Special thanks for this article go to Sharon, an American expat mother in France and a former flight attendant for two carriers in five countries over thirteen years.


31. Baby Food Tips

Baby food is allowed through security, especially if you are flying with the child. Keep them in the original containers until you get past security, just to be sure.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

If your baby is under six months old and therefore has not been introduced to solid food yet, consider putting off this step until you arrive or even return from your trip. Of course you want to discuss this with your pediatrician but mine was fine with this plan. Two of my children were started on solids at seven and a half months each and both are very good and diverse eaters, who had not problems or allergies. One was born pre-maturely and it did not affect either's weight or long-term health. In fact, it may have been better for them overall.

When I returned, it was easier to work out a feeding schedule after we had recovered from jet lag and I could organize this project better at home. Baby food is messy on board and I really suggest avoiding doing it if you can.

If you will be feeding your baby on your flight, be sure to stick to foods that your baby has been eating for at least a week. Food allergies were a reality in our family and sometimes reactions took three to four days to appear. Do not risk having a rash, indigestion or worse a day or two before flying. Remember that some very allergenic foods, such as sweet potatoes, rice, tropical fruits, strawberries, chocolate, lentils and other beans are sold for young babies. Do not go by the age marked on the label and make sure whatever food you will be feeding your baby on board are proven winners. Wait till you arrive or return to try more new foods.

Peanuts and peanut products have been removed from most commercial flights so this common and extreme allergen no longer poses a risk. Peanuts are also a risky choking item.

Bringing your homemade food should not be a problem in security but it might be a bit more complicated. Keeping it fresh might be more of a challenge. My babies were almost given exclusively homemade food but I tried a few organic jars before leaving just because it was more convenient for flying.

For warming food, you have several options. Airplanes Do not have microwave ovens for safety reasons. The ovens are usually "convection" which means there are fans in the back which force hot air through the oven, which works faster than heat alone. Most plastic will melt and all food has to be covered or it will quickly dry out. A flat, metal container works best. You can bring a container with some aluminium foil from home if you wish.

Some aircraft Do not have ovens at all. Some are small and only fly short distances. Some larger aircraft have special food carts which plug in and heat the food inside the cart itself. Usually, there is at least a small warming oven for bread but these are slow. Remember that it's possible that all oven space is taken and it is not possible to put any other item.

You can bring a dish with some aluminium foil to wrap the food in if you prefer. A flat dish works best. The toddler meals that came in one piece with two or three courses were difficult to heat up. I recommend bringing separate small baby food jars.

Ask to speak to the "galley attendant", the one in charge of the food. Different airlines have different titles but that is general enough that you should get the right person. Ask them how and when they can warm the food.

I used to warm my jars with water. I would slightly open the jar and place it in a dish of hot water. No, this does not heat it as much and as thoroughly as putting the entire thing in an oven but I got my children used to slightly less warmed food before leaving.

Feeding can be a bit messy on board. You can feed in the seat, there is no reason to bring any sort of portable high chair on board (check them in as baggage if you need it at your destination). Disposable bibs and spoons are convenient. I actually found a plasticized bib more useful than disposable. It had sleeves with elastic around the wrists. It really kept them clean and then I easily rinsed it out before the next feeding. I also brought my own Kleenexes, which were softer than those found onboard. I was also prepared to feed them in the airport if necessary.

For future updates to Sharon's information, or to contact Sharon directly, please visit her Blog: http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/

Sharon's Disclaimer: This article is not a legal document and cannot be used as proof of any of the laws or rules that I refer to throughout. Check the FAA websites, or other relevant agencies to confirm any statements that are made. I try to provide links where I can. Be aware, also, that airlines often have their own policies which might be stricter than their own government's laws. Most of the employees that you encounter do not have the power to change or make exceptions to any rule. They simply must follow them, even in cases where logic or safety is questionable.