What food would you recommend taking on a long plane ride for a 2 year old?

Question

I thought of taking so many things that might be considered a liquid...most of which are well over the 3 oz limit. Any ideas? I am looking things that could be a complete meal in case she doesn't like the meal provided.

Answer 1

I'm a former Flight Attendant and now I fly a lot with my three children, usually between Europe and California but we take shorter trips too. I always take snacks and drinks. So far, so good. We haven't had any problems. Everything has been allowed through. Even if it's not, they simply take it away. You aren't fined or lectured, luckily!

Does your child still eat babyfood? How about those complete meals they sell for toddlers? Those would be well below the 3oz. allowance. I would suggest trying them at home so he's used to them before leaving. Yes, they can be warmed onboard if needed. The ovens are convection so aluminium wrapped items work best but we got creative with whatever the passengers gave us to warm up.

Scroll down to "food & drink" to see exactly what's allowed.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

For a long flight with a meal service, you might want to do what we do; order a special meal. They do have children's meals but ask what's in them. Some passengers I had when I worked complained that they were greasy. We don't eat pork so it's a good excuse to order Kosher, which is usually pretty tame and kid-friendly. You don't have to be Kosher or even Jewish to also do so. Depending on your airline, there are probably plenty of other choices.

I'm also going to venture that while you're being the Good Mom in wanting to get a complete meal in your child, I'm sure it's reasonable if you gave yourself a break just this once. Even my children, who have been flying since each was four months old, get really excited and distracted and rarely eat well when we're flying. Logically you're going to try to avoid overly greasy or sugary snacks. I'm sure it wont hurt him to just be plyed with goodies for the few hours it'll take you to get back on the ground and more sane eating habits.

About seven years ago I wrote an article on flying with children. I put it on a blog to share with other parents, many of whom in turn have contributed themselves. I've also expanded after 8 years of flying with my little ones, combined with my 13 years working as a Flight Attendant (most of it pre-babies!)

Please feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Have a good flight!

Answer 2

Depends on the length of the flight. I would simply bring snacks that the 2 year old likes. Bring an empty sippy cup and fill it once you pass security with water fountain water. The best advice however is the Benadrill trick - give them children's Benegrill (3 oz or less!!) before boarding the flight and they will get sleepy and pass out the entire trip. This also takes care of their screaming etc you might encounter. Sounds terrible - but it is the best advice I was ever given!!!

Answer 3

I believe the TSA allows BABY FOOD liquids (breast milk, formula, etc) of over 3 ounces as an exception.
I suggest you bring the same foods and liquids you would normally feed your children at home.

Answer 4

munchables.