My son was just shy of 4 months old when I booked a last minute flight to support a friend during a time of need (and by last minute, I mean same-day). This, naturally, threw me into a bit of a frenzy over how I’d logistically make that happen.

Whether you’re in a predicament similar to mine or are considering long distance travel in the near future, I’ve outlined steps to help you easily prepare for flying with your infant. The following guidelines go for any airline:

If I am breastfeeding, where do I pack my pump?
TSA regulations list breast pumps as allowed in both checked and carry on bags, so you can pack it wherever works best for you! If you plan to pump at the airport you will obviously need to bring it along in your carry on bag.

How do I pack frozen bags for back up?
Frozen bags are allowed along with ice packs to keep them frozen. I suggest finding a very small cooler bag, essentially a lunch box, that you can pack these in. However if your carry on or diaper bag doesn’t have much space to store it, you can buy a “hot/cold” thermal bag from the grocery store for $1, rip off the plastic across the top, and wrap it snug around its contents (sounds janky but I actually prefer this route!). I let the TSA agent know I had them when I arrived at security and the screening process was quick and easy from there.

How do I travel with bottles?
Bottles of breast milk, formula, and juice (for older babes) are exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid rule when traveling with your child. You will just need to let TSA know at security, the same way you would for frozen bags. They may ask you to open them but you can say no if you’re not comfortable. If you’re traveling without your child you will be cleared for breast milk only (no formula or juice).

What about baby food and teethers?
Canned, jarred, and processed baby food is allowed in your carry on bag. They also allow liquid-filled teethers for your little one. Like everything else, it may just be subject to some additional testing and screening.

Is checking a car seat different than checking a bag?
It is no different except that, depending on your airline, you may not have to pay to check it. Sometimes I see my son’s car seat come through the baggage claim conveyor belt, but other times I’ve had to pick it up at the ‘overside baggage claim’ area. Either way, I highly suggest purchasing a bag to cover your car seat. Otherwise it will be subject to a variety of dirt and germs. I bought this car seat cover from Amazon and it worked great.

Can I take my child’s car seat or stroller on board?
Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats are allowed as carry on items but will be screened via x-ray when you go through security. Plan to bring either your car seat, stroller, or carrier for younger infants so you don’t have to carry them, as well as your carry on bags, through the airport.

How do I let my airline know I have an infant with me?
I usually wait until the day-of if I can’t find anywhere online to indicate. I primarily fly Delta and they have always given me a printed boarding pass at the check-in desk that reads “infant on lap”. My little one is only 7 months old so he is still considered small enough not to need his own seat.

I hope this was helpful! I’m no expert, but I have experienced a few trips this summer so I know how stressful it can be to approach long distance travel with young children for the first time. If you have questions I didn’t answer, check out the TSA guidelines for all things regarding ‘traveling with children’.