Can you travel with formula?

Updated 3 months ago

Travelling with formula — what you need to know

Travelling with a formula-fed baby is entirely manageable with a little preparation. Whether you are flying internationally or taking a long road trip, the key is knowing the rules in advance and packing what you need to prepare formula safely on the go.

Flying with formula

Airport security

Formula — both powdered and ready-to-feed — is exempt from the standard 100ml liquid rule at most airports worldwide, including in Canada, the EU, the UK and the Middle East. You are generally permitted to carry a reasonable amount for the duration of your journey.

• Powdered formula — allowed in hand luggage. Security may ask you to open the tin for inspection. Carrying the original sealed tin is recommended where possible.
• Ready-to-feed formula — allowed in quantities exceeding 100ml when travelling with a baby. You may be asked to taste it at security.
• Prepared bottles — allowed. Keep them separate from other liquids in your bag for ease of inspection.
• Always check with your airline and departure airport before flying — rules can vary by country and airline.

Preparing formula on the plane

Most airlines will provide hot water on request for warming a bottle or preparing formula. Ask a flight attendant — they are accustomed to helping parents with formula preparation.

• Bring pre-measured formula powder in a clean, dry formula dispenser for easy scooping
• Ask for cooled boiled water — let it cool further to the right temperature before mixing
• Alternatively, ready-to-feed formula is the most convenient option for flights — no mixing required and it can be served at room temperature

Road trips with formula

• Prepare formula at home and store in a cool bag with ice packs — use within 4 hours
• Bring a thermos with freshly boiled water — this stays hot enough to mix formula for several hours
• Use a 12V bottle warmer that plugs into the car — useful for warming refrigerated bottles on the go
• Pack more formula than you think you need — delays happen, and running out is stressful
• Ready-to-feed formula is again the simplest option for road trips where stopping to prepare formula is not always practical