What food can you take on a plane with a baby?

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.



When traveling with a baby, the standard "3-1-1" liquid rules are significantly relaxed. According to TSA and international aviation standards in 2026, you are allowed to bring formula, breast milk, and baby food (including purees and pouches) in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) in your carry-on luggage. These are considered "medically necessary liquids." You do not need to put them in a quart-sized bag, but you must declare them to security officers at the checkpoint for separate screening. Solid snacks like cereal, crackers, and fruit are also permitted and generally pass through without extra scrutiny. If you are flying internationally, be mindful of customs regulations at your destination; many countries (like Australia or the US) prohibit the entry of fresh fruits, meats, or unsealed dairy products. To be safe, try to use pre-packaged, shelf-stable baby food jars or pouches for the flight and finish any fresh items before you land. Bringing an empty "sippy cup" to fill with water or juice after security is also a pro-tip for keeping your little one hydrated during pressure changes.

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Checked Bags: Yes
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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The 3-1-1 Rule refers to three core components that govern how many liquids you can bring in your carry-on bags: Each liquid must be in a 3.4-ounce or less container (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag (1), and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).

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Baby food is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Please see traveling with children for more information.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, cereals, cracker, pretzel and cookies are all good options. Creamy items such as jams, peanut butter and yogurt however, are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item and will need to fit into a quart-sized bag.

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Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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Keep snacks in zippered plastic bags. As much as we love reusable baggies, dealing with reusables during travel is a huge pain. Pack snacks in individual portions that are easy to get and hand to kids one at a time. Then hand the empty baggies to the flight attendant when he comes down the aisle.

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Foods you can't pack in your carry-on
Think: creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags.

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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.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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