Welcome, fellow parent travelers! Landing here may mean a flight trip with a baby is in the works. Anyone wondering which baby items are commonly allowed through TSA security and what to take on a flight is in the right place.
I know how stressful it can be to take little ones along on a flight. I was always afraid I would take something that would set off the TSA scanners, and we would be in the security line forever. Trying to soothe a baby while waiting can be difficult.
I learned the ins and outs of TSA regulations so I could be prepared. Today, I will share 20 baby items that are commonly allowed through TSA security.
In this guide, I will provide accurate information on what to take when flying to have a smooth trip.
List of Baby Items Commonly Allowed Through TSA Security
| # | Baby Items | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Diaper bag (typically allowed as an additional item) | A diaper bag is not considered a carry on item; it is extra. | |
| 2. | diapers | Bring enough for your flight + 2 more | |
| 3. | diaper wipes | A full-size container of wipes is typically allowed through TSA screening when traveling with a baby. | |
| 4. | changing pad | Any size is commonly allowed, but a small one will save room in the diaper bag; NO metal in the pad | |
| 5. | extra baby clothes | Any clothing made of all cloth, plastic snaps work but no metal snaps | |
| 6. | sanitary wipes | A full-size container of sanitizing wipes are commonly allowed | |
| 7. | bottled formula | Premade baby formula is typically allowed through TSA screening when traveling with an infant, though additional screening may occur. Consider warming the formula with a portable bottle warmer or requesting hot water. Baby formula is generally treated as a medically necessary item. | |
| 8. | powdered formula | A diaper bag is not considered a carry on item; it is extra | |
| 9. | breast milk | You can transport breast milk in bottles or plastic breast milk bags on ice. Milk is medically necessary. | |
| 10. | breast pump | A breast pump is often allowed as an additional item, though airline and TSA handling may vary. | |
| 11. | bottle warmer | Portable baby warmers can go in a diaper bag | |
| 12. | ice packs | Ice packs are typically allowed when used to keep breast milk or formula cool, though additional screening may occur. | |
| 13. | cover for nursing | Nursing covers are cloth items and are typically allowed through TSA screening. Breastfeeding is natural, and some may not want a cover, but in airports or on planes, staff may request discretion depending on the situation. | |
| 14. | empty bottles | Glass bottles are acceptable, but I suggest non-breakable bottles to save a mess if the glass breaks | |
| 15. | burp cloth | Cloth burp cloths are typically allowed through TSA screening. | |
| 16. | pacifier | Be sure to have extra pacifiers; as they are typically allowed. | |
| 17. | baby blankets | All cloth baby blankets are typically allowed through TSA screening. | |
| 18. | baby medications | Baby medications are a medically necessary item for travel according to TSA guidelines | |
| 19. | diaper rash cream | Full-size containers are acceptable | |
| 20. | baggies | Baggies to put your wipes and dirty diapers in are typically allowed. |
How To Prepare For Your Flight With Travel Friendly Baby Items?
Preparation is half the battle, and flying is no different. First, contact the airline to find out what can go on the plane. Some items may travel better if checked before going through security.
Sometimes, baby carriers or car seats can be taken on the plane. But only if the flight is not full or the passenger seat is not empty for a baby that is flying. If there is not an empty seat for the car seat, it can be gate-checked, which means it can be checked into the cargo hold just before boarding the plane.
Investing in a travel friendly baby item known as a cloth wrap or sling to carry your infant on your body may be worthwhile. But a word of caution: make sure it has no metal buckles. Any metal on the carrier will set off the X-ray machine going through security.Â
Also, it may be beneficial to prepare for a flight by purchasing a large, easy-to-carry diaper bag, such as a backpack bag for babies. A backpack will free up hands for other baby chores.
What are the rules for baby items commonly allowed through TSA security?
Most frequent flyers you know about the 3-1-1 liquids rule. But the really cool part is when traveling with a baby, the items in the diaper bag do not have to follow this rule. Now, how exciting is that?
Let me clarify this a bit further. Items in the diaper bag, such as baby formula powdered and mixed in a bottle, empty bottles, and breast milk, can be 4 ounces or 8 ounces. However, with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, they must be 3.4 ounces or less. Also, diaper rash creams and medications can be in a large tube or bottle.
Security may require some items to be removed from the diaper bag and placed in a bin for x-ray screening.
How Should I Carry My Baby Through Security?
TSA security checkpoints generally allow parents to carry a baby or place the baby in a carrier. The security officer will decide, so if they want to send the carrier through the scanner at the checkpoint, the baby cloth or sling will come in handy. Most security officers will not ask a parent to take a baby out of the sling, and the parent and the baby can go through the X-ray machine as one.Â
Although full-size containers are commonly allowed through TSA security, taking smaller containers will save space in the diaper bag.
Here are a few FAQs regarding baby items commonly allowed through TSA security
These FAQs on baby items for travel will help ease the stress of traveling with a baby.
What can I carry in a diaper bag on a plane?
Everything that pertains to the care of your baby on the list can usually go in your diaper bag. Because of the size, you may need to carry a breast pump in a separate case.
Will I have to take baby items out of my diaper bag to go through security?
Some security agents may require baby items to be placed in a bin to pass through the scanner. However, telling the TSA personnel the obvious—that the bag belongs to your baby and the formula is in the diaper bag—may help.
Does my diaper bag count as a carry-on?
Most airlines do not count a diaper bag as a carry-on bag on domestic flights. It is an extra bag and will not be counted as the one carry-on bag that is allowed.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on accessories, here are some additional posts about accessories:
Overall
TSA security checkpoints are baby-friendly and will do their best to make the airport transition smooth. Please comply if they ask you to do something that may take some extra time.
Thanks for reading. And happy travels, my friends.