For many parents, traveling with children may be very daunting and challenging given the very strict rules adopted by the TSA as a result of the terror threats confronting the airlines and the airports all over the world. For the safety of all travelers, security screening at airports requires everyone, regardless of age (babies included) to go through all of the safety procedures imposed by the TSA.

Parents shouldn’t worry about how children will be treated during the screening process at airports, as TSA personnel fully understand parents’ concern about their children. Children are approached gently and treated respectfully. Security personnel consult parents anytime a child becomes uncomfortable or upset during the screening procedure.

Parents traveling with children must be prepared to have all carry-on baggage, including children’s bags and items, go through the X-ray machine. All child-related equipment such as strollers, baby carriers, booster seats, and baby slings, if they will fit, must pass through the X-ray machine. Parents must therefore be ready to fold or collapse said child-related equipment upon arrival at the security checkpoint. Other child-related equipment that will not fit through the X-ray machine must be visually and physically inspected by security personnel.

All passengers must walk through the metal detectors at the airport. If a child can walk without their parents’ assistance, the parents and the child must pass through the metal detector separately. If a parent carries a child who is still unable to walk as they pass through the metal detector, the security personnel must additionally screen the parent and the child. This additional screening will require that the baby be removed from the stroller or carrier in order for the security personnel to conduct the individual screening.

Medications, baby food and formula, milk, and juices in reasonable quantities in excess of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) must be declared during inspection at the checkpoint (please read the TSA’s article about this new ruling for mothers). Other liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 100 ml (3.4 ounce) containers. These liquids or gels must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Each traveler is allowed only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. This clear plastic bag must be removed from the carry-on and placed in a bin or on the conveyor belt in the X-ray machine.

Parents traveling with children who have disabilities must inform the security personnel at the checkpoint if the child has any special needs or medical devices in order that proper attention may be given to the child (read more about flying with medical conditions and disabilities here). Parents must inform the security personnel of the nature of the disability of the child and what special treatment or attention is needed. A child who is unable to walk because of the disability must be screened in a special manner, such as a pat-down search as well as a visual and physical inspection of the child’s equipment.

As a guide to parents who travel with children, they may download a free, printable PDF document entitled “Childproof your Flight” from the FAA’s website. It focuses mainly on child safety during your flight and has many good suggestions for parents.