Updated in 2024
When it comes to feeding or nursing a baby on a plane, you need to ask yourself one question: will your baby be breast fed or bottle fed on your trip? It doesn’t matter if there is formula or breastmilk in the bottle, but you do need to know how you will be responding to those hunger cues.
How to feed a bottle to a baby is very similar to how you feed your baby with a bottle at home. However, you need to know your rights before you travel with baby, and get a few key questions answered about feeding a baby on a plane.
What are the regulations for bringing formula or breast milk through airport security?
Here in the USA you are allowed to carry breast milk and liquid baby formula onto a plane. Don’t go overboard, just bring what you will need for the flight and any delays that may occur. The important thing to know is that TSA cannot stop you.
If you are stopped or told you can’t bring breast milk or liquid formula (and food for your baby) through security screening, ask for a manager or superior officer.
According to TSA.gov, “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. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.”
The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint,” according to TSA.gov.
So, your rights are clearly spelled out on the TSA’s own website. You can read more about the office TSA rules HERE.
Please note that you will still need to separate your liquids, whether it is breast milk or baby food, just like all of your other carry on liquids. They can be in greater quantities than 3 oz., but they will still need to be inspected. If you have TSA Precheck, you will still need to separate out those baby items for extra security checks and clearance.
It’s OK to bottle feed a baby
Being a full-time working mother when my oldest son was a baby meant bottle feedings were just part of our lives, no matter what form of liquid was in them. When I could no longer breastfeed, it made it easier to switch my son to formula since he was already used to a bottle. My husband could also take part in feedings, not something he could be a part of when our boys were solely breastfed babies.
So, having lived on both sides of the baby milk debate, I’ve pulled together a few tips on how to bottle feed a baby on a plane that will get you up into the friendly skies and off on your next adventure.
Don’t worry if you are bottle feeding formula or breastmilk. We are covering both. I’ll also dive into the difference between a breastfed baby and a bottle fed baby on a plane, but check here if you want my full guide to breastfeeding on a plane, and don’t plan on using a bottle.
So, sit back, find that perfect crook in your arm that your baby (even older babies) love, and while holding the bottle with one hand like a pro, let’s dive into how you are going to do this on the plane. I promise, it’s not so different from what you do at feeding time when home.
How to Feed a Bottle to a Baby on a Plane
I’ve gotten a LOT of questions about bottle feeding a baby on a plane over the years, and I’ve done dozens of flights with nursing babies and bottle feeding babies to know what works and what doesn’t, no matter how the rules of air travel have changed.
Bottle feeding a baby on a plane was so much easier for me than breastfeeding on a plane. I wanted to give my boys the best milk possible. However, I was a clumsy breastfeeder, got drenched during every feeding session, and in the end had trouble with with my milk supply after a few month with each boy.
Not exactly a confidence booster, right? And as a frequent traveler, I needed to figure out a solution just like you. So, here are a few answers to the questions you might have before you take off on your next family trip.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a lactation consultant. This is just what I have found that has worked over the years. If you or your baby have medical conditions that effect feeding, please consult your family physician.
How much formula or breast milk should I bring for the flight?
It’s a good idea to pack enough liquid formula, powder formula and/or breast milk for the entire day of your trip, so you have enough milk when you are in the airport, on the plane and when you get to your destination.
If you are packing formula, I recommend you carry two days worth of formula in your carry-on bag, even if it’s much more milk than you end up needing. I’ve had flights cancelled late at night after multiple delays, which caused us to sleep in a hotel overnight instead of going home. Trust me, finding enough formula after midnight for another 12 hours of feedings was a nightmare.
What is the best position to hold my baby for bottle feeding during takeoff and landing?
Cradle your baby’s head in the crook of your arm, keeping older babies more upright. If you do combination feeding (breastfeed and bottle feed), switch sides while bottle feeding just like you do when breastfeeding to keep the routine in place.
How can I minimize ear pain, fussiness and gas during bottle feeding on a plane?
For decades parents have been told to have their baby suck on something during take off and landing to help with ear pain. As a mother who’s kids had multiple ear infections, I can tell you that this really is the best thing to do (along with acetaminophen if your doctor advises it).
If your baby gets fussy before a feeding, it could mean you aren’t catching those early feeding cues he or she is giving you. If you have bottle-fed babies, you can prep bottles in advance, having the powder formula or liquid concentrate already in the bottle, so all you have to do is add water.
The exact timing is a bit harder if you have breast milk that needs to warmed up, but you can still start getting things moving.
For those babies who get gas on a flight, which my oldest did daily, you should look at the flow of the formula coming out of your bottle. The right bottle and nipple, no matter what feeding method you choose, can have a huge effect on the amount of air your child gets along with the milk flow coming out of the bottle.
Another trick that my husband perfected was holding our son’s head in his hands, butt against his chest and doing some baby curls. I don’t know why, but this helped to work the gas out when nothing else would.
Can I request hot water from the flight attendant to warm the bottle?
Yes, you can ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water, but keep in mind that it will be VERY hot, and will come in a small cup (the same ones they serve coffee and tea in). This small cup of hot water does work to warm up a bottle, thaw breast milk, or add a little hot water to your bottle of cold water to make room temperature water for a bottle in a pinch.
Can I bring a breast pump on the plane and how do I use it?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your breast pump onto a plane. It will be a bit trickier to use it while flying though, as there isn’t usually a designated nursing station on an airplane.
If you are in a row with your family, sit at the window seat and pump. If you are in an aisle with strangers, ask the flight attendants if they have a back row available or an alternate spot that you can pump. And remember to bring a battery pack for your pump, as not all airlines have electrical outlets at the seats.
While short flights are easier, since you can pump right before you get onto the airplane and as soon as you land, long flights are when you will have to get creative. Again, ask the flight attendants what they recommend. I promise you are not the first or the last woman who has needed to pump on a plane.
What should I do if my baby gets sick or throws up during the flight?
Stay calm. Whether you give your baby breast milk of formula milk from the bottle or while breastfeeding, your baby can and will throw up. This is why you pack burp clothes and a change of clothes for you and your baby.
If you are with a family member, ask them to bring the baby to the airplane bathroom to clean them up, while you get yourself cleaned up.
If you are flying solo with a baby, clean up your baby as much as possible at your seat. Press the flight attendant button and ask for paper towels and water if needed. Once your baby is sorted, bring your baby and your change of clothing to the bathroom. A friendly grandmother or flight attendant may offer to hold your baby so you can change (you are in an airplane- they can’t run off with the baby).
If you don’t get extra help, safely place your baby on the changing room table with your body pressed against the table to catch the baby if he or she begins to roll. Quickly change your top, and stick all dirty items in a plastic bag to be cleaned upon arrival in your destination.
How can I make the bottle-feeding experience on a plane more comfortable for myself and my baby?
The best way to stay comfortable while bottle feeding is to stick to your routine as much as possible at home.
Grab your airplane neck pillow to prop your arm up on the armrest of your plane seat, hold your baby upright or in a semi-upright position like you do at home, have all of your usual bottle-feeding equipment ready to go, and keep your baby’s bottle at body temperature (check milk on the inside of your wrist), just like you do at home.
Some babies may have a hard time staying focused on eating, no matter how hungry they might be, and that is OK. After all, they are on an airplane with lots of new things to touch, see and smell, plus loads of new strangers to flirt with from your arms.
Similar to when a mom breastfeeds, you can throw a light scarf or nursing shawl over your baby to get them to focus on eating before they go back to playing with the passengers.
Where is the best place to change my baby’s diaper after feeding?
Head to the back of the plane where most airplane bathrooms have a drop-down changing table. If not, put your changing pad on the toilet or sit on the closed toilet with your baby in your lap to change him or her.
If you have a boy- remember a cloth diaper to throw over their naked front while you get the new diaper on. I have been peed on while changing my son on a plane. It’s not fun.
What to pack to bottle fed when flying with a baby
Let’s tackle the question– What additional supplies do I need to pack for bottle feeding on a plane?
Unlike your breastfeeding counterparts, you will need to pack a little more for your bottle feeding baby. Cover ups don’t need to be in your wardrobe, but bottles and formula, or chilled breast milk do.
Baby Bottles
Bring enough clean bottles to last your flight plus two more in case of delays. Washing a bottle in an airplane bathroom is just plain gross, and not recommended.
Good rule to follow: If you can’t drink the water, don’t wash your baby’s bottle with the water. That bottle nipple has direct contact with the most precious thing in your life.
What are the best bottles and nipples for bottle feeding on a plane?
Whether you need slow flow for newborn babies, or a media flow for babies who are more than a couple months old, there are a few great travel baby bottles out there you should consider. Although to be honest, your bottles from home will work just as well as long as you carefully pack the bottles and nibbles so they stay clean.
Pack a bottle brush (like this one that is a collapsible baby bottle cleaning kit that’s easy to pack) so you can keep bottles and nipples clean throughout your trip.
- Boon NURSH Reusable Silicone Baby Bottles: these bottles are collapsible, and they even come with these storage lids so that it keeps the bottle nipples clean before use. The bottles come in great colors and make packing way easier since you won’t have to bring several full-size baby bottles with you. Buy them HERE.
- Tommee Tippee Anti-Colic Bottles: this baby bottle has a slow flow, breast-like nipple and their own anti-colic venting system. The brand also has a travel bottle warmer (this one) that works well with their bottles, as well as other bottles on the market.
- Playtex Baby Nurser Bottle with Pre-Sterilized Disposable Drop-Ins Liners: while I’m not a huge fan of disposable bottles, sometimes you don’t have a choice when you travel. The Playtex baby bottles with drop-in liners are recyclable and provide an anti-colic feed, plus they have been on the market for decades as a trusted brand for new parents. Just remember that the baby bottle nipple is not disposable, so you will need to clean it between bottle feeds.
Baby Formula
Today’s market offers a LOT of single serving, pre-measured powder formula (like this one) and liquid formula that is easy to pack and use on the go. I also swore by my powdered baby formula dispenser (this one to be exact) when traveling with my kids. You could measure out up to 8oz per slot and have it ready to go the second you need it. It also saves on plastic waste from the single serve packets.
Water for Formula
Do yourself a favor– if at all possible just buy a bottle of water (or fill up a reusable water bottle at the water fountain) when you get through security. Don’t try to bring a full water bottle through TSA security. The hassle isn’t worth it.
Ask one of the shops if they have any room temperature water so you don’t have to worry about a chilled bottle for your finicky baby.
While travel bottle warmers do exist (check out our list the best travel bottle warmer for you and your baby), that’s just one more thing you have to pack. And I also have a great trick to get the perfect temperature milk for your baby… so read on.
Breast Milk
If you are bottle feeding breast milk, you will want to have a cooler with enough breast milk to last your flight, plus a little more. Store your milk in a small, insulated cooler bag with ice packs to make sure your milk stays fresh and remove each pack as you need it, making sure to close your bag up so nothing spoils.
Burp Cloth and Baby Bibs
Babies burp and spit up, especially when bottle feeding a baby on a plane. That’s part of life. Never, ever forget your burp cloth.
I always preferred to use the old-fashion prefolded cloth diapers as burp clothes, because they soaked up so much more than the other burp clothes on the market, even though the other ones are much cuter. Just ask a friend or family member who is handy with a needle to embroider some of your cloth diapers for you.
If your baby drools a lot, pack a few baby bibs to staunch the flow a bit and leave your baby a tad more dry than they would without a bib.
How to bring a Cooler on a Plane
As you already know, you are legally allowed to bring a cooler with ice packs onto a plane to preserve your breast milk, baby food and formula, at least in the United States according to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). You will have to do additional screening at security check points, but you now know your rights, so please politely remind any TSA agents who try to deny you from bringing in liquids for your baby and toddler.
One alternative to ice packs is to bring a small lunch bag cooler (like this one) to store your breast milk, but add a plastic bag filled with frozen grapes from home to act as an ice pack, and bring extra plastic bags to fill with ice in the airport and on the plane.
The grapes will act as an extra snack for your and additional family members, while keeping at least that first bottle or two cold for your flight.
NOTE: Always double check TSA rules before you fly as they do change often.
How do I prepare formula or breast milk for bottle feeding on a plane?
Formula
There is no separate way to mix baby formula, whether you are on a plane, train or automobile. Simply pour the liquid formula into the bottle and start feeding OR dispense your baby formula powder into the bottle, add water, and give it a good shake.
How to warm up formula for a baby on a plane
If your baby likes a warm bottle, here’s a great bottle feeding tip– ask the flight attendant for a half a cup of hot water to mix in with your bottle of room temperature water. Add the hot water a little a time until you get to the perfect temperature.
Always check warmed up formula and breast milk on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. If it is too hot when it makes skin contact, it is much too hot for your newborn baby, infant and toddler.
The hot water planes make for their tea is VERY hot. You may only need a tiny bit to get it to the perfect temperature for your baby’s bottle. If you need more water, mix in some from your own water bottle or ask the flight attendant for more hot water as needed.
Breast milk
If you plan to carry breast milk onto the plane to feed your baby you will need a way to keep it cool and then warm it back up. One benefit of bringing frozen breast milk on your flight is that it will slowly thaw as you travel, leaving it ready for baby when you need it.
How to warm up breast milk during your flight
If you have breast milk that needs to be heated up, ask your flight attendant for a half-cup of hot water. Stick your bottle or pouch into the cup to thaw or warm up your breast milk.
Double check the temperature before you give the milk to your baby to make sure it is not too hot. Bottle feeding a baby a hot bottle is dangerous in the air, just as it is at home.
Best Bottle Feeding Location
The beauty of the bottle is that you can bottle feed a baby virtually anywhere and no one will blink an eye. You don’t have to worry about your fiddling with your top or getting your baby tucked under a nursing cover up.
Simply mix your baby bottle, get your baby in the his or her preferred bottle feeding position, and pop the bottle in baby’s mouth.
Window Seat VS Aisle Seat
I still prefer an aisle seat whenever traveling with my boys just for the ease of access to my bags, and the extra elbows space to dig through my bag for what I need.
Window seats will give you an added spot to prop yourself up and a pretty view to bottle feed baby though.
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