Diaper Bag Carry-ons

We've been traveling with our 3-year old very frequently since he was 2 months old, so we're old pros at this.

You are not allowed to carry on liquid in a container that is bigger than 3 ounces, and all 3-ounce bottles need to fit in a quart size, clear bag. You take the plastic bag out and put it through security separately. Breast milk and regular milk can be brought on in a bottle or sippy cup and must be put through x-ray separately too. Security may ask to open the cup or bottle to smell what is in there (but they never did that to us). I've also found that when my son turned 1 and could drink whole milk, that it's hard to find whole milk once you get past security (except for Starbucks).

You will also be required to take the shoes off your kids (even the little one), so be prepared for that. Just get to the airport as early as you can, so you don't feel rushed.

I hope I've answered all your questions. It all seems like second-nature to me these days, so I may have forgotten something. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

You can check online for what can and can't be brought on with you. Go to the faa.gov site and follow through with the frequently asked questions. Also, your individual airline should be able to help you too.

Good luck.
B.

Check with your airline prior. I fly southwest and they will not let any form of liquid pass through security. I always had to make my bottle after we passed through. They will allow baby food jars and snacks, but no liquids. The general rule across all airlines is not to exceed 3oz for any type of liquid, lotion, beauty product, etc.

Hi J., Congrats on the fun trip! My fiance and I just went on a cruise last month and flew to CA. The airlines have specific guidelines you must follow. I would go to their website and check with them specifically. I know I had to put a few things in a baggie and take it out of my purse but it depends on how many fluid ounces it is. And I believe they specifically address baby items too. Good luck!

Hi J.,
Great question...we travel a lot with kiddos. Adults only are limited to the 3oz sizes that must fit into the plastic bags provided. Children are allowed to have a bottle of milk/juice/sippy cup etc.. Just ensure it is normal size for child/baby/kid drink containers. Don't try and pass them off with large travel mugs. Security won't go for it. On our last trip my son carried a 16 oz. gatorade, my daughter had a pint size milk. Both went through. I say this because I have intentionally not brought drinks along for them and then like everyone else have to buy something expensive beyond security. But on the outbound I saw a family with kids holding drinks, so I asked what's up? And security informed me that children are allowed to have 'kid' drinks. As to your other baby potions, keep it 3 oz. or less. And Starbucks does not carry whole milk anymore, so you'll have to get by on 2% for at the airport.

Good advice about the shoes coming off too. Everyone removes shoes, strollers take longer.

Happy Travels,
Jen

I believe it is nothing over 2 oz each of liquid. This includes lip gloss, hand sanitizer, lotion, etc. Each thing 2 oz and under must be in it's own baggie, separate. Some airlines won't let you take any hand sanitizer or gel of any kind, regardless of the size, but I think that's mostly international flights.

If you use sippy cups, take an empty one in the bag or you may have to discard it at security. If you use formula, take the powder and empty bottles and get water on the plane. I've never had an issue with diaper cream, but carry a small tube. Just don't bring anything you don't really need in the carry on - pack the lotions and potions in the checked luggage. :)