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Easy and practical baby led weaning travel food ideas for babies 6 months & up

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It’s summertime and guess what… no one wants to have to stay inside when it’s beautiful and sunny out! 

That being said, when you have a BLW baby, sometimes the hassle of figuring out what to feed them while traveling, or on-the-go, seems like it’s more work than it’s worth. But it doesn’t have to be stressful!

I’ve got a list of easy, MINIMAL MESS and portable baby finger food ideas you can pack as a snack, or combine to make meals. Keep reading for 12 easy options for baby led weaning foods while on-the-go!

I know how hard it can be to think of what to feed your baby when traveling, on the road, or out having fun at summer activities. That’s why I came up with this list – I’m all about making things easier for you!

These foods work whether you’re on a plane, at the park, or at a restaurant. While the occasional purée pouch, other store-bought baby food option, or even homemade baby food in a reusable package, will always have its benefits (hellooo convenience and mess-free eating!), packing whole foods means that you don’t have to deal with wrappers and messy containers or utensils. Plus, you’ll be continuing to expose your baby led weaning baby to a variety of real food, real flavors and advanced textures . 

I’m a big proponent of minimizing processed foods for babies (and adults!) as much as possible, as well as keeping those more advanced texture exposures coming. I FULLY understand that it’s hard – time doesn’t allow for it sometimes – and that a bit here and there won’t hurt. 

But helping you keep it top of mind as you navigate this world of feeding your babe is my job, so this list will hopefully help take away the guesswork as to what can fit into this category of foods.

Travel Food for Babies should be mess-free!

The above is definitely not a scenario you want to get stuck in when out and about with your baby! While it’s super cute and funny when it happens at home, this is less than ideal on a plane, or in a restaurant, for example. 

That’s why, in general, most people are looking for mess-free foods (or minimal mess… nothing is really mess-free with baby led weaning ). For this reason, I like to recommend avoiding anything with sauce, that’s in a casserole type format, or anything that requires a utensil unless you’re feeding the baby yourself (and they let you). Think yogurt , applesauce…that type of thing. 

Nothing is more messy than a baby refusing to let you spoon feed them and then dunking their hands into a container of applesauce!

And while I know moms love to be prepared for the worst – and often pack more for an outing than is needed. Let’s save those extra clothes for blowouts…those happen when you least expect it and you don’t want to have wasted your spare outfit on a messy meal!

So here’s some examples. If you pack meat, make it plain chicken. If you pack pasta, keep it plain with no sauce to minimize mess. If you pack fruit, opt for a banana or freeze dried varieties over messy ripe berries. That type of thing.

With that being said, here are my go-to baby led weaning travel foods.

The best travel baby food options for baby led weaning

One thing I want to make sure you keep in mind is the age and development of your baby. Some of these options are going to require pincer grasp …so if your baby is just starting out on solid foods, they won’t be ready for these options yet. 

Make sure you choose the options that are in finger shapes so they aren’t struggling to eat, because this will just end in frustration for both of you. If your baby is a bit older and already has their pincer grasp developed, or is practicing it, any of these options will be a good fit!

Boiled Eggs

Keep in a container with an ice pack and feed the baby anywhere! Provides an easy source of protein for babies , and healthy fats .

Cooked Pasta

This is perfect as an easy snack or meal idea on the go. Pair the pasta with cheese or beans for a full meal ! You can also opt to pack pulse based pasta, such as chickpea pasta for an added protein boost on its own.

Nothing beats a food that comes in its own packaging! Need I say more?

Canned Beans or Chickpeas

No need to cook! Just rinse, dump into a container, and go! I like to buy ones that are canned with a BPA free lining, and that have no added salt, especially when offering to babies because we need to be a bit more cautious when it comes to salt for babies (but I don’t want you to panic either, just give them an extra rinse and monitor salt intake over the rest of the day/next day to balance things out).

You may want to slightly smush chickpeas before offering, just to be extra safe. Depending on your baby’s skill level, and how soft they are, they can be a choking hazard .

Shredded Cheese

Cheese is a great source of protein for babies, as well as a good source of fat – both of which babies need for proper growth and development. And as an added bonus, it’s usually a favorite amongst most babies! 

Please note that I’m recommending shredded cheese, not slices. Slices can be a choking hazard for babies, as it can be difficult to cut the cheese in a thin layer so it won’t pose a risk. Therefore, shredded is best, especially in the beginning as you just start baby led weaning. Watch this video below for more info on how to safely prepare cheese for babies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edwena 🙋🏻‍♀️| Dietitian & Mom (@mylittleeater)

Freeze Dried Fruit

Like I mentioned above, fruit is a great option, but you’re gonna want to stick with mess-free varieties! 

Freeze-dried berries are an excellent source of vitamin C, and therefore pair nicely with beans to boost iron absorption – something babies need a lot of! And if you pair that with the pasta and shredded cheese, you have all the pieces of my FFP+P rule for a complete, balanced meal that’s perfect for baby led weaning ! 

While freeze-dried berries are great for this, fresh berries are not great from a mess-free perspective. So, freeze-dried fruit for the win! It will literally hold up in any weather (no need to pack a cooler), and is mess-free!

A similar alternative would be to pack yogurt-based melts – they’re typically freeze-dried as well so they’re not messy like packing yogurt would be! Our favorites are the Amara Smoothie Melts. These are actually plant-based, so if your little one has an allergy or sensitivity to dairy these will be perfectly fine for them too. They have no added sugars, fillers, or other additives – just simple, clean ingredients which we love! They come in lots of yummy flavors with various fruits and veggies blended right in and they come in a resealable bag, making them perfect for snacking on the go. Check them out here and use code LITTLEEATER15 for 15% off your purchase.

Baby Led Weaning Toast Strips

Super easy for on-the-go! Just toast bread and cut into thin strips – coat with a bit of butter to soften them up slightly. But, for the sake of mess-free travel foods, avoid things like nut butter or hummus, unless you’re able to wash up somewhere! 

Remember, fresh, untoasted bread is a choking hazard. If you’re looking for more info on toasting bread for your baby and serving it in a safe manner, check out this post all about toast toppings for babies and toddlers .

Roasted Veggies

Sounds complicated, but I’m actually going to suggest that you keep a bunch of these prepped ahead of time for easy meal ideas throughout the week. I personally always keep some on-hand in my fridge for snacks or quick meals. I make a big batch a couple times per week, and pull from it as needed. 

If you’re able to set aside the time to meal prep these (listen to my other fav meal prepping tips here ) then there’s nothing easier than just putting these in a container and offering them to your baby, any time of day. 

Some good veggies to try are bell peppers and zucchini. I’d avoid things like roasted sweet potato because it becomes so mushy that your baby will end up with orange mash all over them!

Baby Pancakes (only 3 ingredients!)

Ok, this one involves some cooking, but I swear it’s easy!

Mix together 1 ripe banana, 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Scoop batter into a skillet and cook on low-medium heat until lightly brown, flipping once when you can see bubbles along the outer edge. Let them cool, cut into strips, and pack into a container. There you have it – simple, baby banana pancakes for on-the-go!

Fresh Fruit

I know this goes against what I just said above, but hear me out. There are fruits that are less messy that you can bring. Stewed pears or apples would be my top choice – no staining! You can also do kiwi wedges, plums, or oranges. These may be ever so slightly messy in that there may be a bit of fruit juice running on your baby’s hands, but nothing a baby wipe can’t handle.

I stand by my comment that fresh berries are just too messy – mashed bits of berry plus juice that stains…no thanks! But if you’re feeling risky – go for it!

Tofu Strips

Another super simple iron and protein source for your baby! You have two options here… 

• Pan fry tofu for 1-2 minutes on each side. Include a bit of flavor in there too for your baby, try some turmeric, dill, or paprika. Let cool, and pack in a container to go! 
• I love using Soyganic smoked tofu as another option – it’s non-gmo, organic and there’s no need to cook it. Just slice it, pack, and go. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Tofu is my favorite to-go protein! It’s the perfect texture for a baby, no crumbly mess, and offers lots of calcium and protein! Plus, pair it with a fruit high in vitamin C, like some freeze dried strawberries, and you’ve got a great source of iron too!

Thawed Peas (from frozen)

No need to cook these! Just dump some frozen peas into a container and let them thaw out over a couple hours until ready to eat. Plus, the cold peas keep everything else you pack nice and cold too. Fast food at its finest!

And I know what you’re thinking…peas need to be mashed right? No, they don’t. They’re actually not considered a choking hazard because they’re so soft and are so easily mashed in your baby’s mouth. It’s round, hard foods that you want to look out for, think like grapes. But if it makes you feel more comfortable, there’s no harm in giving them a quick squish before offering them to your baby.

Homemade Muffin

One more yummy option is a homemade muffin, or mini muffins, – and I’ve got two ideas for them.

Option 1: Bake a tasty pastry muffin for your baby.

Choose baby led weaning recipes with no honey and no added sugar, besides some fruit. You can even freeze muffins and pull them from the freezer anytime you need one in a jiffy. One of my favorites, that’s popular with toddlers too, are shrek muffins – check out the recipe here .

Option 2: Egg muffins!

These are also great to keep in the freezer and pull out when you need them. I have a recipe available in my 60 Day Baby Led Feeding Meal plan – take a look here to get access to over 80 baby led weaning recipes perfect for your baby and family! Now, with this option you will need to pack those in a cooler, but there’s no mess and tons of nutrition so they make one of the most perfect on-the-go meal ideas !

Travel Baby Food: Top Tips

Now that you have some meal ideas for what to feed your baby while on-the-go, let’s go over some of the other important details.

What About Food Safety for Travel Baby Food Options?

While you absolutely need to consider whether a food needs to be kept cold or not, you don’t need to worry about serving it cold or hot. Don’t stress if you can’t heat some of these foods up, room temperature is fine. 

With the exception of maybe the eggs, although I’ve definitely seen toddlers eat eggs at room temperature, as long as you follow food safety rules, they’re fine to eat that way.

Which leads me to my next point. If you’re out for more than 4 hours, or you’re traveling in the heat, make sure you throw an ice pack in your bag to preserve the food for longer. Babies are more susceptible to food borne illnesses, so you don’t want to take any risks with their food, just pack the ice pack (or frozen peas).

How Many Finger Foods to Pack for Baby Led Weaning While Traveling

Something to keep in mind when traveling with a baby led weaning baby (or any day, even at home), is that babies don’t need snacks between 6-10 months of age . After that, they need no more than 1, maybe 2 solid food snacks. 

Check out my schedules for how many meals to offer based on their age, including milk feedings as well, here .

This means that if the time comes and your baby is hungry, breast milk or formula will continue to do the job most times! It may just be main meals, and as mentioned, 1-2 solid food snacks (maybe one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon) that you offer as they get closer and closer to one year of age. 

So, really you don’t need to pack very much, especially if you’re just starting your baby on solids . I’d go with a few pieces of each food that you’re bringing per meal. And remember, if they eat all of it and they still seem hungry – don’t fret! Breast milk or formula can fill in this gap for now. They won’t starve, and it won’t cause any confusion or anything else you may hear – promise.

What to Bring (Besides Travel Baby Food Options)

As much as we prepare for no-mess meal ideas , we also need to prepare for our baby to surprise us and make a mess anyways…it’s just what they do! So make sure you also pack…

• Bibs – long sleeved ones are the best for keeping clothes clean
• Baby wipes or washcloths
• A silicone suction mat (this is helpful to keep food contained as much as possible in one place)
• Silicone plate with a lid to store all the food – these Bumkins ones are my favorites
• Travel Booster Seat

Safety Tips When Feeding BLW Baby On-The-Go

Feeding babies comes with a risk no matter where you are, or what type of feeding you’re doing (purées or baby led weaning). 

That being said, when on-the-go, you should be extra careful of choking, especially if your baby is not seated in a proper highchair, or is moving around while eating. Both of which are likely when you’re out and about doing fun things – it happens! 

Here are my major tips to keep in mind…

1. Seat baby in someone else’s lap, if possible.

That’s right, let grandma or grandpa get some snuggles while the baby eats, because choking is usually a silent occurrence. This way, you have the best front view of your baby eating to make sure you catch anything happening right away in case, God forbid, they begin to choke. 

That’s why I recommend having someone else hold them in their lap while you do the feeding, so you can watch them better that way.

It also helps if you’re prepared ahead of time by taking an infant CPR course. Our favorite online option is by Safe Beginnings – it’s taught by a certified instructor and child safety expert, so you’re getting the best info available to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Take 20% off with code MYLITTLEEATER and enroll here !

2. Pull over before feeding in the car.

If required to feed in the car, try and pull over while feeding. Feeding in a car is not my favorite, but I know that sometimes it’s just unavoidable. A moving car is even more of a risk, so if you can, pull over first before offering food. 

Feeding while in a moving car can increase their choking risk as bumps and turns can cause babies to lose control of the food in their mouth making it more likely to become lodged in their throat.

And then you have to find a safe space to pull over to have enough room to perform any kind of maneuver on your baby, which takes up precious time, and that’s not a panic I want you to experience ever.

My second point on this is that I really don’t recommend feeding in a car seat, if at all possible, anyway. Again, your baby is not in the correct position for feeding, they aren’t fully upright. This means that their airway isn’t fully open, which again, can increase their choking risk . 

Instead, try to find a safe place to park where you can get out of the car to stretch your legs, and take your baby out to sit on someone’s lap to feed. At least this way they’re able to sit upright and have an open airway.

3. Avoid feeding in a stroller.

I think we’re seeing a theme here, but again, keep them sitting upright. So if a highchair isn’t available, someone else’s lap is the next best option as opposed to a stroller, car seat, etc.

Ok – there you have it! Keep things simple, remember that fast food can mean simple whole finger foods from home, and enjoy your summer out with your babe!

Want to learn how to feed your baby led weaning baby all these foods mentioned in this post, and more? Check out my Baby Led Feeding online course for a complete walk through on starting solids, including videos that show how to safely serve all foods like a pro!

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Registered pediatric dietitian, mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eater, and the creator of the Texture Timeline™ – an exclusive tool to help move your baby through easy to more advanced purees and finger foods to prevent picky eating.

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Healthy Baby Travel Snacks

Updated June 13, 2023

Preparing these nutritious baby travel snacks will ensure your baby continues to enjoy healthy food – even when you’re out and about!

Why preparing your own baby travel snacks is important

Whilst we don’t usually recommend using food as a way of occupying your child, there’s no doubt that some healthy travel snacks come in VERY handy when you’re out and about!

Whether your baby is facing a long stretch in his stroller/pushchair, or you’re setting off on a lengthy trip , your baby will definitely appreciate some tasty treats to help that time fly by!

(Don’t forget to visit our finger foods page for more information about allowing your baby to feed himself).

By preparing your own snacks for your baby ahead of time, you can be sure that the foods he will be eating when you’re ‘on the go’ will be healthy.

Otherwise, you may find yourself in the situation where you have to give him a pre-packaged – possibly unsuitable – snack, because there are no healthy alternatives available.

And if you’re setting off on a  long road trip  with your baby, there may simply be nowhere to get your baby a snack when he needs one!

Please note:

It’s important to watch your baby at all times when he’s snacking – particularly in the car.

Unless there is an adult passenger available to sit beside your baby when he eats, DON’T allow him to eat in a moving car.

It may add a little extra time to your journey, but pulling over for a snack is the safest option for your baby by far!

Baby travel snacks – top tips

• ALWAYS carry wet wipes or a damp washcloth in a sandwich bag for quick and easy clean up. Bring along an empty plastic bag for leftover foods and other messy items.
• Prepare foods that your baby is familiar with – it’s no fun discovering that he doesn’t like your homemade teething crackers when you’re miles from the nearest store or service station!
• Make foods look fun and appealing if your baby is old enough to appreciate your efforts! Some foods – like cheese – can be easily cut into different shapes ( learn more about giving cheese to your baby ). Mix brightly coloured foods with contrasting colours – pieces of yellow cheese with red bell pepper strips, for example.
• Keep all of your baby’s travel snacks in a good cooler with ice packs, to ensure that they remain safe for him to eat.
• Avoid very messy, crumbly foods, unless you’re going to be feeding your baby out in the open (in a park, for example), where dropped crumbs won’t be an issue!
• Bring Disposable Bibs (Amazon) or a wipe clean, plastic bib. You can see a few more of our favourite bibs here .

Best baby travel snacks

Here are a few ideas for simple but healthy travel snacks for your baby. We’d love to hear your ideas, too, so please contact us with your suggestions…

• Cubes of naturally sweet baked apple dusted with cinnamon (try Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji or Pink Lady)
• homemade bread sticks
• squares of previously toasted wholegrain bread
• fingers of cheese
• blueberries
• dry, wholegrain cereal, such as Cheerios
• cooked pasta (tri-colour pasta is often a hit because it looks so appealing)
• sliced, fresh fruit that your baby is already enjoying (although these can be messy!)
• cubes of cooked sweet potato or butternut squash
• blanched veggies, such as snow peas, sugar-snap peas/mange tout, asparagus , green beans or broccoli
• well cooked black beans – ideal for when baby’s pincer grip is well developed, black beans are highly nutritious

Great accessories for feeding baby “on the go”

More about blanching vegetables for baby

Many cooks like to blanch certain vegetables because it enhances their colour and maintains their crisp texture, particularly if they are destined for the freezer.

But the texture of blanched vegetables is also ideal for babies to enjoy as finger foods – they will not be as “mushy” as fully cooked vegetables, but will be more tender than raw.

To blanch vegetables for your baby:  

• Bring a pot of water to the boil. 
• Add the veggies of your choice (the ones we’ve listed above are the most suitable for blanching). 
• Boil for 2 minutes (a minute or two longer for broccoli), then drain. 
• Place the vegetables into iced water until they have cooled completely. This stops them from cooking any further and explains how they keep their crisp texture.

And that’s it – your veggies are ready to serve!

You can also blanch pasta when using it as a finger food for your baby or in cold salads – this stops it getting sticky or mushy.

But you will, of course, need to increase the cooking time according to the type of pasta you are using!

a great travel snack recipe from our blog…

Sugar-Free Carrot Muffins

Easy to eat and  totally delicious!

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The Top 7 Travel Snacks For Babies And Toddlers

A baby or toddler’s travel experience is unique and special. They need food that is both healthy and tasty so that you can ensure a happy and nourishing journey for them.

This blog will discuss the best travel snacks for babies and toddlers, provide tips on how to pack them, and share some of the benefits of making these snacks while you’re traveling.

Happy travels This includes things like soft drinks, fruit, and sandwiches. However, if you want to avoid those pesky sugar highs and lows, you’ll need to pack some travel snacks for babies and toddlers.

Travel Food For Babies And Toddlers

When traveling with a baby or toddler , it’s essential to pack portable and easy snacks. Foods like baby carrots, fruit cups, and granola bars are good options. Additionally, always fill some water or milk with your child so they can drink when needed.

When traveling with a baby , leave plenty of room in your luggage for diapers, formula, and other supplies. And last but not least, remember to pack your favorite travel music.

Best 7 Travel Snacks For Babies And Toddlers?

Whether packing for a day trip or a long trip, it’s always important to have snacks that babies and toddlers will enjoy. Some great travel snacks for babies and toddlers include fruit, cheese, crackers, sandwiches, and pouch foods. Keep these snacks refrigerated or frozen, so they’re always fresh and tasty.

When packing your baby or toddler’s snack bag, include healthy alternatives like milk or yogurt instead of juice boxes or candy bars. In addition to snacks, fill a bottle or baby food jar so your little one can snack on healthy food while on the go. Blessed be.

1. Favorite Gingerbread Muffins

These delicious gingerbread muffins are perfect for energizing your little one on long car rides or flights. Made with ginger, which is known to help prevent nausea and vomiting in infants and toddlers, these muffins also contain flavor.

The recipe is easy to follow, and we can make ahead of time – making them the perfect travel food option! Make sure to store the muffins in an airtight container to stay fresh.

Are you looking for a healthy travel snack that babies and toddlers will love? Apples are perfect! Not only do they make an easy grab-and-go option, but apples also contain many essential nutrients your little one will love. They are high in fiber which helps with digestion, and potassium, which is great for muscle development.

Vitamin C helps support the immune system, manganese, and magnesium, help keep bones healthy, and folate and vitamin B6 for energy. So pack some apples in your bag on your next trip to give them a nutritious snack without worrying about what else to pack.

3. Peanut Butter Sandwich

Are you packing food for your baby or toddler on your next travel? If so, why not try a peanut butter sandwich as their go-to snack? Not only is it easy to make, but it also provides them with plenty of nutrients and healthy fats. You can even pack in an apple or banana sandwich if they feel extra hungry.

When traveling with little ones, pack plenty of snacks – including these delicious peanut butter sandwiches – so they are always happy and content.

No trip is complete without snacks for the little ones. Raisins are a great option as they are easy to pack, have a long shelf life, and don’t require refrigeration. Plus, kids will love the sweet taste of raisins! As raisins are high in sugar, make sure you give them in moderation, as they can be addictive.

Hummus is a great food option for babies and toddlers. Not only does it come in many flavors, but it also provides essential proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Additionally, hummus is easy to carry as it’s portable and won’t make a baby or toddler sick. This snack can help keep little ones occupied on long journeys – making them less cranky and more relaxed.

6. String Cheese

String cheese is a great travel snack for babies and toddlers because it is easy to eat, doesn’t require refrigeration, and can last in the fridge for up to 2 days. It is also a good source of calcium and protein, making it perfect for infants and toddlers growing fast.

Other great travel snacks for babies and toddlers include crackers, bananas, grapes, etcetera. Be sure to pack these snacks in a bag or container so your baby or toddler can have them on the go.

Yogurt is a great travel snack because it contains protein and calcium. Plain yogurt or flavored yogurts are both excellent options for babies and toddlers. Be sure to pack some extras like fruit, honey, nuts, etcetera – baby will love them!

How Do You Pack Travel Snacks For Babies And Toddlers?

When packing travel snacks for babies and toddlers, they must consider their food allergies and intolerances. Packing various textures and flavors can also be helpful so that they can stay energized. Some great ideas for travel snacks include hard-boiled eggs, fruit cups, yogurt blocks, and trail mix bars.

It’s also essential to store the snacks in a sealed container to remain fresh during the journey. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing your baby’s and toddler’s favorite snacks for travel today!

Benefits Of Making Travel Snacks For Babies And Toddlers

Packing snacks for a baby or toddler on long car rides or flights can be a hassle. But it’s worth keeping them energized and healthy during the trip. Some of the best foods to make travel snacks with are fruits, yogurt, cereal bars, and of course, crackers and sandwiches.

There are many benefits to making travel snacks for babies and toddlers. Not only do they keep them happy and healthy on long trips, but they also help to save you money.

One of the most enormous benefits is that baby food is often cheaper than regular food. It’s also easier to store and carry on a plane, which can come in handy if you have a busy toddler who constantly demands food. Additionally, baby food is naturally low in sugar and calories so that it won’t cause any weight gain or health problems in your little one.

Another great benefit of making travel snacks is knowing precisely what’s going into them. You’re less likely to give them unhealthy foods or drinks that could make them sick.

Most baby foods are even fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to make them more nutritious than regular foods. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your infant or toddler happy on long trips, making their travel snacks is the perfect solution.

Traveling with a baby or toddler can be a blast, but packing snacks for the little ones can be challenging. This blog has compiled a list of the best travel snacks for babies and toddlers. From sweet and savory snacks to healthy alternatives, we’ve got you covered.

There are a few things to remember regarding travel snacks for babies and toddlers. Make sure that the snacks are low in sugar and sodium. This will help ensure your child doesn’t develop unhealthy habits while on the road.

Making travel snacks is a great way to bond with your little one while on your trip. So what are you waiting for? Check out our blog and get packed for fun travel with your baby or toddler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i feed my toddler while traveling.

When traveling with a toddler, packing snacks that are both nutritious and easy for them to eat is essential. The best snacks to pack include yogurt, applesauce, bananas, gluten-free bread and crackers, granola bars, and water bottles filled with your favorite juices or milk.

What Snacks Can I Bring With A Toddler On The Plane?

Toddler snacks for plane travel

When traveling with a baby or toddler, it is essential to bring snacks that are easy to eat, packed with nutrients, and won’t spoil quickly. Some good snacks for those little ones include fruits, nuts, seeds, yogurt cups, or oatmeal packs. Stick to low-sugar items like these so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed by the sweet flavors in other food they may be eating on the plane.

What Snacks To Pack On A Road Trip For Kids?

Avoid sugary and processed foods when packing snacks for kids on a road trip. Instead, fill healthy options like whole grains, fruits, yogurt, trail mix, and energy bars. If you’re driving long distances, it’s also a good idea to pack some mini quiches or bars.

What Can I Feed My 1-Year-Old On A Plane?

It’s important to pack plenty of healthy snacks for your one-year-old when traveling on a plane. Some options include fruit, yogurt or smoothies, crackers and bars, and even minor items like pretzels and trail mix. These snacks are nutritious and low in sugar, which will help your little one keep their energy up while traveling.

How Do You Pack Healthy Snacks For Your Baby Or Toddler On A Trip?

When packing snacks for your baby or toddler on a trip, be mindful of the ingredients in them, and make sure to pack food items that are safe and healthy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

– Bring carob pods or chickpeas for babies to chew on since they are both soft textures.

– Fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins are all excellent snacks for toddlers. Suggest packing foods like grapes, carrots, crackers with peanut butter, or applesauce.

– Always bring along water bottles for your baby or toddler so they can stay hydrated on long journeys.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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41 Easy Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

• TSA allows formula, water bottles, breast milk, and baby food to pass security in larger quantities than 3.4 ounces.
• Healthy protein options like tree nuts, cheeses, and yogurt tubes are also acceptable items and are great snacks for air travel.
• Pack an empty water bottle or sippy cup, and then fill the container after you pass through security.

When I fly with my little kids in tow, there’s one thing I always overpack in my carry-on. Okay, maybe two things—hand wipes and snacks. But the snacks always take priority.

No one wants to be stuck in a confined space with a toddler in a full-blown, hunger meltdown. When this happens, there’s little you can do to calm the storm. And since flights can be unpredictable, you just never know how long you’ll spend traveling. 

Over the years I have learned that snacks are one thing that will keep a toddler entertained and satisfy their hunger. Whether we are waiting for a sibling to finish their dance class, keeping a child occupied during church, or traveling on a crowded plane, snacks always win. 

If you’re preparing for a flight with a toddler, you should spend some time gathering a list of the best snacks to bring. Snacks that are new, fun, or just tasty are sure to save you some troubles. Plus. bringing your own snacks is also a great way to save money, as airport food can be expensive.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one shopping list for the best airplane snacks for toddlers, look no further. We’ve gathered a list of our favorite airplane snacks for toddlers to make your shopping trip easy and your flight stress-free.

Preventing Toddlers From Getting Hungry During a Flight

Has your child ever switched from happy to angry very suddenly? Were they hard to reason with and impossible to console? They might have been in the middle of a hunger meltdown.

Hunger meltdowns happen in both adults and children alike and can be a bit of a nightmare. But thankfully they are easy to prevent. On a flight, you’ll want to do anything to avoid this situation.

What might happen if a toddler gets hungry during a flight?

A drop in blood sugar causes hunger. When a child’s blood sugar drops, it sends a signal to their brain that they are hungry. The body then starts producing a hormone that causes physical reactions. 

If a child’s blood sugar drops too far, you’ll notice a sudden change in mood. This can result in tantrums, crying, fits of anger, or other odd behaviors. No amount of soothing videos, entertainment, or other tricks will satisfy hungry kids.

It’s possible for your child to experience other types of meltdowns, such as a sensory meltdown , on a plane. But you’ll know immediately if it’s hunger-induced. Hunger meltdowns are quickly remedied with snacks, as they help raise your child’s blood sugar and balance their emotions. 

Be sure to pack plenty of toddler snacks in your carry-on luggage. You never know what delays may occur or how long you’ll have before your next flight if you’re connecting to another city. A bag full of snacks will keep you from scrambling when your toddler decides it’s time to eat .  

How to Choose Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

There are a variety of snacks on the market available for children. But that doesn’t mean that all of them are appropriate for an airplane setting. You should know what you are and aren’t allowed to bring on a plane before you shop. 

Some snacks could make your child too hyper for a confined space. We’re here to help you navigate how to choose the right snacks.

What type of food or snacks are not allowed on an airplane?

TSA has strict policies on what liquids are allowed on a plane. To be sure that your snacks are approved, follow these guidelines: 

• Do not bring liquids in containers or food pouches that are more than 3.4 ounces.
• Liquids include creamy items like yogurt, jams, or nut butter.

What types of foods or snacks are allowed on an airplane?

As far as approved snacks are concerned, the possibilities are endless. TSA doesn’t have any special requirements for non-liquid snacks. This doesn’t mean that all snack choices are the best airplane snacks, though.

Many airlines aim to provide a nut free flight. Due to the possibility of someone on board having a severe peanut allergy, try leaving the peanut products at home. 

Also, consider how messy a snack might become. Your neighbors and the flight attendants will appreciate the consideration. 

What are some healthy snacks that you can bring on a flight?

Many parents want to choose snacks that will keep their children from bouncing off the walls. This is wise, especially in a confined space. 

Thankfully, fruits and vegetables are completely fine to take on board. Healthy protein options like tree nuts, cheeses, and yogurt tubes are also acceptable items and are great snacks for air travel. 

How to Pack Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

The way you pack your airplane snacks for your toddler is just as important as what you pack. You’ll want the snacks to be easy to access. You’ll also want to avoid creating a huge mess on the floor and seats around you. 

To minimize the mess with dry snacks, put your child’s snacks in a snack catcher cup. This type of snack cup is a snack container that limits spills. When your child reaches in and pulls a handful of snacks out, the rubber lid helps limit the amount they can pull out at once. 

Another great idea is to use Bento box snack containers. These boxes have separate departments, making it easy to separate small servings. You can also use single serving snack bags if you don’t have a Bento box. 

For beverages, pack an empty water bottle or sippy cup . You can fill the container after you pass through security.

Don’t forget to bring wipes to disinfect the tray tables and hand sanitizer for your child’s hands. A pack of baby wipes will also provide an option for easy cleanup. 

Can You Bring Milk or Other Liquids on an Airplane

Does your little one still drink formula or breast milk? Or are you concerned about your child having a drink for the plane? Thankfully, the TSA makes special exceptions for parents traveling with young kids.  

What are the TSA rules when bringing milk bottles and other liquid foods on a flight?

If you’re traveling with an infant or toddler, you may bring breast milk or formula with you on the plane. TSA’s traveling with children guidelines states they allow formula, water bottles, breast milk, and baby food to pass security in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces. However, they must be removed and inspected separately at security.

Pack these items in a separate bag for easy inspection as you go through the security line to avoid extra delays. TSA will also only allow a reasonable amount of food and beverages through security. This means you cannot pack 14 pouches of baby food for a one-hour flight. 

Be reasonable about the amount of liquids that you pack, and you should breeze through without significant issues. 

Must-Have Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

Now let’s get to the section you’ve been waiting for. We know you need to grocery shop for the best toddler airplane snacks before you take flight. And you probably still have to create your list of airplane activities for toddlers . 

Take our list of snack ideas with you as you grocery shop to make snack-buying simple. Here are our favorite snacks for toddlers separated by category:

Dry snacks make great airplane snacks for toddlers. These items don’t require any special packing, and they are usually easy to throw in a snack container or straight into your carry-on bags. Many of them come in single-serving options as well.

Here are some dry, plane snacks your toddler is sure to love:

• Granola bars
• Wheat Thins
• Yogurt melts
• Ritz crackers
• Pirate’s Booty 
• Veggie Straws
• Puffed cereal
• Pita crackers 
• Graham crackers
• Goldfish crackers
• Cheese sandwich crackers
• Bread and jelly sandwich (go light on the jelly to avoid a mess)

Refrigerated Snacks

The TSA allows you to bring an ice pack in your carry-on bags. This means you can also include refrigerated items like fresh fruit and cheese in your snack bag. 

The airplane snacks we included on this list will be fine if kept in a cold cooler bag with ice packs for a few hours. Just be sure to keep your cooler bag zipped shut so that all your snacks don’t become warm and spoil.  

• Yogurt tubes
• Baby carrots
• Celery sticks
• Apple slices
• Cutie oranges
• Babybel cheese
• String cheese
• Hard boiled eggs
• Cucumber slices
• Strawberries (cut to make them less messy)
• Grapes (cut in half or quarters since whole ones are a choking hazard)

Healthy Treats 

All passengers on the plane will thank you if you don’t pack snacks for your toddler like Mountain Dew and candy bars. A hyper child is a hard one to contain in a small space. We recommend bringing some healthy snacks your kids love instead. 

Granola bars, for example, make great toddler snacks when your child wants something sweet. Granola bars don’t have as much sugar as most candy bars. 

Here are a few of our favorite healthy toddler airplane snacks that are also a little sweet:

• Fruit leather
• Juice boxes
• Mini muffins
• Animal crackers 
• Vitamin C lollipops
• Applesauce pouches
• Yogurt covered raisins
• Fruit snacks with real fruit juice
• Trail mix with chocolate chips 

What snacks or foods can help prevent airplane ears in toddlers?

Airplane ears refers to the pressure that builds up in your ears at take-off and landing. Adults can usually relieve the pressure by yawning or swallowing. Kids, however, have a harder time relieving the pain and pressure.

Getting your child to swallow will help their ears to “pop.” Some helpful items to try are lollipops, ice chips, or gummies. You can also encourage your child to take small bites of any snack and take sips of water through a straw.

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34 Easy Homemade Travel Foods For Babies and Toddlers

Published: June 8, 2015 | Last Updated on: June 6, 2023 | by Dr Hemapriya

Before we dive into the world of travel foods for babies and toddlers, let’s embrace the evolving trends of parenthood. Gone are the days when parents had to wait for their children to grow up before embarking on adventures. Nowadays, little ones join in on the exploration, their curious eyes witnessing the vast wonders of the world. While modern conveniences have made life easier for parents, one concern remains: what to feed their children while traveling.

Given the concerns surrounding packaged food and unhygienic food preparation in restaurants, many parents prefer to take matters into their own hands. This requires meticulous planning, but worry not! We are here to lend a helping hand. To ensure a seamless journey, we have curated a collection of convenient and nutritious travel foods for babies and toddlers. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, making travel an enjoyable experience for both parents and little ones.

If you are breastfeeding your baby, there’s no need for any additional milk supplement during your journey. However, if your little one has been weaned, you can consider using substitutes for milk such as formula or commercially available milk powder. To prepare these substitutes while traveling, simply carry hot water in a thermos flask and mix it with the powder. This ensures that your baby’s milk is ready whenever needed, making it a convenient option for travel foods for babies.

Fresh fruits are one of the best travel foods for babies, being convenient and and hygienic. For toddlers, you can just cut up the fruit and feed them. For babies, you can mash and puree fruits like papaya , muskmelon , banana or chikoo . When ripe enough, they can be easily mashed with just a fork.

Instant Porridge

Here is a list of 15  instant porridge powder recipes , all of which require only hot water to be added.

No time to make these powder, no worry !! Just click, order and get home delivered here . We also have Instant food ‘trial’ packs available now, because you can never tell what the baby might like!

Main Meals – Lunch

Main meals like lunch and dinner are a little more difficult to handle while travelling as it isn’t easy to prepare a filling rice meal on the go. However, you can still work your way around this problem with a few tips:

1. If you have a rice cooker then all you need to do is plug it in to  make a simple khichdi with carrots or potatoes. You can carry carrots and potatoes as they last for more than 2 to 3 days without refrigeration.

2.For a convenient rice meal while traveling, dry roast rice and dal, grind them into a powder, and carry it in an airtight container. Mix the powder with hot water from your flask to cook. You can also add grated carrot for added nutrition. Discover more travel foods for babies to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free.

If you don’t have time to dry roast rice and dal, you can easily order homemade  Instant Khichdi mixes here .

3. If you want to give lunch from a restaurant, ask for steamed hot rice with dal. Mash it with sanitized fingers or spoons and feed your baby.

When it comes to snacks, most parents reach out for packaged foods like biscuits. But you can go healthy here too, especially since toddlers snack a lot and you don’t want so much junk going into their bodies! Try these homemade snack recipes that don’t require refrigeration.

• Roasted chickpeas
• Energy bars – Groundnut Bars, Maple Oat Cluster Bars  , Chocolate trail Mix

Tips for Feeding your Baby at a Restaurant

Sometimes, you find yourself with no option but to feed your baby from a restaurant. In such cases, there’s no need to panic; just keep these few tips in mind:

1.Ensure the safety of your baby while feeding from a restaurant during travel. Avoid giving raw foods like salads or chutneys. Opt for cooked and suitable meals. Prioritize the well-being of your little one by following travel foods for babies.

2. Along with raw foods, you should also avoid dishes with raw ingredients like mayonnaise, souffle, sushi etc.

3. Always try to go for steamed foods – steamed rice, steamed idlis  and cooked vegetables.

4. Use your own cutlery.

5. Ensure a safe eating experience for your baby by eliminating choking hazards from their food. When preparing meals, cut or mash food into appropriate sizes and avoid giving small, hard, or round foods that may pose a risk. Prioritize your baby’s safety during travel by following guidelines for travel foods for babies.

6. Prioritize your baby’s safety while traveling by avoiding new foods that may cause allergies. Stick to familiar and trusted options to ensure a worry-free journey. Explore travel foods for babies that are suitable and known to your child.

7. Stick to boiled/bottled water and don’t give baby juices or milkshakes.

8. Stay away from anything with artificial coloring or flavoring.

Don’t let the stress of feeding your baby or toddler during travel weigh you down. With some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can ensure a worry-free journey filled with delightful moments. Bid farewell to food-related concerns and embrace the convenience of travel-friendly and nutritious options for your little one. Let us be your guide in making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable with our helpful tips and suggestions on travel foods for babies. Bon voyage and happy travels!

If your baby has recently started on solids, you might also want to check out our detailed post – High Chair Vs Booster Seat: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Feeding Chair.  Some of the feeding chairs recommended in this article are travel friendly too!

We have compiled a comprehensive Travel Food packing List for Babies and Toddlers

• Dr Hemapriya
• Fabida Abdullah
• Dhvani Shah

Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !

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December 28, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Dear Dr. Hema,

Could you please suggest some travel foods for 2.5year toddler. I know by this age toddlers eat most of the foods, but mine doesn’t. Hence seeking your advice. Is it safe to offer outside food to 2.5 yr kid?

January 10, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Hi Madhavi, You can try the recipes given in this article. It should be a hit 🙂 You can give outside food if it’s from a trusted source.

February 3, 2021 at 1:20 am

Plz give ideas of travel food for 8 months old baby, for one week. Any suggestions and advices are welcomed

February 4, 2021 at 8:14 pm

The blog has so many ideas. Please use it according to the age recommendation. Hope you find it helpful 🙂

November 12, 2018 at 9:39 pm

hi Dr I m going to travel in train for 25 hrs can you suggest home made food for my 11 months old baby. he has cool body so pls tell me can i give him uncooked apple?

November 13, 2018 at 5:20 pm

Hi Revathy,

Please find link below with easy travel recipes. Hope this helps you. Link – https://goo.gl/2V9Zm4

August 31, 2018 at 7:45 pm

Hiii mam….I am travelling to North…. For 15days….. My baby is 10months old…. Can pls suggest me instant receipes… (no cooking)

September 5, 2018 at 11:09 pm

Kindly check on the link below for travel food ideas dear. You can also check for instant mixes from our shop. Hope this helps. Happy and safe journey 🙂

Link – https://goo.gl/3DUmJH

April 10, 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hi Doctor, I m traveling to north india for a week with my 1 year old… i will not have access to kitchen would like to purchase a few instant packs from you. I haven’t introduced my baby to anyinstant foods. Could you please suggest me a few required ones please!

April 12, 2018 at 12:55 pm

Hi dear, Thanks for choosing to purchase our products, you can choose and order from our instant packs here: https://goo.gl/MsrRpE

January 7, 2018 at 9:22 am

Could you suggest some veg food ideas for a 24hr train travel.. It is for a 1yr old kid.

January 8, 2018 at 11:37 am

Please check some of these options dear https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/homemade-travel-food-ideas-for-babies-and-toddlers/

November 13, 2017 at 5:19 pm

Hi Hema madam, As I m traveling out of my city for 15days with my 1.5 months old son.. Plz suggest some snacks for him..

November 14, 2017 at 1:16 pm

Dear this article has most options for kids and you can also check on our site for some wonderful ways to keep kids engaged. Just type “Travel” in search box.

September 20, 2017 at 4:29 pm

Hello Hema, I will be travelling on a 10 days holiday to New Zealand with my 8 months son in November. Please suggest me instant food I can give him thrice a day. I am very much tensed about his health during our stay at that time.

Thanks in advance

September 20, 2017 at 5:47 pm

Dear, while on travel the best bet is to feed, fruits, boiled potatoes, eggs, dry snacks (like biscuits which can be made and carried along). If you must feed outside you can take boiled rice and give along with curd, or some mashed fruit based on your kids preference. Also in most places now you get indian foods so that is another option you can pick while on travel. Don’t worry much, kids too adapt to changed food.

September 1, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Hi Mam..We r traveling for 4 to 5 days confused about water how will boil water or can v give bisleri to 10 months baby..? As flask will serve purpose only for 1-2 days..plz help with other options?..

September 21, 2017 at 10:32 pm

You can always request at some places restaurants etc. to help you with boiled water.

March 31, 2017 at 11:54 am

I was wondering if bottled mineral water should be boiled before being given to a 1 year old

May 7, 2017 at 6:20 pm

You can give it like that also, as eventually we have to give them such water.

October 4, 2016 at 3:56 am

Thanks alot for this information…..

October 19, 2015 at 5:22 am

Quick qs !! For the porridge do we need to soak dal and rice then dry to make a powder ? Or we can directly powder it.

Thanks, Akshita

February 29, 2016 at 4:55 pm

Dear Akshita,

You can check the recipe here

October 16, 2015 at 1:25 pm

These recipes were really helpful. Also please tell me how can we add sweetness to it. I have been using jaggery for my lil one. Now for these instant porridges, other than fruits what can be added for sweetness. Please help. Thank you

February 29, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Yes fruit purees can be added for sweetness

June 9, 2015 at 12:14 pm

Hi.. This post is very timely, we are travelling to Europe with my 15month old in July. I am quiet confused about what food to give him and also Milk. The instant porridge recipe needs no cooking? just hot water will be enough? Pls share any other tips you have.

June 9, 2015 at 5:13 pm

Hi apeksha,

Yes the instant porridges do not require cooking. Just add hot water and it is done,

September 9, 2015 at 5:35 pm

hello ma’am!! is warm water ok? for making instant porridges?

October 26, 2015 at 1:08 pm

The water has to be hot for cooking porridges or else the powder will not get cooked .

Hope this helps

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35 Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers Who Travel

• Post author: Rachel Pedranti
• Post published: January 27, 2023
• Post category: Travel
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Make your next flight a smooth one by bringing along a few of the best airplane snacks for toddlers for your kiddo to enjoy. One of the most important things to remember to pack when flying with toddlers is an abundance of snacks! There isn’t much that the right snack can’t solve in my experience with toddlers and I always have several on hand. Including a hidden bag of yogurt melts, my son’s favorite, for emergencies!

Keeping your tot’s tummy full will make it much more likely to make it through the flight without a meltdown. Nobody is themself when they are hungry and hangry moods are real in adults and kids alike. Here are 35 of the best airplane snacks for toddlers that work well for airplane travel and even road trips. Which ones you pack should be based on your child’s current favorites in each category.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here .

Preventing Toddlers from Getting Hungry During a Flight

Traveling with toddlers can be a lot of work, especially if it involves a long airplane ride. Dealing with a meltdown in a confined space, in close quarters to strangers is a parent’s worst nightmare. And yet it can feel like that is what is waiting for you on an airplane. However, with some extra preparation before your trip, many of these tantrums can be avoided. 

To make sure you don’t have a meltdown on your hands due to hunger mid-flight, it’s wise to pack lots of snacks for toddlers. Bring slightly more than you think would be necessary – it never hurts to have an extra helping of snacks on hand! If you overestimate the amount needed, that’s okay too, leftover snacks may come in handy during your vacation as well.

Not only will this prevent any grumpiness because of hunger pangs, but it also gives toddlers something productive and fun to do when they feel bored. It’ll help pass the time so both you and your kids can make the most of your flight experience! Extra bonus a full belly is the best way to help a toddler sleep on a long flight .

More on Airplane Travel with Toddlers:

• Ultimate Guide for Bringing Car Seats on Airplanes
• New Travel Parents Guide to Changing Diapers on a Plane
• Top Tips to Help Your Toddler Sleep on a Plane

The Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

When picking a great snack for planes look for small, mess-free (fast clean up!) items to pack that include a couple of healthy options such as slices of apples or small carrots. Reserve snacks like fruit snacks and small chocolates as special little treats for especially rough moments when kids need some extra attention. This way, hopefully, your child is happy, full, and content throughout the flight.

Dry Airplane Snacks

• Granola bars
• Mini Muffins (homemade to make healthier)
• Wheat Thins
• Pirates Booty
• Veggie Straws

Sweet Snacks

• Fruit Snacks
• Graham Crackers
• Juice Boxes
• M&Ms or Chocolate Chips

Refrigerated Snacks

• String Cheese or Babybel Cheese
• Blueberries
• Apple Slices
• Baby Carrots
• Cucumber Slices
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Strawberries

Healthy Travel Snacks for Toddlers

• Fresh Fruit
• Fruit Leather
• Yogurt Melts
• Homemade Oat Bites
• Fruit Pouches (such as applesauce or pears)
• Smoothie Pouches

How to Pack Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

Packing the best toddler airplane snacks can be simplified using a few simple tricks. This will help with going through security as well as during the flight itself.

First, it helps to have snack containers or bags that allow the snacks to be seen. This will make security happy especially if a snack sets off the scanner. It is also nice so that kids can see their snack choices and make their own snack decisions. When I pack snacks for a long trip plastic bags don’t take much space and are my go-to.

Secondly, bring along an empty water bottle that you can fill with water or juice from the attendant or extras that you brought yourself. This will help prevent liquid spills that are hard to clean up. It can also be a good idea to pack easily dumped snacks into a spill-proof snack container . It is no fun to pick up 80 small pieces of cereal from the floor and seats and flight attendants don’t want to clean up a huge mess either.

Along those same lines, turning snacks into an activity can be fun with snack containers such as this monthly pill box or a snack spinner that rotates the snack options.

Finally, a great way to save space is to take the snacks out of their original packaging, especially bulky boxes or bags. If you have multiple kids you will also want to make sure to separate the snacks into pre-portioned snack bags that you can hand to each child. Having individual portions can help prevent fights between the little kids.

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How to choose snacks for an airplane ride.

On a short or long flight, snacks can go a long way in keeping travelers happy. The length of your flight will simply change how many snacks you bring along and if you are going to have a long travel day try to make the majority of your snacks ones that can be kept at room temperature. Don’t forget that most flights offer snacks and long flights offer meals. However, it is good to be prepared in case turbulence interrupts any scheduled meals.

To prevent creating a hyper toddler on board, it will help to choose snacks that aren’t too sugary and will help keep them occupied during the journey. Healthy snacks like dried fruit or granola bars are great options as they taste good and hunger while being filling and nutritious.

The last thing to consider when picking airplane snacks for toddlers to bring is allergies. Their own allergies of course, as well as the possibility of other passengers having allergies. I have only run into a peanut allergy once on a flight but they made an announcement asking guests to refrain from eating snacks with peanuts or peanut butter. If you run into this on a flight it is nice to have other options on hand to eat instead. Plus it is a good idea to have enough variety so your kid has several options. Who knows what a toddler will want to eat on any certain day!

Tips for Transporting Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

• TSA rules allow certain airplane snacks to be brought onto the plane with you such as yogurts as long as they are 3.4 oz or less. TSA liquid exceptions come in handy since you can bring items like formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food on board with you that are more than 3.4 oz. Just make sure to declare them at security.
• Don’t forget to pack empty water bottles for each child (and adult) – this way you can easily fill them up once you have passed through security.
• Always keep the airplane snacks somewhere easily accessed throughout the flight. I like to keep some in both my bag and my husbands so either of us can grab them. You can store extras in your carry-on bags if needed. A small backpack your toddler can carry also works well and allows young kids to feel involved and helpful.
• Make sure to bring Lysol wipes and sanitizer to wipe down the seat back tray and your childs hands for a clean eating space.
• Finally, I always bring along a silicone bib to help keep little faces clean and prevent as many dropped snacks as possible! Wet wipes are also a must for wiping my toddler down after eating, even dry snacks leave a little mess somehow.

More Tips for Traveling with a Toddler:

• Best Toddler Travel Toys for Road Trips and Airplane Rides
• 11 Best Baby Carriers for Travel and Sightseeing
• 17+ Baby Travel Essentials to Simplify Family Travel
• 11 Beach Essentials for Toddlers to Bring on Your Next Tropical Vacation

FAQ’s

Can you bring milk on an airplane for toddlers.

If your toddler is a fan of milk, it is allowed to bring some onboard. According to TSA rules, supplies for children such as formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, ice packs, baby food and toddler food including puree pouches are permitted onto airplanes. Milk falls under toddler drinks so it is allowed.

When going through security tell the TSA agent before you are scanned that you can liquids for a child that exceed 3.4 oz. Liquids will be scanned separately if they can be opened. If a liquid or food pouch cannot be opened or you do not want it x-rayed then the agent will clear the liquid by other methods AND you (the adult traveling with the liquids) will undergo additional screening including a pat down. Make sure to leave extra time for these security measures when planning to make your flight.

It is a good idea to read the full TSA article on traveling with liquids for children on the TSA website and screenshot it in case a TSA agent is not fully aware of their policies.

What food and snacks are not allowed on a plane?

Honestly, just about any solid food items are good to go without any issues. Any liquids or creamy foods such as hummus, dressings, creamy cheeses, yogurt etc are subject to the 3.4oz rule or else they will get tossed at airport security. The only exception is if it is a toddler’s food or drink, that will be subject to further screening.

Beyond that, you can’t bring alcohol over 140 proof and ice packs are only allowed if they are fully frozen, under 3.4 oz, OR needed for breastmilk, formula, or baby/toddler supplies. Freezer packs are allowed even if breastmilk is not currently present.

What foods can help prevent “airplane ears” in toddlers?

Adults deal with “airplane ears” and make their ears pop fairly easily on a plane by chewing gum, yawning, or eating. However it can be harder for toddlers, but there are a few foods that can help them out. If a young toddler still uses a pacifier, that is my favorite method. Otherwise, lollipops, ice, or gummies can be very effective. The sucking motion on a lollipop or ice can help ears pop. The vigorous chewing a gummy bear requires is also effective.

Favorite Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

The best airplane snacks for toddlers are honestly very similar to what they eat most days anyway. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your toddler has a great experience flying. Keep them fed and hydrated with easy-to-eat snacks that won’t make a mess for a happier toddler all around. Packing these airplane snacks for toddlers before your flight will save you time, money, and hassle at the airport.

Now it’s your turn! What are your go-to toddler airplane snacks? Let me know in the comments below.

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Nestlé adds more sugar to baby food in poorer countries, report finds

Nestlé adds more sugar to baby food sold in lower- and middle-income countries, while more affluent markets get healthier versions, according to a recent report released by a nonprofit group.

The Swiss food giant’s products in lower-income countries contained up to 7.3 grams of added sugar per serving, while the same food sold in Europe often contained none, according to the findings of an investigation by Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), based on data from the market analysis company Euromonitor.

The Swiss nonprofit group Public Eye denounced what it called Nestlé’s “harmful double standard,” which it said contributes to an increase in obesity “and leads children to develop a lifelong preference for sugary products.”

The report compared the sugar content of Cerelac instant cereal and Nido powdered milk, two of Nestlé’s best-selling baby food brands in low- and middle-income countries, which raked in more than $2.5 billion in 2022.

In Thailand, Ethiopia, South Africa, India and Bangladesh, among others, Nestlé added up to 6 grams of sugar per serving of Cerelac. The same brand was sold containing zero sugar in Britain and Germany. Cerelac had on average 4 grams of sugar per serving — or about one sugar cube — in countries in the Global South. Cerelac sold in the Philippines contained the highest amount of added sugar, with 7.3 grams per serving.

In several countries, including the Philippines, Nigeria, Senegal, Vietnam and Pakistan, added sugar content was not declared on the packaging.

In a statement on Monday, Nestlé said the variations in sugar content across countries depended on “several factors, including regulations and availability of local ingredients, which can result in offerings with lower or no-added sugars.” The company added that this does not “compromise the nutritional value of our products for infants and young children.”

“In European countries, consumer pressure has driven Nestlé to remove added sugar from their baby food products,” Laurent Gaberell and Manuel Abebe, researchers at Public Eye who were involved in the report, wrote in an email to The Washington Post. “We regret that the company has nevertheless decided to continue adding sugar in lower-income countries.”

The same trend was detected to a lesser degree in Nido products. An analysis of the brand showed that its products contained an average of 2 grams of added sugar per serving, with Nido items sold in Panama containing the highest, at 5.3 grams per serving.

“Nestlé itself advises to avoid any added sugar at that age,” Gaberell and Abebe wrote. Nestlé says on its Brazilian website that it is ideal to avoid eating added sugar in childhood.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children younger than 2 years old “should not be fed foods and beverages with added sugars at all.”

The World Health Organization also advises parents and guardians not to add sugar to complement foods for children 2 years or younger.

After the report’s release, officials in India sought investigations into its main allegations. Bangladeshi officials have also said they will look into “the issue of added sugar in baby foods,” according to a local report .

In the Philippines, a bill prohibiting additional sugar in baby food is pending in the Senate. A spokesman for the country’s Department of Health voiced support for its passage on Friday.

UNICEF, the U.N. children’s agency, urges “governments to regulate the nutritional value” of such foods, said Roland Kupka, the regional nutrition adviser for East Asia and the Pacific, in response to the report. The organization also called for the prohibition of added sugars and misleading marketing.

The findings are “disturbing,” Albert Domingo, a senior Philippine Health Department official, told The Post, “especially since the World Health Organization recommendation is apparently followed in other countries.”

Nestlé said it has reduced added sugars in its infant cereals portfolio worldwide by 11 percent and is phasing out added sugars from its “growing-up milk,” which is for children ages 12 to 36 months.

The company added that it is “important to distinguish between added and total sugars in our products.” For example, total sugars could include the lactose naturally present in milk or be from ingredients such as fruit, puree or honey.

Gaberell and Abebe of Public Eye said that added sugar “leads babies to develop a preference for overly sweet foods, setting them up for a lifelong diet of highly processed foods.”

Regine Cabato in Manila contributed to this report.