Getting Through Airport Security With Baby: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting through TSA with kids can feel like its own full-blown adventure, and not the fun, piña-coladas-on-the-beach kind. Whether you’re wrangling a baby, a toddler, or both (hello twin mom life!), the security line can be one of the most stressful parts of air travel. I’ve been there many times.

Since my twin boys were four months old, they’ve taken over 55 flights. While my husband is with us on most of our trips, I’ve also flown solo with both kids more times than I can count. And through all of that, I’ve learned one big thing: getting through TSA doesn’t have to be a disaster.

This guide is here to help you prepare, pack smart, stay calm, and move through airport security like a seasoned pro—even if it’s your first time traveling with a little one. From baby carriers to strollers, breast milk to busy boards, I’ll walk you through everything that’s worked (and what hasn’t) for us. I’ll even share the hacks that help my now seven-year-olds get through TSA smoother than some adults.

If you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, or young kids and wondering how to make it through security with your sanity intact, you’re in the right place.

Mindset: Preparing Yourself for TSA

Before you even pack your bags, the first thing you need to pack is patience—lots of it. Getting through airport security with kids is not the time to be in a rush or trying to “beat the clock.” The absolute best thing you can do for yourself (and your little ones) is to get to the airport early. Like, way earlier than you would if you were flying solo.

The security line can be unpredictable. Arriving early gives you breathing room to deal with any hiccups—diaper blowouts, spilled juice, or a toddler deciding they actually don’t want to part with their stuffy.

When you’ve already prepared yourself for some chaos, it’s much easier to laugh through the messy moments.

Checklist:

• How will you keep your little one entertained while waiting in line?
• What can you move from your bag to the stroller while in line to make security easier?
• How do you plan to get through security—babywearing, stroller, or both?

Keeping Kids Entertained in Line

The TSA line is not the time to find out your kid is suddenly over their favorite toy. If you’ve ever had a toddler start wailing 30 people deep in security, you know how quickly the stress can escalate. The key here is to be proactive, not reactive.

For infants, simple is best. I always recommend bringing soft, lightweight toys that attach easily to a stroller or car seat. Something they can bat at, chew on, or stare at while you inch through the line.

Try these For infants, simple is best. I always recommend bringing soft, lightweight toys that attach easily to a stroller or car seat. Something they can bat at, chew on, or stare at while you inch through the line.

🌟 Try these → Stroller/Car Seat Toys 🌟

For toddlers and preschoolers, quiet and contained entertainment is your best friend. We’ve used everything from sticker books to felt activities to sensory boards. The goal is to keep their hands (and attention) occupied while you focus on moving forward.

🌟 Some of my kids’ favorites 🌟
Busy Book for Infants
Busy Board for Toddlers
Busy Book for Preschoolers

Some parents hand over the tablet at this point—and that’s totally fine too. If your child is used to screen time, having a pre-loaded tablet with kid headphones can be a lifesaver. Just remember to fully charge it before heading to the airport and pack a portable charger.

And most importantly: don’t feel bad about needing entertainment. You’re not here to win a screen-free parenting medal—you’re here to make it through TSA with your sanity (and your carry-on) intact.

Efficient Packing for Security Screening

Organization is your secret weapon when getting through TSA with kids. The more intentional you are with your packing, the faster and smoother the process will go. The goal? Avoid digging through your bag with one hand while balancing a baby on your hip and explaining to your toddler why they can’t take their juice through security.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

Pack with TSA in Mind

Before you even leave the house, think about what TSA will require you to remove or separate:

• Electronics (if you don’t have PreCheck)
• Liquids (including baby bottles and breast milk)
• Shoes, belts, jackets (unless you have TSA PreCheck)

Put these items in places that are easy to grab. For example, I keep my ID and boarding pass in an outer pocket of my diaper bag. My cooler bag with bottles and breast milk goes under the stroller so I can pull it out and place it in the bin quickly.

🌟 Items that make the process easier 🌟
Breast Milk Cooler Bag
Bottle Tote – Holds Up to 6 Bottles

Use Your Stroller Like a Rolling Organizer

If you’re using a stroller, think of it as a second carry-on. Store your liquids, toys, or ID wallet in the undercarriage or seat pocket so you can access them quickly without unzipping five different pouches.

Dress for Security

Skip the lace-up boots or fashion-forward heels—this is your moment for slip-ons or sneakers you can pop off in seconds. Same goes for your kids: dress them in simple, easy-to-remove layers if needed, especially if you’re going through a regular line and not PreCheck.

And here’s a bonus tip: Children 12 and under do not have to remove their shoes when going through TSA, even if you’re in the standard line.

Want to check TSA’s current policies on traveling with children? Here’s the official TSA page for traveling with kids.

Little moves like these save big time when you’re trying to get everything in bins while keeping your kid from licking the TSA belt.

Navigating TSA with Babies and Toddlers

This is the part where all your planning gets put to the test. When my boys were infants, I wasn’t just juggling a baby and a carry-on. I was babywearing one twin, holding the other on my hip, and pushing the stroller with one hand.

Yes—it’s a lot.

But with the right preparation and a clear understanding of what TSA expects, you can absolutely make it through without losing your mind (or your pacifiers).

Strollers

If you’re traveling with a stroller, TSA will either have you fold it and send it through the X-ray machine or perform a manual inspection if it doesn’t fit. I’ve found that compact travel strollers are a game-changer here. My personal favorite is the GB Pockit Stroller. It folds up so small it can fit in the overhead bin on the plane, no need to gate-check it or worry about damage. It’s lightweight, quick to fold, and perfect for navigating airports and security with kids in tow.

Babywearing

Babywearing has saved me on more flights than I can count. Having one baby strapped to me meant I had a free arm for the other twin, and my sanity. If you’re planning to babywear through TSA, just know that agents can vary in how they handle it. Some will allow you to walk through the metal detector with your baby in a soft carrier (especially if it’s fabric-only), while others may ask you to remove your baby and send the carrier through the X-ray machine.

To make things easier, I recommend having your baby already in the carrier before you get in line. That way, you’re not fumbling to strap them in while trying to move your bags forward. And if you’re traveling with two, like I was, this setup makes a world of difference.

Also, don’t be surprised if a TSA agent swabs your hands after you walk through the scanner with your baby. It’s just an added layer of security to check for traces of explosives. Quick, painless, and honestly, it happens more often than not.

🌟 Recommended Baby Wearing Carriers 🌟
Baby Carrier (Single)
Twin Baby Carrier

Car Seats

Car seats are surprisingly easy to deal with at TSA. If yours fits on the X-ray belt, they’ll scan it like any other item. If not, a manual inspection is quick and straightforward. You can also leave it in its travel bag, just make sure you’re not storing any liquids inside, or you’ll need to take those out.

Car seats often seem intimidating to bring through security, but they’re not a big deal if you’re organized. I’ve done it dozens of times solo, and it’s never been the car seat that caused the hold-up; it’s always something else (usually snacks or a mystery item my toddler swiped and stashed in their backpack).

Bottom line: You don’t need to stress. With a bit of preparation and flexibility, you and your little ones can make it through TSA with confidence and calm.

Handling Breast Milk, Bottles, and Other Liquids

One of the biggest stressors for new parents at TSA is figuring out how to get through security with bottles, breast milk, or formula.

The good news?

You are absolutely allowed to bring these items in quantities over the standard 3.4-ounce liquid rule.

TSA permits formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food for infants and toddlers—even if you’re flying without your child. Yes, you read that right. You do not need to have your baby with you to travel with breast milk. That said, you’ll still need to follow proper procedures to get through smoothly.

If you’re flying solo with expressed milk, your best bet is to keep it frozen. Frozen breast milk—especially if it’s completely frozen—typically goes through TSA with fewer questions or extra steps. Just make sure to remove it from your bag and place it in its own bin before going through security. That visibility makes a big difference and speeds up screening.

If you’re carrying unfrozen liquids:

• Place them in a separate bag or cooler that you can easily pull out.
• TSA will ask you to open the bottles or containers so they can test the contents using a swab (you can request that they wear clean gloves and use a new swab).
• Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs used to keep milk cold are allowed, even if they’re partially melted.

🌟 Items that make the process easier 🌟
Breast Milk Cooler Bag
Bottle Tote – Holds Up to 6 Bottles

Want to double-check TSA’s current guidance? You can view their official Breast Milk Travel Policy here.

The bottom line: You are allowed to bring what your child needs—even if they’re not with you. Just pack it in an accessible way, stay calm, and be ready to declare it. You’ve got this.

Involving Older Children in the Process

Even as young as 3 years old, kids can start helping with the security process, and honestly? Empowering them to take part not only gives them confidence, it makes your life a whole lot easier.

My boys have been flying since they were four months old, so by the time they hit five, they were more familiar with TSA than some adults. Now at seven, they know the drill: take off their backpacks, place their items in the bin, and walk through the scanner without a fuss.

Letting your child handle small tasks, like placing their tablet or water bottle in a bin, gives them a sense of responsibility and keeps them engaged instead of overwhelmed. If they’re wearing a jacket or hoodie, teach them to remove it just like you do. You can even practice at home the day before to build confidence.

One of my favorite real-life moments? When my 5-year-old poured his Gatorade into his insulated cup in the bathroom before we even got in line, completely on his own. You can technically bring liquids for kids through TSA in their original containers, but agents will often ask who it’s for. Pouring it into a child’s cup answered that question without them needing to ask. It was such a smooth move that I had to share it in this Instagram Reel.

Encouraging independence early not only makes TSA smoother, it sets the tone for confident, capable kid travelers.

Understanding Identification Requirements for Children

One of the most common questions I get from parents flying with little ones is, “Do I need an ID for my child?” And the answer depends on where you’re going.

For domestic flights within the U.S., children under 18 do not need to show identification if they’re flying with an adult. TSA agents will simply verify your documents—usually your government-issued ID and boarding passes—and then wave your child through with you.

However, if you’re traveling internationally, every child must have a valid passport, no matter their age, even if they’re a baby. If you’re traveling solo with your child internationally, some countries also require a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, especially if you have different last names. Always check the specific entry and exit requirements for your destination well in advance.

And just a heads up: even though TSA doesn’t ask for ID on domestic flights, airlines may request proof of age for lap infants (typically under two years old). So it’s a good idea to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate or a passport if you already have one, just in case.

Bottom line: Know what’s required based on your destination, and bring age verification for lap infants to avoid last-minute gate surprises.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR

If you’re traveling with kids, the last thing you want is to stand in a long, chaotic security line while balancing sippy cups, shoes, and strollers. That’s where TSA PreCheck, and for some families, CLEAR can make a huge difference.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a game-changer for families. For just $78, you get five years of access to expedited security lines where:

• You don’t have to take off your shoes, jackets, or belts.
• Laptops and compliant liquids stay in your bag.
• Lines are usually shorter and move much faster.

And yes, kids 12 and under can go through the PreCheck line with you, no separate registration required.

If you fly more than twice a year, it’s 100% worth the cost. The application process is simple: apply online, schedule a brief in-person appointment, and once approved, you’ll get your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when booking flights. Many travel credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card, will even reimburse you for the fee.

CLEAR

CLEAR uses biometric data (like your fingerprints or eyes) to verify your identity and let you skip the ID line entirely. It works in combination with TSA PreCheck for an even faster experience.

That said, CLEAR isn’t for everyone. At $189 per year, it’s definitely an investment. I don’t recommend it unless you’re flying frequently or travel through airports that have heavy traffic and long security lines. For the average family flying just a couple times a year, TSA PreCheck alone will likely meet all your needs, without the steep annual cost.

Some premium travel credit cards also offer reimbursement for CLEAR, so if you already have one, check your benefits—it might be fully covered.

In short, TSA PreCheck is budget-friendly and pays for itself quickly. CLEAR is a premium add-on for frequent flyers who want every time-saving advantage.

Conclusion

Getting through TSA with kids doesn’t have to feel like an Olympic event. With a little prep, a calm mindset, and the right gear, you can move through security confidently—whether you’re traveling with a newborn, a toddler, or a team of tiny globetrotters like mine.

I’ve navigated TSA with twins since they were four months old. I’ve done it solo, I’ve done it with help, and I’ve done it in just about every possible mood (mine and theirs). And while every airport and TSA agent might handle things a little differently, the formula for success stays the same: get there early, stay organized, and go in with a plan that works for your family.