How to manage baby food while travelling


Practical Tips for Managing Baby Food While Traveling

Your baby is ready to start eating solid foods and you have a trip planned. While preparing for your trip you might be wondering what the best way to manage baby food when traveling abroad is.

The easiest way to feed baby solids on your holiday is by following the principles of baby led weaning. Even if this isn’t the route your family has chosen for introducing solids to your baby, with the right equipment and a little preparation, feeding your baby solids on the go is still quite manageable while traveling.

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When to Introduce Solids to Your Baby

The most common age to introduce solids to a baby is around 6 months. Some babies might be ready or interested in food earlier or later than this, but this is a pretty typical age to start.

Breastfeeding or formula will still be the main source of food for your baby even once you start solids. It remains an important part of your baby’s diet right through to 12 months old (and further, if you choose to breastfeed for longer).

When traveling with a baby eating solids, you’ll want to ensure your baby is staying hydrated and continue to offer formula and breast milk on demand.

Also be prepared to see less as your baby is learning to eat solid foods. When you are feeding your baby solids on the go, you’ll be giving your baby food a couple times of day, so it will take up a larger portion of your sightseeing time.

How to Plan Travel Food for Babies

Planning baby food when traveling abroad will really depend on how you choose to introduce solids to your baby. For some, baby led weaning is the right choice and this means far less preparation. You can feed your baby finger foods right off your plate.

This works especially well for travel food for toddlers who are used to eating different foods.

For babies who are brand new to eating solids and just figuring out how to eat, it will take a little more preparation. When you start your baby on solids, you often will introduce one food at a time to rule out any allergies.

If you are still in this stage, you can plan to stick to those foods or cereals that your baby is already eating. You can easily prepare warm cereal using one of these baby travel food warmers.

If you aren’t doing baby led weaning, have a list of the foods your baby eats at home. For easy solid foods like bananas, avocados and bread, you can easily purchase those at your destination. For other traveling food for baby, like cereals or ready-made pouches, you can pack those in your luggage or your diaper bag backpack.

While you might want to prepare all homemade baby food for your baby, keep in mind that ready-made food is easier to travel with than homemade food and it will last longer.

If your baby isn’t quite into eating finger foods, you can keep making baby food while traveling by traveling with a hand crank food mill to grind up food for your baby.

This baby food timeline is a great reference of what your baby can eat at different ages.

6 Baby Travel Food Ideas

In our experience, our babies ate less solids when we were traveling. Perhaps due to the unfamiliar environment, the change in routine or less familiar foods. We still offered solid foods at each meal, but let our baby choose how much to eat.

You might also find that your baby is drinking breast milk more or drinking more formula. This is a great way to ensure your baby stays hydrated while traveling.

As for creating travel baby food, here are some of our favorite foods to feed baby while traveling:

  1. Without question, some of our favorite baby travel food are easy to mash foods that don’t require cooking like bananas, mangoes, avocado, berries.
  2. Renting an Airbnb with a baby is a great way to get access to a kitchen. If you have access to a kitchen, you can cook soft vegetables (peas, carrots, sweet potatoes).
  3. Depending on your access to other foods, other great options for cooking baby food while traveling are scrambled eggs, tiny bits of chicken, shredded cheese, cooked pasta, toast strips.
  4. For traveling with a baby that is very new to eating solids, you can bring single-grain cereals usually fortified with iron and mix it with formula, breast milk or water. We find mashing up a banana in these cereals is a fun and yummy baby food while traveling.
  5. If your baby is eating dairy, Greek yogurt is also another easy, nutritious and filling option for baby food while traveling.
  6. You’ll also want to have a plan for picky toddlers. We love these toddler breakfast ideas; the ‘no recipe’ ideas are perfect for traveling with a picky toddler.

In addition to having ideas for good baby food while traveling, do some research into your destination to determine if baby food is easily accessible. By way of example, this post on finding baby food in Japan discusses where to find baby food in a foreign country. If there’s any doubt, you can pack ready-made pouches as a back-up option to feed your baby while traveling.

For shorter trips or road trips with a baby, you can travel with homemade baby food by packing a cooler with frozen purees to feed your baby on your trip.

13 Tips for Feeding Baby Solids While Traveling

Travel with baby food and the preparation of travel food for babies can feel overwhelming. It might not seem like it’s worth traveling with a baby at this stage of your baby’s development.

However, if you go into with the right expectations and a little preparation, we are certain you will find traveling with a baby eating solids to be just as enjoyable as any other time.

Here are our best tips for feeding your baby solids on vacation:

1. Bring a Travel High Chair

Be prepared with one of these best portable travel high chairs. Even if you are traveling in a country where high chairs are readily available, a travel high chair will be a life saver for feeding your baby in the hotel room or Airbnb apartment.

2. Prepare for the Mess

You’ll be astounded at how messy babies can be when eating solid foods. Most of the food will have one destination and that will be the floor. In a hotel room, you can put towels or a sheet around where your baby is eating.

We traveled with a plastic table cloth many times and enjoyed how quick and easy clean ups were. It was also useful travel gear for feeding our baby or toddler in a park while out.

When you eat at restaurants with a baby, don’t forget to tip your server a little extra for the inevitable mess you are going to leave behind.

3. Bring Baby Food Equipment

Bring any baby food preparation equipment that will make preparing baby food while traveling easier. Or for older babies, get them used to eating finger foods that you can serve off your plate. We also packed a reusable placemat that allowed us to put the finger foods down directly in front of our baby or toddler.

4. Bring Baby Food Containers for Travel

Bring along snack cups for travel or freezer bags so you aren’t constantly trying to find new food to feed your baby.

5. Know Baby Foods That Work

Prepare a list of baby travel foods that you know your baby will love and eat while you travel.

6. Manage Without a Kitchen

If you don’t have access to a kitchen, going to a buffet restaurant or deli-style counters are a great way to get some steamed vegetables that you can mash for your baby. Another idea to easily get healthy vegetables for your aby while traveling is to order steamed vegetables as a side dish in a restaurant, then mash them up and feed to your baby.

7. Start New Baby Foods at Home

To expand the list of baby foods you can use while traveling, it’s best to try new baby foods at home. Be sure to space the new foods a few days apart so you can rule out any allergies.

8. Bring Baby Food to the Restaurant

If you are unsure of what food your baby will eat at the restaurant, don’t be afraid to bring your own baby food to restaurants.

9. Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Most importantly, while traveling keep your baby hydrated by offering breast milk or formula. Even if your baby is eating less solid food than at home, you’ll know your baby is still getting the important nutrients they need.

10. Follow Baby Food Safety

Make sure you have access to a fridge for any leftover baby food. Feed your baby out of a separate container to avoid any germs contaminating your leftovers. Bring a small cooler if you plan to bring food out with you for the day.

11. Feed Solids on the Go with a Stroller

Once your baby or toddler has been eating solids for some time, you can save some time baby feeding solids on the go if you travel with a stroller. We would feed very small pieces of fruit using the stroller snack tray while we walked. Don’t worry, if your stroller doesn’t have a snack tray, you can find these stroller accessories to add to your stroller.

Take extra precautions to watch your toddler to make sure she isn’t putting too much in her mouth and avoid any foods that may be at risk of choking. Baby food pouches are a great option in this instance.

12. Keep it Simple Feeding Baby on Flights

For flying with baby food, we recommend keeping it simple. Pack some premade baby food for on the plane and don’t forget some snacks for your baby or toddler.

You’ll also want to breastfeed or have bottles ready to help with your baby’s ears when flying with a baby.

See also: Breastfeeding on a Plane

13. Buy Fresh Produce Upon Arrival

Countries typically have pretty strict rules about bringing food (especially produce) across international borders. You’ll have the easiest time by traveling with prepackaged food and make sure to declare it. If you are worried, then make sure to finish all your baby food on the plane.

What to Pack for Travel with a Baby Eating Solids

Wondering what to pack for preparing baby travel food? Here are our recommended products for feeding your baby solids on vacation. We’ve included travel baby food containers, baby food preparation equipment and even some ready made food and snacks to pack.

SHOP ALL DIRECTLY ON AMAZON

Find all these and more in our convenient Feeding Baby Solids on Holiday shopping list on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Food for Babies

How to prepare baby food while traveling?

If you have access to a kitchen, you can cook fresh steamed vegetables or fruits to mash up for your baby. Without a kitchen, cereals or foods that don’t require cooking will be easier to prepare for your baby.

How do you travel with baby puree?

The easiest way to travel with baby puree is by using ready-made puree in jars or pouches. Alternatively, you can travel with your own homemade baby puree. Keep your homemade baby food cool by bringing it in a cooler with a gel or ice packs.

What can I feed my 1 year old when traveling?

Finger foods are the easiest to feed a 1 year old when traveling. Get your toddler used to eating finger foods off your plate. We like using a reusable place mat to offer food to our toddler when traveling.

Can you take puree baby food on a plane?

Yes, you can bring baby food on a plane, including puree baby food. Whether it’s ready-made pouches or homemade food, just be prepared to present it to the security officer when going through airport security with your baby.

How much baby food can I carry on a plane?

If you are flying with a baby or toddler who is under two years of age, you can bring baby food, formula, milk, water and juice in reasonable quantities that you would need during the flight. Unfortunately, the “reasonable quantities” isn’t further defined, but it is exempt from the 3.4 oz or 100 milliliter restriction.

Additionally, you may bring gel or ice packs to keep your baby food cool on your flight.

Here’s more info on taking baby food on the plane:
Baby Food & Airport Security – Canada
TSA & Baby Food

Can you take water on a plane for baby?

You can take water on a plane for baby, in reasonable amounts that you would need during your flights with your baby. Make sure you present it to the screening officer at inspection.

Can you pack baby food in checked luggage?

Yes, you can pack baby food in your checked luggage. Prepackaged baby food is the easiest to travel with, just make sure it’s well protected in your luggage and you declare it as required at customs.

Can you take baby snacks through airport security?

Yes, you can take food for your baby through airport security. All baby food, drinks, water, milk and formula need to be presented to the security officer.

Here’s more info on taking solid baby food through airport security in Canada.

What’s the best way to handle baby food and airport security?

When going through TSA with baby food, always present all liquids and baby food to the screening officer. The TSA will want to inspect baby food pouches and any other food or liquids you are bringing on the plane for your baby.

Here’s more information on the TSA & Baby food.

Can you take baby food on international flights?

You can take baby food on international flights. For any fresh produce or other foods that you shouldn’t be crossing international borders with, make sure to finish it before you get off the plane.

Can you take baby food through customs?

You should declare ALL food that you are bringing through customs, as required by the country that you are entering. This includes any homemade or ready-made baby travel food in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Shop all our recommended products on Amazon

Worried about what you might feed your baby while away from home? This post from Top Reveal has an excellent list of 21 Best Easy as 1-2-3 DIY Baby Food Recipes. I especially like the Avocado and Banana Mix since this can easily be done with just a fork!

Pin It For Later!

Foods to Carry & Avoid while Travelling with Baby & Toddler

Travelling with a baby in tow may seem challenging, but the key to ensuring a smooth journey that both you and the baby enjoy is to be prepared for anything you may need. A major part of travelling with your baby is having the right food around, as babies stomachs are delicate, and can’t handle outside food. Many parents are unsure about what kind of food to carry when travelling with a baby and toddler. To keep your baby’s hunger satiated and her mood happy, it is important to carry food that is both, travel-friendly and delicious. Here are some baby and toddler travel food ideas.

Video : Travel Foods for Babies and Toddlers (What to Carry and What to Avoid)

Food for Babies While Travelling

Babies between six to 12 months old are fairly new in the process of being introduced to solids, so it essential to be smart about the type of food you carry along for them.

1. Baby Food

Baby food is nutritious, yummy, and quite easy to prepare while travelling. This kind of food is generally given to infants above six months. There are various baby food premixes that are easily available and travel-friendly.

2. Milk

This is a complete food for babies and toddlers, due to the rich nutrients it contains. You can rely on breastfeeding the baby if you are travelling in a private vehicle, but it can be an issue in public places. Store breast milk beforehand, using a breast pump, and feed your baby during meal times. Formula milk is a great option, as it needs water and formula powder to make the mix.

3. Fruit Purees

These are wholesome, loaded with essential nutrients, and easy to prepare when travelling. This can be prepared on-the-spot since all you need is fruit, milk, a bowl, and a fork. Mash the fruit add milk and feed it to your tiny tot.

4. Carrot Cake

Travel isn’t fun without something sweet, right? Carrot cake is soft, healthy and delicious. You can always substitute flour and sugar with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat and jaggery or honey. Your child will be super happy when you bring out the carrot cake you’ve packed.

Food for Toddlers While Travelling

Between the ages of one to three, toddlers are now more accustomed to eating solid food, but require non-spicy, hygienic, and well-cooked dishes. Here are some food ideas for toddlers when travelling.

1. Yoghurt

This superfood is easy to carry while travelling and is packed with essential nutrients such as calcium. Kids love the tasty flavours of yoghurt, which is light on the stomach. Ensure you pack yoghurt in travel-friendly jars for an easy feeding session. Ensure that you store yoghurt in a cool environment.

2. Cereal

Choose O-shaped cereals while shopping for your trip, and it can prove to be an ideal travel food for one-year-old children and above. Slide them onto his fingers and let him enjoy this engaging activity while travelling. You can add dry fruits to make it healthy and enhance the flavour too.

3. Eggs

This superfood is rich in calories and helps to boost the immune system. The unsaturated fats in eggs help in developing the brain. As you’re travelling, you can stick to serving them hard-boiled eggs, as they are the least likely to create a mess.

4. Hummus

This Middle Eastern dish is rich in iron, which can prevent anaemia. Its thick texture means that kids are unlikely to spill it, and can be eaten with pita bread, which is filling. Make sure to refrigerate it before carrying and store it in a cool environment.

5. Thepla

Parathas are filling, delicious, and can be prepared according to your baby’s tastes. You can prepare theplas at home and pack them for your journey, and your baby is sure to love them. Ensure that you let them cool completely before packing them.

6. Granola Bars

You can make soft energy bars or granola bars at home, loaded with healthy ingredients that are nutritious. They provide your little one with energy throughout the trip and are delicious and filling as well.

7. Chikkis

Date and dry fruit chikkis, rajgira or peanut chikkis are a good option for toddlers while travelling. These are healthy and stay fresh for a longer time.

8. Baked/ Roasted Makhana or Jowar Puffs

These are delicious, healthy, and filling, and a great option when travelling with toddlers. You can also add some milk flavours to them, which your child is sure to love.

Foods to Avoid While Travelling With Your Baby or Toddler

There are certain kinds of foods to be avoided when you are travelling with a baby in tow. Strike them off your travel list to ensure you and your baby have a hassle-free trip:

  • Oily snacks (especially the ready-made variety) should be avoided, as they can lead to issues like heartburn and obesity.
  • Soft drinks are rich in sugar and can erode the enamel of your kids.
  • Cereals that are high in sugar can lead to early diabetes.
  • Thin liquids that are easy to spill and cause a mess. Kids have less control over their motor functions and can easily spill and drop food.
  • Foods that are relatively small can get lodged in the windpipe and are a choking hazard.
  • New and untried food which may not agree with your baby’s tummy

Travelling with your baby should be special for you and your baby. Feeding your baby or toddler during an outstation trip should not cause any stress. All you require is effort and loads of patience, so the journey becomes enjoyable with food and feeding times are the least of your worries.

Also Read: Papaya for Babies: Benefits and Recipes

what is necessary and important to take with you on a trip

Author, editor and medical expert - Anna Alexandrovna Petrashevich.

Editor and medical expert - Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Views: 2 851

Last update date: 06/23/2022 G.

Average reading time: 13 minutes

Content:

year old rest with child
Traveling with a child: plane, train or car?
Car
Airplane
Train
First aid kit for traveling
Holidays with children at sea, in the country and in nature: what should be taken into account?
Bathing and water treatments
Insect protection
Clothing for the summer
Hygiene products: what to take on vacation with children?
References

The long-awaited summer has come, the holidays are ahead, and you are already ready to put aside all worries and relax. In order not to run to the shops at the last moment in search of the right things for the child before the trip, prepare everything in advance.

What is important to take with you if you are traveling with small children? You may have already made a list. Great! Then check if you forgot to put something important in your mom's bag. And we will help you with this. In our article, we will tell you what to look for when preparing a small child for a trip, which he may need in road and on vacation.

Traveling with a child: plane, train or car?

At first glance, it seems that a trip is a trip, and the mode of transport can be ignored. In fact, different conditions await you in the plane, car and train. Let's talk about how to prepare for travel, depending on the mode of transport.

Car

Please note that traveling by car with children under 12 years of age is only allowed in a special restraint, such as a car seat, which is selected based on age and weight. It ensures safety while driving: braking, turning and manoeuvring. 1 .

Bring enough water and food for your child . Cooler bag will solve the problem of perishable baby food 14 . If you do not have it, choose as a snack food from this list 14 :

  • fresh vegetables (cucumber, carrot), hard fruit (pear, apple)14 (from 9-10 months in a finely ground state) 17 ;
  • cookies (children - from 6 months old) 14. 17 ;
  • jelly candies 14 (children over 1.5 years old) 18 ;
  • dried fruits 14 (children of school age) 18 .

In the road the baby can get dirty. When changing a diaper, use clear water, Gentle Cleanser pH Neutral, or 7 Cleansing Wipes such as JOHNSON'S® Baby Wet Wipes Fragrance-Free Top-to-Heel Wipes that are 97% pure water . They easily and gently remove dirt from the baby's skin without causing irritation. JOHNSON'S® Fragrance Free Toe Toe Baby Wipes are perfect for long trips with your newborn or older kids. The handy lid on the pack prevents wet wipes from drying out, so you can count on them if you don't have clean water on hand.

Aircraft

Not all airlines require you to buy a separate ticket for a small child (under 2 years old), in such cases, he will fly in your hands 13. 15 . But it will be safer if you pay for a separate seat on the plane for your child, so that in case of shaking, he will not be frightened 13.15 .

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Federal Aviation Administration recommend that infants be seated in a rearward facing seat or car seat 15 (with your back to the passenger seat opposite). Children over one year old can be transported in the same seat, but already facing in the direction of travel 15 . A pre-school child must be fastened with seat belts in the passenger seat 15 .

For a comfortable flight with small children, you can use the following tips:

  • Try to adjust the baby's sleep schedule for the upcoming flight - it will be easier for you and passengers. Just in case, take with you his favorite toys, books, a tablet with cartoons to keep the child busy if he still does not fall asleep 13 .
  • Be sure to let your child drink plenty of water as you breathe dry, air-conditioned air in the car. Drinking non-carbonated water can be requested from the stewardess 14 .
  • Use the rule of layering in clothing. While waiting for a flight, during the flight and upon arrival, you may encounter temperature fluctuations, so it is convenient and practical to dress your child in several layers. Top layers can be removed or worn again. Take along a few spare sets of clothes and bags where you can put soiled things 13 .

Your baby may experience ear discomfort during takeoff and landing. In such cases, discomfort can be alleviated by breastfeeding or bottle feeding 13.16 . A dummy 13 ,16 will also come to the rescue. Older children can drink water from a glass 16 .

Train

The train usually takes several hours and sometimes several days. If there is a child with you on the trip, you need to take care of what and how he will eat 14 :

  • Prepare food in advance that does not spoil 14 . In addition to the main meals, it is worth adding a few snacks to your baby's usual time 14 .
  • If you have introduced complementary foods to your baby, apply it to your breast after each feeding 17 .
  • Add spices (dill, basil, cilantro) to children over 2 years of age if they have no appetite 19 , reduce serving size but increase number of meals 14 .
  • Don't forget drinking water. It is better to buy it in advance, as non-carbonated drinks may not be available on the train or at the stations. Babies under 3 years old should be given 50 ml per kilogram of weight, and children over 3 years old - 80 ml per kilogram 14 . Even though the weather is hot, give your children drinks at room temperature, as cold juices or water can trigger colds 14 .

Sometimes a child may have trouble sleeping after traveling. This is due to non-compliance with the established mode 10 . Massage 9 will help calm your baby and prepare him for sleep.

JOHNSON'S® Baby Oil "Cotton Delicate" is perfect for massage. It is free of parabens, dyes, phthalates. Its light texture absorbs quickly, while the "scent of happiness" 20 promotes its multi-sensory development 21-24 .

Travel First Aid Kit

Pack a small travel first aid kit when you go on vacation.

To add some medicines to it or collect a first aid kit for all occasions, consult a pediatrician or your family doctor - he will select preparations that may be useful during a family vacation with children 13 .

Holidays with children at sea, in the country and in nature: what should be taken into account?

Climate change can affect children's bodies 5. 8 . To make your baby's vacation fun, safe and healthy, consider the following rules.

A child in the sun: the first "acquaintance"

In warm sunny weather, relaxing on the beach or walking is allowed during hours when solar activity is low - before 11 am and after 4 pm. If the baby is not yet a year old, limit his exposure to the open sun. Infants have not yet developed protection from ultraviolet rays 9 , so it is much more useful at this age to harden them with diffused sunlight 5.9 .

After one year, babies can spend a little more time in the sun by taking precautions. flax;

  • Treat exposed areas of the body with sunscreen.
  • When choosing sunscreen for children, be sure to check the age on the label and whether it is approved for infants 9 .

    By the age of three, the mechanism of protection against UV rays is fully formed - at this age, children can take sunbaths. Spend them in the morning or evening 1-1.5 hours after eating. The first sun bath lasts 2-3 minutes, after a couple of days the time can be increased by another 2 minutes. Gradually the child will get used to being in the sun for 20-30 minutes 5 .

    Bathing and water treatments

    0011 children fresh water after each bath 5 . Do not let them run wet on the beach - this can cause burns 5 .

    Protection against insects

    Children in the country spend a lot of time in contact with nature. From some of its representatives - mosquitoes and other insects - they need protection. Use repellants (insect repellents) in the form of a cream, milk, spray or wipes. It is important that the repellent is suitable for the age of your child 3 .

    Summer clothes

    If you are going to the cottage in cool weather, do not wrap your baby too much, even if you are worried that he will freeze. Newborns are sensitive to overheating. It is better to choose clothes made of soft, natural cotton or blended fabrics that have good breathability. Also clothing should be comfortable and practical - without a lot of fasteners, folds or frills and not too tight 7 .

    Hygiene products: what to take on holiday with children?

    Don't forget to take everything you need for care with you on holidays with children:

    • Diapers. Choose the right size for your baby's gender 7 and take a sufficient supply for the duration of the rest. It is good if the diapers are with a special gel-forming material that has a high ability to absorb moisture. They help prevent skin contact with secretions 2 .
    • Special Barrier Cream . It should be applied to the buttocks and groin after each diaper change and bathing 2.9 . JOHNSON'S® Baby Diaper Cream contains zinc, shea butter and natural olive leaf extract.
    • Shampoo or bathing foam . Soap and some ingredients in bath products can cause irritation 2 , so choose , specially designed for the little ones. JOHNSON'S® Cotton Tenderness Baby Shampoo and Bathing Foam can be used from the first days of life to gently cleanse baby's skin and hair. It is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and dyes, does not interfere with the natural development of the skin microbiome 4 , rinses off easily and leaves no residue.
    • Moisturizers and softeners (emollients). In order for the skin to perform its protective function, it is important to help them by regularly moisturizing 9 after bathing. JOHNSON'S® Cotton Softness Baby Face & Body Milk absorbs instantly and keeps baby's skin hydrated for 24 hours.

    Pay close attention to the area under the diaper or diaper. The skin here is exposed to moisture, from which it often becomes sensitive and prone to damage 2.6 , and becomes inflamed when an infection enters. This is how diaper dermatitis occurs0060 2.6 .

    To avoid diaper rash:

    • Change diapers every 1-2 hours - in the morning after the baby wakes up, after each feed, after bowel movements, before going to bed, 1-2 times a night 2 .6.7 .
    • Clean your skin regularly and thoroughly. After washing or bathing the baby, dry thoroughly with blotting motions using paper towels or soft cotton diapers 7 .
    • Take an air bath with every diaper change - leave your baby for 5-10 minutes 9 so that his skin can dry, "rest" and breathe 2.6 . And to create a barrier against irritants, use baby oil, cream or powder 12 . JOHNSON'S® Baby Powder helps prevent irritation and keep your newborn's skin soft and dry.

    As you can see, holidays with small children require attention to detail. Use our recommendations to travel with the kids brought you a maximum of positive emotions, and the chores were only a joy.

    The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

    how to get it, who is supposed to, what products are given in Moscow and the regions, work schedule

    Yulia Shubina

    refused dairy cuisine

    Author profile

    In Russia, mothers-to-be and families with children can receive free food.

    Each subject has its own rules. I received kits at a dairy kitchen in Moscow - I'll tell you who usually gets help and how to get it in different regions.

    What is a dairy kitchen

    The forerunners of the dairy kitchen were the centers called "A Drop of Milk" where they gave out food for premature babies. They appeared in the Russian Empire in 1901.

    Dairy cuisine - Big Medical Encyclopedia

    There are more such organizations in the USSR. Dairy kitchens helped save the lives of many children during the Second World War: then they began to offer additional food, including to full-term babies. They continued to do so after the war.

    Today there is no concept of "dairy cuisine" in Russian legislation. But there is a guarantee: according to the doctor, children under three years old, pregnant and lactating women must be provided with food. What to give and to what extent - the leadership of each region decides independently.

    Art. 52 of the law "On the Fundamentals of Protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation"

    How to get a dairy kitchen in Moscow

    Only people with a Moscow residence permit can use a dairy kitchen in Moscow. Here are the people who will be given food:

    1. pregnant and lactating women;
    2. formula-fed or formula-fed children under 6 months of age;
    3. children from 6 months to 3 years;
    4. children under 7 from large families;
    5. children under 15 with chronic diseases: glomerulonephritis, hemoblastosis, malignant neoplasms;
    6. disabled children under 18 years of age.

    Order on improving the organization of providing free food

    But you can’t just come to the dairy kitchen for groceries: you must submit an application electronically on the Mos-ru portal and visit the local doctor once. For this, pregnant women need to contact the antenatal clinic, in all other cases, the conclusion will be issued at the children's clinic to which the child is attached.

    Sample application for a dairy kitchen in Moscow. Parent and child data are automatically pulled from the profile on the Mos-ru website, and you can choose any convenient milk distribution point, and not just at the place of residence

    Here's what you need to verify food eligibility:

    1. Pregnant woman's passport or child's birth certificate, along with either parent's passport.
    2. Compulsory health insurance policy for a pregnant woman or child.
    3. Certificate of registration of a child in Moscow (Form 8), pregnant women need to show the registration page in their passport instead.
    4. If the child is under guardianship, you will additionally need a document confirming the establishment of guardianship.
    5. If the child is older than 3 years, you will need to confirm his benefits: a certificate of a large family, a certificate from a medical and social examination, or a medical certificate confirming the presence of a chronic disease will do.

    How products are distributed in the dairy kitchen

    Previously, parents received a paper prescription from the doctor for a month: they had to stamp it at the reception, and then take it to the dairy kitchen strictly before the 10th day of the month. It was tiresome.

    Now everything has changed. After a visit to the doctor and filling out an application on the portal, the information is automatically transferred to the dairy kitchen. After that, Muscovites can place orders at Mos-ru, choose milk distribution points, manage the schedule for receiving food, including setting the frequency of receipt - one-time or weekly. It is also possible to choose the days to visit the pickup point, and also view information about the volume of products that can be received on the selected day.

    That is, every month you do not need to go to the doctor for a prescription. There is no need to extend the benefit either: it will be valid until, for example, a pregnant woman gives birth to a child or he reaches the age of three.

    Food must be ordered monthly by the 15th. After placing an order, the portal generates an electronic direction - a QR code. It must be printed or saved on the phone and shown at the milk distribution point. The employee will scan the referral and issue a grocery set.

    According to the rules, dairy kitchens give out food packages only to parents, and if you need someone else to receive them, you need to issue a power of attorney. In reality, you can negotiate with employees: sometimes my brother got the dairy kitchen and no one asked for additional paperwork.

    Before you go to the dairy kitchen, think about how you will collect food. We had to take a taxi, and other parents came with hiking backpacks: a set for a child of 6-12 months for 30 days weighs about 10 kg.

    Schedule and opening hours of the dairy kitchen in Moscow. Dairy kitchens in the capital are open from 06:30 to 15:00 daily. From 12:30 to 13:00 - lunch break.

    What kind of products are given in the dairy kitchen in Moscow

    Pregnant, lactating women and children of different ages are given different amounts and composition of products. Mothers are given juice and milk, and babies are given supplementary or complementary foods, depending on their age. These can be mixtures, canned purees, instant cereals and similar juices and milk, as for mothers.

    Order on improving the organization of providing free food

    To whom they give What is How much per month
    Formula-fed infants 0-3 months Powdered and liquid milk formulas 5. 5 kg
    Formula-fed babies 4 months old Powdered and liquid milk formulas, fruit juice, fruit puree 7.9 kg
    Formula-fed babies 5 months old Dry and liquid milk mixtures, fruit juice, vegetable puree, dry porridge, fruit puree 9.8 kg
    Children 6 months on any type of feeding Dry and liquid mixtures, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree 7.3 kg
    Children 7 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree 8.1 kg
    Children 8 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree 9.9 kg
    Children 9-12 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, kefir, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree 12. 3 kg
    Children 1-2 years Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice 9.8 kg
    Children 2-3 years old Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice 8.4 kg
    Pregnant Fruit juice, milk 13 l
    Nursing Milk, fruit juice 16.5 L
    Children from large families, children with disabilities Milk 18 l

    Children 0-3 months old on artificial feeding

    What

    Dry and Liquid Milk mixes

    volume

    5.5 kg

    Children 4 months old on artificial feeding

    9000 9000

    Dry and liquid milk mixtures, fruit juice, fruit puree

    Volume per month

    7.9 kg

    Children 5 months on artificial feeding

    that

    Dry and liquid milk mixtures, fruit juice, vegetable pureb, dry porridge, fruit puree

    volume per month 9,0002 9,000

    Children 6 months old on any type of feeding 9000 9000

    What

    22222 Dry and liquid mixtures, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree

    Volume per month

    7. 3 kg

    Children 7 months

    What

    dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree

    Monthly volume

    8.1 kg

    Children 8 months old

    What

    Dry and liquid mixtures, children’s cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, meat puree, fruit puree

    Monthly volume

    9.9 kg

    Children 9-12 months old

    What

    Dry and liquid mixtures, baby cottage cheese, kefir, fruit juice, dry porridge, fruit puree, fruit puree vegetables, meat puree 9Ol000 Children 2-3 years old

    What are

    Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice

    volume

    8.4 kg

    Pregnant

    Fruit juice, milk

    volume volume per month

    13 L

    What

    Milk, Fruit juice

    volume

    16.5 L

    Children from large families, children with disabilities

    Milk

    volume volume per month

    18L

    Free food for 11 months baby for 30 days

    My experience of getting food in a dairy kitchen

    I started getting free food when I was pregnant. I was observed at the antenatal clinic by registration, so, according to the old rules, the recipe was given to me for the nearest dairy kitchen. But due to the fact that I live in a different area, getting groceries was inconvenient. They found a way out quickly: my younger brother began to call for boxes. The products remained with him: I didn’t really need them.

    When our daughter was born, we assigned her to a polyclinic in our place of residence. They began to receive recipes for a dairy kitchen near the house. As a nursing mother, I was given juice and milk. I did not plan to take these products, but my brother liked them. Therefore, we used the recipe.

    /guide/prikorm-detyam/

    How to introduce complementary foods to children

    Later, I learned that in the first six months we were also given a dairy kitchen for our daughter: she was mixed-fed. But for some reason, the pediatrician did not report this. True, this fact did not upset me much: I fed my daughter with Nutrilon Comfort, they are not given out in sets. And we would not change the mixture just to get it for free: for a baby, this is fraught with digestive problems.

    What purees, juices and mixtures did they give us? I read the advice of pediatricians on social networks and decided, at least at first, to follow the composition of baby food. I didn’t want fanaticism in food, but mashed potatoes without unnecessary components were important to me. Therefore, in the first month of complementary foods, I carefully chose jars of mashed potatoes, which we bought with our own money.

    From 6 months we began to receive dairy products. I was pleasantly surprised: there was nothing superfluous in the compositions. Therefore, for six months we actively used the food that was given to us. Monthly it was possible to save 1000-2000 R. Now baby food has risen in price, so you can save even more.

    up to 2000 R

    we saved on baby food

    The variety of canned purees in the dairy kitchen pleased me. First, they gave the classic trio of vegetables that are recommended to start complementary foods with: broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini from Agushi. True, I didn’t really like the Agusha zucchini: it was too liquid and it was inconvenient to feed a child with it. Later, carrots and pumpkins of the same brand were added - with excellent composition and consistency.

    Meat puree was also varied: the sets included poultry, beef, and veal. From 9months, jars of “chicken and vegetables” and “beef and vegetables” began to be issued. My daughter still eats this, despite the fact that she mostly prefers a common table. By the way, for some reason, there were no fish in the set from the dairy kitchen, although the pediatrician's memo said that fish should be introduced from 10-11 months.

    Meat puree from the dairy kitchen had a good composition. True, the smell was not very appetizing, but my daughter ate with pleasure

    Fruit puree was also given out by Agusha. The compositions were good, the tastes were different: we came across an apple, a pear, a peach. When my daughter got older, they began to give puree from several fruits and berries, for example, "apple, cherry, blueberry."

    In addition, the set contained a mixture of two types: dry and liquid. We refused the liquid mixture: my daughter ate another, and in the kitchen they gave the same Agusha. The liquid mixture was packed in a separate box, so the husband immediately said: “We don’t take this.” We gave Nestogen dry mix to friends.

    /list/fake-healthy-foods/

    Corn flakes and "children's menu": what not to feed a child

    My daughter fell in love with Agusha cottage cheese: she liked trying to eat from plastic packaging on her own.

    What I didn't like about the dairy kitchen

    First of all, the composition of some of the products that were given out on a monthly basis was contrary to the recommendations for complementary foods.

    National program for optimizing the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation - methodological recommendations of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia, p. 45PDF, 4.45 MB

    Moreover, the recommendations were issued by a pediatrician in the very clinic where they wrote out a prescription for dairy cuisine. The documents indicated that the products were issued in accordance with the age marking of the manufacturer, but in our case this did not always coincide with reality.

    For example, milk porridges were not recommended until 9 months of age. In fact, we began to receive instant cereals with powdered milk from 7 months. Even the pediatrician did not advise giving fruit juice until a year old. And we began to receive it from 6 months - as a result, adults drank the juice from us.

    Feeding and nutrition of infants and young children - guidelines for the WHO European RegionPDF, 1.28 MB0003

    Secondly, cereals included fructose and milk powder. Rospotrebnadzor does not recommend introducing sugar up to a year. And WHO recommends to refrain from cow's milk in favor of breast milk, as cow's milk is too rich in protein and sodium.

    We started getting milk porridge "Agusha" from 8 months. Unlike other products, its composition was not ideal

    Thirdly, did not contain mashed potatoes with chunks in the packages. This was a little depressing: it is recommended to start introducing pieces from 9-10 months.

    But in the end, I understand that mashing food with a fork is much easier than making a full-fledged puree on your own. In addition, I know that in other regions the level of support for the authorities is significantly lower compared to Moscow. So I was grateful for what I have.

    Why we ended up dropping free products

    This happened for two reasons at the same time. The first - by the year my daughter switched to a common table. The second - a set of products for children from the age of one did not suit her.

    For example, I try to give cow's milk and juices as treats, the rest of the time she drinks water. My daughter prefers grained cottage cheese and ordinary cereals to dry cereals and children's creamy cottage cheese: she likes to eat them with her hands or with a spoon. I never add sugar to buckwheat or rice - purchased cereals cannot boast of this.

    The only thing that could really be useful to us from the set for children from one year old is Agusha kefir, it has a good composition. But they give a lot of it, and the shelf life is short. On the one hand, this is good: it means that there are no preservatives in kefir, with which ultra-pasteurized milk is stored for months. But on the other hand, we had to drink kefir with the whole family until it got spoiled.

    /farm-products/

    I feed my family with farm products and save money

    In addition, it was simply unprofitable to force my husband to go to the dairy kitchen for one yogurt.

    How are things going with free meals in the regions

    Each region independently determines what products, to whom and in what quantities to provide. In some regions, payments are assigned instead of products.

    You can usually find out whether there is a dairy kitchen in the region and who is entitled to it, usually at the children's clinic or social security departments. I will tell you about how things are in several large regions.

    Moscow region. Dairy cuisine has been canceled in the Moscow region. You can get money instead. The amount of the monthly cash payment in 2023:

    1. Pregnant women - 400 R.
    2. Nursing mothers - 1000 R.
    3. Children from 0 to 1 years old on artificial or mixed feeding - 1000 to 9074 years old Children from 9007 years old on artificial or mixed feeding - 600 R.

    Decree of the Government of the Moscow Region dated November 26, 2019No. 868/41

    If a woman has several children, she will receive payments for pregnant and lactating women in a single amount. If there are several children and they are formula fed, then a monthly cash payment is provided for each child.

    Appointment of a monthly cash payment for food - the portal of public services of the Moscow region

    St. Petersburg. In St. Petersburg there is neither a dairy kitchen nor compensation. But there is a "children's" card - it receives regional payments and benefits: for example, a one-time compensation payment for the birth of a child or a monthly allowance for a child up to one and a half years. You can only spend money on baby products in certain stores, including baby food.

    Rules for using a "children's" card - St. Petersburg public services portal

    You can order a card together with a one-time payment at the birth of a child. This is done online on the public services website or through the MFC. The card will be ready within three months, the service is free. You will need a passport to get it.

    Nizhny Novgorod. Dairy products are distributed only to low-income families until the child is 2 years old. In order to receive food for children under one year old, the average per capita income of a family should not exceed two living wages, and if the child is from one to two years old, the average per capita income must be less than one living wage.

    Regulations on the procedure for providing adequate nutrition for children under the age of 3 through special nutrition points (dairy kitchens) according to the opinion of doctors in the urban district of the city of Nizhny Novgorod

    What products are distributed in Nizhny Novgorod

    is issued
    What is How much per month
    Children under 5 months Dry mix 3.5 kg
    Children 6-7 months Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese. By prescription, kefir 4.13 kg + 12 liters of kefir
    Children 8-12 months, depending on doctor's prescription Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese 6 kg + 12 l kefir
    Children 1-2 years old Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese 2 kg + 13.2 l kefir
    Children 2-3 years Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese 1. 9 kg + 13.2 l kefir

    Children up to 5 months

    that

    Dry mixture

    volume

    3.5 kg

    Children 6–7 months

    LUCK MARKAY MOLD, dry mixture, cottage cheese. . Kefir is dispensed by doctor's prescription

    Volume per month

    4.13 kg + 12 liters of kefir

    Children 8-12 months old, depending on the doctor's prescription

    that

    Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese

    volume per month

    6 kg+ 12 l kefira

    children 1-2 years old

    that

    Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese

    volume for month

    2 kg+ 13.2 l kefira

    children 2-3 years old

    What

    Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese

    volume

    1.9 kg+ 13.2 l kefira

    Kaluga region. Children of the first year of life on artificial and mixed feeding receive free meals. For children from 2 to 3 years old, the poor are paid compensation - up to 1000 R.

    Appointment and payment of monthly monetary compensation for good nutrition for children of the second and third years of life - Kaluga city government

    You can apply for payment if the income per family member does not exceed the regional subsistence minimum by more than 1000 RUR.

    What products are issued in the Kaluga region

    To whom they give What is To what extent
    Children under 6 months Dry mix It is not known exactly, at the rate of 997 R per month per child
    Children 6-12 months Dry mix, dry porridge It is not known exactly, at the rate of 997 R per month per child
    Children up to 6 months

    that

    Dry mixture

    volume

    is not known exactly, at the rate of 997 r per month per child

    children 6-12 months 9 months 9 months

    What

    Dry mix, dry porridge

    Volume per month

    It is not known exactly, at the rate of 997 R per month per child

    In Bashkiria. Products are provided to orphans, as well as children, lactating and pregnant women from low-income families. You can get dairy cuisine if the family income per person does not exceed 12,650 rubles.0003

    What products are issued in Bashkiria

    To whom they give What is How much per month
    Pregnant Pregnancy Powder 2 kg
    Nursing Dry formula for nursing 1 kg
    Children under 6 months Powdered formula or specialty formula for medical indications 1.5 kg
    Children 6-8 months Dry or specialized formula for medical indications, dry porridge, cottage cheese 2 kg
    Children 8-12 months Dry or specialized mixture for medical indications, dry porridge, milk, kefir, cottage cheese 2 kg + 6.5 l milk and kefir
    Children 1-2 years old Dry porridge, cottage cheese, milk, kefir 2 kg + 16. 4 l milk and kefir
    Children 2-3 years old Curd, milk, kefir 1.1 kg + 16.6 liters of milk and kefir

    Pregnant

    that

    Dry mixture for pregnant women

    volume for a month

    2 kg

    nursing

    Success for mesnicious

    9000 Children up to 6 months

    What

    Dry mix or specialized mixture for medical reasons

    FILLOSE per month

    1.5 kg

    Children 6-8 months

    What

    Success or specialized mixture for medical indications, Sukhaya porridge, porridge, porridge, porridge, porridge, porridge, porridge cottage cheese

    Volume per month

    2 kg

    Children 8-12 months old

    What

    Dry or specialized formula for medical indications, dry porridge, milk, kefir, cottage cheese

    volume for a month

    2 kg+ 6. 5 l of milk and kefir

    Children 1-2 years old

    What

    Sukhaya porridge, cottage cheese, milk, kefir

    volume

    2 kg+ 16 kg+ 16 , 4 liters of milk and kefir

    Children 2-3 years old

    What

    cottage cheese, milk, kefir

    volume

    1.6 kg+ 16.6 liters of milk and kefir

    Remember

    1. Provision of food for pregnant and lactating women at the conclusion of a doctor, as well as children under 3 years old is a state guarantee. But the specific conditions of the program depend on the region.
    2. Moscow provides food packages: pregnant and lactating women - juices and milk, infants under six months on artificial or mixed feeding - milk formulas, and older children - cereals, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, kefir and juices.
    3. To receive food, you need to apply electronically to Mos-ru and visit the local doctor once. After that, orders can be placed monthly through the portal.

      Learn more