Traveling with a baby can feel like you’re packing for a small army, and when it comes to food, the rules can get confusing fast. I still remember my first time flying with baby food pouches—I was so nervous about getting held up at security!
“Would they make me throw them away? Were they even allowed?”
Spoiler alert: baby food pouches are allowed on planes! Now that I’ve done it a few times (and learned some tricks the hard way), I’m here to make it easier for you.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to breeze through TSA with your baby’s favorite snacks intact.
✈️ My Favorite Baby Flight Items
Flying with a baby? These are the things that actually made it easier:
- Ergobaby Carrier – Supportive, comfy, and lets baby face out to see what’s going on.
- Doona Stroller – Stroller and car seat in one. So convenient for airports and getting in/out of cars.
- Elvie Wearable Pumps – Wireless, quiet, and super discreet. I’ve used it on car rides, walks, and even at a wedding under my coat.
- Pop-it Fidget Spinner – Always in my diaper bag. My 1-year-old loves it, my 4-year-old still plays with it. Great for planes, restaurants, anywhere we need quiet fun.
- Comotomo Baby Bottles – Soft, easy to hold, and never leaked in my bag or on the plane.
- Quick Clean Pump Wipes – I’ve used these on pump parts, bottles, airplane seat tables, restaurant high chairs. So versatile.
- Silicone Travel Bottles – TSA-sized and great for baby’s shampoo, lotion, or soap. No spills.
Understanding TSA Rules for Baby Food
TSA, or the Transportation Security Administration, has rules in place to keep everyone safe, which means they screen all carry-on items for prohibited liquids.
TSA Liquid Rule
Here’s the scoop: You typically need to put liquids and gels in a quart-sized bag, with each container being 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Anything larger must go in your checked luggage.
Exceptions To This Rule For Medically-Necessary Items
Good News for Parents: When it comes to babies and toddlers, there are exceptions! You can bring more than 3.4 oz of certain liquids because they’re considered “medically necessary.”
This includes:
- Toddler Drinks
- Baby and Toddler Food
- Pre-mixed Liquid Formula
- Breast Milk: Liquid or frozen (No need for your baby to be present; I’ve done this while traveling for work!)
- Ice Packs: To keep any of the above items cool
- Liquid/Gel Medications and Creams
Yup, it’s all true! If you don’t believe me, you can check out the official TSA website.
Tips for Getting Baby Food Pouches Through TSA Faster
1. Let the TSA officer know if you have liquids above 3.4 oz (100 ml)
If your items exceed the 3.4 oz limit, simply say, “I have fruit pouches,” or “I have baby food.” This heads-up helps the process run smoother.
2. Place baby food in a separate bin for screening
Baby food is considered a liquid and will get pulled for extra inspection. If you leave it in your diaper bag or your carry-on luggage, then the TSA agent will have to inspect the entire bag that it is in, potentially pulling out every single item from the bag to confirm that the baby food is the only liquid. It’s a hassle to re-pack your bag, especially while handling a baby at the airport.
3. Expect an additional screening for the liquids
Once the TSA agents confirm which items are liquids, they’ll either do a manual check or swab the outside of the container with a strip or open it and hover a strip above it to analyze it in their machine.
4. Consider placing your food pouches in your check-in luggage if you’re not going to eat it on the plane
This saves you time at security by avoiding the extra screening altogether.
FAQs About Flying With Baby Food Pouches
Does TSA allow bringing baby food pouches over 3.4 oz (or 100 ml) onto the plane, even though they limit liquids?
Yes! Baby food pouches are considered a medically necessary liquid, so you can bring more than the standard 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit. Because they are liquids, they will still go through an additional screening process.
You can verify this on the official TSA rules regarding baby food and toddler food here.
Do I need to declare baby food at airport security?
Although you are not expected to declare that “I have baby food pouches,” I recommend it because as a liquid, it will be pulled from the conveyer belt during the TSA security screening. This heads-up will just make the process smoother.
Will baby food pouches explode on airplane?
In my experience, baby food pouches do NOT explode on airplanes! I have personally brought baby food pouches in my carry-on backpack on the flight and placed them in my check-in luggage. However, just because they don’t explode doesn’t mean they can’t be punctured by other items in the check-in luggage.
Pro-Tip: I recommend putting all of your baby food pouches inside of a large Ziplock bag in case of any leakages or punctures. That way, even if 1 baby food pouch leaks, the rest are safe and good to eat!
Can I bring homemade baby food on a flight?
Yes, you can bring homemade baby food. Just ensure it’s stored in a leak-proof container and that you place it in a separate bin during TSA screening.
Are there any restrictions on the amount of baby food I can bring?
There are no specific limits on the amount of baby food you can bring, but it should be reasonable for your travel needs.
Can I pack baby food pouches in my checked luggage?
Yes, you can pack baby food in your checked luggage. I would carry-on the baby food that I plan to feed the baby onto the plane, and check-in the rest (or not pack so much baby food and instead buy it at my destination). That being said, keeping it with you in your carry-on is safer to avoid any temperature changes.
How can I keep baby food pouches from spoiling during travel?
Most baby food pouches can be kept at room temperature, but once open, they need to be refrigerated. As an alternative, you can keep baby food pouches in a cooler bag with ice packs (yes the cooler and ice packs are also on the “medically necessary” list of items that you can fly with), especially if you’re traveling for an extended period or in hot weather.
Read more on the official TSA rules regarding coolers and ice packs here.
Can I bring formula or breast milk along with baby food?
Yes, you can bring formula and breast milk through security. Breast milk and formula are considered “medically necessary,” so you can bring more than 3.4 oz (100ml) on the plane. If these are in liquid form (breast milk is liquid instead of frozen or formula is premixed liquid formula instead of powder), then it is typically subject to an additional screening.
Learn more about how to bring breast milk and formula through TSA and the screening processes and tips to expedite the process.
Will baby food pouches explode on an airplane?
While it’s unlikely, changes in cabin pressure can cause some pouches to expand. To minimize the risk, ensure they are not overfilled and store them in a sturdy bag.
Can I bring ice packs to keep my baby food pouches cold?
Yes, you can! Ice packs are allowed if they are being used to cool medically necessary items, such as baby food pouches.
Read more on the official TSA rules regarding coolers and ice packs here.
What snacks do you recommend bringing on an airplane?
Some great snacks to bring include:
- Puffed snacks (like puffed rice or corn)
- Fruit pouches (easy to squeeze and eat)
- Cheese sticks or cubes
- Yogurt melts
- Mini crackers
- Dried fruit (like apple slices or banana chips)
- Veggie sticks (like baby carrots or cucumber slices)
What are some tips for keeping my baby entertained on a long haul flight?
Bring along some new toys, crinkle books, or snacks to keep your baby engaged during the journey. Interactive snacks, like pouches they can squeeze, can also be fun!
Get more activity ideas for flying with a baby.
Will my cooler count as a carry-on?
This depends on the airline, but in my experience, the cooler is usually treated as a personal item since it can fit under your seat, not a carry-on item.
What should I carry-on the plane besides baby food pouches?
Check out the Baby Airplane Packing List and a printable Baby Flight Checklist.
What is the process of flying with a baby?
Check out my blog post on How To Fly With a Baby: Everything You Need to Know because it covers what documents you need, checking in luggage, the TSA screening process, some family-friendly places at the airport, and how to fly with car seats and strollers. I also cover options for flying with car seats and activities for entertaining a baby on a flight in detail.
Final Thoughts: Flying With Baby Food Pouches
Traveling with little ones can feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to flying with baby food and pureed pouches. But with a bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful!
By keeping TSA regulations in mind and packing your favorite snacks, you can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Embrace the adventure, stay flexible, and celebrate the small wins along the way—like a successful security check or a happy baby enjoying their favorite pouch mid-flight.
So, the next time you plan a trip, take a deep breath, pack those pouches, and remember: you’ve got this! Safe travels, and may your journeys be filled with joy and precious memories!
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