Are you feeling anxious about preparing a formula feed for your little one while flying? In this article we’ll answer all your questions on formula feeding while traveling by plane, including what to pack, how to prepare a feed, what airports and airlines allow and what the experts say.
What should I pack to formula feed on a plane?
To formula feed safely and hygienically while flying you will need:
Formula
You can prepare the right amount of formula for a single feed in formula containers. Preparing a bottle is then more straightforward (and hygenic) as you simply pour the entire contents into a sterilised bottle. You’ll save space this way, too, as there’s no need to carry a large tub of formula. Measure out enough formula feeds to last you the duration of the flight, waiting time at the airport and any potential delays or lost luggage (if you pack the formula tub in hold luggage)
Hot Water
Boil some water ahead of your flight and store it in a tightly sealed vacuum flask. Some brands run flasks that can keep the water hot for 6 to 12 hours. When it’s time for a feed (ideally you preempt feed time as you will need to wait until the milk is the right temperature), simply pour in the water and add formula to a sterilised bottle. Make sure your baby isn’t too close to you while pouring in hot water and that they cannot reach out to an open flask either.
Sterilised Bottle
Sterilise bottles in advance of your trip, making sure they’re all stored hygienically in your diaper bag.
If you don’t want to carry all this gear, ready-made cartons of formula are also an option. All you have to do is pour the milk into a sterilised bottle and offer it to your baby at room temperature. Otherwise, you can also ask the cabin crew for some hot water to warm the bottle in. Ready made formula is slightly more expensive than other alternatives but it’s also one of the safest and most convenient options.
Can I take baby formula and water on board a plane?
Yes! The 100ml limit does not apply if you’re travelling with a baby. Airport security may ask you to open the containers to check that it is indeed formula and water you’re travelling with, but otherwise you should be all good to go.
On the plane, most cabin crew will be happy to warm your little one’s bottles – you can check in advance with the airline you’re flying with for any policies in this regard.
Formula feeding on a plane: what the experts say
- Pressure while flying can lead to milk spilling out of the bottle. As advised by the Dr.Brown brand of baby bottles, you should remove the internal vent system before getting on a plane. Seal the bottle with the cap and once the cabin is pressurized, you can put the parts back.
- Plan feeding times during take off and landing to reduce ear pain. As explained by Nemours Children’s Health, ear pain happens because of pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum: “Normally, the Eustachian tube, a passageway that leads from the middle ear to the back of the throat behind the nose, equalizes the air pressure in the middle ear to the outside air pressure by opening and letting air reach the middle ear”. That feeling of ears popping is the Eustachian tube adjusting air pressure in the middle ears. However, in kids, the Eustachian tube is still relatively narrow and might not do this so well. The pain is only temporary though and offering a pacifier or milk during take off and landing can help ease this strain.
- Do not keep a bottle of made-up formula warm for a prolonged period of time. According to the NHS, a made up bottle of formula stored at room temperature should be used within two hours. Additionally, and as noted by BabyCentre, do not keep made-up formula in an insulated carrier as this encourages germs to breed.
- Make up a fresh formula feed when your baby needs it. Ensure that the water you are using is still hot to destroy any bacteria present in the powdered formula.
Now that you know the ins and outs of formula feeding on a plane, you can go ahead and make that booking! Happy flying!
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