Travelling with 3 Month Old Bottle Fed

I just wanted to add something to what the previous person said about taking liquids on a flight.

When I fly I take an empty water bottle through security and then fill it at a drinking fountain. Often this is better than the water on the plain which is increasingly not bottled water. Some airlines have actually had issues with bacteria in their water holding tanks. So this is also a lot safer.

I travel solely by car, I am close enough to where I am going to do that. I put the formula in the bottles and take along water bottles to mix the formula as needed. If we are going to be gone for more than 2 days, I take a can of formula along and make a "food" bag. We have a 1 year old and a 2 month old, so we have bottles, formula and snacks along with toddler food to pack, so we have enough to pack a "food" bag.

I hope this helps!

My daughter used purified botled water and powdered formula when she was`away from home with her twins. Her babies were willing to drink the formula mixed with room temperature water. This eliminates the need to keep the formula cold. All she needed were empty clean bottles.

They sell these litle snack cups that have four different compartments. I used to fill the bottle(s) with water and the snack cup with pre-measured formula. Then I would pour and shake!

I don't know if I can post a link here, so just go to Babies R Us and look for Philips AVENT Powder Formula Dispenser & Snack Cup... Not the brand I use, but it gives you an idea...

I would always put the measured out formula (3 scoops) in the bottom of the bottle and bring a bottled water with me. Then I would just pour the water in and shake. It was the easiest process and my daughter liked her bottle room temperature anyway. The formula dispenser dividers do not work. The formula ends up mixing if you dispenser is bumped or turned upside down. I use to put a bunch of formula in a ziploc bag and each morning I would load up enough bottles for the day and throw them in the diaper bag.

For us, it depended where we were going. If we drove and were staying somewhere with a kitchen, we just took the bottles and sterilizer and continued our normal routine. When we fly, we take the playtex drops ins, pack a kettle to boil water and clean nipples. We packed a can of formula in our suitcase. I have a small plastic container that holds measured portions of formula (we use it everyday, anyway, but it also works well for travel).

I've never done a longer flight where we might need more than 2 or 3 bottles, though. I would suggest the drop-in bottles because the liner are already sterile and you don't need to clean so many parts. The bottles are also lighter.

I took the bottles prefilled and never had an issue with that, although some security will ask to look at them. I've heard not to used bottled water as it isn't suitable for babies (although I have a couple of times when I needed to). The TSA might hand check baby stuff but they let you take on what you need, pretty much. I flew a couple of weeks ago and even had a thermos filled with hot water (which I didn't actually need, just didn't have a chance to empty) and they were ok with that, too.

E.

Kind of a pain to mix the bottles on the plane these days. I would travel with the pre-made formula. Good Start sells 8.5 oz cans that work well.

My family went to San Frncisco when my youngest son was 6 weeks old. I bought the premixed formula. It is expensive but more convienient. You can keep in on ice in a small ice chest. We stayed at a motel that had a kitchenette.

You can find divided plastic formula carriers at target or walmart. They have three compartments and the lid allows you to turn to a particular compartment and pour out the formula. I even would put different quantities in each compartment for a 8 oz or 4. Then either prefill the bottle with water or take a water bottle. With the plastic container there was always enough for 3 bottles.

You will need to check with the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration) - I think that's what it is called - if you plan to fly. When we flew it was during the 3-3-1 days with the 3oz limits, but they make exceptions for formula. There was a form to fill out listing how much we were carrying in liquid and powder form. I am not sure if it has changed, so you would have to check with the TSA for the current regulations.

R.,
We take along bottles with water in them (like 4 oz - but you may just need 2 oz, my little one is 10 months now) and a small can of her formula and make the bottles there on the spot when she is hungry. This would be difficult though if your little one is used to warm formula but if room temperature is OK, this will work.
H.

The easiest way I found was using the powder formula, packing bottled water, and bottles. Once you make the bottle, it's good for about an hour. For awhile, I just put the formula powder in the bottle and added the right amount of water when the baby was hungry. They even have premeasured 4 ounce travel packs of formula, but they are expensive.

You can use powder. I used to bring the bottles with water in them already and then add the powder when I needed it. I'd measure the powder out. They make great dispensers for this that you can probably get at Babies R Us. I'd only fill up the amount of bottles you'll need on the trip and then re-use them later. Bring dish soap. If you can afford to get the ready to feed small cans, that works too and is even faster.
M.

Hi,
FYI it depends on the airports. Each airport is allowed to be more strict than the FAA regulations. I think you can take bottles necessary for baby.
I would bring formula in powder form and then just buy a bottle of water at gift shop/news stand once you are through security.
When we travel we find a drug or grocery store and buy waters for our room.
Remember the ointments for baby have to be less than 3 oz too (diaper rash cream, antibacterial stuff, etc.)
We just traveled with our baby and we decided we would check our bags, and pack everything we usually bring on the plane in one carry on (including his diaper bag). It was a hassle having the diaper bag, stroller, my purse, an extra bag for essentials (reading material, snacks, etc.)
Good luck!

I agree with everything said so far. One more tidbit. Palmolive makes "dry" wipes with detergent. You can pack these in your suitcase and just wet them to clean the bottles. They take up much less space than lots of bottles. You can get them usually at your local grocery store.

Hi R.,
If flying by plane, be sure to pull out any liquids related to feeding your baby before putting your carry-on. Does the formula you use come in a pre-made form? Some do but are only stocked at larger stores like Target. If not, be sure to check the formula container to see how long after mixing powder with water you can safely use the formula. Also, definitely use bottled water if you need to mix more formula on the airplane. The water that comes from planes' own water systems is notoriously bacteria laden (and, no, not just good bacteria!). The issues exist with a few hours of water stored in plastic don't compare, in my mind, with dirty water. Formula and milk for infants/toddlers are exempt from the one-quart bag of 3oz or smaller containers of liquids for airplanes. Just be sure to let the TSA agent/screener know you have them before your bag goes through the x-ray. Enjoy your travels.
K.

Hi,
It really depends on how you are travelling. If you are flying, taking either the powder or pre-mixed formula works really well. The only thing I preferred with the powder is that it weighs less.Also, if you are flying with the powder, just remember that you will have to buy a bottle of water after going through security. Taking the powder through is no problem. I travelled with my son when he was little frequently and never had a problem.

Take the bottles empty and the formula in powder. I would assume you're flying so know that liquid can't be taken on the board in excess of 4 ounces. You can ask for water on the plane. They are still serving beverages.

We have found something great for the car. It is called a Podee hands free bottle. I know Babies R Us has it an also on Ebay.

Podee Baby Feeding system feeds upright and can help prevent ear infections and gas build-up. Great for traveling, shopping, walking or any time you need a helping hand. Podee is great for feeding multiple babies. Three-in-one baby feeding system: Hands-Free, Toddler-Traditional.

If you are going on a plane, the ones you don't check will be examined at the gate by security.

Yes, liquid can be taken on a plane if it is in the form of baby food, etc and you are travelling with a baby, just be prepared that it will take longer since security will examine everything.

I have traveled a lot with our baby. TSA website is really helpful of what things you can take through airport security. I am finding that basically anything for the baby is allowed. My last flight I even took in my own water bottle to use to make her bottles. The security guy just asked me what the water was for, and I said for the baby's bottles, and they let it go. Anything related to baby (when there is a baby present) seems to get by. Have fun! Now is a great time to get your baby used to traveling.

hi R.,
I usually carry a thermos of warm water, a small sealed container of fomula and then my bottles with the nipples covered in my diaper bag. It makes it easy to make a bottle while the car is moving. Have a great day. A.

Some have said this already....

Take empty bottles, and powder formula. Buy bottled water once through the security check point. You are allowed to bring that on the plane if it is purchased in the terminal.

I bring food and drink purchased in the terminal on the plane all the time.

Good luck.

Keep all your sterilized bottles and nipples in a clean zip lock bag. If you child isn't picky with his/her bottle, then the playtex drop ins seems like a great solution. Is so then bag them up separately with nipple in one bag, bottles in another. Pack some soap and a bottle brush as one other mom stated. Bring the singles in your brand has them. They are easier to pack. I think 1 packet makes only a 4 oz bottle so pack enough. Also always pack more than you think you will need including diapers, clothes, etc. You just never know. You can bring the hot water in lg thermos's. These do a great job of keeping it hot enough. But I would also bring some bottled water because the water may be too hot to drink right away. Mix half bottled water and 1/2 the hot water and it will be perfect for your little one. I would not premake it. Make it when you need it to prevent spoilage and or waste. This stuff is not cheap.
Good luck and have fun, Trish

when i travelled with my 6 month old i brought enough bottles and formula for the plane ride (they also have pre-made formula in a can which is easy on the plane). when you get to your destination go by a market and buy the formula and water. it worked easily for me and hopefully it will work easily for you as well.

I prefer having a couple of boxes of "travel packets" so that when I am out, I can just open one packet at a time and dump it in the bottle and mix with bottled water. The travel packets are a little expensive, but since you aren't dipping into your everyday formula while you're out, it's comes out to about the same.

If you are going on a prolonged flight or drive. The playtex bottles mentioned below are great. To save space and to be able to make a bottle in a hurry I carry one bottle, but several additional nipples and liners in a clear ziploc bag. Bring a bottle brush and a small container of dish soap to wash the nipples once you get to your destination. Bring an additional clear ziploc bag for the dirty nipples and liners. Pre-measure several servings in divided portion cup or buy singles if it is formula you use. Bring double the servings you might need in case you get stuck on the flight/drive (that goes for diapers too.) If you child isn't used to room temp water try to see if they can get used to it prior to flying that way you don't have to worry about heating water on the go. If you are checking luggage bring a container of formula with you so you don't have to worry about gettting more when you are there especially if it is specialized formula, ie organic, lactose free etc sounds strange but organic outside of this region can be a bear to get. If you are packing light do a small container of formula and plan on shopping when you get there. Good luck on your travels.

Hi R., I use a thermos to put the hot water in and then you can get one of those formula containers (babies r us/target) it's a little plastic container that is divided in sections and you can pre-measure the formula into it. It lets you turn a dial to each section to pour the formula into the bottle. Add the warm water from your thermos and voila! I forget who makes it but you'll find it in the above mentioned stores with the baby spoons, bowls and other feeding supplies.

R.
are you traveling on a plane?
and if you are get enough for inside the plane and put the rest in the big suitcase they do have water on board
when you are taking off feed your baby that way he'll be fine then do the same thing when you are landing best of luck
and carry on your baby bag
God bless Danielle Mother of 4

Hi,
I used to pre-measure dry formula into a clean bottle, then add water when needed. I also had a car plug warmer that I got somewhere. When flying ask a steward/ess for warm water.
Have a safe trip.
B.