TSA rules for baby formula, breast milk and baby food
More than 3.4 ounces is allowed in carry-on. Here is what to tell the officer and how screening works.
What TSA allows
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby or toddler food (including puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit in the quart-sized bag. TSA treats them as medically necessary liquids.
The same applies to ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs used to cool breast milk or formula, and to liquid-filled teethers. Your child or infant does not need to be with you to bring breast milk, formula and related supplies.
What to do at the checkpoint
- Tell the TSA officer at the start of screening that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks or baby food over 3.4 ounces.
- Take these items out of your carry-on to be screened separately from your other belongings.
- Officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.
- Not required, but TSA recommends clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in bags or pouches may not be screenable by bottle liquid scanners and you may be asked to open them if feasible.
- Screening never involves putting anything into the liquid.
- If you do not want the items X-rayed or opened, tell the officer. Extra steps are taken, and you or the traveling guardian will have additional screening, including advanced imaging technology and extra screening of other carry-on property.
- Ice packs and gel packs that are partially frozen or slushy get the same screening as the liquids.
Help from TSA
Travelers who need special accommodations can contact TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 (federal relay 711) or through its online form.
Airlines and baby items
Airlines treat baby items separately from your bag allowance. American, for example, does not count one diaper bag per child, a breast pump, a small soft-sided cooler of breast milk or a child safety seat toward the carry-on allowance; see its carry-on page. Check your own airline's page for its list.
Source: TSA What Can I Bring? Food and TSA liquids rule. Checked 5 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take baby formula through TSA?
Yes. Formula over 3.4 ounces (100 ml) is allowed in carry-on and does not need to fit in the quart-sized bag. Tell the officer at the start and take it out to be screened separately.
Can I take breast milk through airport security?
Yes. TSA allows breast milk in quantities over 3.4 ounces in carry-on, with ice packs or gel packs to keep it cold. Your child does not need to be traveling with you.
Do ice packs for breast milk have to be frozen?
No. TSA says ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs for cooling breast milk or formula are allowed, and if partially frozen or slushy they receive the same additional screening as the liquids.
Do baby food pouches count as liquids?
TSA says baby and toddler food, including puree pouches, over 3.4 ounces is allowed in carry-on as a medically necessary liquid. Declare it and have it screened separately.
Can I refuse to let TSA X-ray or open my baby's milk?
Yes. Tell the officer. Additional steps are taken to clear the liquid, and you or the traveling guardian go through additional screening.