Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants or toddlers in reasonable quantities over 3.4 oz in your carry-on.
✈️ These items are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule, but you must declare them at security for separate screening.
✅ Ice packs, gel packs, and cooling accessories for formula are also allowed.
Details
- Formula & breast milk:
- Exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid limit.
- You may bring larger bottles, bags, or containers in your carry-on.
- TSA officers may test or screen them separately.
- Juice for infants/toddlers: Same exemption applies — allowed in larger than 3.4 oz.
- Cooling accessories: Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs are allowed to keep milk/formula cold.
- If partially melted at screening, declare them for inspection.
- Checked luggage: Formula and breast milk are also permitted, but carry-on is safer in case of delays or lost luggage.
TSA Baby Formula Rules Summary
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Baby formula (powder/liquid) | ✅ Allowed, >3.4 oz (declare) | ✅ Allowed |
| Breast milk | ✅ Allowed, >3.4 oz (declare) | ✅ Allowed |
| Juice for child | ✅ Allowed, >3.4 oz (declare) | ✅ Allowed |
| Ice packs/gel packs | ✅ Allowed (even partially melted if declared) | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Declare at security: Tell TSA officers you have formula, breast milk, or juice over 3.4 oz before screening.
- ✈️ Testing: Officers may test liquids for explosives but cannot ask you to taste them.
- ✈️ Traveling without your child: Parents can still bring breast milk/formula even if the infant isn’t traveling with them.
- ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow similar exemptions, but check local regulations before travel.