So, I've posted multiple threads now on my upcoming first flight with DS, but here's another one.
What is logistically the best way to bring formula with us on the trip? I know they allow formula over the 3.5oz. limit, but if I pre-make it then it'll spoil after the first hour. Can I just bring normal water with me so I can mix formula after security? I know I could also buy water after, but I'm really trying to avoid giving him a cold bottle.
Thanks!
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
I'd probably just fill up a water bottle with tap water once I got through. It won't be ice cold. One of the restaurants would probably have room temp water
Ready to feed formula?
nectarine / 2148 posts
@blackbird: Thanks! I guess the room temp. from one of the restaurants wouldn't be bad. But, My flight leaves at about 5:45am so I'm not sure what place would even be open besides starbucks. I'm not sure if their water is drinkable??
Does ready to feed formula need to be refrigerated? I've never used it yet.
cherry / 157 posts
You can bring bottles of water and mix in the formula later. As long as it's for the baby its ok. They will test the bottles separately to make sure they are safe during security check, but it's pretty quick.
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
@Eko: OH that is early. Starbucks may not even be open. But yes, restaurant water is all drinkable. Airplane water is not. But you can ask the flight attendant for a bottle when you get on board and I bet she'd get you one.
No it doesn't need to be refrigerated. You might want to check with TSA because their website says formula/milk/juice but nothing about water and the rules are pretty subjective depending on the agent. Some may let you, but many may not
apricot / 262 posts
Ready to feed doesn't need to be refrigerated unless it's been opened - I believe you can get 2oz and 8oz containers for most brands. Once it's been opened the one hour rule applies.
grape / 86 posts
Ready made doesn't need to be refrigerated as Long as you don't open it. So you would want to buy the smaller bottles.
just an FYI though. The pressure in the plane will make water in the bottles leak out throu the nipple. Make sure to put water in a capped container if you go that route.
nectarine / 2148 posts
@Jone0603: Thanks!! That is helpful to know about the water.
I think the ready to feed sounds like the best idea. I really don't want to get there and have some dick tsa man tell me that I can't bring it through. Then not have a place open that I can get water from.
persimmon / 1385 posts
I've flown twice with formula. The first time I filled up our regular lifefactory bottles with water and portioned out the formula in baggies. Security sent the bottles through their testing machine but apparently the purple (and only the purple) silicone sleeve doesn't work in the scanner so he had to take that one off which was kind of a pain. The second time I flew I just grabbed a couple unopened plastic water bottles and told them it was for formula. They still had to put it through their testing machine but they were fine with the water bottles.
honeydew / 7230 posts
@Eko: I would try giving him RTF prior to your trip. My kids wouldn't take it once they got used to powder. We used the same brand powder and RTF, but it smelled and looked (color-wise) a little different in its RTF form.
When we flew we brought powder in a formula dispenser, then filled the bottles from a water fountain past security. I was really nervous about the whole thing (we also had bottles of whole milk because we were in the middle of transitioning, and fruit/veggie pouches) but I just had a little cooler bag of everything and said "this is stuff for my kids." They looked it all over, dipped little strips in the whole milk to test it, then we were on our way. Everyone was nice and quick about it. I hope your experience goes as well!
cantaloupe / 6885 posts
Definitely ready to feed. I use them all the time when traveling and it is 10x easier, especially
If your LO will take it at room temp
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
If anyone gives you a problem, ask to speak to a supervisor. I've never had an issue, but I remember the first time we flew with formula and I had no idea what to expect. I basically get a sealed bottle of water and pre measure the formula in a divided container.
I am of the mind that I shouldn't have to rely on a restaurant or vendor to feed my child, so I plan to have everything I need. I find agents are much more accomodating when you let them know ahead of time that you have food and water for your child.
apricot / 324 posts
I just used one of those formula portion dispensers. I brought a few bottles of sealed water (the 8oz size were great for me). I had no issues at all, I actually don't think they even did the test strips. It was very easy, I just mixed the bottles on the flight. I also found it useful to use the bottles with the plastic liners so I didn't have to bring as many bottles, and only had to wash/sanitize the nipples. Good luck!
cherry / 148 posts
@Eko: Starbucks/DD/coffee type places will be open even at 5 am. I frequently get hot water from vendors (some charge, most don't and Starbucks definitely doesn't.) You can ask for a small cup of hot water, then dilute with cold water from the fountain or bottled water that they sell because the water they give you is very hot.
pomelo / 5298 posts
When we flew over the summer, I had the water portioned into the bottles (two) with the powder in my separate measured container. They did test the bottles with the water in them and it added a minute or two to our security check but wasn't a big deal. While they were testing the bottles, I reassembled myself and was ready to go when they were done.
grapefruit / 4455 posts
Formula dispenser and room temp water from the shop at the airport is how I did it with dd. You can probably check Starbucks hours ahead of time, they probably have unrefridgerated bottles in the back. The flight attendants probably also have some, or could warm some of their cold water. Personally I avoid ready to feed because it gave my dd tummy troubles (as well as me and my brother when we were little!)
pineapple / 12526 posts
We flew internationally when my DD was 8 and 9 months old. We brought RTF formula. It was so much easier. The US airports just put them in a scanner, Heathrow made me open one and taste it (it was vile).
nectarine / 2521 posts
@Eko: I flew every 2 months with formula, and I took a formula dispenser and 3-4 bottles full of water. They just did the test strip and swabbed my hands and we were on our way. Never had an issue and it was much less hassle than trying to purchase or find water afterward.
I would just give it a shot, and if they make you dump the water, then no biggie. They never checked my formula in the dispenser either.
hostess / wonderful apple seed / 16729 posts
@2littlepumpkins: Good idea! Yeah, last time we used RTF formula the poop was a different color (green, I think).
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