Getting through airport security with a baby or toddler

Going through airport security can feel like a stressful puzzle, and adding a baby or toddler to the mix brings a whole new set of questions. You might be juggling a stroller, a diaper bag, your own carry-on, and a little one who needs your full attention. The good news is that with some planning, you can get through the security checkpoint calmly and efficiently.

Airports have special procedures for families traveling with young children and their supplies. Understanding these rules ahead of time makes all the difference. This guide breaks down what to expect when you get to the security line with your baby, stroller, and essential liquids like breast milk, formula, and baby food.

Before you leave for the airport

A smooth security experience starts with smart packing and preparation at home. Knowing what to expect helps you stay organized and feel more in control when you arrive at the airport. You can think about your strategy for getting everything and everyone through the screening process before you even call for your ride.

Your airport security checklist

Use this list to make sure you are ready for the screening checkpoint:

• Check the rules: Look up the current security screening rules for families and liquids at the specific airports you will be flying from and transiting through. Regulations can differ between countries, so check each one on your itinerary.
• Pack liquids for easy access: Place all your baby food, milk, and formula in a separate, easily accessible part of your carry-on bag. This way, you will not have to dig through everything when you get to the conveyor belt.
• Dress for success: Dress yourself and your child in simple, comfortable clothes without a lot of metal snaps, zippers, or buckles. Slip-on shoes for you and your older toddler can also speed things up.
• Plan your baby-carrying method: Decide if you will use a baby carrier, hold your child in your arms, or have them walk through the scanner. Babies have to come out of the stroller, which goes through separately.
• Allow plenty of time: Everything takes longer with a little one. Give yourself a generous time buffer to get through check-in and security without feeling rushed. A calm parent often leads to a calmer child.

Packing your carry-on bag

When packing your travel day bag or carry-on, think about what you will need to take out for security screening. Laptops, certain large electronics, and your bag of personal liquids will need to be placed in a separate bin. Having your baby’s liquids packed together and near the top of a bag will make it simple to declare them to the security officers as required.

Screening breast milk, formula, and baby food

One of the biggest sources of confusion for parents is the rule about liquids. Fortunately, rules for liquids needed to feed a baby or toddler are different from the standard restrictions on toiletries.

What you can bring

In many countries, including the United States, formula, breast milk, and juice for babies and toddlers are considered medically necessary liquids. This means you are allowed to bring them in your carry-on baggage in quantities greater than the standard allowance for other liquids. This exemption also typically applies to baby food in pouches, jars, and cans, as well as teething gels and other essential baby care items.

The amount you can bring is generally described as a “reasonable quantity” for your journey. While this is not a precise measurement, it means you can bring what you need to feed your child for the flight and to cover potential delays. In the United States you do not need to be traveling with your child to bring breast milk through security; other countries can have different rules.

The screening process for baby liquids

You must remove your baby’s food and drinks from your carry-on bag to be screened separately. Inform a security officer that you have these items. They will likely need to conduct additional screening on the containers.

This screening can take several forms. Officers may ask you to open the containers. They might also use special equipment to scan the liquids while they remain sealed. It is a good idea to pack liquids in containers that are easy to open and reseal if needed. If you have powdered formula, you can bring it in its original sealed container or portioned into smaller, dry containers. Water for mixing formula can be brought in a baby bottle or you can buy it after you pass through security.

Getting through with strollers and car seats

Your baby gear, such as strollers and car seats, also needs to go through the screening process. Knowing how this works will help you manage your equipment and your child at the same time.

Screening your stroller

All strollers, regardless of size, must be screened. You will need to take your child out of the stroller before you reach the X-ray scanner. Remove all items from the stroller’s basket and storage pockets, including blankets, toys, and bags. These items should be placed in a bin and sent through the X-ray machine.

Your stroller will then need to be folded and placed on the conveyor belt to go through the scanner. If your stroller is too large to fit through the machine, security staff will perform a manual inspection. Having a stroller that folds easily, ideally with one hand, can make this process much smoother.

Car seats and other gear

If you are bringing a car seat on board for your child, it will also need to be screened. Like the stroller, it must go through the X-ray machine. If it is too bulky, it will be manually inspected. Be prepared to place it on the conveyor belt yourself.

Any other large baby gear you have in your carry-on, such as a portable travel crib or a baby carrier, will also be screened. It helps to consolidate smaller items into bags or bins so nothing gets left behind.

Managing your child at the checkpoint

Keeping your child safe and calm is your top priority. The security checkpoint can be a noisy and confusing place for little ones, but a few simple strategies can help everyone get through with fewer tears.

Carrying your baby

You will have to take your baby out of their stroller or car seat for screening. Some airports let you keep your baby in a soft carrier as you walk through the metal detector and then check your hands or the carrier, while others ask you to take your baby out so the carrier can be screened separately. Typically, you will hold your baby in your arms as you go through the screening portal. Security officers will guide you on the specific procedure.

Toddlers and preschoolers

Toddlers and preschoolers who can walk on their own may be asked to walk through the metal detector by themselves. You can prepare them for this by explaining what will happen in simple terms. For example, you can say, “We are going to play a game where you walk through a big doorway all by yourself, and I will be right on the other side waiting for you.” Going first to show them how it works can help. An officer will be there to assist, and procedures are designed to avoid separating parents from their children.

If your child sets off an alarm, they may require additional screening. This is usually a quick process. You can stay with your child and hold their hand during this process.

After the security screening

Once you are through the checkpoint, find a spot to the side of the main traffic flow to reassemble your belongings. Use a bench or a quiet corner to put your shoes back on, repack your bags, and get your child settled back into their stroller.

This is a good time for a quick diaper check and a snack or drink for your little one. Taking a few minutes to regroup can reset the mood for everyone and makes the next part of the journey, waiting at the gate, much more pleasant.

When to call your pediatrician

For most travel health questions, your child’s doctor is the best source of advice. It is wise to prepare for health needs before you go and know when to seek help.

Get help right away

If your child shows any of the following signs during your travels, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. It is a good idea to know the emergency number for the country you are visiting.

• Any fever in a baby under 3 months old
• Difficulty breathing or turning blue
• Unusual sleepiness or being very difficult to wake up
• Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or significantly fewer wet diapers than usual
• A seizure
• A head injury that results in confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness

Talk to your pediatrician before you travel

It is always a good idea to check in with your child’s doctor before an international trip or if you have any health concerns. Schedule a visit to discuss these topics:

• Any questions about your child’s fitness to fly
• Vaccinations that may be needed for your destination
• What to pack in a first-aid kit for your child
• Prescriptions and safe over-the-counter medications for common issues like fever or allergies
• A plan for managing any of your child’s chronic health conditions while away

General travel information, not medical advice. Rules for car seats, flights and documents vary by country and airline, so check current official guidance. Kids' health note.