Flying can be a stressful experience – one which can be made trickier if you travel with babies or very young children.
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In addition to concerns over keeping them comfortable and entertained, parents will also have worries over the impact of air pressure on small ears, whether they will be too warm or too cold, and, of course, how to pack their food safely and securely.
Taking baby formula on a plane does not have to be as stressful as it may initially appear. We have put together all you need to know about packing infant formula for air travel and keeping stress levels to a minimum for everyone involved.
Top Tips When Packing Baby Formula On A Plane
So, just how can you take formula on a plane more easily? We have some top tips:
1. Pack More Formula Than You Think You Will Need
Airlines have no limitations or restrictions on how much baby formula you can carry onboard a flight. It is a good idea to err on the side of caution and pack more than you think you might need.
Flights can be unpredictable, and there is no way to tell whether you are likely to be delayed or even canceled; both events could see you stuck in an airport for hours.
To cover every eventuality, ensure you have more formula than you think you need.
2. Keep Everything Sterilized
Planes can be full of germs, so it is important to keep everything clean and sterile when preparing your baby’s formula before taking it on board.
This includes the bottle, the lid, and other items you use to prepare the formula. If possible, sterilize these items using boiling water or place them in a bottle sterilizer before travel.
It is also advisable to wash your hands thoroughly before handling anything containing milk or formula.
As an alternative, many parents opt for disposable bottle liners when traveling – these are available from most supermarkets and online retailers.
They come in various sizes and shapes for different types of bottles and allow you to make up a bottle on-the-go without having to worry about cleaning or sterilizing your bottles on the plane.
3. Make Sure Everything Is Clearly Labeled
As we mentioned, there are no limitations or restrictions when taking baby formula on a plane. Still, it can help to make your life easier if you ensure everything is clearly labeled and accessible.
This means that when you come to clear security, you will only have to show your label rather than have to explain what each item is. Thus, speeding up the process and reducing stress.
4. Remember To Bring A Bottle Warmer
Warm tap water tends to be something of a rarity on most planes, so it is worth bringing along a bottle warmer to keep your baby’s formula at the right temperature.
There are plenty of options, including portable bottle warmers designed specifically for this purpose.
A bottle warmer will help to ensure that your baby’s formula is at the perfect temperature throughout the journey and is a safer option than relying on the airline to provide warm water.
5. Carry Formula In Your Diaper Bag
If you are checking a bag and taking a carry-on, it is important to ensure that your diaper bag contains all the essentials required to care for your baby while you are away.
This includes a changing mat, wet wipes, diapers, a spare set of clothes, a bottle warmer, and formula.
This means that even if you are delayed or your bags are lost during the trip, you will have all the supplies you need to keep your baby fed and happy.
6. Don’t Forget The Extras!
When traveling with a baby, it is always best to take extra things just in case. This includes a change of clothes for yourself, wipes, diapers, toys, books, snacks, drinks, etc.
These extras will help to reduce stress, and baby travel toys ensure that you and your baby don’t get too bored during long flights.
Get the BE Family Travel Packing Lists to help pack everything you need for a family vacation with a baby.
7. Carry The Right Water
When traveling, it is important to remember that water quality can vary from region to region, so it is crucial that you carry safe water with you to prepare the baby formula.
Depending on where in the world you are, you may find that it is not safe to use the local tap water, as this can contain bacteria that could cause illness.
To avoid any issues or upset tummies, it is best to use bottled water to make up bottles – make sure that this is sealed and stored properly to prevent contamination.
8. Travel With A Cooler Bag
It is also important to bring a cooler bag with you when traveling with a baby. This way, you can ensure that any bottles you travel with or water that you bring to make up formula stays cool and safe throughout the duration of your journey.
If possible, opt for a cooler bag in a backpack style or a cooler that fits inside a travel diaper bag. This will leave your hands free and make it easier to navigate through airport security checkpoints and the hustle and bustle that comes with getting on a plane.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many different ways to safely and comfortably travel with a baby, even when they are being fed via formula.
By following our tips, you should be able to enjoy your travels without worrying about anything going wrong.
However, it is always best practice to check with your airline before making any final decisions regarding your travel plans, especially if you are planning to fly internationally. This can help to put your mind at ease and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
For more about family travel, check out these posts:
Travel with a Baby Stress-Free this Holiday
Navigating Airport Security with Children
Surviving Jet Lag with your Baby or Toddler
Complete guide to getting your baby or child a U.S. passport
How To Pack Liquids For Air Travel
How To Travel With Frozen Breast Milk
