Flying stress-free with an infant

• Reprints

When my son was 11 months old, we traveled on a 10-hour flight with him. You do not know the meaning of the word “exhausted” until you have followed in my shoes. To save stress, here are some hints on traveling with your baby and arriving in peace.

Bringing baby food
on an airplane

(Note: The following information, while current, should be confirmed with your local airport and airline before you travel.) Getting through airport security includes exemptions for baby food, though the amount of food you can bring on board is open for interpretation by the TSA force on the scene. Declare all canned, jarred and liquid baby foods before they go through the scanner; this also applies to formula or juice. Breast milk should likewise be declared before going through scanners. Keep your baby with you vs. handing your baby off to a traveling companion while you go through security. This will make it clear that you are bringing the food aboard in order to feed your child on the trip. The TSA reminds you to keep these food items separate from other gels, liquids and aerosols you will carry in a clear plastic bag for inspection (but diaper cream and the like of 3 ounces or less — including medicine — should go into the clear bag with other gels, etc.).

† Baby food that is not of the liquid or gel variety, such as powdered formula, can be brought on the flight without being declared. If it needs to be reconstituted, you can purchase bottled water or find a water fountain after you go through security.

† It’s best to bring foods that do not fall into the liquid or gel categories — such as crackers, veggies and cereal that your child has tried at home (now is not the time to try the unfamiliar). Be sure to cut or chop the foods finely to prevent any choking incidents.

Getting through TSA

† Arrive at the airport earlier than suggested. Not only will it take you longer when carrying the supplies needed to travel with baby, but one never knows how long it will take to get through security and re-gather your belongings.

† Take your baby out of the stroller or baby carrier for screening. You should not be separated from your baby during screening; do not allow a screener to take your baby from you or to a place you cannot see him at all times.

† Your baby “stuff” will go through the scanner: umbrella stroller, car seats, toys, etc. Larger items that won’t fit through the scanner will be inspected visually.

† If you are checking luggage through, call the airline for specifics of what you can check in and what you can put into your checked luggage. Most airlines allow for one carry-on sized suitcase and one personal item, such as a diaper bag.

Tip from the parenting trenches: In addition to your child’s favorite toys and blankie from home, purchase one or two new small toys or books to give your child during the flight. Also, bring a bottle with a nipple for baby to suck on as the plane ascends and descends. The sucking action will help soothe the tenderness they may feel in their ears as the plane changes altitude.

Gannett News Service