baby food for travelling by air

FREE WORKSHOP:

Baby led weaning (but make it purees), get our step-by-step plan for safely and gradually transitioning your baby from purees to finger foods at your — and your baby’s — own pace, (plus get a free bonus, the texture timeline™ starter guide), spots are limited.

• Blog , Blog - Baby , Blog - Recipe

Baby food for travel: what to pack when you’re on the go

• May 20, 2024
• No Comments

Edwena Kennedy, RD

• Originally Published: July 31, 2019

This post may contain affiliate links, please view our disclosure policy for more details.

When you have a BLW baby, sometimes the hassle of figuring out what to feed them while traveling or on the go seems like more work than it’s worth. But it doesn’t have to be stressful!

We’ve got a list of 15 easy, MINIMAL MESS, and portable finger foods you can pack as a snack, or combine to make meals. We’ve also included important safety tips to consider when feeding your baby outside their normal mealtime environment.

Table of Contents

These solid foods work whether you’re on a plane, at the park, or in a restaurant. The occasional purée pouch or store-bought baby food jar or even some homemade baby food in a reusable container is fine, and will always have its benefits (hellooo convenience and mess-free eating!).

That said…we’d argue that packing whole foods can be even easier! It means that you don’t have to deal with wrappers and messy containers or utensils. Plus, you’ll be continuing to expose your baby led weaning baby to a variety of real food, real flavors, and advanced textures . 

We’re big on minimizing processed foods for babies (and adults!) as much as possible. We also really want to encourage you to keep those more advanced texture exposures coming.

We FULLY understand that this is hard – time doesn’t allow for it sometimes – and that’s when those pureed options can be a lifesaver. A bit here and there won’t hurt!

Helping you keep these things in mind as you navigate this world of feeding your baby is our job. We’re hoping this list will remove any guesswork, so packing finger foods for an adventure out with your little one will be the easiest part of getting ready to go!

Best travel food for babies

One thing we want to make sure you keep in mind with these travel food ideas is the age and development of your baby. Some of these options are going to require pincer grasp …so if your baby is just starting on solid foods, they won’t be ready for those options yet. 

For younger babies, you’re going to want to choose the options that are in finger shapes so they aren’t struggling to eat them because that will just end in frustration for both of you. If your baby is a bit older and already has their pincer grasp developed, or is practicing it, any of these options will be a good fit!

Hard-boiled eggs

Super simple to prep, plus they provide an easy source of protein and healthy fats for your baby. Keep them in a container with an ice pack, cut into wedges, and feed to your baby anywhere!

Cooked pasta

This is perfect as an easy snack or meal idea on the go. Pair the pasta with cheese or beans for a full meal ! You can also opt to pack pulse-based pasta , such as chickpea pasta for an added protein boost on its own.

Nothing beats a food that comes in its own packaging! To serve it to your baby, simply peel the banana and press your finger into the center at the top. The banana will come apart in 3 equal wedges making the perfect finger foods to offer your baby with essentially no prep at all.

Canned beans or chickpeas

Another simple option, and you don’t even need to cook them ahead of time! Just rinse, dump into a container, and go! Bonus points for squeezing some lemon juice on top too for added vitamin C to improve the iron absorption from the beans.

We recommend buying ones that are canned with a BPA free lining, and that have no added salt, especially when offering to babies. While we need to be a bit more cautious when it comes to salt for babies , we don’t want you to panic either. Give the beans an extra rinse and monitor salt intake over the rest of the day or the next day to balance things out.

Slightly smush the beans before serving to remove the rounded shape, as it can be a choking hazard . To learn how to safely serve foods according to our signature Texture Timeline™, with videos showing exactly how to prepare them, check out our Baby Led Feeding online course to get access to our exclusive Food Library.

Shredded cheese

Cheese is a great source of protein for babies, as well as a good source of fat – both of which babies need for proper growth and development. And as an added bonus, it’s usually a favorite among most babies! 

Please note that we’re recommending shredded cheese, not cubes . Cubes are a choking hazard for babies, as they’re the right size to block or conform to the airway. We prefer shredded, unless you can get a very, very thin slice. 

For babies without their pincer grasp , you can still offer this to them, you’ll just need a baby plate or bowl to pile the cheese up in – making a stack. This will allow them to use their palmar grasp to rake the cheese into their hand and bring it to their mouth.

Watch the video below for more info on how to safely prepare cheese for babies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baby Led Feeding (Starting Solids) & Toddler Feeding (@mylittleeater)

Fresh fruit

Fruit is a great option, but you’re gonna want to stick with mess-free varieties! 

Stewed pears or apples would be our top choice – no staining! You can also do kiwi wedges, plums, or oranges. These may be ever so slightly messy because there could be some fruit juice running down your baby’s chin and hands, but it’s nothing a baby wipe can’t handle.

We think fresh berries are just too messy – mashed bits of berry plus juice that stains…no thanks! But if you’re feeling risky – go for it!

Another benefit is that many fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C – like oranges – and therefore pair nicely with beans to boost iron absorption – something babies need a lot of! And if you pair that with the pasta and shredded cheese, you have all the pieces of our FFP+P rule for a complete, balanced meal that’s perfect for baby led weaning!

F at, F iber, and P rotein make up our FFP rule for building a balanced plate – but – adding P roduce really rounds out the meal and helps get babies and toddlers the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.

We also want to make a note about freeze-dried fruit because it’s something we get asked about a lot. Some freeze-dried fruits will be safe to serve to your baby, typically strawberries are ok, but we still recommend waiting until around 9-10 months before offering them. We also suggest testing them yourself first to see if they melt in your mouth.

We’ve tried many varieties; some are very chewy – typically apples and mango are – and some melt perfectly. It also depends on how fresh they are when you purchase them. So to play it safe, always test one before giving it to your baby and wait until they’re a bit older with more experience chewing advanced textures.

Toast strips

Super easy for on-the-go! Just toast bread and cut into thin strips – coat with a bit of butter to soften them up slightly. But, for the sake of mess-free travel foods, avoid things like nut butter or hummus, unless you’re able to wash up somewhere! 

Remember, fresh, untoasted bread is a choking hazard . If you’re looking for more info on toasting bread for your baby, serving it in a safe manner, or need ideas for what else to try on top, check out our post on toast toppings for babies and toddlers .

Roasted veggies

Sounds complicated we know, but we suggest keeping a bunch of these prepped ahead of time for easy meal ideas throughout the week. Make a big batch a couple of times per week and pull from it whenever you need to. It’s perfect for easy snacks and throwing together meals on busy days!

If you can meal prep these, then there’s nothing easier than just putting these in a container and offering them to your baby, any time of day.

Some good veggies to try are bell peppers and zucchini. We would avoid things like roasted sweet potatoes because they get so mushy that your baby will end up with orange mash all over them!

If you like this simple idea, listen to our podcast for more meal-prepping tips !

Baby pancakes

Ok, this one involves some cooking, but it’s easy – promise!

Mix together 1 ripe banana, 2 eggs, and a dash of cinnamon. Scoop batter into a skillet and cook on low-medium heat until lightly brown, flipping once when you can see bubbles along the outer edge.

Let them cool, cut into strips, and pack into a container. There you have it – simple, baby banana pancakes for on the go!

Yogurt melts

Homemade options will be tricky to pack and keep cold enough so that they don’t melt, but if you’re packing a cooler with lots of ice and know you’ll be serving them fairly soon after leaving, it could work.

A similar alternative would be to pack a store-bought option – they’re typically freeze-dried so they’re not messy like packing homemade yogurt melts would be. And they’re definitely less messy than packing regular yogurt!

Our favorites are the Amara Smoothie Melts . These are actually plant-based, so if your little one has an allergy or sensitivity to dairy these will be perfectly fine for them too.

They have no added sugars, fillers, or other additives – just simple, clean ingredients that we love! They come in lots of yummy flavors with various fruits and veggies blended right in and they come in a resealable bag, making them perfect for snacking on the go.

Use code LITTLEEATER15 for 15% off your purchase.

Tofu strips

This one is another super simple one to pack, in fact, it’s our favorite protein for on the go ! You have two options here… 

• Pan-fry tofu for 1-2 minutes on each side. Include a bit of flavor in there too for your baby, try some turmeric, dill, or paprika. Let cool, and pack in a container to go. 
• Or buy Soyganic smoked tofu as another option – it’s non-gmo, organic and there’s no need to cook it. Just slice it, pack, and go. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

It’s the perfect texture for a baby, no crumbly mess, and offers lots of calcium and protein. Plus, pair it with a fruit high in vitamin C, like some orange wedges, and you’ve got a great source of iron too!

Thawed peas (from frozen)

We know that a lot of parents worry about serving these without cooking them first, but you don’t have to! Just dump some frozen peas into a container and let them thaw out over a couple of hours until you’re ready to eat. Plus, the cold peas keep everything else you pack nice and cold too. Fast food at its finest!

And we know what you’re thinking…peas need to be mashed right? No, they don’t. They’re actually not considered a choking hazard because they’re so soft and are so easily mashed in your baby’s mouth.

It’s round, hard foods that you want to look out for, like grapes. But if it makes you feel more comfortable, there’s no harm in giving them a quick squish before offering them to your baby.

Homemade muffins

One more yummy option is a homemade muffin or mini muffins – and we’ve got three ideas for them.

Option 1: Pastry muffins

Choose baby led weaning healthy recipes with no honey and no added sugar , besides some fruit. You can even freeze muffins and pull them from the freezer anytime you need one in a jiffy.

Option 2: Egg muffins

These are also great to keep in the freezer and pull out when you need them. Mix some eggs with whatever veggies and spices you’d like and bake them in a muffin tin – so easy!

You will need to pack those in a cooler, but there’s no mess and tons of nutrition so they make one of the most perfect on the go meal ideas!

We have a recipe available in our 60 Day Baby Led Feeding Meal plan . The plan also includes the strategic introduction of top allergens, a gradual progression in textures following our Texture Timeline™, directions on how to serve foods as a puree or finger food, weekly grocery lists, and more!

Option 3: Chicken curry rice cups

Ok, these aren’t technically a muffin – but – they’re an absolute favorite among the My Little Eater family!

We’ve included the recipe below . These are a full meal in and of themselves and are another option that can be easily prepped for the week ahead.

Top 3 tips for picking the best travel food for babies

The list above is fairly comprehensive, but we know everyone has their own tastes. If you’re considering bringing something from home that isn’t on our top travel food list, think about these three tips while packing.

Choose something mess-free

The image below is definitely not a scenario you want to get stuck in when out and about with your baby! While it’s super cute and funny when it happens at home, this is less than ideal on a plane, or in a restaurant, for example.

That’s why, in general, most people are looking to pack mess-free foods (or minimal mess…nothing is really mess-free with baby led weaning).

We recommend avoiding anything with sauce, any casseroles, or anything that requires a utensil – unless you’re feeding the baby yourself (and they’ll let you do that). Think yogurt , applesauce…that type of thing. 

Nothing is more messy than a baby refusing to let you spoon-feed them and then dunking their hands into a container of applesauce! It quickly gets everywhere – we’ve learned the hard way.

And while we know moms love to be prepared for the worst – and often pack more for an outing than is needed. Let’s save those extra clothes for blowouts…those happen when you least expect it and you don’t want to waste your spare outfit on a messy meal!

Don't stress about serving food hot

While you absolutely need to consider whether food needs to be kept cold or not, you don’t need to worry about serving it cold or hot. Don’t stress if you can’t heat some of these foods, room temperature is fine. 

Food safety rules are your top priority.

This leads us to our next point…if you’re out for more than 4 hours or traveling in the heat, throw an ice pack in your bag to preserve the food for longer. Babies are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, so you don’t want to take any risks with their food, just pack the ice pack (or frozen peas).

Don't overpack

Something to keep in mind when traveling with a baby led weaning baby is that babies don’t need snacks between 6-10 months of age . After that, they need no more than 1, maybe 2 solid food snacks. 

This means that if your baby gets hungry while you’re out, breast milk or formula will continue to do the job most times!

It may just be main meals, and as mentioned, 1-2 solid food snacks (maybe one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon) that you offer as they get closer and closer to one year of age . 

So, you don’t need to pack very much, especially if you’re just starting your baby on solids . We recommend packing a few pieces of each food that you’re bringing per meal.

And remember, if they eat all of it and still seem hungry – don’t worry! Breast milk or formula can fill in this gap for now. They won’t starve, and it won’t cause any confusion or anything else you may hear – promise.

Check out our sample schedules for how many meals to offer based on their age, including milk feedings as well.

What else you should pack

As much as we prepare for no-mess meal ideas, we also need to prepare for our baby to surprise us and make a mess anyways…it’s just what they do! So make sure you also pack…

• Bibs – long sleeved ones are the best for keeping clothes clean
• Baby wipes or washcloths
• A silicone suction mat (this is helpful to keep food contained as much as possible in one place)
• Silicone plate with a lid to store all the food – these Bumkins ones are our favorites
• Travel booster seat

If you’re going a longer distance than just a day-trip out and about, check out our blog on feeding babies while on vacation for more of our tips and suggestions on what to pack.

Safety tips for feeding solid foods on the go

Feeding babies comes with a risk no matter where you are, or what type of feeding you’re doing (purées or baby led weaning).

That being said, when on the go, you should be extra careful of choking, especially if your baby is not seated in a proper highchair, or is moving around while eating. Both of which are likely when you’re out and about doing fun things – it happens! 

Here are our major safety tips to keep in mind…

1. Seat baby in someone else’s lap

That’s right, let grandma or grandpa get some snuggles while the baby eats because choking is usually silent. This way, you have the best front view of your baby eating to make sure you catch anything happening right away in case, God forbid, they begin to choke.

It also helps if you’re prepared ahead of time by taking an infant CPR course . Our favorite online option is by Safe Beginnings – it’s taught by a certified instructor and child safety expert, so you’re getting the best info available to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Take 20% off with code MYLITTLEEATER too!

2. Pull over before feeding in the car

If required to feed in the car, try and pull over before feeding. Feeding in a car is not our favorite, but we know that sometimes it’s just unavoidable. A moving car is even more of a risk, so if you can, pull over first before offering food. 

Feeding while in a moving car can increase their choking risk as bumps and turns can cause babies to lose control of the food in their mouth, making it more likely to become lodged in their throat.

If that happens, you then have to find a safe space to pull over to have enough room to perform any kind of maneuver on your baby. This takes up precious time, and that’s not a panic we want you to experience – ever.

Additionally, we really don’t recommend feeding in a car seat, if at all possible. Your baby is not in the correct position for feeding because they aren’t fully upright. This means that their airway isn’t fully open, which again, can increase their choking risk. 

Instead, try to find a safe place to park where you can get out of the car to stretch your legs and take your baby out to sit on someone’s lap to feed. At least this way they’re able to sit upright and have an open airway.

3. Avoid feeding in a stroller

You’re probably seeing a theme here, but again, the point is to keep them sitting upright. If a highchair isn’t available, someone else’s lap is the next best option as opposed to a stroller, car seat, etc.

Ok – there you have it! Keep things simple, remember that fast food can mean simple finger foods from home, and enjoy your time out with your little one!

Want to learn how to feed your baby led weaning baby all the foods mentioned in this post, and more? Check out our Baby Led Feeding online course for a step-by-step plan for starting solids, including videos that show how to safely serve all foods like a pro. You’ll have the confidence you need to feed your baby at home, and on the go!

Chicken Curry Rice Cups

• 1 muffin pan (12 cups)
• 1 mixing bowl (large)

Ingredients    1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup parboiled rice (cooked)
• 1 cup spinach (chopped small)
• 1 cup carrots (finely diced)
• 4 tsp curry powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup cooked chicken (finely chopped)
• 3/4 cup full-fat, plain, Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions  

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables and cook until moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
• Add seasonings and stir. Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine chicken, eggs, yogurt, cooled cooked rice, and 3/4 cup cheese. Then add veggies and mix until well incorporated.
• Divide mixture into a greased (or silicone) 12 cup muffin pan. Sprinkle remainder of cheese on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes until lightly browned. Make sure the top isn't too crispy. Enjoy!

Pin it to save for later!

Founder and lead Registered Pediatric Dietitian at My Little Eater Inc., creator of The Texture Timeline™, and mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eaters.

More blogs like this...

How to safely feed your baby while on holidays

A realistic example of the first 7 days of starting solids (+ simple baby meals)

Best first foods for baby led weaning at 6 months

SHARE THIS POST

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

meet edwena

Registered pediatric dietitian, mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eater, and the creator of the Texture Timeline™ – an exclusive tool to help move your baby through easy to more advanced purees and finger foods to prevent picky eating.

You may also like...

Baby's 115 First Foods Checklist

60 Day Baby Led Feeding Meal Plan

My Little Eater App (for apple/android)

scared to transition to finger foods?

Join the FREE workshop

Baby led weaning...but make it purees!

Get our proven, step-by-step plan for transitioning your baby from Purees to Finger Foods, texture by texture, so you can ease your fears about choking and gagging, all while helping your little eater develop their eating skills and an adventurous appetite.

Plus get The Texture Timeline™ Starter Guide for free when you stay until the end of the workshop. This tool breaks down the 4 phases, what kinds of foods to safely feed your baby during each phase, and when to progress to the next phase.

THE COURSES

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions  | Disclaimer | Disclosure

Rate This Recipe

We are an independent publisher. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Next” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. The compensation we receive and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear on our site, and how, where, and in what order ads and links appear. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, our site does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. So, your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this site. And the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (“advertiser listing”); and general information about credit card products (“editorial content”). Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Apply Now” button or “Learn More” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. When you click on that hyperlink or button, you may be directed to the credit card issuer’s website where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. We have partnerships with advertisers such as Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. We also include editorial content to educate consumers about financial products and services. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers’ sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links.

For more information, please see How we make money .

What to know about going through TSA with baby food

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money .

Bringing your little one along for a trip is a great way to bond and make lifelong family memories. Flying with your baby doesn’t need to be intimidating or stressful, and neither does getting their food through TSA. Your baby’s food is the most important thing you’ll travel with, and you’re permitted to bring frozen and bottled breast milk, as well as juices and formula for your baby on planes. All you need to do is plan ahead and budget more time at the airport! 

TSA policies regarding baby food

TSA allows baby food in your carry-on bag — don’t leave your child’s food in your checked bag and risk it all getting lost in transit! Pack your formula, breast milk or juice in TSA pouches . When you arrive at TSA with your carry-on full of baby food, be sure to inform the TSA agent that you are traveling with the food before you begin your screening process. TSA will ask you to take these items out of your bag and will screen them through a separate process. 

All formula, breast milk and juice will go through an X-ray screening process, the same one as your checked bag. TSA may need to test your liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items and may request you to open them. If you don’t want your baby food open, you can deny this request — additional steps will be taken by TSA to ensure they’re safe for travel without opening. 

Formula, breast milk and juices are an exemption under the 3-1-1 liquids rule for flying. This means that you can bring them in quantities greater than 3.4 oz, which is not the case for most other liquids going through TSA . Additionally, TSA allows ice packs and freezer packs for the purpose of freezing baby food — you can line a cooler bag with these to keep your baby food fresh! If you’re flying with a toddler , you can bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred, and processed food along in carry-on baggage.

Tips for getting baby food through TSA without hassle 

Make traveling with baby food quick and easy! 

Determine how much food you’ll need to travel with in advance

No one knows your baby better than you — you know when your baby needs to eat! Before your trip, think about how long you’ll be gone, how many times and the amount your baby eats per day. Plan to bring at least this much food for your trip!

For parents that pump, consider pre-pumping and freezing some breast milk, and bring your pump with you to supplement the rest. For parents using formula, pre-package your baby’s food in TSA baby food pouches and store them away for the trip. 

Pack your baby food well & keep it with you

TSA allows ice packs, freezer packs and the like for baby food — take advantage of this! Make sure you’re packing your cooler bag tightly and putting as many of these as you need inside to keep your food frozen. 

Since baby food is allowed in your carry-on bag, be sure to keep your eye on it at all times. Don’t let it leave your sight when it’s going through TSA or in the airport in general — your baby needs it and unless you’re on a very short flight, they’ll probably need to eat on the plane.

Insider Tip: Some airlines, like Southwest , allow babies and young toddlers to travel for free! Always be sure to check if there’s a child fare when booking your flight.

Give yourself extra time to go through security

Because of all the policies TSA has surrounding baby food, it’s important to give yourself extra time when traveling with it. You might need to jump through a few hoops to get it past TSA, and all food needs to be separately screened. This applies especially if you plan to bring a large amount of baby food on the plane. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case — make sure you get your baby food through security and make your flight with plenty of time to spare! 

FAQ for traveling with baby food

Can you bring squeezable baby food on a plane.

Yes! Squeezable pouches, jars or cans of baby food are all allowed on the plane and adhere to the same rules as breast milk, juices and formula. You can even bring gel or liquid-filled teething rings and toys for your little ones on the plane! 

How much baby food can you take on a plane? 

TSA allows baby food in “reasonable quantities” on planes. Basically, this means there is no strict cut-off for how much food you can bring on the plane. Bring only the amount of baby food your baby needs for the trip and you shouldn’t have any problems getting through security. 

Can I bring water for baby formula on a plane?

Yes! Again, water for baby formula and babies is permitted by TSA in “reasonable quantities” in carry-on bags. The water for your baby formula will have to undergo the same screening process as the other foods you bring for your baby, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it onto the plane. 

Bottom line

Whether you’re solo parent traveling or tag-teaming it with little ones, getting your baby’s food through TSA can be a stress-free and hassle-free process. TSA allows formula, breast milk and juices in quantities that exceed 3.4oz, which is the typical rule, and you’ll be able to bring stocked cooler bags as well if needed. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and have the food screened properly, plus keep it in your carry-on bag to make sure you have it with you whenever your baby needs it. After that, all that’s left to do is enjoy your trip with a happy and full baby!

Alexandra Maloney

Contributor

Alexandra Maloney is a contributor for Million Mile Secrets where she covers points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel. She's worked as a writing consultant for the University of Richmond and is a features writer for The Collegian UR.

More Topics

Family Travel,

General Travel

Join the Discussion!

You May Also Like

BonusTracker: Best credit card bonus offers

June 14, 2021 4

Best Hilton credit cards: Improved weekend night certificates, earning rates and more

June 12, 2021 2

Our Favorite Partner Cards

Popular posts.

Travel Pack Pro

Can you bring a lighter on an airplane

Can I Wear a Hoodie Through TSA? A Traveler’s Guide

How to Pack Baby Food for Travel

Can You Bring Nips Through TSA?

How to Pack a Dress for Travel

How To Pack Suit Jackets For Travel

What we actually cover, packing for air travel.

Flight-friendly packing strategies.

Road Trip Essentials

Efficient car travel packing.

Backpacking tips

Light, essential hiking gear.

TSA Guidelines & Rules

Strict TSA packing rules.

Packing Basics

KNOWING THE BASICS

We’ll talk about fundamental packing techniques. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, learn how to choose the right luggage, organize efficiently, and pack smartly for any trip.

TRAIN TRAVEL

BACKPACKING

COLD ADVENTURE

TSA Essentials

Why is it important to Understand TSA Rules

Understanding TSA guidelines is crucial for hassle-free air travel. Our SITE provides clear, concise tips on navigating these rules. From what you can be carry-on to size restrictions and prohibited items, we ensure you’re prepared and confident at airport security, making your travel experience smoother and stress-free.

Doesn’t Matter Wherever You

Knowing packing and TSA rules is a must, no matter what your destination is. Our expert tips help you pack like a pro – fitting more into less space, and selecting essentials for your trip. Stay informed with the latest TSA guidelines, making airport experiences smooth. Let us make your next journey worry-free and organized.

North America

central America

The Caribbean

South America

Suggest a Topic

Is there a travel topic you’re curious about that we haven’t covered? Let us know! Your suggestions are valuable, and we’re here to provide the information you need. Request a topic, and we’ll work on bringing you the tips and insights to make your travel experiences even better.

Here You’ll find the articles That’ll feel you wow for packing and tSA

Find out the essentials of travel packing and TSA guidelines through our detailed articles. We offer practical advice to help you pack smartly and efficiently for any journey. Learn about choosing the right items and how to arrange them in your luggage, ensuring you’re prepared for any trip. Our tips are designed to simplify your packing process and maximize your travel comfort.

Additionally, our insights into TSA guidelines will help you pass through airport security with ease. Understand the dos and don’ts of what you can bring, learn about size and liquid restrictions, and get acquainted with the latest TSA requirements. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready for a hassle-free experience at the airport, making your travel smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Pack Jewelry for Travel

How to Pack a Wig for Travel

How to Pack a Suitcase to Maximize Space

How to Pack for a Motorcycle Trip

How to Pack Skincare for Travel

How to Pack Ties for Travel

How To Pack A Suit In A Suitcase:5 tips for Carry-on and checked bags

Can a Felon Get TSA PreCheck? Understanding Eligibility and Process

Samia farooqi.

I am passionate about exploring the world and helping others do the same with ease. My expertise in travel planning and packing optimization is backed by my extensive journey experiences. I aim to provide practical, innovative packing solutions that cater to all travel scenarios.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Noman baloch.

I’m a professional deeply versed in travel regulations and TSA guidelines. My experience spans working with travel agencies and consulting on international travel. My focus is to offer reliable, efficient, and TSA-compliant packing advice, ensuring a smooth travel experience for everyone.

Most Popular posts

Stay updated.

Subscribe for the latest in travel packing and TSA tips. Get expert advice delivered straight to your inbox.

related Blog Posts

What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

Go to Your Baby's Age

Trending on what to expect, the covid-19 vaccine for infants, toddlers and young children, how to create a night shift system when you have a newborn, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., when do babies start laughing, baby-led weaning, what happens in the ‘4th trimester’ (and is it a real thing).

• Getting pregnant
• Preschooler
• Life as a parent
• Baby essentials
• Find your birth club
• Free antenatal classes
• Meet local parents & parents-to-be
• See all in Community
• Ovulation calculator
• Am I pregnant quiz
• How to get pregnant fast
• Best sex positions
• Signs of pregnancy
• How many days after your period can you get pregnant?
• How age affects fertility
• Very early signs of pregnancy
• What fertile cervical mucus looks like
• Think you're pregnant but the test is negative?
• Faint line on pregnancy test
• See all in Getting pregnant
• Pregnancy week by week
• How big is my baby?
• Due date calculator
• Baby movements week by week
• Symptoms you should never ignore
• Hospital bag checklist
• Signs of labour
• Your baby's position in the womb
• Baby gender predictor
• Vaginal spotting
• Fetal development chart
• See all in Pregnancy
• Baby names finder
• Baby name inspiration
• Popular baby names 2022
• Numerology calculator
• Gender-neutral names
• Old-fashioned names
• See all in Baby names
• Your baby week by week
• Baby milestones by month
• Baby rash types
• Baby poop chart
• Ways to soothe a crying baby
• Safe co-sleeping
• Teething signs
• Growth spurts
• See all in Baby
• Your toddler month by month
• Toddler development milestones
• Dealing with tantrums
• Toddler meals
• Food & fussy eating
• When to start potty training
• Moving from a cot to a bed
• Help your child sleep through
• Games & activities
• Vomiting: what's normal?
• See all in Toddler
• Your child month by month
• Food ideas & nutrition
• How kids learn to share
• Coping with aggression
• Bedtime battles
• Anxiety in children
• Dealing with public tantrums
• Great play ideas
• Is your child ready for school?Top tips for starting school
• See all in Preschooler
• Postnatal symptoms to watch out for
• Stitches after birth
• Postpartum blood clots
• Baby showers
• Sex secrets for parents
• See all in Life as a parent
• Best baby products
• Best formula and bottles for a windy baby
• Best car seats if you need three to fit
• Best nappies
• Best Moses baskets
• Best baby registries
• Best baby sleeping bags
• Best baby humidifier
• Best baby monitors
• Best baby bath seat
• Best baby food
• See all in Baby essentials
• Back pain in pregnancy
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Perineal massage
• Signs you're having a boy
• Signs you're having a girl
• Can you take fish oil while pregnant?
• 18 weeks pregnant bump
• Can you eat salami when pregnant?
• Edwards' syndrome
• Missed miscarriage
• Should I harvest my colostrum?
• Rhesus positive vs. Rhesus negative
• What do contractions feel like?
• Hunger in early pregnancy
• First poop after birth
• When do babies sit up?
• When can babies have salt?
• MMR vaccine rash
• Vaping while breastfeeding
• How to transition from formula to milk
• When do babies start grabbing things?
• Sperm allergy: can sperm cause itching?
• How long after taking folic acid can I get pregnant?

How can I feed my baby while I'm travelling?

Breastfeeding

Feeding your baby during a flight.

Was this article helpful?

Best flight tips for families

6 month old, fourth week

Parents' tips: ingenious parenting hacks

6-month-old baby games: third week

My Little Moppet

Top Parenting blog in India

34 Easy Homemade Travel Foods For Babies and Toddlers

Published: June 8, 2015 | Last Updated on: June 6, 2023 | by Dr Hemapriya

Before we dive into the world of travel foods for babies and toddlers, let’s embrace the evolving trends of parenthood. Gone are the days when parents had to wait for their children to grow up before embarking on adventures. Nowadays, little ones join in on the exploration, their curious eyes witnessing the vast wonders of the world. While modern conveniences have made life easier for parents, one concern remains: what to feed their children while traveling.

Given the concerns surrounding packaged food and unhygienic food preparation in restaurants, many parents prefer to take matters into their own hands. This requires meticulous planning, but worry not! We are here to lend a helping hand. To ensure a seamless journey, we have curated a collection of convenient and nutritious travel foods for babies and toddlers. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, making travel an enjoyable experience for both parents and little ones.

If you are breastfeeding your baby, there’s no need for any additional milk supplement during your journey. However, if your little one has been weaned, you can consider using substitutes for milk such as formula or commercially available milk powder. To prepare these substitutes while traveling, simply carry hot water in a thermos flask and mix it with the powder. This ensures that your baby’s milk is ready whenever needed, making it a convenient option for travel foods for babies.

Fresh fruits are one of the best travel foods for babies, being convenient and and hygienic. For toddlers, you can just cut up the fruit and feed them. For babies, you can mash and puree fruits like papaya , muskmelon , banana or chikoo . When ripe enough, they can be easily mashed with just a fork.

Instant Porridge

Here is a list of 15  instant porridge powder recipes , all of which require only hot water to be added.

No time to make these powder, no worry !! Just click, order and get home delivered here . We also have Instant food ‘trial’ packs available now, because you can never tell what the baby might like!

Main Meals – Lunch

Main meals like lunch and dinner are a little more difficult to handle while travelling as it isn’t easy to prepare a filling rice meal on the go. However, you can still work your way around this problem with a few tips:

1. If you have a rice cooker then all you need to do is plug it in to  make a simple khichdi with carrots or potatoes. You can carry carrots and potatoes as they last for more than 2 to 3 days without refrigeration.

2.For a convenient rice meal while traveling, dry roast rice and dal, grind them into a powder, and carry it in an airtight container. Mix the powder with hot water from your flask to cook. You can also add grated carrot for added nutrition. Discover more travel foods for babies to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free.

If you don’t have time to dry roast rice and dal, you can easily order homemade  Instant Khichdi mixes here .

3. If you want to give lunch from a restaurant, ask for steamed hot rice with dal. Mash it with sanitized fingers or spoons and feed your baby.

When it comes to snacks, most parents reach out for packaged foods like biscuits. But you can go healthy here too, especially since toddlers snack a lot and you don’t want so much junk going into their bodies! Try these homemade snack recipes that don’t require refrigeration.

• Roasted chickpeas
• Energy bars – Groundnut Bars, Maple Oat Cluster Bars  , Chocolate trail Mix

Tips for Feeding your Baby at a Restaurant

Sometimes, you find yourself with no option but to feed your baby from a restaurant. In such cases, there’s no need to panic; just keep these few tips in mind:

1.Ensure the safety of your baby while feeding from a restaurant during travel. Avoid giving raw foods like salads or chutneys. Opt for cooked and suitable meals. Prioritize the well-being of your little one by following travel foods for babies.

2. Along with raw foods, you should also avoid dishes with raw ingredients like mayonnaise, souffle, sushi etc.

3. Always try to go for steamed foods – steamed rice, steamed idlis  and cooked vegetables.

4. Use your own cutlery.

5. Ensure a safe eating experience for your baby by eliminating choking hazards from their food. When preparing meals, cut or mash food into appropriate sizes and avoid giving small, hard, or round foods that may pose a risk. Prioritize your baby’s safety during travel by following guidelines for travel foods for babies.

6. Prioritize your baby’s safety while traveling by avoiding new foods that may cause allergies. Stick to familiar and trusted options to ensure a worry-free journey. Explore travel foods for babies that are suitable and known to your child.

7. Stick to boiled/bottled water and don’t give baby juices or milkshakes.

8. Stay away from anything with artificial coloring or flavoring.

Don’t let the stress of feeding your baby or toddler during travel weigh you down. With some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can ensure a worry-free journey filled with delightful moments. Bid farewell to food-related concerns and embrace the convenience of travel-friendly and nutritious options for your little one. Let us be your guide in making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable with our helpful tips and suggestions on travel foods for babies. Bon voyage and happy travels!

If your baby has recently started on solids, you might also want to check out our detailed post – High Chair Vs Booster Seat: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Feeding Chair.  Some of the feeding chairs recommended in this article are travel friendly too!

We have compiled a comprehensive Travel Food packing List for Babies and Toddlers

• Dr Hemapriya
• Fabida Abdullah
• Dhvani Shah

Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !

You may also like.

December 28, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Dear Dr. Hema,

Could you please suggest some travel foods for 2.5year toddler. I know by this age toddlers eat most of the foods, but mine doesn’t. Hence seeking your advice. Is it safe to offer outside food to 2.5 yr kid?

January 10, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Hi Madhavi, You can try the recipes given in this article. It should be a hit 🙂 You can give outside food if it’s from a trusted source.

February 3, 2021 at 1:20 am

Plz give ideas of travel food for 8 months old baby, for one week. Any suggestions and advices are welcomed

February 4, 2021 at 8:14 pm

The blog has so many ideas. Please use it according to the age recommendation. Hope you find it helpful 🙂

November 12, 2018 at 9:39 pm

hi Dr I m going to travel in train for 25 hrs can you suggest home made food for my 11 months old baby. he has cool body so pls tell me can i give him uncooked apple?

November 13, 2018 at 5:20 pm

Hi Revathy,

Please find link below with easy travel recipes. Hope this helps you. Link – https://goo.gl/2V9Zm4

August 31, 2018 at 7:45 pm

Hiii mam….I am travelling to North…. For 15days….. My baby is 10months old…. Can pls suggest me instant receipes… (no cooking)

September 5, 2018 at 11:09 pm

Kindly check on the link below for travel food ideas dear. You can also check for instant mixes from our shop. Hope this helps. Happy and safe journey 🙂

Link – https://goo.gl/3DUmJH

April 10, 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hi Doctor, I m traveling to north india for a week with my 1 year old… i will not have access to kitchen would like to purchase a few instant packs from you. I haven’t introduced my baby to anyinstant foods. Could you please suggest me a few required ones please!

April 12, 2018 at 12:55 pm

Hi dear, Thanks for choosing to purchase our products, you can choose and order from our instant packs here: https://goo.gl/MsrRpE

January 7, 2018 at 9:22 am

Could you suggest some veg food ideas for a 24hr train travel.. It is for a 1yr old kid.

January 8, 2018 at 11:37 am

Please check some of these options dear https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/homemade-travel-food-ideas-for-babies-and-toddlers/

November 13, 2017 at 5:19 pm

Hi Hema madam, As I m traveling out of my city for 15days with my 1.5 months old son.. Plz suggest some snacks for him..

November 14, 2017 at 1:16 pm

Dear this article has most options for kids and you can also check on our site for some wonderful ways to keep kids engaged. Just type “Travel” in search box.

September 20, 2017 at 4:29 pm

Hello Hema, I will be travelling on a 10 days holiday to New Zealand with my 8 months son in November. Please suggest me instant food I can give him thrice a day. I am very much tensed about his health during our stay at that time.

Thanks in advance

September 20, 2017 at 5:47 pm

Dear, while on travel the best bet is to feed, fruits, boiled potatoes, eggs, dry snacks (like biscuits which can be made and carried along). If you must feed outside you can take boiled rice and give along with curd, or some mashed fruit based on your kids preference. Also in most places now you get indian foods so that is another option you can pick while on travel. Don’t worry much, kids too adapt to changed food.

September 1, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Hi Mam..We r traveling for 4 to 5 days confused about water how will boil water or can v give bisleri to 10 months baby..? As flask will serve purpose only for 1-2 days..plz help with other options?..

September 21, 2017 at 10:32 pm

You can always request at some places restaurants etc. to help you with boiled water.

March 31, 2017 at 11:54 am

I was wondering if bottled mineral water should be boiled before being given to a 1 year old

May 7, 2017 at 6:20 pm

You can give it like that also, as eventually we have to give them such water.

October 4, 2016 at 3:56 am

Thanks alot for this information…..

October 19, 2015 at 5:22 am

Quick qs !! For the porridge do we need to soak dal and rice then dry to make a powder ? Or we can directly powder it.

Thanks, Akshita

February 29, 2016 at 4:55 pm

Dear Akshita,

You can check the recipe here

October 16, 2015 at 1:25 pm

These recipes were really helpful. Also please tell me how can we add sweetness to it. I have been using jaggery for my lil one. Now for these instant porridges, other than fruits what can be added for sweetness. Please help. Thank you

February 29, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Yes fruit purees can be added for sweetness

June 9, 2015 at 12:14 pm

Hi.. This post is very timely, we are travelling to Europe with my 15month old in July. I am quiet confused about what food to give him and also Milk. The instant porridge recipe needs no cooking? just hot water will be enough? Pls share any other tips you have.

June 9, 2015 at 5:13 pm

Hi apeksha,

Yes the instant porridges do not require cooking. Just add hot water and it is done,

September 9, 2015 at 5:35 pm

hello ma’am!! is warm water ok? for making instant porridges?

October 26, 2015 at 1:08 pm

The water has to be hot for cooking porridges or else the powder will not get cooked .

Hope this helps

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Browse & Buy Our Products Online

Useful Links

Our facebook page.

Blog Around The World

Baby Food on Plane – A Guide To Taking Your Baby in the Air

So, you are traveling by air and have a baby.

Are you confused about bringing baby food on the Plane?

After reading this, you can have a relaxing flight with your baby. We’ll learn everything about the baby’s food and feeding her on the Plane.

On a plane, baby food is allowed with a few restrictions to avoid. But you can take baby food on a plane.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has made rules and regulations, as feeding the little after short intervals is necessary.

When we talk about a baby on the Plane, our efforts are to comfort her as much as possible.

First, we’ll discuss the most common questions asked, and then we’ll learn about feeding the baby on a plane:

Q#1. Are Baby Foods allowed on Plane?

Yes, baby foods are permitted .

Q#2. What Baby Foods are allowed?

You can take milk, cracked wheat, juices, and other baby foods on the go. Just make sure the food is appropriately packed in cans or jars.

There’s an exception to TSA’s ‘liquid rule’ regarding bottled breast milk or formula. So, no worries if you take baby fluids on the Plane.

Q#3. How much-bottled milk can I take?

The quantity you can take varies on the airline’s rules, so calling their support before you leave for the airport would help you know how much-processed milk/fluid you can take. However, depending on the flight duration, you can pack a reasonable quantity for your baby.

Q#4. Is Screening necessary for Bottled Milk?

No worries about the empty baby bottles in your backpack or carry-on baggage. But you can tell the TSA agent at the security screening area for bottled milk or formula. The agent might take bottles and return you after Screening.

So yes, Screening is necessary.

Q#5. Is Bottled Water allowed for the baby?

For baby comfort, you can take bottled water with you on the flight. Generally, TSA doesn’t allow water bottles for adults. There’s an exception for babies, i.e., bottled water is permitted.

Feeding Your Baby on the Plane

Now as you’ve got most of the common questions answered, here’s a mom’s guide to feeding a baby on a plane:

Step 1. Follow the Rules

Before we start, make sure you follow the rules.

• Call your airline’s customer support and ask for the baby food quantity you can take.
• Make sure you take fluids in bottles and food in cans.
• When you’re in the screening area, tell the TSA agent about the baby food so they can screen it for security reasons.

Step 2. Take Extra Fluids with you

Besides bottled breast milk or formula, your baby must stay hydrated throughout the flight. So, take extra fluids like juices with you.

Step 3. Pack a Nursing Cover

Pack a nursing cover to feed your baby on the go if you’re nursing. A nursing cover is helpful as you can comfort your baby on your lap. After all, comfort is what you require for your baby.

Step 4. Get Milk or Food Warmed Before you Feed

To feed your baby whenever she cries, ask the flight attendant to warm the milk or formula. They have got solutions to warm your baby’s fluid or food. Ovens, I mean!

Step 5. Feed your baby during takeoff and landing

It is compulsory to feed your baby when you take off and land. This helps in equalizing your baby’s ears. Another way to balance the baby’s ear is to owe her a pacifier.

BONUS: Always consider your flight duration

Being a mom, you know after what time she requires feeding. Considering that, compare the time with your flight duration to understand your baby food and pack accordingly.

Tips For a Comfortable Baby Flight

Book a Separate seat or a Car seat:

Book another seat for your infant. Although airlines allow under babies (max two years ) old, the baby may feel uncomfortable on your lap if you’re on a long flight. If you are tight on budget and can’t book a separate seat for her, book a window seat for yourself. If the medium-sized middle seat is not reserved, you can have your baby there throughout the flight. If you can afford it, go for a car seat which is the most comfortable choice for the little one!

Cover Your Baby adequately:

Have some clothing for her to cover correctly, as the baby may get uncomfortable during the takeoff and landing.

Use a Pacifier:

Using a pacifier or feeder in the baby’s mouth can help her equalize ears and relieve pressure during crucial times, i.e., landing and takeoff. Other than a pacifier or feeder, you can take a teething ring. Despite their inner contents, TSA allows teething rings for babies.

Deal with Fellow passengers:

The passenger sitting next to you will not welcome you when he finds out that you’ve got a baby with you. Communicate with them effectively to ensure you and your baby enjoy a comfortable journey. Take extra care of the infant, and don’t allow her to disturb fellow passengers. If she has a dirty diaper, go to the washroom and change it correctly. Be extra nice to the passengers next to you to experience a smooth flight.

A Final Thought

Taking a flight with your infant is not easy at all. You may experience some weird situations but you can make it easier by preparing for them. Prepare for the worst scenario, carry extra fluids and diapers, and be confident. There’s a saying: “Prepare for the worst and forget the rest.”

In case of a worst-case scenario, think that you’ll never reach your destination. Relax, as there’s no solution either. 😀 Happy Travel!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products

The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With a Baby

This is how to survive hours in the air with your little one.

In This Article

• Packing Checklist

Tips for Packing

Frequently asked questions.

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

As a mom of two, I know from personal experience that the thought of flying with a small baby can be terrifying. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Travel is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. I first flew with my daughter from South Africa to the United Kingdom when she was just shy of four months old. With family in both countries, it’s a journey we’ve done multiple times since. I soon learned that the key to making the experience as stress-free as possible for all involved (parents, baby, fellow passengers, and airline crew!) is planning and preparation. Consider your little one’s needs carefully, and then think about how you can meet them 35,000 feet above ground. 

From getting them to sleep to keeping them entertained, here are our packing essentials for flying with a baby, defined here as a child under a year old. This list haa been carefully chosen according to my own experience as well as that of two experts: Dr. Natalie Prevatt — an NHS pediatric travel, tropical medicine consultant, and the lead clinician at the Children’s Travel Doc — and veteran flight attendant Samantha Sharpe. 

Packing Checklist for Flying With a Baby

This is by no means an exhaustive list. I haven’t included many of the most obvious, day-to-day items that you most likely already have and keep in your baby bag anyway, from diapers to wet wipes and burp cloths. There are some things, like pacifiers and bottles, that your baby will have a specific preference for and these should remain unchanged before a trip (there are enough variables up in the air without worrying about whether your baby will accept a new teat type, for example.) You also won’t need everything on this list. Tailor your choices to align with your particular routine, destination, flight length, and airline rules and regulations.

Sleep and Entertainment

• Best Infant Headphones: Alpine Muffy Noise Reduction Earmuffs
• Best Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet
• Best Inflatable Bed: Flyaway Kids Bed
• Best Teething Toy: Lamaze Mortimer the Moose Clip & Go
• Best Book: Priddy Books First 100 Words
• Best Noise-Free Toy: The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups

Food and Drink

• Best Portable Bottle Warmer: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Bottle Warmer
• Best Formula Dispenser: LotCow Portable Powder Dispenser
• Best Travel Cup: Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Sippy Cup  
• Best Snack Container: Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box

Strollers and Carriers

• Best Baby Wrap: KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier 
• Best Baby Carrier: Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh Carrier  
• Best Lightweight Stroller: Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller

Accessories

• Best Breastfeeding Cover: Copper Pearl Multi-use Nursing Cover
• Best Travel Blanket: Everyday Kids Car Seat Blanket
• Best Changing Pad: Kopi Baby Portable Diaper Changing Pad
• Best Packing Cubes: Remobia Hicol TSA-approved Diaper Bag Organizer Set  
• Best Sunscreen: Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen

Getting a baby to sleep can be hard enough at home, let alone on a noisy airplane. If I have just one tip, it’s to enquire well in advance about booking a baby bassinet. If they can’t be reserved, arrive early enough at the airport to give yourself a good chance of being allocated one. For long-haul flights, paying for a separate seat to use with your car seat is another option, although Dr. Prevatt advises that babies should not sleep in an upright position for more than a few hours since it can affect their oxygen levels. When it comes to entertainment, opt for noise-free, mess-free toys without too many pieces to potentially lose.

Best Infant Headphones

Alpine muffy noise reduction earmuffs.

Both my children loved the sound of the airplane engine and at night, its low vibration worked just as effectively as a sound machine for getting them to sleep. However, if your baby needs a quiet environment to drift off or if you’d like to avoid overstimulation while waiting to board in the bright and busy airport, infant headphones are a good idea. 

These ones from Alpine Muffy are designed to protect the sensitive hearing of little ones up to 36 months old. I love that the extra soft, adjustable headband is made from non-slip elastic to avoid exerting pressure on Baby’s delicate fontanelle, and that they’re proven to reduce noise to just 23 decibels. They’re super light, easy to clean, and come in a convenient travel pouch with a choice of colors ranging from Olive Green to Pink.

Best Inflatable Bed

Flyaway kids bed.

I hesitated including this category because most airlines allow children under two to fly at a significantly discounted rate if they sit on their parent’s lap. For this reason, purchasing an extra seat just so you can use an inflatable bed may seem excessive. But, for long flights when baby bassinets can’t be booked in advance, having a guaranteed place to sleep may well be worth it. 

Inflatable beds are not allowed by every airline, and those that do permit them often accept certain brands only. I love the Flyaway Kids Bed because it takes the guesswork out of your purchase, with a full list of approved and at-the-stewardess’-discretion airlines on its website. It inflates relatively quietly in just 90 seconds to create a full, secure bed that serves the dual purpose of preventing toys rolling onto the floor. It’s relatively compact by travel bed standards but will still take up about three pounds of your precious carry-on allowance.

Best Teething Toy

Lamaze mortimer the moose clip & go.

Traveling with a baby is one thing. Traveling with a teething baby is a whole different ball game. You’ll want to pack teething gel and possibly (if recommended by your doctor), some infant Tylenol. A toy with chewable elements for soothing sore gums is another lifesaver, both for your baby and your fellow passengers. 

When I took my daughter on a 11-hour flight at 18 months, she was cutting several teeth simultaneously. The Mortimer the Moose Clip & Go from Lamaze was her go-to comforter. She loved chewing on his textured, easy-to-clean antlers and tail rings, while his brightly colored crinkling and jingling hooves helped provide distraction from her discomfort. When she finally drifted off, multi-use Mortimer also doubled as a plushy for cuddling.

First 100 Words

A tray table is key to many methods of entertaining a wide-awake baby, whether you’re helping them play with stickers and stacking toys or using it as a tablet stand. Takeoff and landing can therefore be tricky — not only does the tray table have to be stowed, but this is the time babies are most likely to be affected by changes in cabin pressure and most in need of distraction.

Books are a great option during these times: they’re mess- and noise-free, have no moving parts to roll away while the seatbelt signs are on, and are easy to grab before stowing your bag in the overhead bin. My kids loved Roger Priddy’s First 100 Words long before they were able to talk. It’s got big, bright, colorful images of familiar items ranging from pets to food and more than 35 flaps for keeping baby engaged. It’s also travel-sized with sturdy board pages.

Best Noise-Free Toy

The first years stack up cup toys.

The first time I flew with a baby, one of my greatest sources of anxiety was disturbing or upsetting other passengers. I quickly learned that you can’t always control how much noise your baby makes; but you can make sure their toys are quiet. If they’re interactive and simple enough for the baby to use with minimal assistance, all the better. 

Stacking cups punch way above their weight in this category. My kids loved this simple set from The First Years. Both of them could be entertained for an amazing amount of time by nesting the cups and taking them apart again, using them to build towers, or playing hide-and-seek with some small object placed underneath them. A sturdy clip keeps the cups neatly together and when you reach your destination, small holes transform them into fun beach or bath toys.

Best Tablet

Amazon fire 7 kids edition tablet.

In an ideal world, we’d be able to keep our little ones entertained without resorting to screen time. But trust me, if there’s ever a time and place to relax the rules, a couple of hours into a long-haul flight is it. When all else fails or I simply need a break, I let Paw Patrol (in my daughter’s case) or Thomas the Tank Engine (in my son’s) take over. 

The Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet is the smallest and most portable of Amazon’s tablets made especially for kids. It comes in a virtually indestructible kid-proof case with a built-in stand for your airplane tray table. A Parent Dashboard allows you to filter age-appropriate content and purchases. It also includes a subscription to Amazon Kids+. Choose 16 or 32 GB of storage and relax knowing that for the first two years, any device that breaks will be replaced free of charge.

As Dr. Prevatt points out, the low level of humidity on board makes it especially important to keep your baby hydrated. Remember that breast milk, formula, and baby food are exempt from standard liquid limitations . Sharpe confirms that cabin crew will never impose restrictions on breastfeeding at any stage of the flight unless there’s an emergency. And flight attendants can always provide warm water for heating bottles, although it’s best to avoid asking during busy meal services. Consider investing in a portable warmer for full independence. Finally, snacks are great for both sustenance and entertainment.

Best Portable Bottle Warmer

Tommee tippee travel baby bottle warmer.

 Amazon

Whatever stage your baby’s at and whether they take formula, bottled breast milk, cow’s milk, or even puréed food in a jar or pouch, it’s likely they prefer their food served at body temperature. This isn’t as simple to achieve on a plane as it is at home, because the commercial convection ovens used to heat adult meals are impractical for warming baby food. 

This is where the beautifully simple Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Bottle Warmer comes in. It doesn’t require electricity or any other external heating source — instead, it consists of an insulated, stainless steel flask with a leak-proof lid and sturdy plastic sheath. Simply pour boiling water from the flask into the upturned sheath and sit your bottle or pouch inside to warm up. The warmer fits compactly into your bag and can be refilled as needed by the cabin crew.

Best Formula Dispenser

Lotcow portable powder dispenser.

Flying with a formula-fed baby can seem daunting, simply because of the extra time and effort required to get your crying child what they need as quickly as possible. The key to minimizing stress for everyone is advance preparation. Instead of bringing your regular formula tub with you and attempting to measure out powder in the cramped confines of your seat, use a portable powder dispenser like this one from LotCow. 

Made from BPA-free plastic, the dispenser consists of four separate moisture-proof and leak-free containers that stack together to create a conveniently packable cylinder measuring roughly seven by three inches. Each one holds about two ounces of milk powder that can be tipped into baby's bottle in seconds. On shorter flights, you could even use some of the layers for storing snacks.

Best Travel Cup

Munchkin miracle 360 trainer cup.

Starting at six months, babies should be offered a drink of water with every meal. This is especially important on a flight, where low humidity levels can cause dehydration even in adults. Some children master the art of drinking out of a proper cup quicker than others, but if yours (like mine) ends up soaked every time, you’ll want a sippy cup for travel.

I loved the Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Sippy Cup so much the first time around that I sought it out for my second child even after moving countries. First, it’s truly leak-free, with a soft plastic valve that fits all the way over the top. It’s also spoutless, which means babies can drink from anywhere around the rim in a way that protects their dental health and encourages normal muscle development. The handles fit little hands perfectly and it’s easy to clean on the go.

Best Snack Container

Bentgo kids chill lunch box.

If your baby is old enough for solid foods, there’s good news. Packing a snack box not only ensures they’ll be full even if they don’t like whatever baby meal is served on the flight; it’s also one of the very best ways to keep them entertained. Bento boxes help with this by providing spaces for lots of different foods for maximum interest. 

The Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box stands out for its quality construction, leak-proof clip-and-seal design, and choice of bright, baby-friendly colors. It offers four compartments of varying sizes for everything from cereal to fruit pieces or sandwich fingers and (best of all), an optional, built-in ice pack that fits underneath the food tray to keep contents fresh and safe to eat even after hours in the air. When you get to your destination, it’s dishwasher and microwave safe.

Before you travel, it’s important to decide how you’ll be transporting baby through the airport. It’s often a long walk, sometimes with connecting buses or trains, so keeping your little one safely secured and supported is crucial. A baby carrier is a great option for navigating crowds with minimal fuss while keeping your hands free. You can also take your stroller all the way to the airplane door. If you plan on doing this, Sharpe recommends investing in one that fits into the overhead bin rather than having it checked to avoid unnecessary delays at the other end. Alternatively, she says, the Doona X stroller doubles as a car seat that can be used on board.

Best Baby Wrap

Keababies baby wrap carrier.

My daughter was born in South Africa, where wraps like the KeaBabies Original Wrap Carrier are one of the most popular and traditional methods for hands-free baby carrying. Although it took me a few tries to perfect the art of tying the wrap correctly (definitely something to master before you fly), she loved its womb-like closeness. It’s great not only for getting babies from point A to B in the airport, but also as a way of comforting them or getting them to sleep onboard. 

Consisting of a single length of stretchy, sturdy fabric, the KeaBabies wrap offers just the right amount of elasticity to hold and support your baby securely, while distributing weight evenly to minimize strain on your back and shoulders. It’s one-size-fits-all can be worn by mom or dad with zero adjustment, is safe from birth, and packs away compactly when not in use.

Best Baby Carrier

Ergobaby 360 cool air mesh carrier.

Although wraps like the KeaBabies one are technically suitable for children up to 36 months of age, I found that both of my kids were too heavy for me to carry in this way by the time they were around nine months old. The natural next step is a soft carrier like the ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh Carrier, which is designed for use from 4 to 48 months (up to 45 pounds.) 

The ergobaby 360 stands out for its award-winning design, which allows you to switch between four comfortable and safe carrying positions: on the front of your body facing inwards, on the front facing outwards, on the hip, or on your back. When forward facing, the baby’s hips are held in the “M” position to protect against hip dysplasia. Breathable mesh keeps them from overheating, while padded shoulder straps and a wide waistband save your back and shoulders.

Best Lightweight Stroller

Babyzen yoyo2 stroller.

Although you can use any stroller all the way up to the airplane door and then have it checked separately, the Babyzen YoYo2 with a newborn pack (suitable for babies zero to six months) is one of the few that folds compactly enough to fit in the overhead bin. It can be folded and unfolded with one hand, which is a lifesaver when trying to juggle your baby, diaper bag, and passport simultaneously.

It also tips the scales at just 14.5 pounds. This lightweight compactness makes it ideal not only for air travel, but also for exploring your destination because it fits just as easily into an overhead bin or taxi trunk. The stroller includes a five-point harness, a comfortable one-inch, lie-flat mattress, and UPF 50+, water-repellent fabric. You can also attach the YoYo2 bassinet and later, the six+ color pack for older babies over six months.

We’ve covered the main areas of traveling with a baby, but what about the easy-to-overlook accessories that make all the difference? These range from breastfeeding covers (Sharpe recommends researching whether your destination has any modesty laws that may make this a particularly important choice) to sunscreen (Dr. Prevatt points out that children under the age of 15 are especially at risk of skin cancer if allowed to burn which can occur while waiting on a hot airport concourse.) Look for accessories that make life easier by simplifying essential tasks, whether that’s changing a diaper or finding what you need in your carry-on.

Best Breastfeeding Cover

Copper pearl cover canopy.

While I’m a firm believer that women should be able to breastfeed wherever they like without having to cover up, there is something especially intimidating about doing so in a confined space surrounded by perfect strangers. The Copper Pearl Multi-use Cover is made from lightweight, stretchy, and breathable fabric that provides full coverage without feeling restrictive for either of you. 

I particularly like that the opening is wide enough to allow you to easily view your baby (my son refused to drink if he couldn’t make eye contact) and check for a correct latch. The cover also comes in super handy on vacation as a car seat or stroller cover, takes up virtually no space in your diaper bag, and comes in an endless choice of gorgeous watercolor-style prints.

Best Travel Blanket

Everyday kids car seat blanket.

If your baby already has a favorite blanket, then that’s the one to take on your flight. But if, like mine, they’re ambivalent about which blanket they use as long as they’re warm, the plush fleece Everyday Kids Car Seat Blanket could be a useful option especially if you plan on bringing your car seat on board or if you end up with a bassinet that has a five-point harness. Safety features for the latter vary, but I’ve flown with at least one airline where this was the case.

The blanket has universally spaced notches that align with most five-point harness straps, keeping it secured to the car seat or bassinet so that it doesn’t end up on the less-than-sterile airplane floor every time Baby kicks. The swaddling style is easily unwrapped, too, so that you can prove your little one is securely fastened during turbulence without waking them up.

Best Changing Pad

Kopi baby portable changing pad.

While you’re definitely going to need your regular, full-size baby bag to carry everything you need for the flight, a portable changing pad like this wipe-clean one from Kopi Baby makes all the difference when it comes to the Olympic sport that is attempting to change a diaper in the tight confines of an airplane bathroom. 

When folded away, it measures just 7.5 x 11.5 inches and resembles a regular clutch bag. But when opened up, it reveals a full-size changing mat with a built-in pillow and three mesh pockets with enough space to store up to five diapers as well as other essentials from rash cream to diaper bags. I especially love the smart wet wipes pocket, which features an opening that dispenses wipes for one-handed convenience, even when the pad is folded.

Best Packing Cubes

Remobia hicol tsa-approved diaper bag organizer set.

Organization is the key to minimizing stress when flying with small children. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to juggle a screaming baby while rooting around helplessly in your bag for an item that has somehow disappeared just as you need it. Enter the Remobia Hicol Organizer Set, a collection of five packing cubes designed especially for parents. 

They’re made from sturdy, transparent TPU plastic, making it easy to see at a glance what they contain. The various sizes lend themselves to categorizing your diaper bag contents (one for spare clothes, one for snacks, one for medicines and so on), while the fact that they’re both waterproof and easy to wipe clean prevents unnecessary mess. They’re TSA-approved for convenience through security and nest inside each other neatly when not in use.

Best Sunscreen

Aveeno baby sunscreen.

Aveeno 

Sunscreen may seem like an odd item to include on this list since there’s no chance of sunburn in the airport or on the plane. However, many airports in hot countries lack covered walkways from the plane to the terminal. It’s also easy to forget to apply sunscreen once you leave the airport in the chaos of clearing customs and collecting luggage. 

Additionally, bringing sunscreen with you guarantees access to a brand you know and trust, and can test on your baby’s skin for sensitivity prior to travel. I recommend packing a travel-sized mineral sunscreen like this one from Aveeno for on-the-go protection. At three fluid ounces, it complies with TSA restrictions and is especially formulated for babies (doctor’s advice recommended for those under six months), using naturally sourced zinc oxide to provide hypoallergenic, fragrance-free SPF 50 protection.

Try not to overpack

There are a lot of items on this list, and many more besides that will be part of your everyday baby routine — from bottles and pacifiers to burp cloths and diaper cream. Remember that you don’t need all of them. Think carefully about which are most relevant for your baby, your flight (duration, time of day, and number of layovers), and unique situation (are you flying alone, or will you have someone to help juggle baby and luggage?) Then, try to limit your packing to the things that you’re most likely to actually use, because flying with a baby is overwhelming enough without having to keep track of or carry a ton of extra gear. 

Consider the flight time

When packing your diaper bag, tailor its contents according to the length of your flight, making sure you have enough diapers, wipes, milk, and snacks to last the duration with a few extras in case of any unexpected delays. If it’s a long flight, prioritize snacks that don’t need refrigeration and consider ways to increase the entertainment value of each one (e.g., individually wrapping some items so they’re fun to open together or cutting sandwiches into quirky shapes).

When booking your flight, bear in mind departure and arrival times. If you can, choose an overnight flight or one that coincides with your baby’s longest sleep period (I know these are not always the same thing!). And remember: when flying with a baby, if you can stretch your budget to get the most direct route, the extra expense will be well worth it. Layovers shouldn't be too long or so short that you end up having to run to catch the next flight. Minimize stress, wherever possible. 

Prepare for the unexpected

While it’s important to try and resist the temptation to pack everything including the kitchen sink (see our first tip), you should also prepare for a few worst-case scenarios. In my personal experience, these could range from being vomited on mid-flight (pack an extra shirt for yourself and at least two spare changes for baby) to your perfectly well infant suddenly developing a high fever. Dr. Prevatt suggests packing a basic first aid kit with essentials your baby might need since airline medical kits are minimal and not packed with infants in mind. 

She also frequently hears from breastfeeding moms who haven’t wanted to wake their sleeping baby to feed and therefore end up struggling with engorgement. She recommends learning to express by hand in advance or, if you have space in your carry-on, packing a portable breast pump. Meanwhile, Sharpe says that she often sees parents struggle due to not packing enough snacks and activities. If there’s one thing she’d recommend leaving at home to make space for these essentials, it’s a bulky inflatable baby bed.

According to Dr. Prevatt, it’s theoretically safe for a healthy baby to fly from the first day of life. However, most airlines only allow babies to fly from seven days old because it takes a week for the ductus to close (completing the transition from a fetal to an infant heart). If there is anything wrong with a baby’s heart, it most often presents in the first seven days of life. Up in the ai and, away from medical care is not where you want to be should any such issue arise. Premature babies or those with known conditions may require medical clearance to fly.  

Dr. Prevatt notes that the greatest risk of flying with a newborn is to the mother rather than the baby. To avoid postpartum deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), women who have given birth in the last two months should book an aisle seat so that they can perform leg exercises and walk freely around the cabin. Having your baby on your lap puts extra compression on your thigh veins, so take turns with your travel partner if you can. And even if you’re not breastfeeding, abstain from alcohol and caffeine and be sure to drink extra water since dehydration increases risk of DVT.

Babies under two years old are allowed to fly on your lap or in an approved infant car seat. Dr. Prevatt points out that although there have been very few reported injuries caused by an infant sitting on their caregiver’s lap rather than in a car seat, it is still recommended to use a car seat for safety since it is a moving vessel. Policies vary slightly between airlines ( British Airways only accepts forward-facing seats, whereas American Airlines allows seats to be installed in the direction appropriate for the size of the child, for example) so check with yours in advance.  

You should remember that to guarantee being able to use an infant car seat onboard, you must book a separate seat for your baby — a much more expensive option than having them on your lap. Dr. Prevatt also notes that small babies must not stay in an upright position for more than a few hours since it can affect their breathing — so on longer flights, you’ll need to be prepared to cradle them in your arms for hours at a time or use an airline bassinet.  

A bassinet is an absolute godsend, especially on an extended or overnight flight. My daughter spent most of her first 11-hour flight sleeping peacefully in hers. However, the availability of these bassinets is limited because they can only be fixed to the bulkhead. And while some airlines allow you to book them in advance, others assign them on a first come, first served basis which means that you should always be prepared for the possibility of not getting one.

My top tip? Attempt to book a baby bassinet. If that’s not possible, turn up to the airport early in the hope of being assigned one. If that fails, ask if there happens to be an available seat that you can use for your car seat (you should bring one anyway, since a child must still be restrained on car rides in foreign countries and relying on your own is safer than renting). If there is, you may be allowed to use it without having to pay extra. If not, the car seat will be checked for you, typically free of charge, and baby can sleep in your arms.

There are pros and cons to both approaches. A stroller is useful because you can stash items in the basket, it saves you from having to carry your baby (especially great if they fall asleep while waiting at the airport), and you can use it all the way up to the airplane door. Here, Sharpe says, it will be loaded into the plane’s cargo hold by the ground handling agents. In theory, it should be waiting for you near the door when you disembark at the other end, too. 

However, Sharpe points out that occasionally there can be a miscommunication and strollers end up in the oversized baggage pickup area or at the luggage carousel with the other bags, leaving you stranded with no easy way to carry Baby through the airport. I have also waited for quite a while to have the stroller delivered to the correct place, which can be very stressful if you have a short transfer window. To limit the chances of this happening, Sharpe recommends having check-in staff put a note on your booking and re-iterating this to the flight attendants and ground staff on both ends of your journey. Alternatively, investing in a stroller that fits into the overhead compartment eliminates these issues completely. 

Having experienced my fair share of stroller delivery issues, I would recommend checking your stroller in with your luggage for use at your destination and using a baby carrier to transport your little one from check-in to airplane. The many pros outweigh the one obvious con (having to bear their weight all the way), and include being much more mobile in a crowded airport, having both hands free for your other luggage and passport checks, and giving Baby the comfort of being held close to your body in an unfamiliar and overwhelming new environment.

Sharpe says that parents are often unaware that normal liquid restrictions do not apply to breast milk and formula. TSA states that both of these substances are considered medically necessary liquid and put no restriction on the amount you can bring on board. This applies to juice, too. You just need to remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately at security. However, be aware that TSA rules only apply in the United States. Sharpe points out that at Heathrow Airport in London, for example, you may bring aboard up to 2 liters each of baby food and milk as long as it’s stored in a clear, transparent container or bag. Check airport and airline rules carefully before flying to avoid any confusion.

The change in cabin pressure during take-off and landing affects babies’ ears in the same way it does adult ears — by sucking the eardrum backwards or forwards. However, Dr. Prevatt says that this is more painful for babies (and in fact, 20 percent of children experience a pain so severe that an adult would not be able to put up with it) because the Eustachian tubes that connect the mouth and ears are so much smaller.  

This makes it much harder for babies to equalize effectively, a problem compounded by the fact that they can’t understand how to do so. Swallowing is the easiest way to help them equalize. Therefore, it’s important to breast or bottle feed during take-off and landing. I recommend bringing a pacifier as well in case your baby refuses to drink in the strange environment that is a noisy, cramped airline seat. As a breastfeeding mom, I can confirm that getting a good latch can be tricky because both you and your baby will have to wear a seat belt during take-off and landing, making cradling them in the usual way a little awkward.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than 10 years and has flown with both of her children many times since they were four months old. She sought the expert opinion of Dr. Natalie Prevatt, a children's travel medicine consultant and the lead clinician at the Childrenstraveldoc , which offers remote telephone consultations to prepare pregnant mothers and children for travel. Samantha Sharpe also provided invaluable insight from her perspective as a former nanny and flight attendant who previously worked for Qatar Airways and now flies for one of the UK’s largest airlines.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

Luggage shop by size

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.

Share on Facebook

Tweet on Twitter

Pin on Pinterest

You might also enjoy

Tips & Tricks For Navigating an Airport Like a Pro

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor The Travelpro® Blog

How to Board a Plane

Duffle Bags as Carry-On: Everything You Need to Know

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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.

How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel advice .

Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

• Travel diaper backpack.
• Portable changing pad.
• Travel car seat.
• A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
• Portable baby monitor.
• Baby carrier or wrap.
• Swaddle or baby blankets.
• Inflatable bathtub .
• Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
• Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
• Baby chair strap.
• Disposable bottle liners.
• Disposable bibs.
• Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

• Extra clothing for you and your baby.
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
• Extra diapers.
• Breast pump.
• Snacks (for you and your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

• Skip to main content
• Skip to site information

Language selection

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Air travel with children

This page provides information on flying with children, including what to pack in carry on baggage, going through security screening and using child restraint systems (car seats) on board the aircraft.

On this page

Travelling with children under 2 years old, child restraint systems.

• Children travelling alone

Carry-on baggage

Security screening.

For the safety of both adults and children, the Canadian Aviation Regulations require that no passenger can be responsible for more than 1 infant (child under the age of 2).

If you are travelling with children under the age of 2, a passenger must accompany each of your children, even if you buy seats for them.

Although children under 2 years old may be held in your arms during a flight, Transport Canada highly recommends that you use an approved child restraint system (car seat) for all legs of the flight. Car seats are designed to different standards than aircraft seats, so they may work differently and fit differently in planes. Any car seat intended for use on board an aircraft must have a statement of compliance label that shows it meets the applicable design standard and the date it was made.

The use of a car seat provides the best protection for the infant or child and minimizes the effects of unanticipated turbulence. Using a familiar car seat will make your child more comfortable, and you can also use it when you reach your destination. 

If you decide to use a car seat, always:

• check with your airline for its specific policies
• follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions
• tighten the aircraft seat belt through the correct path on the car seat
• secure straps out of the way since tether straps cannot be used on board the aircraft

The following devices are not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft:

• Not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft, as they are designed to be used with a car lap and shoulder belt
• Not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft, as they may not be used when the aircraft is moving on the ground, during takeoff and landing or when the safety belt sign is on
• Not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft, as they could injure the infant in case of an accident

Child car seat safety

Child restraint systems and other seating devices

Children who are travelling alone

If your child is travelling alone, contact the airline in advance to ask if someone from the airline will escort and supervise your child from check-in through arrival, and if there are any restrictions such as age limits.

Ensure that the person who brings your child to the airport stays at the airport until the flight has departed and that the person who is picking up your child at the point of arrival has appropriate identification and authorization.

A child who travels alone or without 1 of their parents or guardians should have a consent letter signed by the parents or guardians who are not accompanying the child.

You are permitted to pack the following items in your carry-on baggage:

• Breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml, even if you are flying without your child
• Gel and ice packs to refrigerate breast milk or medically necessary items and medication that need to be refrigerated (as indicated on the label or a medical note)
• baby food, formula, medications, milk, water and juice
• gel or ice packs to keep your baby products cool

Check with the airline before you travel. Some items cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, landing or when directed by a crew member.

Carry-on baggage  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

Planning is important when you fly with young children. A little strategic planning can make the flight a more pleasant experience for you, your children and other travellers.

Check if the family and special needs lane is available. Place infant carriers and other child-related items, including diaper bags, on the conveyor belt for security screening. Strollers need to be inspected separately.

Present all liquids to a screening officer for separate inspection.

Let your child walk through the metal detector. If your child is not able to do so alone, you can hold them in your arms as you walk through the metal detector.

Airport security screening – Families  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

Related links

• Children and travel
• Travel documents for children
• Travelling with children  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

These Are the Foods to Avoid on a Flight

By Olivia Morelli

As much as we love hopping on a plane to get to a new destination, it’s no secret that plane travel can wreak havoc on your body. The low air pressure, the unpredictable temperatures, and the reduced oxygen levels all have the potential to impact you physically—not to mention the effect of general travel stress and disrupted sleep.

But there are ways you can combat some of the side effects of traveling by plane. Below, we asked nutritionists about the food you should avoid eating before, during, and after flying.

What happens to your digestion when you travel?

“Cabin pressure tends to have the most impact on our digestion when flying,” explains Ellie Birch, senior nutritionist at Holland & Barrett. Many travelers experience  bloating on planes , and experts have suggested a link between the low air pressure and gas expanding within our bodies.

“You might find you tend to be more bloated or gassy—think about when your ears pop on a plane, your digestive system is experiencing a very similar thing,” Ellie says. “Food on planes also typically tends to be ultra-processed and low in nutritional value. The meals tend to be lower in fiber and higher in sugar, salt, and preservatives, which can cause digestive issues, too.”

Dr. Jo Woodhurst, head of nutrition at  Ancient + Brave , agrees. “As the air pressure falls, the gas expands, demonstrated beautifully when you look at a packet of nuts during a flight. This also happens in the gut, which can make you feel really uncomfortable.”

What food or drink should you avoid eating on a flight?

“There is no evidence to suggest that we should be eating differently when we fly,” Ellie admits. But there are some things you could do to help your digestive system perform in different conditions. For example, “it can be important to increase your water intake as planes are typically less humid, which may lead to faster rates of dehydration.”

Similarly, avoiding consuming food and drinks that are dehydrating will help. “Alcohol can be quite dehydrating, especially if you’re not drinking enough water alongside,” explains Stephanie Smith, a women’s health nutritionist for Agora Health. “If you do want to drink alcohol, opt for something like a single Bloody Mary—tomato juice is a source of electrolytes as well as being antioxidant rich.” These are some more of the  best cocktails to drink on the plane .

Coffee, as well as being dehydrating, can also be detrimental to nervous flyers, so it is best to avoid it. “Caffeine is a stimulant, so it stimulates your nervous system and brain, increasing the production of hormones such as adrenaline,” Stephanie tells us.“This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are an anxious flyer then it might be best to switch your caffeinated drinks (both before and during a flight) for decaf. Instead, try a hot cacao, a matcha latte made with almond milk, an herbal tea, or a decaf version of your favorite hot drink.”

Avoiding salty food is also recommended. “Too much salt can exacerbate dehydration, which can cause headaches, fatigue and brain fog,” says Stephanie. “So, it’s best to opt for snacks without added salt and to avoid salt-laden meals before and during the flight.”

“Remember that ultra-processed food is often high in salt, so try to opt for a fresh, whole foods focussed meal in the airport,” she continues. This can be tricky to achieve on longer flights when you’ll need to eat plane food, which often contains processed ingredients and high levels of salt. If you can, try to pack your own meals before you travel—here is guidance on whether you can  take food through TSA . “Plane food is generally low in fiber (this is on purpose to reduce flatulence) and nutrients so it can often leave travelers feeling sluggish,” Stephanie tells us.

“It’s best to have something light and easy to digest before a flight,” she continues. “Try having something antioxidant-rich with complex carbohydrates like whole grains instead of heavier carb-rich meals. Or take some nutrient-rich snacks to have alongside the plane food, if you’re going to be eating it. Snacks I’d recommend are fruit, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, popcorn, and oatcakes.”

What else should travelers do to help with digestion when flying?

Nutritionists Stephanie and Ellie tell us more top tips to help your body cope with the side effects of flying:

• Keep up with any supplements you usually take
• Cut back on dehydrating drinks like caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy drinks
• Prioritize hydration. Bringing an empty water bottle to refill during your journey ensures you’ll have enough water. Drinking 1.5 liters of water daily can help prevent bloating, so aim for that.
• Pack convenient snacks like dried fruits, nuts and seed mixes which are easy to travel with
• Maintain diet variety when you’re traveling.

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

50 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys in 2024

Not sure what to get him for his birthday? Look to one of these cool and trendy ideas.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

It may seem hard to find gifts for 10-year-old boys (or 10-year-old girls , or any 10-year-olds in general ), but the Good Housekeeping Institute has figured out what gifts tweens like through a fool-proof method: soliciting feedback from actual 10-year-olds. Lab experts evaluate hundreds of toys and gifts each year, checking out the safety and quality of each one. Then, and most importantly, it hands the toys over to real kids, who assess the fun factor. (Each year, the best wind up Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners.) We put those results together with best-sellers and editor's picks, and these emerged as the best toys and gifts for 10-year-old boys in 2024.

• The Guardian Test: Legends of Lotus Island #1 , $11 on amazon.com
• Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone , $20 on amazon.com
• Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch , $38 at amazon.com
• 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen , $49 on amazon.com
• ArmoGear Laser Tag Set , $100 on amazon.com

There are plenty more where that came from, including STEM sets, building kits, fidget toys and more.

Zombie Dice

This is one of those games that's just easy to pick up whenever there's a dull moment in the action. Players are the zombies, and as they roll their dice, they're hoping to get delicious brains and avoid the shotgun blasts. Ages 10+

TOSY Flying Ring

They'll be able to have fun outside even after the sun goes down with this illuminated flying ring. In addition to cool LED lights, it also has a soft rim for easy catching, and its makers say it can fly 100 feet. Ages 5+

Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch

You don't need a pump (or the ability to hold your breath) to inflate this lounger — you just swoop it around in the air, and it fills up. That means it's easy for him to take out and pack away again, which means he could use it at the park or beach, in the backyard or even as extra seating in his room. It also comes in more than a dozen patterns. No age recommendation given

Force1 Scoot Hand-Operated Mini Drone

He won't have to master any complicated remotes to use this drone — instead, it's entirely operated by hand. He just has to toss it in the air and it'll hover around his hands. And, with a little practice, he can master flips. It also has LEDs to look cool at night. Ages 8+

RELATED: The Best Drones for Kids

Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Set

They can experiment with some of the forces of physics with this marble run set, which adheres to vertical surfaces so kids can build taller marble runs faster and with fewer pieces. There are also expansion sets available. Ages 8+

ArmoGear Laser Tag Set

No need to go to a laser tag arena when you can get this set of laser tag set with enough gear for four people to play. You can duck through backyards, neighborhoods or even around the house for epic battles. The guns have a 150-foot shooting range, and vibrations make it really clear when you've been hit. Ages 8+

3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set

If they're interested in getting into the world of 3D printing — or if they just want a new way to explore their art — this kit comes with everything they need to make their own 3D creations. They can follow along with the included instructions for guided builds, or they can make their own designs. Bonus: The pen doesn't get too hot, so you don't have to worry about burning fingers. Ages 6+

Shashibo Shape Shifting Box

This is what you get when you mix a brain puzzle and a fidget toy. The brightly-colored cube unfolds to reveal new shapes, colors and patterns, and then it becomes a challenge trying to get it back into its cube shape. It'll leave everyone mesmerized. Ages 8+

SpyX Night Mission Goggles

Whether he's doing some solo sleuthing or playing a team sport like Capture the Flag, these spy goggles will help him see in the dark. They have two LEDs that illuminate up to 25 feet. Ages 6+

Minecraft: Builders & Biomes Strategy Board Game

This game has everything kids love about Minecraft — the mobs, the biomes, the building — but taken off screens and transformed into a strategy-based board game. Players explore the Overworld, mine resources, build structures and fight enemies to earn points, and the one with the most points wins. And, since the Overworld grid is different every time, it's never the same game twice! If it catches on, there's also a Farmer's Market expansion . Ages 10+

Spin Flip Puzzle

This unique puzzle is made of concentric rings that can be spun around in different directions, so it's a cross between a brain-teaser and a fidget toy. Multiple Good Housekeeping Institute testers say their families picked up a bunch of them to do head-to-head battles and see who could solve it first. Ages 8+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Kit

Get him off his phone and working with his hands in a new way thanks to this kit that comes with 40 pieces of paper (all that have awesome designs! ) and a whole instruction book on how to build the best paper planes ever. Ages 7+

Comic Book Making Kit

If he dreams of becoming his own comics creator, he'll be so excited to see his artwork turned into a bound book! The kit comes with a blank book, markers and a booklet with helpful tips about how to set up the comic. Then, you put it in a pre-paid envelope and send it in to get bound, complete with an about-the-author page. Ages 8+

Koosh Flix Stix Ball Fun

Koosh meets Lacrosse here , and how much more fun can it get? They'll be outside for hours to see who can catch the Koosh ball after the furthest throw. Ages 8+

Walkie Talkies

Sure, phones are cool, but even with all the games on them, they can't compete with Walkie Talkies. There are two in this set, and they can be used up to 3,000 feet apart , according to the brand. That's about the size of the Navy Pier in Chicago! Ages 3+

Slackers NinjaLine 36' Intro Kit

With 10 obstacles included, this kit makes sure he has everything he needs to become the ultimate ninja. He can swing from one ring to the next and build both upper body strength and imagination. This intro set works for many fitness levels — from beginner, intermediate and advanced training. All obstacles include steel hanging safety clips that hang between two sturdy posts . Parents, make sure to follow the included instructions for proper safety installation! Ages 5+

Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids

Help them practice their skills with this sparing bag, which is ideal for the karate lover or kickboxer in your house. Even if they aren't into those sports, many Amazon reviewers that it keeps their sons busy. Ages 3+

3D Print Pullover Hoodie

You are now entering the Twilight Zone, or at least you'll feel like you are after looking at this hoodie. There are so many cool 3D designs he'll love , but this one is our favorite. Sizes 6 – 16

Newton's Laws Construction Kit

While your child builds catapults, gravity fans, moving cabins and collision cars , he'll be learning about the fundamental properties of potential and kinetic energy. The included manual also comes with a quiz section, which could help make studying for school tests more enjoyable. Ages 8+

Penn & Teller VR Magic Lab

If they want to live out their magician dreams, this set lets them explore the world of magic IRL and in virtual reality. They will learn 28 different magic tricks, and then can present them to friends and family, which is a great way to introduce them to the world of public speaking. Ages 8+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

12 Best Underwear for Women of 2024

The Best Grill Cleaners

The Best Luggage on Amazon

Best Hard Shell Luggage in 2024

The Best Baby Foods

The Best Protein Bars

Why I Love the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Best Mattresses Under $500

The Best Tinted Moisturizers

The Most Comfortable Shoes

The Best Refrigerators