jasvasa

Hello,

We are travelling to France from SFO with our 1.5 year old daughter and would like to know if any of you experienced taking whole milk on the flight. Do airlines serve milk on the flight? I have read articles on the TSA and the airline's website that they allow formula and breast milk, but my daughter does not have either of those.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks.

ira

Hi J,

Inform the airline that you will require whole milk for your child.

They should provide it.

rex

A bit wasteful, but I would buy formula (you can freeze it to fee to puppies later or use it in some recipes), and pour the milk into the formula bottles.

And yes, they will serve milk on the flight.

Best wishes,

Rex

highledge

I really hope that you won't take this the wrong way, but please don't get too focused on "whole milk". A 1.5 year old can get by for quite some time with less than full fat milk- or even water.
I would not bother trying to take milk on the flight. There would be more of a danger with the milk going bad. DOes Mc Donald's sell milk? I think that there are at most airports - or another fast food place might also sell the little cartons on milk POST SECURITY>
Good luck.

4totravel

As a mom traveling with a baby a few years ago (Italy, France, Switzerland - that was our biggest challenge in the entire trip - finding fresh cold milk to feed our little boy! - especially on an overnight train!) He knew when we substituted anything else!We would buy in bulk and fill our mini bar with milk for him.
The airlines will provide unlimited milk for the baby - but I would call or contact the airline and make that special request.
With today's airline travels it must be a real challenge to travel with a baby and all of their liquid needs.
The other thought would be maybe dried milk and just add water as an emergency measure if she'll take it.
Good luck!!

padams421

The plane will have milk including probably whole milk. However, the child will be fine with less than whole milk (2% or skim) for a plane flight.

Now would be a good time for the child to learn to drink water. If the child is thirsty, the child will drink.

W9London

I've used whatever milk airlines serve (usually skim), and "enriched" it with some formula powder when my son was younger. The individual sachet of formula powder was quite usefuld--not messy, no need for refrigeration.

You might want to "wean" your young 'un by gradually mixing cow's milk to her regular bottles a week or so before the flight to avoid "palate shock".

katya_NY

I think that there will be enough new things for the baby to adjust to- don't listen to people recommending you substitute other milks or beverages. I'm sure the baby gets quite a bit more from the milk than just quenched thirst.

I second the opinion to contact the airline and make sure they have plenty of milk available. There is no need to interrupt the baby's normal diet for travel.

Good luck, and have a safe trip.

canterbury

I agree with W9London on this one.

Give your baby some low fat/no fat milk slowly at first (once a day) and increase to most of the time.

It's much better to expose your children to many things early on as they become and stay much more adaptable.

Tulips

canterbury; babies and small children should not normally drink no fat milk.
I agree that it would not hurt her to drink low-fat milk for once, if that is all that is available, but I also understand wanting your child to have familiar food while on a plane, and not trying anything new. Take the milk; you will probably be allowed to take it (though they may make you taste it first!) and if not, you can always leave it and use whatever is available on the plane.

Celticharper

I think Katya_NY has the right idea. Whole milk is not only to quench thirst, a baby that age needs all the protein and nutrients as well as the fat content in whole milk for good nutition.

A long plane flight will be tough enough on your little girl, it's just plain foolish to do anything that will add to her discomfort and stress.

Think how the adults on this board whine about such a long flight, and all the things we do to make ourselves comfortable.

Call the airline and ask what special provisions they make for traveling infants, and their meal requirements. If they can serve vegatatian, kother and halal meals, they must have whole milk for babies that require it. Or if they don't simply ask what their suggestions are. Maybe if they are notified ahead of time they will have it. If they do say they have whole milk on the plane don't forget to make sure to reiterate your request when you check in and again with the stewards when you board the plane.

I hope you have a great time. It's wonderful to introduce you little one to such a wonderful place as France.

dutyfree

Every airline that flies overseas (including the one I fly for) always has whole milk and low fat milk. The caterer boards both for the dinner service outbound and then always for the cereal choice (in business class) for breakfast.There is always enough milk for children on board. If you are really worried then ask the flight attendent in your cabin upon boarding to please put some "aside" for your child for the flight before the beverage services begin.

canterbury

Tulips -

You're right - babies and kids should have whole milk. But this is only ONE day.

Celtic -

And I see the point about not making a baby more uncomfortable in a strange situation. But kids are remarkably adaptable (we have 3 healthy, bright teenagers) and it's a good idea to get them used to accepting new things.

kerouac

I am amazed that someone would worry about this for a 10-hour flight, unless the point is to raise a neurotic child. Even babies can adapt to less than ideal conditions; otherwise the 3rd world would not even exist.

highledge

I'm so sorry to do this to you, but I'd worry lesss about the milk on he flight and more about what she'll be drinking when you arrive. Milk taste differently from place to place.
Does you daughter get milk at the same temp each and every time?? Ever given her room temp or cold? What about the shelf stable milk (most common when out to eat!)?
My kids have been in and out of airports since they were little and the oldest was the lest able to adapt as I didn't know any better. Number four travels the best and I'm amazed at what she'll eat!!
Another option is carnation instant breakfast. My Dr. told me to give it to my duaghter when she was a bit underweight at the same age. The vanilla is sweet, but might help get the "diferent" milk down easier. My daughter had it for about 6 months and still oves her plain milk (at age 7) and doesn't have a huge sweet tooth either.

Good luck and have a great trip. Might want ot practice having her fall asleep in a stroller too!

W9London

We paid for our son's seat, which came with baby food in-flight. It consisted of two jars of strained baby food (didn't use, he's been out of Step1 for a long time) and a can of formula (didn't use but came handy on arrival).
Airlines do carry milk, though UA FA couldn't tell me if it was full fat/semi-skim/skim. Hence my solution.

I wouldn't rely on water or juice (children under 2 yr old DO need milk) or Carnation (thought it was too sweet). FA can usually warm up the milk, though it may take time if they're busy and they tend to make it too hot.

We usually take one bottle already made (for immediate consumption at take-off to ease ear pressure). Yes, I did taste the milk when I flew with my son two weeks ago. Also make sure you have a spare clean bottle. In a pinch, ask for a cup of hot water, rinse the used bottle.

sirianne

Hello jasvasa.

Just wanted to ease your mind a bit. We flew from Edinburgh to London to Singapore to Melbourne with our 9 month old son! We were as worried as any parents would be, but everything was absolutely fine. My husband and I joke that we were far more grumpy after the flight than our 9 month old! Babies, toddlers, kids, fly everyday and have been for many years and airline staff are well equipped to handle your needs. The flight attendants on Singapore Airlines, in particular, were fantastic. They even took our son for little 'walks' up and down the aisle when they had time, and spoiled him with toys and goodies. When we returned to Edinburgh (via the same Melb-Sing-London-route) he was 1 1/2 years old and the airline had whole milk for him on demand and even more treats and toys! He is now 2 1/2 and is a great little frequent flyer and absolutely loves to travel. It is great to start them flying young! We are off to Spain on Friday and he can't wait! Hope this helps! Try not to worry and have a great trip.