Make TSA checks smoother with these family travel hacks

Traveling with little ones can feel like a juggling act—especially when you reach airport security. Between diaper bags, bottles, and wriggly toddlers, the process can feel overwhelming. But with a little preparation (and the right gear), you can breeze through TSA with confidence.

Here are 7 tried-and-true airport security tips for traveling with babies and toddlers:

1️⃣ Use a Baby Carrier (And Skip the Stroller—If You Can)

If you're traveling with a baby, you'll need to remove them from the stroller at security and send the stroller through the x-ray machine. This can be tricky if you're also managing bags or another child.

👶 Instead, wear your baby in a soft carrier. Most TSA agents will allow you to walk through the metal detector with your baby strapped to you. If additional screening is needed, it’s typically a quick hand swab.

💡 Bonus: Wearing a carrier also keeps your hands free to manage bags and documents.

2️⃣ Know the Rules for Baby Liquids and Formula

Good news: TSA allows parents to bring breast milk, formula, juice, and baby food in reasonable quantities—even if they're over 3.4 oz. Just let an agent know in advance and place them in a separate bin.

🍼 Tip: Store liquids in clear containers and label them to speed up the process.

3️⃣ Pack Smart: Easy-Access Bags Make a Big Difference

Keep your essentials in one well-organized diaper bag or backpack. Place items you'll need for security (IDs, boarding passes, baby liquids) in exterior pockets or pouches.

🧴 Pro tip: Use packing cubes to separate snacks, diapers, and toys for faster unpacking and repacking at the checkpoint.

4️⃣ Be Prepared to Fold the Stroller

Strollers and car seats must go through the x-ray machine. This means folding and lifting them onto the conveyor belt (or having an agent inspect them if they don’t fit).

🛞 Travel tip: Use a lightweight, easy-fold travel stroller—it’ll make this part of the process much easier, especially if you’re flying solo.

5️⃣ Ask for a Family or Assistance Lane

Some airports offer family lanes at TSA checkpoints, which give you more space and time to get through security without pressure. If you don’t see one, ask a TSA agent—they’ll often direct you to a quieter line or provide extra help.

✈️ Charlotte Douglas (CLT) was one of the first to roll out family lanes—more airports are beginning to follow.

6️⃣ PreCheck Can Be a Lifesaver

If you travel often, TSA PreCheck is a great investment for parents. You’ll usually skip removing shoes, laptops, and liquids—and the lines are much shorter.

✔️ Kids under 12 can go through PreCheck with you for free.

7️⃣ Arrive Early (Even Earlier Than You Think)

Give yourself plenty of buffer time. Toddlers have unpredictable needs, and security lines can move slowly with baby gear in tow.

⏰ Recommended: Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights when traveling with children.

Final Thoughts: Take a Deep Breath—You’ve Got This

Getting through airport security with a baby or toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right prep (and maybe a snack bribe or two), you’ll be at the gate before you know it.

Want to make packing even easier?
📥 Download our free baby and toddler travel checklists for warm and cold weather packing HERE!