How to handle security checks with young children

Stroller and car seat through the X-ray scanner

Strollers and car seats normally pass through the X-ray scanner along with the rest of the baggage, which requires removing the child before starting the check. Getting in line with the child already ready to be picked up speeds up the entire process.

Milk and baby food: the exception to the 100 ml limit

Unlike other liquids, limited to 100 ml containers, baby milk (breast or formula), infant water and jarred baby food are allowed in the quantity needed for the duration of the trip, even beyond that threshold. The condition is to declare them explicitly to staff before starting the check: they may be subjected to an additional separate test from the rest of the baggage.

Children at the metal detector and family lanes

Children too small to pass through the metal detector alone can generally be carried in arms by a parent, with additional checks (often manual) only if the system detects something unusual. Many airports, especially the larger ones, reserve priority lanes for families with small children: it's worth asking in advance about their availability at your specific airport, since they're not available everywhere.

Prepare in advance the items to be removed — liquids, electronic devices, baby food — and declare milk and jarred baby food to staff before starting the check: it's the fastest way to avoid unnecessary delays. For general rules on liquids, also see X-ray security checks: what you really need to know.