What can I take on a plane for my baby? All Questions Answered by TSA

When I was traveling with my little one for the first time on a plane, I made extensive research on what are the baby items I can carry on the airplane. I’ve compiled all the answers to the questions I had and that has been directly answered by TSA agent for several moms with similar queries.

Quick Answer

  • TSA allows carrying breast milk in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, with no total amount limit; it can be liquid or frozen.
  • Baby snacks, yogurt pouches, and juice bottles are permitted in carry-on bags for infants and toddlers.
  • Liquid-filled teething rings are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
  • Contact airlines for guidance on the size, weight, and number of carry-on items allowed on the plane.

Now let’s get the details.


Can I bring breast milk on the plane? How much breastmilk can I take on a plane?

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In USA the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows carrying liquids in carry-on baggage if they’re in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. However, for feeding infants and children the rules are a bit different. You can carry breastmilk in containers that are bigger than the usual 3.4 ounces allowed in your carry-on bags. There is no limit to the total amount you may pack. Breast milk can be carried both in liquid or frozen form. However, you need to remove the breast milk container and any ice packs from your bag and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening. And in case you are wondering, no, you don’t need to travel with your child to bring breast milk through security.

The containers can be more than 3.4 ounces each, Stephanie and you may fill them to any level you choose. You may pack as much of these items as your child needs. However, please remove them from your bag at the checkpoint and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) March 28, 2019

What baby food can you take through airport security?

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If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, soft or pureed baby food, juices, applesauce, milk is allowed in carry-on bags. The containers can be more than 3.4 ounces each and there’s no limit on the total quantity. It’s best to inform the security officer of any liquid items before they start screening.

You need to remove the baby food items from your bag at the checkpoint and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

However, you must be traveling with an infant or toddler in order to take soft/pureed baby food over 3.4 oz, through the security checkpoint.

Can I carry baby wipes on a plane?

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Yes, disposable baby wipes are allowed in carry-on bags and aren’t limited in quantity or size. You don’t have to place these items in your quart-sized liquids bag.

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Can I bring a stroller on the plane?

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A car seat and stroller are allowed through the security checkpoint. Strollers should be folded up and placed on the X-ray belt for screening If you bring bigger sized stroller or a double stroller that does not fit through the X-ray machine when folded it will undergo a physical inspection by the officers. It’s also recommended to check with your air carrier for their policy on gate checking stroller.

No worries. Our offices will hand inspect the stroller if it doesn’t fit in the X-ray machine. Safe travels!

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) April 4, 2017

My sister’s 4-year-old was too big for a stroller. TSA allowed bringing a collapsible wagon through security check. However, the airlines regulate the size, weight & number of carry-on items each traveler is allowed to bring on the plane. So it’s better to contact them for guidance as well.

Can I take baby snacks on the plane?

If you are traveling with the baby or a toddler you are allowed to bring baby snacks, yogurt in pouches, and juices in bottles. You can put them in your carry on bags.

Thanks for checking, Nicole. You may bring as much baby food & snacks as your child needs. Watch: https://t.co/YVtZZrBBV7

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) April 17, 2017

Can I carry teether with liquid in them on a plane?


Yes, a liquid-filled teething ring is allowed in carry on bag or checked bag.

Can I take diaper rash cream on the plane

Yes, you can carry diaper rash cream, eczema lotion and other medically necessary items for infants in carry-on bags. When traveling with a baby, liquids, creams, pastes, and gels are exempted from the ATC liquids rule and they may exceed 3.4 oz in carry-on bags. But ensure you separate the cream and lotions from your other belongings for X-ray screening.

When traveling with an infant or toddler, liquids, lotions & creams are exempt from the liquids rule & may exceed 3.4 oz. Pls remove these items & place them in a bin for X-ray screening. Be sure to let our officers know they’re for your baby. Pls see: https://t.co/YVtZZrBBV7

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) May 1, 2019

Can I bring hand sanitizer in my carry on?

Alcohol-based or foam hand sanitizer that are less than 3.4 ounces i.e 100 ml are allowed in carry-on bags. The container must fit comfortably in a single, quart-sized resealable bag containing your other travel-sized liquid items.

Thanks for asking! A foam hand sanitizer less than 3.4 oz is allowed in carry-on bags. It must be placed in your quart-sized bag along with other travel-sized liquids. For more info, pls watch: https://t.co/iICMFTMUNf

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 22, 2018

Can I take a thermos flask on a plane for the baby?


When traveling with an infant, water in a thermos is allowed in carry-on bags. Each container can be larger than 3.4oz & you can pack as much as you need. Remember you have to remove it from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening And yes, you can also carry your electric bottle warmer in your carry-on.

Yes, baby food in a thermos is allowed in carry-on bags. You may find our video on traveling with infant-care items helpful: https://t.co/YVtZZrBBV7

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) September 23, 2018

Does breast pump count as carry on?

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A breast pump can be put in a carry-on and in checked luggage. You got to remove it from your carry-on bag and place it into a bin for X-ray screening. However, individual airlines decide the size and number of items each traveler is allowed to bring on the plane. So it’s also recommended that you also contact your airline to determine if a breast pump would count towards your carry-on allowance.

Thanks for reaching out. A breast pump is allowed in carry-on bags. Have a nice day.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) May 6, 2017

Can you go through airport security with a baby carrier? Does baby carrier count as carry on?

Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector, but if the alarm sounds, the officer will conduct additional screening on both the adult passenger and the child. If a baby is carried through the metal detector in a sling, wrap or a holster the officer may do additional screening even if there is not an alarm.

As long as a wearable baby carrier doesn’t contain enough metal to alarm the metal detector, it may be worn through screening.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) August 30, 2017

Do you have other questions regarding what you can carry when traveling with an infant on a plane? Post them in comment. I’ll research to find the answers and add them here.


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