergency Solutions

Traveling with an infant requires careful planning, especially when it comes to feeding. However, even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected delays or shortages that could lead to an urgent need for baby formula. Whether it’s a delayed flight or realizing you’ve run out of your baby’s preferred formula, knowing how to handle these emergencies can be a lifesaver. This column will cover essential tips for unexpected infant formula bottle delays or shortages and share insights on knowing local stores or brands, ensuring that your baby stays happy and well-fed even in unforeseen circumstances.

Tips for Unexpected Infant Formula Bottle Delays or Shortages

• Always Pack Extras : Carry extra formula bottles and pre-measured infant formula servings. Even a few additional servings can make a difference during unexpected delays.
• Utilize Available Resources : In a pinch, tap water can be used if bottled or boiling water is unavailable. However, always make sure it’s safe and clean, or opt for bottled water when in doubt.
• DIY Warming Techniques : If a bottle warmer is unavailable, you can warm bottles by placing them in hot water. Alternatively, holding a bottle under running warm water for a few minutes can bring it to the right temperature.
• Adapt with Available Items : In the absence of sterilized bottles, clean the best you can with hot water and soap. Also, a diaper bag can double as a cooler by adding a few ice packs or cold water bottles to keep formula cold.
• Create Makeshift Burp Cloths : If you run out of burp cloths, improvise with soft, clean fabrics like a towel or extra clothing.

Knowledge of Local Stores or Brands

• Research Ahead : Before traveling, especially internationally, research local stores that carry baby products, including infant formula. Knowing what’s available nearby can be crucial in emergencies.
• Understand Local Brands : Familiarize yourself with local formula brands and their ingredients. If your preferred brand isn’t available, knowing alternatives that suit your baby’s dietary needs is essential.
• Use Technology : Utilize maps or apps to find nearby stores that sell baby essentials. Most smartphones can guide you to the closest store with baby drinks, formula bottles, and other necessities.
• Ask for Help : Don’t hesitate to ask locals or hotel staff for directions to stores that carry baby products. They can often provide handy tips and insights into trusted local brands.

Traveling with a baby presents a unique set of challenges, but with careful planning and strategic preparation, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for the entire family. “Journey with Ease: A Comprehensive Guide to Storing Baby Formula While Travelling” has aimed to provide you with the essential knowledge, practical insights, and actionable tips you need to keep your baby fed and content during your travels.

As you embark on your next adventure with your little one, remember that being well-equipped and informed is half the battle won. Keep this guide handy, embrace the handy tips and strategies discussed, and you’ll find yourself navigating the world of traveling with baby formula like a seasoned pro.

May your travels be filled with joy, exploration, and the confidence that your baby’s nourishment is well taken care of. Happy journeying!

Did this article help you? Please leave a comment below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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Flying with Breastmilk, Formula, and Baby Food: An Easy How-To Guide

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date August 20, 2023
• No Comments on Flying with Breastmilk, Formula, and Baby Food: An Easy How-To Guide

Any family traveling with a baby will inevitably face the challenge of transporting breastmilk or formula during a trip. Even if you exclusively breastfeed, a stash of milk, whether expressed breastmilk or formula, is one of the most essential travel items for babies .

Traveling, particularly by plane, can be very dehydrating. And you don’t want to be empty handed or helpless if you experience an unexpected dip in your supply or your baby needs to nurse more than usual.

This is why it’s important to always travel with breastmilk or emergency formula during the baby stage. While the idea of flying with breastmilk may seem daunting, it really isn’t complicated.

However, there are a few things to know about flying with breastmilk, liquid formula, or baby food that will make the process easier.

This guide covers the United States TSA guidelines regarding transporting pumped milk and includes personal tips and advice for flying with breastmilk, flying with formula, or taking baby food through airport security. 

Table of Contents

Our experience flying with breastmilk

Our daughter was exclusively breastfed until she was about nine months old. We began traveling with her shortly after she was born. So, on more than one occasion, we had to fly with breast milk.

We even flew internationally a couple of times during those first months and brought expressed milk along for the journey.  In fact, when our daughter was 6 months old, we flew to Costa Rica for her first international trip. 

I was still breastfeeding almost exclusively, but didn’t want to have an infant attached to my body the entire trip. So, we decided to travel with breastmilk that was previously pumped.

This was our first experience flying with breastmilk. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but luckily, our family and the breastmilk made it there safely. 

In that first year of our daughter’s life, we flew numerous times. We have successfully brought breast milk through airport security and have also flown with liquid formula and baby food without any issues.

What you need to know about flying with breastmilk or flying with liquid formula

Although most things are more challenging when flying with a baby, airlines and airport security agents are more lenient when it comes to the tiniest of travelers.

Here are a few things to know about flying with breastmilk or other baby liquids.

TSA liquid limits don’t apply to breastmilk 

Although the TSA has a very small limit on the amount of liquids you can bring on a plane. The 3.2 ounce rule does not apply to breastmilk, liquid formula, or baby food.

You can actually bring large quantities of these liquids through airport security. Or as the TSA ambiguously puts it “ reasonable quantities ” of breastmilk are allowed in your carry-on bag.

With that said, we have personally brought about a dozen bags of breastmilk, some frozen and some fresh breast milk, through airport security without any problems.

Frozen gel packs are also allowed

Aside from bags of breastmilk or containers of liquid formula, you can also bring gel freezer packs through TSA to keep your liquids cool or frozen. Keep in mind, even in an insulated bag or cooler, ice packs do not stay frozen for more than a few hours.

If you plan to fly with frozen milk, be aware once it thaws completely you must use it within 24 hours. So, I would not recommend bringing too many bags of frozen breast milk on a long flight.

Consider giving your baby milk from your frozen stash in the days leading up to your trip. Pump when you would typically feed your little one to have a supply of fresh milk ready for your trip.

Breast pumps are typically allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item

It is important to note that you can also bring a breast pump through TSA or airport security if you plan to pump while on your trip or vacation.

Breast pumps are considered a medical device. So, most airlines will not count them as part of the carry-on and personal item allowance. Be sure to check with your airline before your flight.

However, most will allow mother’s to bring a breast pump in addition to their carry-on and personal item. Many breast pumps are somewhat bulky, which can make them challenging to travel with.

However, there are some great travel breast pumps that are compact and easy to clean when on a trip.

You do not need to be traveling with your baby to fly with breastmilk

If you are a mother traveling solo and are still nursing, you will likely have to pump while on your trip to avoid discomfort and keep your milk supply up.

No mom wants to dispose of pumped breastmilk. (There is a reason they call it liquid gold!) But luckily, you don’t have to, at least if flying domestically within the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration allows you to fly with a reasonable quality of breastmilk, whether your baby is with you or not. However, that rule does not apply to flying with liquid formula .

Although, I don’t know why you would need to fly with formula if your baby is not with you. 

Taking breastmilk or liquid formula through airport security

If you plan to travel with breastmilk or liquid formula that needs to be kept cool, keep it in its own small bag rather than placing it in your carry-on luggage.

You are allowed to bring a separate bag for breast milk storage or formula in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Keeping the liquids separate makes it easier for screening purposes. The picture below is the bag I use and how I pack it when flying with breastmilk.

It is an insulated bag that serves as the perfect breast milk cooler so the milk stays frozen or cold longer.

Let the TSA agent know your traveling with breastmilk or formula

When you arrive at the security checkpoint, tell the TSA agent you are flying with breastmilk or formula. Then, put the bag on the conveyor belt for inspection.  It will need to be sent through the X-ray machine.

Don’t worry, the X-ray machine does not harm the breastmilk .

If you do not want it to go through the X-ray machine, you will need to inform the agent. You can opt-out of X-raying the milk. In that case, however, your milk or formula will likely be opened and have to go through additional screening.

Security agents will test some of your milk

TSA will inspect, and even open your breastmilk to run tests on it. The process doesn’t take long and doesn’t taint the milk.

If traveling with powdered formula instead of liquid you can also bring bottled water through security. You just need to specify that the water is for the baby. 

Allow extra time

Always when traveling with a baby or toddler, you should allow yourself extra time at the airport.

The additional screening of your milk will take some extra time, although not much, but you may also have extra gear, like a travel stroller that needs to be broken down, or a framed child carrier for a toddler , that will have to be removed and sent through the X-Ray machine.

However, if you plan to wear your baby in a baby carrier while traveling , most of them do not have to be removed to go through security screenings. In fact, babywearing at the airport is one of the best ways to save time and make flying with a baby easier.

Shipping breastmilk

Shipping breastmilk is an alternative to flying with breastmilk, and luckily there are companies that specialize in this. There are several options to easily and effectively ship breast milk.

Here are some convenient ways to ship breastmilk if you prefer to do so rather than fly with breastmilk.

• Milk Stork is a company dedicated exclusively to shipping breast milk. They send containers that you can fill and ship overnight.
• FedEx also has a milk shipping program, where they can overnight breastmilk in refrigerated containers. Similar to Milk Stork, you can pre-ordered milk bags to fill up. Then, just drop them off at a FedEx location for overnight delivery. 

What you need to know about flying with baby food

Traveling with baby food falls under the same category as traveling with breastmilk or formula, with a few exceptions.

You are allowed to bring enough for the duration of your trip. If you are gone for a week, that is quite a bit of baby food pouches or jars.

I recommend the baby food pouches when traveling with a baby and especially when traveling with a toddler . They are much easier to use on-the-go, and many older babies and toddlers can even feed themselves.  

Like breastmilk and formula you will have to separate baby food from the rest of your carry-on luggage and declare it with the TSA officer.

They will likely inspect it and possibly open one of the containers. If that happens, plan to use that one first since once opened baby food should be used within a day.

Giving Your Baby a Bottle of Breastmilk or Formula on the Plane

If you prefer to give your baby a bottle instead of breastfeeding on a plane , you can request a cup of hot water from the flight attendant upon boarding. Put a bag of cold (not frozen) breast milk in the cup for a few minutes to warm it up, if your baby will not drink it cold.

The water can also be used to mix dry formula if needed.

Nursing or bottle feeding during take off and landing will help avoid any ear discomfort for your little one caused by the pressure change when ascending or descending. 

Flying internationally with breastmilk, formula or baby food

While we have never personally had a problem flying internationally with breastmilk or baby food, it is important to note that other countries may not be as lenient.

Each country may have its own rules and restrictions that apply. Be sure to check with your airline or the international airport from which you will be flying prior to your trip. 

Although we have never had an issue, we have read stories of moms having to dump out breastmilk before their flight. 

Final thoughts on flying with breastmilk, formula or baby food

Whether you breastfeed, exclusively pump, formula feed or choose a combination of those methods, flying with breastmilk, formula, or even baby food doesn’t have to be difficult. When you travel with breastmilk, baby food, or formula, plan to pack enough for an extra day or so.

Traveling can be unpredictable, flights can get cancelled, you may have an unanticipated long layover , and your trip may end up being longer than expected. So be prepared, and pack accordingly.

For this reason, we do not recommend traveling with breast milk in your checked luggage.

Do you have a question or comment about how to travel with breastmilk, formula, or baby food? We’d love to help. Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Travel with Formula: Tips and Guidelines

Traveling with a baby can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing and transporting formula. However, with a little preparation and knowledge, it can be a smooth and hassle-free experience.

First, it is important to note that baby formula is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, it is recommended to pack enough formula for the entire trip in case of any delays or unexpected situations. When packing baby formula powder in a carry-on bag, it is important to follow the TSA guidelines and notify the officer right away.

When traveling with formula, it is also important to consider the baby’s feeding schedule. Planning tasks and activities around the baby’s usual feeding times can help avoid any hunger-related meltdowns. It is also a good idea to pack extra bottles, nipples, and cleaning supplies to ensure everything stays sanitary and accessible during the trip.

TSA Guidelines

Preparing formula for travel, storing formula, sterilizing bottles, packing essentials, choosing the right formula for travel, navigating airport security with baby formula, managing feedings on a plane, using formula dispensers for convenience, cleaning bottles after travel, checking formula expiration dates, additional tips for traveling with formula, how much powdered formula can i bring on a plane, can i bring unopened baby formula on a plane, can i bring powdered formula on a plane, can i bring hot water for baby formula on a plane, do airports sell baby formula, what is the best way to travel with baby formula, understanding the basics of traveling with formula.

Traveling with a formula-fed baby can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be a stress-free experience. Here are some basics to keep in mind when traveling with formula:

According to TSA guidelines, formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100ml) are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag. You are permitted to bring acceptable amounts of breast milk and baby formula with you on your trip. It is recommended to inform the TSA agent of any formula, baby food items or breast milk in your carry-on baggage during the security screening process.

When packing formula for a flight, it is essential to plan ahead and pack enough for the duration of the trip. It is better to have too much than not enough. A formula dispenser can be a helpful tool for measuring out the correct amount of formula for each feeding. It is important to note that not all formula dispensers are TSA approved, so it is best to check with the airline before packing one in your carry-on.

When traveling with formula, it is crucial to ensure that it is stored properly to prevent spoilage. Powdered formula should be stored in a cool, dry place, while ready-to-feed formula should be kept in a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. It is also recommended to bring a few extra bottles and nipples in case of spills or unexpected delays.

When traveling with formula, it is important to ensure that bottles are properly sterilized to prevent the spread of germs. One option is to bring sterilized bottles from home, but disposable sterilizing bags can also be a convenient and space-saving option. It is also recommended to bring a sterilizing tablet and ask the crew for water on the flight.

By keeping these basics in mind, traveling with formula can be a smooth and stress-free experience for both parents and babies.

Preparation Before Travel

Traveling with a bottle-fed baby requires some preparation to ensure that feeding goes smoothly, especially when traveling by air. Here are some tips to help parents prepare for a trip with baby formula.

When packing for a trip with baby formula, parents should consider the following essentials:

• Formula: Bring enough formula to last the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
• Bottles: Pack enough bottles for each feeding, plus a few extra in case of spills or leaks.
• Water: Bring clean water for mixing formula, or plan to buy bottled water after passing through security.
• Bottle brush: Pack a bottle brush for cleaning bottles on the go.
• Burp cloths: Bring a few burp cloths to clean up after feeding.
• Insulated bag: Use an insulated bag to keep formula and bottles cool.

When choosing a formula for travel, parents should consider the following factors:

• Powdered formula: Powdered formula is the easiest to travel with because it is lightweight and does not require refrigeration.
• Ready-to-feed formula: Ready-to-feed formula is convenient but heavy and expensive.
• Formula dispensers: Formula dispensers are useful for pre-measuring powdered formula for each feeding.
• Cooling accessories: Cooling accessories, such as freezer packs or gel packs, can keep formula cool while traveling.

Parents should also check with their airline’s policies regarding traveling with baby formula. Most airlines allow a reasonable quantity of baby formula to be brought in carry-on or checked baggage. Formula should be packed in a quart-sized bag and declared at security checkpoints.

By preparing ahead of time and packing the right essentials, parents can ensure that their baby is well-fed during travel.

Traveling with a baby can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. However, with a little preparation and knowledge, it can be a smooth and stress-free process.

Formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food in quantities more than 3.4 ounces are permitted in carry-on baggage by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These items should be removed from the carry-on bag and screened separately from other belongings. At the start of the screening process, parents or guardians should notify the TSA officer that they are carrying formula or other medically essential liquids in excess of 3.4 ounces.

To help speed up the process of going through airport security when traveling with baby formula, here are some tips:

• Pack formula in see-through bags to make it easier for security officers to inspect.
• Remove all liquids from the nappy bag before screening.
• Be aware of prohibited items such as gel packs or ice packs that are not frozen solid. Frozen gel packs or ice packs are allowed in carry-on bags.
• If traveling with a breast pump, it is allowed in carry-on bags and does not count as a carry-on item.

It is important to note that TSA officers may need to test liquids for explosives or other prohibited substances. If a TSA officer needs to test a liquid, they will ask the passenger to open the container and transfer a small amount of the liquid to a separate screening container.

In summary, traveling with baby formula through airport security can be a smooth process with a little preparation and knowledge of TSA guidelines. Informing the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process and packing formula in see-through bags can help speed up the process.

Feeding Your Baby During Travel

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, especially when it comes to feeding. However, with proper planning and preparation, feeding your little one during travel can be made easier. Here are some tips to help you manage feedings on a plane and use formula dispensers for convenience.

If you’re flying with a formula-fed baby, you can bring your formula with you. Formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food in quantities more than 3.4 ounces are permitted in carry-on baggage. It is, nevertheless, recommended that you bring additional formula in case of spills or delays.

To warm up bottles, you can ask the flight attendant for hot water or use a portable bottle warmer. It is also helpful to bring wet wipes for cleaning up spills and messes.

If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended to nurse during takeoff and landing to help your baby’s ears adjust to the pressure changes. You can also bring a liquid-filled teether or toddler drinks to help your little one swallow and relieve ear pressure.

Formula dispensers are a convenient way to pack pre-measured formula for travel. They come in various sizes and shapes and can fit easily in a diaper bag or carry-on luggage.

To use a formula dispenser, simply fill each compartment with the appropriate amount of formula needed for each feeding. When it’s time to feed your baby, pour the formula into a bottle of pre-measured water and shake well.

It is important to note that tap water quality can vary from place to place, so it is recommended to use bottled water or boiled tap water when making formula. Frozen gel packs can also be used to keep pre-made bottles cold during travel.

By following these tips and using formula dispensers for convenience, feeding your baby during travel can be made easier and less stressful.

Post-Travel Care and Maintenance

After a trip, it’s essential to take care of the formula and feeding equipment to ensure the baby’s safety and health. Here are some tips for post-travel care and maintenance:

It’s crucial to clean the bottles thoroughly after every use to prevent bacteria growth. Use a bottle brush and mild soap to clean the bottles and nipples. Rinse them with hot water to remove any soap residue.

If you don’t have access to hot water, you can use bottled water or a water bottle with a built-in filter. Be sure to clean the water bottle before using it to rinse the bottles.

After cleaning, sterilize the bottles and nipples by boiling them in water for at least five minutes. You can also use a sterilizer or microwave sterilizer bags for convenience.

Always check the expiration date of the formula before using it. Expired formula can cause digestive problems and make the baby sick.

Check the expiration date on the formula container before packing it for travel. If the formula expires during the trip, dispose of it and buy a new one.

It’s also essential to check the expiration date of any backup formula you bring along. Don’t forget to check the expiration date of the water you use to mix the formula.

In conclusion, taking care of the formula and feeding equipment after travel is crucial for the baby’s health and safety. Clean the bottles thoroughly and check the expiration date of the formula before using it. By following these simple steps, parents can ensure that their baby is getting the best care possible.

When traveling with a formula-fed baby or toddler, there are a few additional tips that can make the experience smoother and less stressful. Here are some practical tips for parents:

• Pack enough formula: It’s always better to pack more formula than you think you’ll need. This is especially important if you’re traveling to a remote location where it may be difficult to find your preferred brand of formula. A good rule of thumb is to pack at least one extra day’s worth of formula, just in case of delays or unexpected situations.
• Use translucent bottles: When going through airport security, it’s important to use translucent bottles for your formula. This will make it easier for security personnel to screen your formula without having to open the bottles. If you’re using opaque bottles, consider transferring your formula to translucent bottles before your trip.
• Consider affiliate links: If you’re looking to purchase formula before your trip, consider using affiliate links to save money and time. Many online retailers offer discounts and free shipping for formula purchases, and using affiliate links can help you earn cashback or other rewards.
• Pack formula in carry-on baggage: When flying with a formula-fed baby, it’s a good idea to pack your formula in your carry-on baggage. This will ensure that you have easy access to your formula during the flight, and will also prevent any potential issues with lost or delayed checked baggage.
• Be prepared for spills: Accidents happen, especially when traveling with young children. Be sure to pack extra bibs, burp cloths, and wipes to clean up any spills or messes that may occur during your trip.
• Know the TSA rules: Make sure you are aware with the TSA rules regarding formula and other liquids before your travel. Formula, breast milk, juice, and baby meals weighing more than 3.4 ounces are permitted in carry-on luggage and do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag. You may be forced to submit them for additional screening, though.

By following these additional tips, parents can ensure a smoother and stress-free travel experience with their formula-fed baby or toddler.

Traveling with baby formula can be a daunting task for new parents. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when traveling with baby formula:

• Plan ahead: Consider your baby’s feeding schedule and pack enough formula for the duration of your trip. It’s always better to have more than you need than to run out.
• Pack smart: Use a formula dispenser to keep pre-measured formula organized and easy to access. Bring empty bottles to mix and serve the formula in. Consider packing a few extra items such as a bottle brush and sterilizing tablets for added convenience.
• Be aware of regulations: Check with your airline or transportation provider to ensure you are following their guidelines for carrying liquids and baby formula. Remember that TSA regulations allow for empty bottles to pass through security.
• Practice good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing formula and use clean, sterilized bottles. Consider packing a portable bottle sterilizer or sterilizing tablets for added peace of mind.
• Be flexible: Traveling with a baby can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or take breaks when necessary.

By following these tips, parents can feel confident and prepared when traveling with baby formula. With a little bit of planning and preparation, it’s possible to enjoy a stress-free trip with your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to TSA guidelines, you are allowed to bring a “reasonable amount” of powdered formula on a plane. However, it is recommended that you bring only enough for your trip and pack it in your checked luggage to avoid any issues during security screening.

Yes, you can bring unopened baby formula on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, it is recommended that you pack it in your checked luggage to avoid any potential issues during security screening.

Yes, you can bring powdered formula on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, it is recommended that you pack it in your checked luggage to avoid any potential issues during security screening.

You are allowed to bring hot water for baby formula on a plane, but it must be in a thermos or other insulated container and be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint. It is also recommended that you bring extra water in case of delays or other unforeseen circumstances.

Many airports do sell baby formula, but it is not guaranteed. It is recommended that you bring enough formula for your trip to avoid any potential issues.

The best way to travel with baby formula is to pack it in your checked luggage to avoid any potential issues during security screening. It is also recommended that you bring extra formula and water in case of delays or other unforeseen circumstances.

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Got milk? Tips to surviving TSA when traveling with breast milk or formula

Lyndsey Frey - Writer March 1, 2023

“The rules and regulations for packing breast milk and all the equipment that comes along with it can be confusing to moms,” said Liz Maseth, a nurse and Internationally Board certified lactation consultant at Akron Children’s. “Luckily, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for infants and children to help ease the process.”

With a little bit of upfront planning and knowledge of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules , moms can fly through airport security hassle-free. So before you book your next flight, here’s what you need to know, according to TSA guidelines.

Does breast milk and formula follow TSA liquid restrictions?

TSA clearly states, “Formula, breast milk and juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.”

Beware, however, because TSA goes on to state parents are only allowed to bring a “ reasonable quantity ” of formula, breast milk and juice through the security checkpoint, which leaves discretion to the individual officer.

For ease of screening, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. Also, be sure to remove it from your bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Typically, these liquids are screened by X-ray.

To test liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items, TSA officers may ask you to open the container and have you transfer a small quantity of the liquid to a separate empty container or dispose of a small quantity, if feasible. You can ask a TSA officer to put on a fresh pair of gloves when handling your breast milk.

Does breast milk and formula have to be X-rayed?

The Food and Drug Administration states that there are no known adverse effects from eating food, drinking beverages and using medicine screened by X-ray.

However, if you’re still uncomfortable with it, you can inform the TSA officer you do not want the breast milk and formula to be X-rayed or opened. In this case, you may be subject to additional screening procedures, such as a pat-down and inspection of your other carry-ons, to clear the liquid.

Breastmilk and formula do not follow TSA’s liquid restrictions and are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Are freezer packs allowed?

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool breast milk are allowed in carry-ons. Beware though, if these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to additional screening.

You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and processed baby food in carry-on baggage. Again, these items may be subject to additional screening, though.

Are breast pumps considered a medical device?

The Federal Drug Administration does consider breast pumps as medical devices and allows travelers to bring them in their carry-ons. However, the FDA leaves it up to individual airlines to interpret the rule as they wish.

For example, some airlines count a breast pump toward your allotted number of carry-ons, while others do not. Other airlines require passengers to flag breast pumps as a medical device 48 hours before departure.

Be sure to contact the airline prior to departure to find out its specific policies regarding breast pumps and medical devices.

Do I have to be traveling with my baby to bring breast milk?

The TSA states that you do not need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk. However, this rule only applies to travel within the United States. International policies vary.

To be on the safe side, be sure to allow extra time for travel and getting through the security checkpoint. You also can check ahead of time if the airport has lactation rooms .

It’s also a good idea to print the TSA guidelines, just in case you run into an officer who isn’t as familiar around the rules of traveling with breast milk. Should you encounter any issues, you can contact TSA directly at 866-289-9673.

Milk shipping opportunities are available for moms who want to ship milk to their destination.

For more information about breastfeeding and traveling, contact Liz Maseth at 330-543-4531. Virtual Visits  are available. 

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About Lyndsey Frey - Writer

Lyndsey Frey is a freelance writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She specializes in blogging and content publishing, search engine optimization and social media marketing. Her work has been published online and in regional and national publications, such as Inside Business, Cleveland, Akron Life and Internet Retailer magazines.

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Flying With Formula Fed Baby and Tips for travelling with bottle-fed baby

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Are you flying with formula fed baby? Worried about how to pack formula for air travel? Well fear not, in this guide we cover everything you need to know know for how to fly with formula fed baby. Yes, it is undoubtedly easier flying with a breastfed over travelling with a bottle-fed baby. All you need is your boob and maybe a cover and you are good to go. But don’t let formula feeding but you off travel. Yes there are a lot of  rules for flying with baby formula that  and it can seem confusing at first but in this our essential guide to flying with formula fed baby we answer all your questions to help take the stress out of your travels!

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Table of Contents

The rules and regulations of flying with formula 

First the good news – the 100ml carry-on limit for liquids doesn’t apply to formula milk or sterilised water. This means that you can bring on enough liquid for baby to last the entire flight.

Unfortunately that doesn’t mean that you can take unlimited supplies in your hand luggage but you are permitted to carry  enough to keep you going for the flight and a bit extra just in case of delays.

For more guide on traveling with babies be sure to check out our other posts:

• Traveling with frozen breast milk

Traveling with formula fed baby through airport security

flying with formula fed baby

Now if you are traveling with formula fed baby through airport security I would advise allowing yourself a bit of extra time. Now obviously some airports are easier to travel through than others but when you are travelling with formula you will often have to have each liquid go through its own liquid scanner.

This can take time so leave yourself a bit of extra time to take away some stress! There is nothing worse than the feeling of running through an airport except perhaps having to run through an airport with a baby! 

How to fly with formula fed baby – Airport Security Baby Formula Tips and Tricks 

how to fly with formula fed baby

One of the biggest questions people have about how to fly with formula fed baby concerns airport security.

To help speed up the process of going through airport security when travelling with baby formula here are my top airport security baby formula tips including how to pack formula for air travel:

• As with all liquids, remember to pack your milk in see through bags
• Remove all liquids from the nappy bag.

If you are flying with remeasured formula and water I would recommend not using a vacuum flask as it may cause issues when you pass through security.

As always, regulations can change. I recommend using the  U.K. Government website  to check guidelines before traveling in the UK and the TSA website in the US should have up to date information!

At time of writing, the TSA advises that formula should be removed from bags before the screening process. Liquids of more than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml of liquid are allowed when travelling with infants but need to be screened separately.

You may also carry freezer packs and other cooling accessories however these may also need to be screened as they can count as liquids! 

One of the main concerns I had when travelling with baby formula is what would happen if security asked me to open liquids to taste going through security such as the sterilised water.

If this concerns you, you could consider buying a newborn ready feed kit. The formula milk in these are 70ml so you don’t need to open them as you pass through security. Warning however this is the most expensive option.

Otherwise, you can order formula to be collected at some airports once you have passed through security Be sure to check with your airport if this is an option and also the timeframes for doing so.

Many airports need a minimum of 5 days warning to do this. In the UK airport this service is offered by branches on Boots which are in the airside terminals.

Traveling with baby formula – what type of formula should you take

Are you wondering about traveling with baby formula? Worried about which one to take? In truth you have several options.

You could take remeasured formula and water. If you do this method be sure not to use a vacuum flask to store it in as this may cause you issues at security. Lots of people have concerns about travelling with sterilised water through security but is is allowed.

Personally we use ready made formula. Undoubtedly taking ready made formula on plane is the more expensive option but it does offer ease. All you need to think about is putting the milk in a sterilized bottle.

We actually use chilli peeps teats when traveling instead of bottles. These teats can fit onto all bottled ready feeds. You can simply screw on the teat to the bottle of ready made formula and you are good to go.

This saves a massive amount of space in your nappy bag and we all know space is a premium when travelling with a formula fed baby.

Another option is to buy the formula airside. Check which airport you are flying from to see if this is an option. Some of the airports allow you to preorder so check if this option is open to you.

How to travel with baby formula – how much should I take?

One of the biggest questions we receive about how to travel with baby formula involves the quantities you should pack in your hand luggage.

If you are worried about how much to pack remember to pack enough to allow for delays and remember that the dry air on the plane may make them thirstier than usual.

How to pack formula milk for travel / how to pack formula for air travel

One of the main drawbacks to travelling with bottle-fed baby is that there is just so much more stuff to pack! Here is our guide to how to pack formal milk for travel in checklist form to make sure you don’t forget anything important:

• Baby Bottles and Teats  I would pack more than you think you are going to need! Usually the crew will help by providing hot water but it can be difficult to clean bottles and teats on an airplane so having extras is never a bad thing.An alternative we used was the Chilli Peeps System with Ready feed bottles. This meant we didn’t have to clean bottles on the plane. 
• Formula  It can seem tempting to not pack formula with you when you travel however I recommend taking your own with you especially when you are travelling with very small children. Changes of formula can upset a little ones tummy so it is easy to have your own with you!Obviously this is not always possible when going on extended trips but it can be worth looking up if your regular formula is sold in your destination country and if it has a different name.Sometimes we would pre order formula that was the same from home to be waiting for us at the hotel or AirBnB with the accommodations permission of course.If you opt for using formula on the plane instead of ready feeds our number one tip is to use premeasured formula so you don’t have to worry about doing this on the plane.We really love the Sectioned Formula containers as this means the formula is in one place and easy to find in a nappy bag but means you don’t have to worry about measuring! 
• Muslin Cloth  There is nothing worse than a baby burping up on you mid flight.
• Sterlising Equipment  Another tip we have for how to fly with baby formula is to make sure you have extra zip lock bags to separate the clean from dirty bottles. You don’t want to contaminate the clean ones by putting all the bottles together.We also always carry sterilising wipes with us to clean the plane area we are sitting in.Do you have any other tips for how to travel with formula on plane? Please leave a comment you have any other handy hacks for formula and flying!

When Should I formula feed my baby while flying?

I would advise sticking to your normal feeding routine when traveling but if you can time it so you can get your baby to feed during take off and landing this will help with ear popping and will reduce discomfort for baby.

Some recommend waiting until the plane has actually taken off so the baby gets the benefit of feeding one the cabin pressure has actually changed.

If your baby refuses to feed at this timothy and use a pacifier instead as the sucking motion does help them pop their ears!

How to travel with formula fed baby – sterilising concerns 

When traveling with my little I always try and carry enough bottles to last the entire journey so I don’t have to worry about sterilizing while traveling. If you are limited on space we like to use bottles with attachable teats such as the Chili Peeps Teats which fit most bottles and save on space! 

Once you are at your destination we recommend looking for accommodation that has a microwave in the room to help with sterilising.

Otherwise we would also fly with Milton Tablets and a sterilising bag to help us sterilise even when we have minimal facilities to do so! 

Other tips for travelling with formula fed baby

• Look for accommodation with a kitchen or at least a microwave and fridge to make sterilising and bottle prep easier. 
• Looking for some places that are easy to travel with a baby then why not check out some of the family friendly places we have been with our baby from the Best European City Breaks with babies to taking a beach break in the Maldives with a baby! 
• And if you are traveling and weaning or with a toddler then be sure to check out our best snacks for toddlers on planes. 

Saturday 21st of October 2017

Great post! These tips will become in handy for us as we're going to Manchester this week. Thanks so much for sharing.

Monday 17th of July 2017

Great tips - I am going away in a few weeks with a baby so this has been really helpful #familytips

TraveLynn Family - Jenny

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

With so many rules about what you can and cannot take on a flight these days, it can be quite a mindfield! I love how this post uncomplicates all the myths and provides clear, trustworthy advice for any formula feeding Mum. #familytraveltips

Wandermust Mummy

Aww thank you

I never even considered how difficult this would be as I never flew with a baby. I am glad that the liquid limitation does not apply. This is a really helpful post to those that need this information.

• Work With Us

How to Feed a Baby During Travel (Nursing, Bottles, Formula & Solids)

Written by Becca

Updated on March 8th, 2024

Whether feeding your baby by nursing and breastfeeding, with bottles, formula or solids, there are lots of products to help with feeding a baby on the go. See my best travel tips for your next trip!

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Nursing (0-12+ months)
• Transporting refrigerated or frozen breastmilk
• Feeding breastmilk on the go
• Bottle Feeding & Formula Feeding (0-12+ months)
• Feeding solid food while traveling (6+ months)
• How to pack your baby’s feeding essentials for travel

When I first started realizing we had to figure out ways to leave home and feed our baby on the go, I was overwhelmed. Well, most parts of being a new parent are overwhelming, but when it comes to one of the most important parts of your baby’s life — their feeding — you want to get it right when you’re away from home.

Given, there are many ways to feed a baby, and for many parents, they’re combining a few of the following: nursing, bottle feeding, formula feeding and solids, as the baby becomes older. With all of these ways to feed a child, nailing it when you’re on the road, on the go and on vacation is an art.

In the following tips, I’m combining my practices in feeding my daughter with my sister’s tips, because between the two of us and our children, we have experienced all four of these ways to feed a baby. We’ve put together the handy products that have helped us set up comfortable feeding environments on the go, whether in the car, in a hotel room, in an Airbnb, on a cruise ship or on a plane.

Let’s see all the creative and proven ways to feed a baby while away from home!

Will you be feeding your baby during a flight? Don’t forget this list of the best tips for flying with an infant .

Nursing (0-12+ months)

Breastfeeding by definition doesn’t truly require many products, as the main goods are already on your body; however, there are some tips and tricks in terms of what I’ve been able to find for when I’m on the go and traveling.

Specifically for when I’m on road trips with my baby , I want to have everything ready for nursing if we need to have a feed in the car in a parking lot or rest area.

Remember, it’s legal to breastfeed anywhere (in the US: this may vary by country). In our guide for how to plan a trip to NYC with a baby , I talk about feeding our baby in a Starbucks with no problem.

Milkies Milk Saver

I started using this slim silicone “milk saver” as a way to catch drips and save milk, both at home and on the go. I started using this product during our trip to the Litchfield Hills and I’ll always have fond memories of nursing our daughter on the couch in the living room at our Airbnb.

The Milkies Milk Saver is dishwasher safe, and when I first took it out of the box (it also comes with a plastic carrying/storage case), we sanitized it in boiling water and then gave it a run in the dishwasher.

I think it’s a handy and simple product that fits great in my diaper bag, and it even can be “stood up” if you lean it against a large mug, bottle or other upright surface. I use the diaper bag from Nike, which you can read about at my Nike Diaper bag review .

For all the items I mention below that require washing, it’s crucial to bring your own dish soap. Until our most recent trip, we had always stayed in Airbnbs or hotels with kitchenettes, so there was always dish soap available. If you’re staying at a hotel with no kitchen, bring your own! I had the idea of bringing along a tiny 1.5-oz. milk vial full of dish soap from home, but I just found out that you can get Babyganics foaming dish soap for travel in a TSA-approved 100ml volume! Even better.

Travel-sized Hakka hand pump

I was introduced to the Hakka hand pump when I first gave birth to our daughter. I found out later that it comes in two sizes — 4 oz. and 5 oz. I keep the larger one at home, and I keep the smaller one in our diaper bag for when we are on the road.

The small Hakka pump can be used in two ways: first, it can also be a milk catcher, and can create suction to draw out more milk on the side from which you’re not feeding. It can also be used to pump, if you can get the hang of it (some women like to keep it on a nightstand to “comfort pump” in the middle of the night if they are feeling discomfort).

It’s small and because it’s silicone, it is slightly bendy, so it’s also easy to keep in a diaper bag or suitcase.

Medela hand pump

The Medela hand pump is something I’ve kept at the bottom of my diaper bag for travel for a while now. While it is not squishy silicone like the Hakka, its saving grace is that it can be broken down into a bout five pieces.

I’ve used this hand pump on the go if my baby refuses to take one side, and the sides feel uneven. I can use the manual pump to express a bit, and then put the milk into the bottle with the yellow Medela cover, right into a fridge or the Medela insulated carrying case. Many nursing moms consider this one of the best baby products for travel .

Disposable nursing pads

If you tend to have leaks, opt for disposable nursing pads that you don’t have to come back home with (anything for a lighter bag on the return trip, right?).

A few of these are good to keep in a diaper bag or in your toiletries bag while traveling, especially when you have a newborn and your supply is acclimating.

Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller

I’m not an owner of this rather revolutionary product in the world of nursing on the go, but I found out about it recently from a friend, and had to look into this one!

The Ceres Chill Reusable Storage Container is a breastmilk cooler that keeps milk at safe temperatures for 20+ hours. It also connects to most major pumps (Medela, Evenflo and more). It’s ideal for commuting, road trips and even being out at work for eight to nine hours.

It holds up to 24 ounces of milk and is dishwasher-safe and compact. Adapters are available for making it compatible with breast pump brands with which is not a direct fit.

Medela pump wipes

These sanitizing wipes from Medela help clean a pump while you’re out and away from a dishwasher.

Transporting refrigerated or frozen breastmilk

We do bottle feeding at night, so if we’re going to be away for even one night at minimum, we bring that night’s milk in a cooler and ice pack set when we leave the house. Recently I’ve been packing some refrigerated milk bottles from the fridge, along with a pack or two of frozen breastmilk from the freezer.

On our last road trip, we left home at around 9:30 am, stopped for lunch for about 90 minutes and then got to our Airbnb by 1 pm. The first thing I did was put the milk in the Medela cooler into the fridge, and like magic, the fridge milk was still cold and the frozen milk was about 95% still frozen.

Milk bags for the freezer

I have tried milk bags for the freezer from various brands, and I think the Lansinoh freezer bags are the best. They have the easiest zipper to close, and all you have to do is put the milk in and label it with a Sharpie.

Remember: breastmilk in a regular freezer is good for up to six months! I go by the CDC guidelines for breastmilk safety. View the CDC guidelines here.

Refrigerator milk bottles

For milk in the fridge, I wind up using the bottles that come from my Spectra pump . These are also the bottles I’ll take on a road trip in the Medela milk cooler, and they fit perfectly because they’re a standard 5-oz. size.

I also have some Lansinoh storage containers, as they’re for the Lansinoh bottles that my daughter takes as soon as we put the Lansinoh nipple on those. While we mostly use Comotomo bottles , I like that the Lansinoh bottles are a more standard size, so they’re less bulky in a diaper bag.

Medela milk cooler with ice pack

The Medela milk cooler is also not something I knew I needed, but I am so glad that I have it for being out and about or on a trip.

With this handy travel milk cooler, we could (if we needed to) bring up to 20 oz. of fridge milk in bottles, to our destination.

Typically I have a few fridge bottles and one or two frozen milk bags in there during a travel day.

Medela mini milk storage vial

For hand pumping or saved milk from a nursing session, I keep small amounts of milk (at room temperature for up to four hours as recommended by the CDC) in these vials while on the road.

Feeding breastmilk on the go

Now that you are able to store your breastmilk during travel, what about feeding it to your baby with bottles (if not breastfeeding)? Here are a few tips from my sister, who has done this more than I have, due to exclusive pumping for four months.

A diaper bag with insluation

My sister has the Bluekiwi diaper bag , which can fit four narrow 8-oz Dr. Brown’s bottles.

In the center insulated pocket, she’ll fit two bottles, plus an ice pack. The side insulated pocket can fit one bottle (without an ice pack). The fourth bottle-sized pocket is not insulated.

“Breastmilk pitcher”

This is a bit of a hack and workaround: my sister bought this smoothie/water bottle to use as a “breastmilk pitcher.”

When she has defrosted bags of breastmilk, she has poured them into this pitcher. Sometimes for travel, she’ll bring milk in this, and put it in a lunchbox with an ice pack.

Bottle Feeding & Formula Feeding (0-12+ months)

When my sister goes out of town, she usually packs four bottles. This is a good number of bottles to cycle through while also always having a clean one.

She washes her baby’s bottles in the dishwasher, and she brings a dishwasher basket (mentioned below) for the small bottle pieces. She and I both travel with a collapsible bottle drying rack, which again, helps keep things organized because there are so many bottle pieces (and pump pieces).

When Lily’s baby was younger, she avoided the dishwasher, and they hand washed the bottles and used the microwave sterilization bags. If you’re interested in microwave sterilizer bags , try these for times when you’re away from home.

Travel formula dispenser

While Lily and her husband are on the go, they bring a Munchkin travel formula dispenser . She just mixes the pre-measured formula with water, and shakes it up.

This dispenser has an easy spout, a snap-on lid for security, and holds enough formula to make three 8-oz. bottles.

Baby bottles for travel

Every parent (and baby) certainly has preferences about which brand of bottles to use. Before our baby was born, we had noooo idea that this was even a thing!

After experimenting with various brands of bottles (NUK, Dr. Brown’s, Comotomo, Spectra and Lansinoh) over her first three months, we came out with two contenders for the #1 favorite: Comotomo and Lansinoh.

My sister’s baby, however, prefers Dr. Brown’s bottles — the “skinny” type with the small nipple. I’ll leave links for all these types below!

Comotomo bottles are somewhat “modern” in that they’re very round (in the 5-oz. version) and have a bowl-like nipple. I like that they’re squishy. Our baby also likes playing with them in the bath (ha!).

Lansinoh bottles were recommended to us as bottles for breastfed babies because apparently the nipple mimics the “real thing.” We’ve had good luck with these, and I like that the small version is not so bulky when I pack one up in the diaper bag for a trip.

Dr. Brown’s “The Skinny Kind”

My mom group refers to the two models of Dr. Brown’s bottles as “the fat one” (or “the wide one”) and the tall/narrow version as “the skinny one.” My niece specifically takes the Dr. Brown’s skinny bottle , and has started feeding herself the bottle!

OXO Bottle brush travel kit & drying rack

This travel-sized drying rack was something I didn’t know I needed, and it’s so useful in serving as both a travel bottle brush (with a tiny bottle brush as well) and drying rack.

Check out Dan’s review of the bottle brush.

Open the folding case, and there’s a brush, along with a complete bottle or pump part drying rack. During our trip to Livingston Manor in the Catskills , we used this because we didn’t have a dishwasher in the hotel room. It was incredibly handy and kept our baby’s bottles clean for two days, making it one of the best items for surviving a hotel stay with a baby .

IMG_4253.jpg

Portable bottle warmer

While you very well could use a hot mug of water to warm up a bottle where you’re staying, the Tommee Tippee travel bottle warmer is good for on the go. It fits into a changing bag and can warm up a bottle when you’re traveling.

It’s a mobile bottle warmer because it doesn’t require an external power source; it securely stores hot water with insulation, so that you can pop a bottle right in, whether you are camping, or in and out of a hotel.

Dishwasher basket for bottle parts

If you’re staying at a friend’s house, family member’s house or a vacation rental house, hopefully there is a dishwasher and you can use it to wash bottle and pump parts. Having the Munchkin dishwasher basket is pretty necessary for tiny things like bottle nipples, bottle tops and small parts of a pump like the small duckbill parts.

What’s great about this one is that it has two “levels,” with the lower basket big enough to hold things like sippy cup parts.

Feeding solid food while traveling (6+ months)

Babies are messy eaters, and unfortunately, our daughters both cannot be trusted to eat neatly without a high chair tray! If you’re up to feeding solid food while you’re on a trip, check out these ideas of how you can make the experience more seamless for you and your baby.

Travel-sized lunchbox

We’re using this adorable travel lunchbox from the new baby & toddler product line at Quince!

Get free shipping, plus 365-day returns now!

Shop the deal

It’s made from recycled bottles and has a mesh zipper pocket for holding toddler or child silverware, along with a clear sleeve for a name tag. Check out how our baby food fits inside.

Booster seat for travel

My sister has the Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat , which stays at Grandma’s house. It has a good-sized tray and supportive seat back. It’s also totally packable for a road trip.

Canvas folding high chair

She also has the PandaEar portable canvas folding high chair that folds up into a little fabric travel bag. It’s very lightweight and can go right into the backseat on a road trip, or in the trunk of a car. You can strap it to a dining chair like a booster seat.

She can throw it into the stroller basket when they are having a picnic (it can be used on the ground and stands up on its own) in the park, or when heading to a restaurant. The weight and size of it are super convenient, although my sister admits that the tray is quite small, but it does have a cup holder. However, the “flat tray” is important to her.

Travel-friendly placemat

This is a placemat that she intends to buy, to bring to restaurants during trips. It would be good because if it is sticky after the meal, you can fold it shut and it won’t make the rest of your belongings sticky. Many restaurants in family-friendly travel destinations will be fine with you bringing this for the high chair.

Container of puffs and cereal

My sister keeps a container for puffs/cereal in the diaper bag when traveling. She likes this leak-proof plastic container because it’s small!

Also, the lid won’t fall off (it’s a screw lid, which is also pretty baby-proof). If you had a Ziploc bag, the cereal would get squished to crumbs.

A bib that folds up small for travel

We travel with an easy polyester bib that folds up small into our diaper bag. We call it “the smock!” Also, this long-sleeve bib is popular and works well for messy toddlers. It avoids having to use up an outfit change during a trip!

Cereal puffs

Lily also buys these cereal puffs from “Happy Baby” because many Gerber products have added sugar, which is good to know.

Puffs and finger-food cereals are great starter solids for being on the go because they’re not super messy. The older babies at my weekly baby/parent meetup often munch on these when they’re outside of the house.

Having a pouch of spoon-feedable baby food is going to be great for times when you’re feeding purees to your child. Also, we got our own pouches for purees so that we can make our baby’s favorite foods at home, put them in pouches, and take them on the go.

One of these would even safely fit in the pocket of our Baby Tula Compact Lite Baby Carrier , or in my Kibou fanny pack diaper bag for travel days.

For a limited time: Join the list for 15% off your first order + get free shipping on orders $75+!

How to pack your baby’s feeding essentials for travel

When you’re at home, you don’t necessarily think about how to make your set up mobile. Here are a few quick tips for taking your kit on the go.

On a road trip

For a road trip, like the ones we’ve done, we’ve taken our daughter’s milk in the small milk bottle cooler , and any baby food like jars or pouches in a food bag with our food and snacks. If you have a baby or toddler who’s eating what you eat, whlie at restaurants, that’s even more convenient!

The only thing to keep in mind about the milk cooler is that if you are thinking of leaving it in the car and it’s hot during summer, consider bringing it in with you into a rest stop or restaurant to keep it less hot, while the car is heating up in the sun in a parking lot.

In a personal item

On most airlines (at least in the US), your diaper bag is considered the lap infant’s personal item, meaning if you and a partner are already traveling on a flight, your diaper bag “does not count” toward the personal item allowance between the two of you.

In the diaper bag, you can keep enough food to feed your baby during the flight itself, and hopefully enough to sustain the baby before the flight and after landing as well.

As a measure of security, please check with your airline regarding its allowances for diaper bags, bags of formula or milk and baby food.

In a carry-on

If your food or milk for your baby or toddler won’t all fit in the diaper bag, consider splitting it up between a carry-on suitcase or backpack, as well as a checked bag. This way, if your checked bag gets lost, at least you will have some of your baby’s food in the carry-on, which came on the plane with you.

In checked baggage

If you have your baby’s feeding essentials (or half of them) in checked baggage (which is pretty realistic, if you are flying and going away for more than a day), consider pickin gup Apple AirTags for the trip. This way, if your luggage gets stuck during connecting flights somewhere, or even just stuck in holding at your destination, you can track the location of the bag from the Find My app on your phone.

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How to Travel with Baby Formula on a Plane

By the time my son turns two, we will have taken him on over 100 flights from shorter jaunts to nearby states to international flights that lasted for 16+ hours. Over that time we’ve gone from combo feeding him to transitioning to 100% formula.

Thankfully it’s pretty simple to bring your baby’s food along once you know the rules and best practices. Here’s everything to know about how to successfully travel with baby formula when you fly:

Table of Contents

TSA Regulations for Carry-Ons

The first important thing to know is the TSA regulations regarding liquids, as you will most certainly have extra checks. Be sure to budget extra time for this! Whether you have TSA precheck or not, the following considerations all apply:

Liquid amounts

For baby food including breast milk, water for formula, liquid formula, juice, and other forms of milk, you’re allowed to bring “a reasonable amount” of each above the 100ml/container limit.

The amount that is reasonable to take through security is left up to the TSA officer. I have actually run into issues with this when they wanted us to dump one of our water bottles for his formula when our flight was only about an hour and a half. For reference we had 240 mls. I knew we were within our rights to have all of the water, and in case we had delays in the air, which has happened to us before, we needed to have it along. I remained polite but firm that we were allowed to have it and asked to speak to a supervisor, who agreed that the amount we had was, indeed, reasonable. If we’d had to dump, we could have bought water in the terminal, but I preferred to use our own.

I highly recommend printing out or saving TSA rules to your phone in case you run into any issues. Read full TSA rules here.

Extra checks

Almost no TSA experience has been the same for me, but 80% of them have involved extra checks for the liquids. Be sure to let the officer know before you go through security that you have liquids in excess of 100ml/3oz for your baby. They will probably pull them out for extra screening.

They are allowed to put the bottles through an extra machine and they are allowed to unscrew the top for a vapor test, they are not allowed to stick anything into the liquid.

I highly recommend using clear bottles , which usually means easier screening and fewer vapor tests.

Powder checks

If you have powder formula, they will probably run a white test strip over it for bomb testing as well. I have never had them open up the formula, but rather run the strip on the outside of the container. As far as I know there is no limit on the powder amounts. I’ve brought entirely full cans with me many times.

If you’re traveling abroad, be sure to look into the rules for the specific country you’re traveling out of. So far going through customs in Mexico and Japan , the experience has involved no additional checks and was much easier than US security.

Packing Formula Safely and Effectively

The worst thing would be a formula spill en route when it’s difficult to impossible to replace the formula. I’ve never actually seen formula for sale in the airport, and as far as I know Emirates is the only airline that stocks it onboard, so make sure that you bring more than enough with you in case of delays, and pack it securely.

We sometimes transfer formula to a clean Tupperware with locking lids. I also will store a can with a secure lid in the diaper bag. I make sure that I only bring unopened bags and cans of formula in my checked baggage and wrap them in clothing so that they don’t get jostled and burst. Though we don’t use liquid formula, I’d do the same with liquid cans.

That said, weight from liquid can add up quickly, and they tend to take up a lot more space, so if you also use powder, I would recommend only traveling with the powder. Also be sure to check whether your destination has formula you can easily buy. If you use a hypoallergenic or speciality formula, you may need to bring it all with you. We could have easily bought more in Mexico and Japan, though I’ve heard in destinations like Thailand it can be harder to find.

If You Need to Warm the Water

The best thing we ever did is slowly start only serving our baby room temperature formula. According to the CDC , formula does not need to be warmed to be safe to drink. When he’s hungry, we can just make a bottle on the spot. I like to pre-fill his Comotomo bottles with the exact amount of oz we’ll need for ease.

But what if your baby prefers it warm? No problem, this portable bottle/formula warmer can be charged ahead of time (or in your seat in a pinch). Consider bringing a portable power bank to recharge the warmer as needed.

I have also been offered warm water from flight attendants previously, but since we only use bottled or boiled filtered water for his formula, I’ve used what we brought since I know the origins of it.

Washing Bottles on the Go

I’m in love with our OXO baby bottle brush and drying rack . I joke it’s the best $18 I’ve ever spent. We even use it at home to keep our son’s bottles totally separate from the rest of our dishes.

It folds up for easy portability and fits into our diaper bag with ease. I recommend bringing your own soap in a carry-on size bottle since airport and airplane soap is usually not the kind that you would want to use on bottles. It can be heavily scented, foam, or high in chemicals and antibacterial agents.

You can easily wash bottles in the airport bathroom or lounges. On the flights, I use filtered water from my own water bottle that I get in the terminal. If I’m out of that, I asked the flight attendant for a bottle of water. It’s never been an issue. I tend not to use the water from the top on planes as sometimes it’s not potable and I also I’m not sure about the state of their water trucks. For me I would not care, but for my baby I’m extra cautious.

Where, When, and How to Feed

As formula feeding parents know, the ease of being able to bottle feed anywhere is delightful. We have walked through the airport with our son in a carrier ( I like this one for travel days) feeding him while we walk. We are also always sure to feed during takeoff and landing to help clear his ears.

Formula feeding has been way easier than pumping, though if you combo feed, I have tips for pumping on the go and traveling with breast milk for you, too.

Overall, flying with formula is pretty simple once you know the rules and how to properly store it. It’s a bit more to travel with, but it’s not a big deal, either. Happy flying!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

Kristin is the founder of Parenthood Adventures, combining her love of travel and newfound joy of motherhood. She's the creator of one of the most-read women's travel blogs in the world, bemytravelmuse.com, with a readership in the millions each year.

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Traveling in Portugal with a Baby – Everything to Know

Taking our first flight with our daughter (3 months old) next week. It’s a 12 day trip which is a bit intimidating! I am combo feeding so this is helpful! Planning to leave my pump supplies at home and just do breast/formula.

You got this! Have fun! It’s a great age to travel with.

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Can You Bring Baby Formula On A Plane? (Powder vs Liquid TSA Rules)

Last Updated on August 7, 2022

So you want to know how to travel with formula…

How much formula can you take? And how should it be packed when going through the airport security checkpoint?

Let’s find out quickly before your baby needs fed or a nappy needs changed!

TSA Baby Formula Rules

The Transportation Security Administration runs airport security. They decide what you can and can’t take on a plane.

Here’s a screen-grab from their website about flying with formula:

Note the special instructions for bringing baby formula in carry-on luggage.

Here’s the deal. The instructions are a little different for baby formula powder and premixed liquid formula.

Flying With Powered Baby Formula

You can bring powered baby formula on a plane in your carry-on bag or checked bags.

But when packing powdered formula in hand luggage the powders rule applies.

There is no limit to the amount of powdered baby formula you can pack in your carry-on luggage.

But if your powdered can is over 12 oz then remove it from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate tray when going through security so it can undergo additional screening.

It doesn’t matter if your baby’s formula is opened or unopened.

Flying With Liquid Baby Formula Or Water

You can also bring bring premixed liquid formula or water to mix with your powdered formula. The usual 3.4 oz liquids rules does not apply and you don’t need to pack the liquid in your quart sized bag.

The same goes for bringing breast milk in carry-on baggage.

You can also bring formula cooling accessories like ice packs, freezer packs, or frozen gel packs. 

So you can cool formula bottles with an ice pack when traveling. Once you are on the plane you can ask a flight attendant for hot water to get your baby’s meal back up to a temperature they will enjoy.

Your baby does not need to be present when going through security (but it helps). In theory you just need to explain to the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you are bringing the water or liquid formula as a medically necessary liquid for your baby.

When an infant is old enough to walk through security unaided they are no longer considered to be an infant by the TSA and this exception to the usual liquids rules no longer applies.

It’s recommended that you transport any liquid baby formula in a clear translucent bottle to help with the screening process.

Liquids stored in plastic bags or pouches can’t be screened by the bottle liquid scanners so you might be asked to open them.

X-ray machines don’t negatively impact formula or breast milk but if you don’t want the TSA to use them you can ask that they are screened separately the liquid using other methods.

How Much Formula Can You Take On A Plane?

Since medically necessary liquids are exempt from the usual liquids rules there is no limit on how much you can bring.

The same goes for powdered baby formula. There is no limit to how much formula you can take on a plane.

So you won’t have any problems with reasonable quantities in carry on bags.

You airlines carry-on luggage size limits do still apply. So check with your airlines if you are bringing a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on suitcase.

Some low cost airlines don’t permit you to bring two bags into the cabin.

The Verdict

When flying with baby formula or baby food the regular security rules don’t apply.

The TSA is sensible enough to know that parents traveling need to always be able to bottle feed their baby and so baby formula is considered medically necessary.

Quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are permitted for liquid baby formula, and their is no limit on how much powdered baby formula you can bring. You can even bring water for babies too!

Happy flying!

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• Ask the Expert /

Travel Experts Answer All Your Questions About Traveling with a Baby

This advice from a flight attendant and a pediatric physical therapist will keep your trip with baby moving smoothly., by kara mulder and kailee noland pt, dpt.

Welcome to Ask the Expert, a series in which real experts answer questions from real Babylist parents. For this installment, we asked Babylist parents to submit all their questions about traveling with a baby or toddler (no small task no matter how far you’re going). Here to give expert advice on all things travel are Kara Mulder, a flight attendant for 14+ years and the voice behind Flight Attendant Life , and Kailee Noland, a pediatric physical therapist and the owner of The Movement Mama .

Traveling with a little one can be such a rewarding experience full of family bonding—at the same time, it can also be such an exhausting experience. Whether you’re flying, road tripping or taking another form of transportation, there’s a lot to think about with a baby or toddler in tow. From how much time they can spend in their car seat to keeping a fussy kiddo placated on a cross-country or even an international flight, here’s advice from two travel experts to keep your trip moving smoothly.

In This Article

Flying with a baby or toddler, road trips and car seat comfort for babies and toddlers.

Taking to the skies? With over 14 years of experience as a flight attendant, Kara Mulder answers all your questions.

How old should a baby be before air travel?

Airlines generally suggest that a baby should be at least two weeks old before flying, but a physician can provide a more personalized answer. Some airlines may require a doctor’s letter for newborns under two weeks old. Many parents and pediatricians recommend waiting until baby is around six weeks old and has started their vaccinations to better handle potential germ exposure.

How important is getting my baby his own seat? Is it dangerous if I just have him in my lap on a flight?

Although airlines allow children under two to sit on a parent’s lap during the flight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that purchasing a seat for your baby and using an approved child safety seat is the safer option.

When booking flights, consider your child’s age, the duration of the flight, the type of aircraft and whether you’re traveling alone. This will help you make an informed decision regarding purchasing a separate seat for your toddler. Air travel can be exhausting, and providing your child with their own seat can offer invaluable peace of mind.

One final recommendation is to understand the aircraft configuration anytime you travel with infants or toddlers. If possible, reserve a bulkhead row (the row with no seats in front of it, usually at the front of economy/coach class) with the attachable bassinet . If you have any questions about how to reserve the best seats on an aircraft when traveling with young children, airline customer service representatives can assist you.

How many baby items (and which ones) can you take through security and check at the plane gate?

The TSA allows parents to bring baby essentials such as bottles (including breast milk and formula), baby food (including puree pouches) and medication through security, even if they’re over 3.4 fluid ounces—and they don’t need to be in a quart-sized bag with the rest of your liquids, they just need to be in your carry-on.

To keep breast milk, formula and baby food cool, freeze some juice and use it as an ice pack. Frozen liquids are allowed in your carry-on luggage, and once they’re done keeping things cool, they can double as a snack for you or your little one. Note: when traveling with frozen juices, remove the containers before security screening and communicate to TSA that the contents are frozen. And they have to be completely frozen; if there’s any partial melting or liquid at the bottom, they have to meet the regulation for 3.4 fluid ounces.

As far as other baby items, diaper bags, strollers and car seats are also allowed, and many airlines allow travelers to check strollers and car seats at the gate for free .

For international travel, each country has its own rules regarding what items are allowed through airport security. So depending on where you depart, be sure to look at customs, security and border guidelines. For example, in other countries, you won’t be able to bring frozen liquids. However, items for your baby fall under medical exemption and are allowed to travel in reasonable quantities.

Should I check the car seat before security if I’m not using it on the airplane? Or is it best to check at the gate? Is there a cost for checking car seats and strollers?

Most airlines allow you to check a car seat and stroller for free, either at the ticket counter or at the gate. If you’re not using the car seat on the plane, I would suggest gate-checking. That way, you can use your car seat or stroller right up until you board the plane, making managing a baby and luggage easier—just hand it over at the boarding gate. (Editor’s note: If your baby still fits within their infant car seat’s height and weight limits, those are much easier to travel with than heavy, bulky convertible car seats. Check out our roundup of top rated infant car seats to find some travel-friendly options for babies under 1 year old.)

Gate-checking also minimizes the risk of damage by reducing some of the handling associated with checked luggage. Just remember to ask for a gate-check tag at the boarding gate.

What are some tips to keep a baby or toddler entertained on a flight?

There are several strategies to keep a little one entertained during a flight. First, consider bringing some new, small toys or books that your child hasn’t seen before—novelty can be a powerful distraction. Baby’s favorite comfort item, whether it’s a blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier, can also be incredibly useful during your trip.

While some parents prefer to limit screen time, a flight can be considered a “special occasion.” A digital tablet loaded with some toddler-friendly apps or shows can be a lifesaver.

For long-haul flights, international trips or ones lasting more than six hours, consider taking your baby for a short walk around the cabin when the seatbelt sign is off. Feel free to greet the flight attendants, but be aware, your baby might become their favorite passenger!

How can I pop baby’s ears during/after a flight?

Changes in air pressure can cause discomfort to a baby, but there are strategies to help. Consider breastfeeding or offering a bottle during takeoff and landing, as the swallowing action helps clear your baby’s ears. A pacifier can also stimulate swallowing and provide the same benefit.

For toddlers, a drink from a sippy cup or a small snack might do the trick. Chewing and swallowing can help adjust their ear pressure.

If you’re nervous about your baby’s ear health for an upcoming trip, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before the flight for additional recommendations.

Where is the best place to breastfeed on the plane?

Where to breastfeed on a plane will largely depend on your comfort level and the type of aircraft. On wide-bodied aircraft with two aisles, some lavatories are larger and might offer more privacy. However, you’re more than welcome to breastfeed at your seat with a nursing cover.

Additionally, breastfeeding can help clear baby’s ears, so nursing during takeoff or landing may help alleviate any discomfort your baby might experience due to air pressure changes.

Where can I use a breast pump while flying? Is it rude to pump in the bathroom on a plane? And how/where can I clean all the bottles and pump parts, especially on long-haul flights?

You are absolutely allowed to use a breast pump while flying. Some parents feel more comfortable pumping in their seat with a nursing cover, while others prefer the privacy of the lavatory. Larger lavatories on wide-bodied aircrafts may offer a more comfortable space.

Cleaning pump parts can be challenging on a plane, as limited bottled water is stocked onboard. Using potable water from lavatory sinks or galley faucets is not recommended. Ideally, bring enough parts to last the flight without needing to clean anything. However, for lengthy flights or if packing additional items isn’t feasible on your trip, consider cleaning breast pump parts with bottled water and disinfectant wipes. As a flight attendant, I’d encourage you to ask the working crew for bottled water if needed. The crew is there to help.

No matter how you travel or how long it takes, it’s important to know how traveling impacts your little one’s body and behavior. Pediatric physical therapist Kailee Noland answers all your questions about keeping kiddo safe and happy during the long haul.

What is the longest a baby should be in a car seat on a road trip without getting out?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies (12 months old and younger) should only spend two to three hours in a car seat at a time, including on long road trips. This is because of how babies are positioned in a car seat, which can cause physical strain and restricted breathing after more than a couple of hours. It’s a statistic that many parents aren’t aware of and one that we definitely need to spread the word on, so be sure to send this article to a friend! (Editor’s note: Even though baby should only be in their car seat for two to three hours at a time, you can still make sure those couple of hours are nice and comfy. Check out our picks for the best car seats to see the absolute comfiest.)

Taking breaks during travel allows baby to stretch and move, plus it reduces the risk of plagiocephaly (or flat head syndrome). Remember, too, that car seats aren’t recommended as safe sleep devices. So while it may be tempting, when you reach your destination or a pit stop, please get baby up and out, even if it means having to wake them from their sweet slumber.

It’s not forever, though. Most experts agree that once a baby has the upright head and neck control to sit independently, you can begin driving longer stretches. While I know the two-hour rule may seem restricting, this is a great excuse to hunker down and stay home in those first few months to adjust, as your life has now changed, and family and friends can begin to make the effort to come to you!

If longer travel is unavoidable, here are some tips:

• Plan for your trip to take twice as long as normal. With all the stops and time allowing babe to stretch out, it’s wise to just plan this into the schedule.
• Do some gas station tummy time .
• Babywear while you take a quick walk around a park on your route. If you’re nearing the two hour limit, just check the next town en route and google “[Town Name] Park” or “[Town Name] Trail”; you’ll likely find a lovely spot for some fresh air and stretching your legs.
• When the adults need to stop to eat, be sure to take baby out of the carseat. You could babywear here, too.
• Have one parent sit in the back with baby to monitor temperature, breathing and overall comfort level. If this isn’t possible, use a travel-safe mirror or car camera to check on babe.

Keep in mind: If your child is premature or has any other medical conditions, always consult your pediatrician regarding their specific travel recommendations.

At what age is it okay to use a tablet for long trips?

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , screen time should be limited by age as follows:

• Prior to 18 months old, the only screen time should be video phone calls, which provide an active and involved experience for your child.
• Between 18 and 24 months, it’s recommended to only provide educational programming for less than one hour per day that you view with your child.
• Between two and five years old, limits are capped at one hour per day and three hours per weekend day.

These guidelines were created not only to protect your child from potentially harmful content, but also to promote optimal brain and body development. All that to say, my recommendation for independent tablet use in the car would be no sooner than two years of age. I also invite you to consider utilizing a device that isn’t actively connected to the internet or data during usage to prevent your child from accidentally stumbling onto something they shouldn’t.

For our family, we’ve always had fun utilizing a portable DVD player and headrest mount with DVDs we own or check out from the library. This ensures we’re able to control exactly what’s being viewed and the toddler/child isn’t in control of the buttons, causing potential driving distractions.

Of course, we all understand needing to entertain them in the car so you’re not stuck with a screaming toddler, but try the ideas mentioned here before resorting to screen time. Some of our favorites include:

• Activity books and sticker books
• Listening to music
• Listening to children’s stories on audiobook or podcast
• Pop-its or other car-safe toys

We also personally find that if our children have too much screen time on road trips, particularly near nap or bedtime, the blue light their eyes are taking in may reduce their sleep quality and make it difficult to get to sleep. You might consider investing in some child-sized blue light blockers to assist with combatting this issue.

How can I keep my toddler entertained in his car seat without using technological devices? Car rides often become screaming sessions!

Trust me. Been there. And it’s no fun. While I can’t guarantee a tantrum-free trip (because toddlers love to move , after all), I can give you lots of ideas that have helped make traveling with toddlers as smooth as possible!

Here are some of our favorite travel solutions:

• A portable audio player like the Yoto Mini
• Storytime podcasts
• Coloring books + Clickup markers (no more missing lids or lids that are choking hazards)
• Water painting books + reusable brushes you can fill with water
• Bubbles + the car vent
• Foam activity boards
• Playing “I spy”
• Suction spinning toys
• Car-safe non-projectile books (soft-cover only)
• Car-safe toys

Keep in mind: All items offered in the car shouldn’t be considered projectiles. This means the item should be lightweight and soft, so that in the case you got into a collision, it wouldn’t cause harm if thrown around the vehicle.

My toddler is good for about two hours of driving in a day (plus naptime), but then he screams at the very sight of his carseat, and it doesn’t really get better. I know this is normal, but when will things get better? Our family lives seven hours away, and it’s very hard to get there!

This is so tough—but our children have an innate desire to move! Think about how much we adjust in our car seats. Because of the restraints of child car seats, they’re often unable to wiggle and readjust as we are, leading them to feeling uncomfortable and fussy!

To help minimize the fuss:

• First, ensure that your kiddo’s car seat is installed properly for their weight and height and it’s at an appropriate incline angle. This eliminates whether or not significant discomfort might be what’s bothering them.
• We love to do playground pit stops to get out some energy. Often we’ll pack some snacks or grab food at a drive-through and instead of stopping at a gas station each time, we google “[Next Town] Playground” or use the Playground Buddy app . If it’s bad weather, consider exploring a nearby department store or wandering a grocery store for road trip snacks. If there’s more than one adult, you could also try having one adult take the child to the playground while the other packs the car. This already starts your little one off on a positive note with some of their movement needs fulfilled.
• Novelty is key. I often try to pack most of the activities I listed above in our travel caddy. I try to only offer one activity at a time and use “first, then” statements, like “First we’re going to color, and then we can watch a show.” Break up your screen time so you always have something fun and enticing to offer. Give them something to look forward to—maybe a special snack they get to have at your next stop.
• Consider breaking up your trip into two parts. We’ve enjoyed staying halfway in AirBnBs to make our trips more enjoyable for everyone!
• Some families also like to leave close to bedtime or very early in the morning to get a few “sleepy” hours for the kiddos in the car. Always be sure you’re not driving when you are too tired, though.
• Try playing a game of “I Spy,” but make it simpler by encouraging them to tell you when they see animals on the side of the road (we love to look for cows in the Midwest) or something that you know they might see often, like big trucks or billboards. Encourage them to look for shapes in the clouds or find things that are a certain color along your trip!
• Finally, know that it’ll improve with time! But it’s completely normal for your mover and shaker to not want to be confined to a seat for hours on end. And soon you will be at your destination and having fun!

How do you make a baby more comfortable in a car seat, especially for babies that find it hard to self-soothe in order to sleep in the car?

First, know that it’s completely normal for separation anxiety to increase in the car. While you can easily see them in the mirror, they may not be able to understand at a very young age that you’re right there with them. As mentioned previously, consider having one caregiver sit in the back next to them to ease their little minds.

And as always, make sure your car seat is installed properly for your baby’s age and size so they’re as comfortable as possible.

Something to note with car seats, too, is that traditional infant seats create a C-curve to the spine, which can be particularly uncomfortable for babies with reflux or for prolonged time spent in the car seat. Consider transitioning to a convertible car seat for improved comfort—just be sure the seat’s harness and weight limits accommodate your baby’s size safely!

Making the car environment as soothing as possible can help a lot, too. Maybe this means turning on white noise or their favorite lullabies. Try using a pacifier clip to prevent them losing their means of orally soothing.

Be sure to also offer stretch breaks at minimum every two hours to improve their physical comfort in the seat.

Be mindful of their body temperature and check to ensure they’re not too hot or too cold.

There are also many car-safe toys that you can offer if they’re at the age where they’re able to manipulate toys!

I hope these tips have been helpful and given you some ideas to try out on your next trip!

Kara Mulder

Flight attendant.

Kara Mulder, the aviation pro behind Flight Attendant Life , parlayed curiosity and an affinity for travel into careers as a private jet flight attendant and writer. Now based in Sydney, Australia, she’s crafting her debut memoir that draws from her rich life experiences. More about Kara and her work can be found at KJWattsAuthor.com .

Kailee Noland

Pediatric physical therapist, pt, dpt.

Dr. Kailee Noland, PT, DPT is a pediatric physical therapist and mama of two (soon to be three). She is a self-proclaimed baby & toddler enthusiast and is passionate about helping families incorporate developmental play into everyday routines and rhythms. She has also helped countless families feel empowered to choose the right shoes for their children. You can find support and encouragement in all things motherhood and motor milestones within The Movement Mama community.

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Traveling with Children

All passengers are required to undergo screening. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the child’s screening.

TSA standard screening procedures apply for children 13 years and older. Carry-on property of all passengers, regardless of age, must be screened. All passengers who alarm will undergo additional screening.

Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids

Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device.

Let the TSA officer know if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by a parent/guardian. You may carry your child through the WTMD. The TSA officer will not remove your child from their mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.

Request Assistance

TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and those that need additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. Call  TSA Cares 72 hours prior  to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint.

Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches)

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.

It’s helpful to the officers when formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.

TSA X-ray machines are not harmful to food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to resolve alarms. You or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Passengers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting  TSA Cares  or by phone at (855) 787-2227.

Screening of Children’s Items

• Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray.
• Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.

Screening Technology

Walk-Through Metal Detector

Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required.

Advanced Imaging Technology

If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.

You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child.

Screening your Child

• Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.
• Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
• Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.
• Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening
• Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.

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Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Jail for Poisoning His Baby with Antifreeze in Her Milk Bottle

Curtis Jack had previously “insisted” that the infant's mother terminate her pregnancy, police said

A man in South Fulton, Georgia, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for attempting to kill his baby daughter by poisoning her breast milk with antifreeze, authorities said.

On Oct. 1, 2020, Curtis Jack tampered with bottles of breastmilk he picked up from the newborn baby’s mother, according to the City of South Fulton Police Department .

The mother, who was also a coworker of Jack's, had been hospitalized after giving birth to their daughter on Sept. 24, 2020.

After Jack picked up the bottles and delivered them to the child’s grandmother — who was caring for the infant along with the woman’s other daughter at the time — the newborn became “critically ill” within a day, and was suspected of being poisoned, per police.

At the time, officers found that the daughter, who was just 18 days old, had suffered “serious injuries,” according to the South Fulton police .

She was then taken to a local children’s hospital, where she tested positive for ethylene glycol, a “chemical often found in automotive antifreeze,” authorities said.

Following an initial investigation, Jack was identified as a suspect, and warrants were obtained for a criminal attempt to commit murder and cruelty to children in the first degree, police said at the time.

Jack later admitted to adding antifreeze to the breastmilk to detectives, police added.

Authorities also learned that Jack and the baby’s mother had been in an “intimate relationship” since January 2020, and he had previously “insisted” that she terminate her pregnancy, the department said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 

Jack’s trial for the attempted murder of the child, now 3, included testimonies from “the child's mother, grandmother, law enforcement officers, and medical experts, including a demonstration of how easy it was to poison the breastmilk,” police said.

The jury ultimately found Jack guilty on all counts, South Fulton police announced on social media on April 11. He was sentenced to 50 years in jail and will serve 40 of them in custody.

“A special thanks to Madam Fani Willis and the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in obtaining justice for the victim and her mother,” South Fulton police wrote in a statement.

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Nestlé adds sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries, report finds

Swiss food firm’s infant formula and cereal sold in global south ignore WHO anti-obesity guidelines for Europe, says Public Eye

Nestlé, the world’s largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases, a report has found.

Campaigners from Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation, sent samples of the Swiss multinational’s baby-food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America to a Belgian laboratory for testing.

The results, and examination of product packaging, revealed added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido, a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above, and Cerelac, a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years.

In Nestlé’s main European markets, including the UK, there is no added sugar in formulas for young children. While some cereals aimed at older toddlers contain added sugar, there is none in products targeted at babies between six months and one year.

Laurent Gaberell, Public Eye’s agriculture and nutrition expert, said: “Nestlé must put an end to these dangerous double standards and stop adding sugar in all products for children under three years old, in every part of the world.”

Obesity is increasingly a problem in low- and middle-income countries . In Africa, the number of overweight children under five has increased by nearly 23% since 2000, according to the World Health Organization. Globally, more than 1 billion people are living with obesity.

It is not always easy for consumers in any country to tell whether a product contains added sugar, and how much is present, based on nutritional information printed on packaging alone. Labels often include naturally occurring sugars in milk and fruit under the same heading as any added sugars.

WHO guidelines for the European region say no added sugars or sweetening agents should be permitted in any food for children under three. While no guidance has been specifically produced for other regions, researchers say the European document remains equally relevant to other parts of the world.

The UK recommends that children under four avoid food with added sugars because of risks including weight gain and tooth decay. US government guidelines recommend avoiding foods and drinks with added sugars for those younger than two.

In its report , written in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network, Public Eye said data from Euromonitor International, a market-research company, revealed global retail sales of above $1bn (£800m) for Cerelac. The highest figures are in low- and middle-income countries, with 40% of sales just in Brazil and India.

Dr Nigel Rollins, a medical officer at the WHO, said the findings represented “a double standard […] that can’t be justified”.

Biscuit-flavoured cereals for babies aged six months and older contained 6g of added sugar for every serving in Senegal and South Africa, researchers found. The same product sold in Switzerland has none.

Tests on Cerelac products sold in India showed, on average, more than 2.7g of added sugar for every serving.

In Brazil, where Cerelac is known as Mucilon, two out of eight products were found to have no added sugar but the other six contained nearly 4g for each serving. In Nigeria, one product tested had up to 6.8g .

Meanwhile, tests on products from the Nido brand, which has worldwide retail sales of more than $1bn, revealed significant variation in sugar levels.

In the Philippines, products aimed at toddlers contain no added sugar. However, in Indonesia, Nido baby-food products, sold as Dancow, all contained about 2g of added sugar per 100g of product in the form of honey, or 0.8g a serving.

In Mexico, two of the three Nido products available for toddlers contained no added sugar, but the third contained 1.7g per serving. Nido Kinder 1+ products sold in South-Africa, Nigeria and Senegal all contained nearly 1g per serving, the report said.

A Nestlé spokesperson said: “We believe in the nutritional quality of our products for early childhood and prioritise using high-quality ingredients adapted to the growth and development of children.”

She said that within the “highly regulated” category of baby food, Nestlé always complied “with local regulations or international standards, including labelling requirements and thresholds on carbohydrate content that encompasses sugars” and declared total sugars in its products, including those coming from honey.

Variations in recipes depended on factors including regulation and availability of local ingredients, she said.

The company has reduced the total amount of added sugars in its infant cereals portfolio by 11% worldwide over the past decade, she said, and continued to reformulate products to reduce them further.

Sucrose and glucose syrup were being phased out of “growing-up milks” aimed at toddlers worldwide, she added.

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Nestlé Adds Sugar to Baby Milk and Cereal in Poorer Nations, Report Finds

F ood and beverage giant Nestlé adds sugar and honey to its infant milk and cereal products in developing countries but not in European markets, according to a new report published Wednesday.

In a joint investigation, Zurich-based watchdog Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) sent popular baby food samples in Asia, Latin America, and Africa from Nestlé—the world’s largest consumer goods corporation worth $265.57 Billion of April 2024—to a testing laboratory in Belgium. The study examined 150 products sold by the company in low and middle-income nations, including best-selling brands Cerelac and Nido.

“We targeted sugar because that's the number one enemy when it comes to nutritional health,” Laurent Gaberell, Public Eye’s agriculture and nutrition expert, tells TIME. “Exposure to sugar at an early age of babies and infants can be very problematic. It's one of the key factors behind the obesity crisis. If babies are exposed to sugar, they basically have a higher risk of being obese later, and suffering adverse health outcomes such as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases.”

The results of the testing found that “almost all” Cerelac wheat-based cereals by Nestlé in those regions, targeted at infants from six months of age, contained added sugar equivalent to an average of 4 grams per serving, or a sugar cube. The highest volume of sugar added to a product, at 7.3 grams per serving, was detected in the Philippines, followed by 6.8 grams in Nigeria and 5.9 grams in Senegal. Additionally, seven out of 15 countries did not declare on product labels that sugar was added.

Meanwhile Nido powdered-milk products aimed at toddlers aged one to three contained almost two grams of added sugar per serving, with milk powder in Panama recording highs of 5.3 grams. This was followed by findings of 4.7 grams of sugar per portion in Nicaragua, and 1.8 grams in Mexico. 

Public Eye and IBFAN found that sugar was not added to equivalent products in Nestlé’s home nation Switzerland, as well as other major European markets in Germany, the U.K. and France. The report calls this “double standard that is unjustifiable and problematic,” both from an ethnic and public health standpoint.

There are currently more than 1 billion people around the world living with obesity. 

In a statement to TIME, a spokesperson for Nestlé said: “Baby food is a highly regulated category. Everywhere we operate, our portfolio complies with local regulations or international standards, including labeling requirements and thresholds on carbohydrate content that encompasses sugars.” 

Gaberell says that it’s difficult to decipher how much sugar is added to a product, as most manufacturers only disclose total sugar content, which can include “basically harmless” natural sugars found in fruit and vegetables. India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Africa are nations that disclose added sugars in Cerelac baby cereals, while countries like: Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nigeria, Senegal, do not.

The World Health Organization (WHO) European guidelines recommend that no sugars or sweetening agents should be used in food for children under the age of three. There is no other regional guidance, but the European suggestion is internationally applicable. 

Meanwhile U.S. government guidelines suggest children younger than two years old should avoid added sugars, and the U.K. marks this limit at children under four. Gaberell says there is a growing consensus around the world for babies to avoid early consumption of sugar. 

“The only reason why Nestlé does it is basically because they know that kids like sugar and they will come back and want their product,” says Gaberell. “It's just to increase the sales of their product.” 

Nestlé says that it has reduced the amount of sugar added to its worldwide portfolio of infant cereals by 11% over the last decade. The spokesperson said total sugars are declared in Nestlé products and that Nido and Cerelac products have “slight variations in recipes” due to regulations and availability of local ingredients.

Public Eye and IBFAN’s report noted that influencer marketing was a major strategy employed by Nestlé. Gaberell said the company uses “mom influencers” and health specialists in paid partnerships that “mislead” the average consumer. Gaberell also notes that the paid partnerships can look like trustworthy expert advice compared to conventional advertising methods.

“You'll find online social media nutritionists, pediatricians, doctors, that promote Nestlé products, NIDO and Cerelac products as healthy for kids as good for their immunity, good for their brain development” says Gaberell. “The problem is that they are targeting moms and parents with that kind of content.”

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Sammy’s Milk Providing a Warning Against the Use of Goat Milk Toddler Formula as Infant Formula

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Company Announcement

Newport Beach, California - Sammy's Milk, a local company, has been asked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide a warning against the use of its Goat Milk Toddler Formula as an infant formula because the FDA is concerned that the formula may not meet all FDA requirements for infant formula and may be unsafe and not provide sufficient nutrition when used as an infant formula. These concerns were provided to Sammy’s Milk in a meeting with FDA this week that identified representations on the Sammy’s Milk website and social media platforms that could be interpreted to indicate the product is safe for infants to consume.

Sammy’s Milk wants to emphasize that its product is specifically formulated for children between the ages of 12 and 36 months, as clearly indicated on its packaging and website. The product at issue was only available online, and included lot code SD348, with a “Best by” date of August of 2025.

While Sammy’s Milk takes pride in providing a nutritious and wholesome option for toddlers, it is crucial that users adhere to the recommended age range for the consumption of our product. Sammy's Milk does not recommend the use of Goat Milk Toddler Formula for infants under 12 months of age. If you are feeding our product to an infant, we recommend that you stop doing so because the FDA has concerns that Goat Milk Toddler Formula does not meet all FDA requirements for infant formula and may be unsafe and not provide sufficient nutrition when used as an infant formula.

As a company dedicated to the health and well-being of children, we prioritize transparency and accuracy in our product information. We encourage caregivers and parents to always follow age-specific recommendations and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance on infant nutrition.

For further inquiries or clarification regarding the appropriate use of Sammy's Milk Goat Milk Toddler Formula, please contact our customer service team at [email protected] .

Sammy’s Milk 3419 Via Lido, Suite 430 Newport Beach, California USA 92663 Phone: 949-646-GOAT (Pacific Time) Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm

About Sammy's Milk Sammy's Milk is committed to providing nutritious and high-quality toddler nutrition products to support healthy growth and development. Our Goat Milk Toddler Formula is carefully crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. With a focus on transparency and integrity, Sammy's Milk strives to be a trusted partner in promoting the health and well-being of children. For more information, visit sammysmilk.com .

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Georgia father sentenced to 50 years for poisoning his newborn's breastmilk with antifreeze

A Georgia father was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Thursday for using antifreeze mixed in breastmilk to poison his 18-day-old daughter four years ago.

Curtis Jack was arrested on Oct. 16, 2020, after his daughter became sick and tested positive for ethylene glycol — a chemical found in antifreeze.

Investigators said Jack had picked up bottles of breastmilk from the child’s mother two weeks earlier while she was hospitalized after giving birth to their child.

“After delivering the breastmilk to the child’s grandmother, who was also caring for the woman’s other daughter, the child became critically ill within 24 hours, suspected of being poisoned. Jack admitted to adding antifreeze to the breastmilk to South Fulton Police Department detectives,” police said in a statement on social media.

Police said Jack admitted he added antifreeze to his newborn daughter’s milk to avoid paying child support.

“During the trial, the State presented testimonies from the child’s mother, grandmother, law enforcement officers, and medical experts, including a demonstration of how easy it was to poison the breastmilk,” South Fulton police said.

Automotive antifreeze, even if ingested in small amounts, is extremely toxic according to poisonhelp.org . Symptoms can include drowsiness, vomiting, kidney damage and death.

The child’s mother declined to speak out following Jack’s sentencing but said the child is doing fine.

Noah Osborne is a news associate with NBC News Digital.

Sammy’s Milk Providing a Warning Against the Use of Goat Milk Toddler Formula as Infant Formula