Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows baby food, purees, and pouches in carry-on, even in containers over 3.4 oz, as long as you declare them at security.
✈️ Snacks and solid foods for babies and toddlers are also permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.
Details
- Baby food (purees, jars, pouches): Exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. You may bring larger containers or pouches in your carry-on.
- Snacks (crackers, puffs, fruit, etc.): Treated as solid food → no liquid limits apply.
- Juice / formula / breast milk: Also exempt from 3.4 oz rule; must be declared at security.
- Checked luggage: Baby food and snacks are permitted but may spoil or break; carry-on is safer.
- Cooling packs: Ice packs, gel packs, or frozen breast milk bags are allowed to keep food fresh; declare them if partially melted.
TSA Baby Food Rules Summary
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Purees / jars / pouches (>3.4 oz) | ✅ Allowed (declare) | ✅ Allowed |
| Snacks (solids) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Juice / milk / formula | ✅ Allowed (declare) | ✅ Allowed |
| Cooling packs | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Declare at security: Let TSA know you have baby food/purees over 3.4 oz.
- ✈️ Testing: TSA may swab or test containers but will not require you to taste them.
- ✈️ Traveling without your child: Parents may still bring baby food, formula, or breast milk even if the infant isn’t traveling with them.
- ✈️ International flights: Most countries mirror the same exemptions, but check before departure.