Baby and Child Meals – InFlight Dining Options Provided by the Airlines for Kids

These meals are provided for children by the airlines, but you do need to request in advance (normally at least 24 hours before check in). I have noticed a real difference in the type of food items and how some airlines are more geared up to providing for those babies too old for purees. I’ve included photos of some of the baby and child meals we have have had along with lots of useful information.

What is a baby or child meal?

A baby, child airline meal, and if you are really lucky a toddler airline meal, are pre requestable meals which differ from the usual meal choice on the flight.  Like other special meals they are given out before the main service, so you can help your kids eat, before your meal arrives.

Airlines do vary in their special food availability for younger guests. As a general rule, long haul flights with large airlines provide this service, with the Asian and Arabian Gulf airlines excelling in my experience.

Thankfully, it is easy to order a baby or child meal. Baby meals, if available, can be requested for an infant between 0 and under 2. Baby meals are puréed food jars.

Child meals are for children over 2, who are in their own seat. These are often pasta, or chicken nugget type meals. Child meals are usually handed out before other passenger meals.

If your child is under 2, and weaned, it is best to bring your own provisions, as there are only a handful of airlines who will provide a pre- requestable toddler or post weaning meal.

Details of these can be found below. You can also pre-order baby supplies from Boots at UK airports, meaning you can pick up food pouches, milk, nappies, sunscreen lotion after UK security. This can be particularly convenient, ensuring you have everything you need without the hassle of carrying it through the airport.

I’ve either ordered these meals from airlines for my kids or have researched what they offer. Pre–ordering child and baby food known as child and baby meals on certain airlines. For more information on bringing your own baby food on planes, see here.

Booking a Baby or Child Meal

• You can often request a special meal online by heading to the Manage My Booking section using your airline booking reference and look for dietary requests or Special Meals. I’ve always followed up with a phone call, or re-confirmed when I have checked in. If I’ve have booked via a third party, we’ve always mentioned it to them, but ask for your airline booking reference so you can follow this up or do it yourself.

• Do make sure you order at least 24 hours prior to departure. As an ex flight attendant, I know that occasionally special meals don’t make it on to the plane. This could be a booking error; by the airline, travel agent,  or passenger. Please do not get upset with the crew on board as it is out of their hands. They are a request only, but every endeavour is usually made to rectify the issue. 

• Some airlines like Emirates etc, carry a limited supply of baby milk formula and baby food puree jars, but if it’s imperative you have a particular brand etc, definitely pack a small supply of your own for those unfortunate moments.

• A children’s meal is generally designed for children aged 2 and over but there are some exceptions. See below for airline specific information. As a rule, unless your airline specifies that they provide a post weaning meal, or toddler meal for children aged 1 and over; you cannot request a child meal for an infant under 2 who does not have their own seat.

•  I always recommend packing plenty of your own snacks, fruit and other baby food on a flight, in case the meal service does not come at a time your child needs it, or the meal is not to their liking. This has rescued me in so many unfortunate occasion.

American Airlines

American Airlines provide baby and child meals, child meals are particularly appealing for those aged between 2-5 but anyone can order them.

My girls always look forward to dessert, our last flight on American airlines they had cherry crumble cake which they loved so much.

Asiana

You can request a baby meal, toddler meal or child meal up until 24 hours before the flight. However, these meals are only provided for flights departing Incheon.

Emirates

You can request Baby Meals and Child Meals. There is a limited amount of baby milk powder, spare bottles and pureed baby food available on all flights. The Emirates child meal economy has plastic cutlery, is usually pasta, or nuggets. More information on flying with kids on Emirates airline here.

Etihad

You can request Baby Meals and Child Meals on Etihad. These include baby meals which are pureed food and a Etihad child meals for children aged between 2 and 5.

Child meals are burgers, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, French fries, crisps, pizza and usually some chocolate. See information on the differences between Etihad v Emirates here.

JAL Japan Airlines

JAL offers baby, post weaning and child meals.

As part of their services for families, JAL have baby food (for up to 8 months old), baby meals (for 9 months to 2 years old), and child meals (for 2 to 11 years old).

Baby food comes in the form of pureed bottled food, accompanied by a Japan Airlines bib. Baby meals consist of easy-to-eat food prepared in bite-sized pieces, and child meals are shaped and decorated with cute characters.

Note: JAL will not serve hot drinks to passengers holding children.

For children in business class and first class, JAL offer BEDD for Kids, chef-curated meals.

They also have Kao Brand “Merries” diapers available in M & L sizes and have a selection of toys for kids. These vary form wooden toy planes, to soft plane toys and socks and mugs. A limited number of picture books are also available for lending.

Child seat for rent
JAL offer a child car seat at an extra charge for use on the plane. They will only provide this service if you are traveling with a child under the age of 3 in a reserved seat. They use Tribute Sports by evenflo. However, sometimes they use “Roundabout” manufactured by BRITAX in case if “Tribute Sports” manufactured by evenflo cannnot be attached to the seat.

• Child Seats suit children under 3 years old, weight over 2.3kg and under 18kg and less than 102cm tall.
• We will ask the age, height and weight of your child at reservations.
• For Children with difficulty maintaining an upright position on the seat due to a disability, a Child Seat can be rented as a supportive device free of charge.
• The seat direction differs depending on the child’s weight.
  Over 2.3kg and under 9kg or under 1 year old : Rear facing
  Over 9kg and under 18kg and 1 year or older : Forward facing

Malaysia Airlines

You can request both Baby Meals and Child Meals on Malaysia Airlines.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines provide plenty of choice. Including: Westerm Asian and Vegetarian child meal options. The Child Meals on Singapore Airlines are suitable for children between two and 12 years old.

Fo babies and infants less than one year old, you can receive a three-jar meal for your infant: main course, vegetables, and dessert. 

For older babies,

For infants less than two years old you can request a Child Meal for Infant,This meal is more substantial than a Baby Meal (BBML). Food items are soft and easy to bite with lighter-based sauces.

Singapore Airlines also provide an exclusive inflight meal service, called Yummy!, which allows their young customers aged between 2 and 11 years travelling in Suites, First and Business class to select their main course before their flight.

Thai Airways

United Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

You can pre-order meals for 2-12 year olds up to 24 hours before your flight but it you cant guarantee it will be a tomato pasta with cheese. We’ve had chicken tenders with potato wedges before, so if you do need a veggie option, you need to order a standard vegetarian meal.

Virgin Australia

Can I bring baby food on planes?

If you are flying with a baby, toddler or older child and are wondering whether you can bring your own baby food on planes, then YES you can and it can be over the 100ml/3-1-1 liquid rule. More information is below. 

Yes you can. If it is in your hand luggage and it is for your baby on the flight, then it is NOT subject to the 100ml/3-1-1 liquid rule. This includes water, breast milk or powdered milk. If it is for you, unless medically approved then it IS subject to the liquid rules if it is in your hand luggage. 

If you need to bring some travel snacks or food for your baby (especially if you have a post weaned toddler who won’t be eligible for a child meal on board), some ideas include:

• raisins
• cheese crackers
• fruit squeeze pouch
• blueberries
• cooked pasta
• mini sausages
• rice cakes
• bananas
• granola bars
• satsumas
• cucumber and carrot sticks
• bread sticks
• porridge pots
• cereal hoops

Anything that is fresh, remember to leave on the aircraft or check the countries customs laws. For example, fresh food of any kind is NOT allowed into Australia or New Zealand. To keep the food fresh, I take Ziploc bags and fill with ice from home, and refill at the airport and on the airplane.

I don’t use icepacks/coolpacks as some countries security laws will not accept these through security. Instead, pack some Ziplocs and refill once airside and again from the crew onboard the plane.

I avoid candy, lollies and chocolate etc as a hyper kid on the plane is zero fun! The only exception is the lollipop I keep for top of descent, in case they find the ear pressure uncomfortable.

Remember many food products must be declared in certain countries. Always look at the customs card and if in doubt, bin it or declare it. I’ve always declared baby powder formula, even opened and have been allowed it. Countries like Australia will not let you bring any fresh produce in. Please check the latest customs laws.