Feeding tips for vacationing moms with infants and toddlers using some guidelines and tips provided to OCM by the International Formula Council.
Feeding Tips for Vacationing Moms of Infants and Toddlers
- Bring a 3 oz. bottle of dish soap for extra convenience. Always wash nipples and bottles for one minute in hot, soapy water after each use.
- When you are on the go, be sure to always wash your hands before preparing to feed the baby so you won’t pass on germs.
- When opening a can of formula, clean the lid and the can opener of dust or soil.
- Securely seal ready-to-feed formula and put in a cooler within two hours of opening. Use the rest of the container within 48 hours of opening.
- Be extra careful to keep breast milk and formula cool, especially in a hot climate. Liquids should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Previously chilled bottles of formula should be discarded if left out of a cooler or refrigerator for more than an hour.
- Never heat infant formula or bottled breast milk in the microwave. Bottles can easily be warmed by heating water in the microwave and putting the bottle of formula or breast milk in the water. Make sure to keep the top of the bottle dry.
- After baby is done eating, discard any leftover formula or breast milk to help avoid the growth of bacteria found in baby saliva.
- Only buy formula from reputable retailers when traveling. Do not buy infant formula from flea markets.
TSA Guidelines allow a mother to bring in more than three ounces of breast milk, even if she is traveling without her baby. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides this info for moms flying with infants or toddlers in regards to feeding:
- Separate the breast milk or formula from your quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
- Declare the breast milk or formula to a security officer at the security checkpoint.
- Offer the breast milk or formula for inspection at x-ray. You may be asked to open the container, but you or your child will not be asked to taste the contents.
For more on feeding tips for vacationing moms with infants and toddlers, visit the “For Parents” section of the International Formula Council’s website.
