You can take a pushchair and a car seat right up to the aircraft at Heathrow. Both are screened at security, usually folded, then you keep the pushchair to the gate where it is loaded into the hold at boarding. Baby milk, food and sterilised water are allowed through security and may be screened separately. Checked August 2026.
Pushchairs and car seats through security
At security you will normally be asked to fold your pushchair or buggy and put it through the scanner or hand it for manual screening. A lightweight, one-hand fold makes this far easier when you are also holding a baby and your bags. Larger travel systems are screened too, sometimes by hand.
After security you can carry on using your pushchair through the departure lounge and shops. Most airlines let you take it all the way to the gate, where it is tagged and loaded into the hold as you board, then returned either at the aircraft door or on the belt at your destination, depending on the airline. Check your airline's policy so you know where you will get it back.
Car seats are handled the same way at the search: they go through the scanner. Whether you can use one on board depends on your airline and whether you have bought a seat for your child, so confirm with the airline before you travel.
Baby milk, food and water
Baby feeds get a sensible exception to the usual liquid limits. You can take baby milk, expressed milk, formula, baby food and cooled boiled or sterilised water through Heathrow security in the quantity you reasonably need for the journey. Officers may ask to screen these items separately and, in some cases, to open a container, so pack them where you can reach them quickly.
Since 24 January 2026 all four Heathrow terminals use next-generation CT scanners, and the general liquid allowance has risen to 2 litres carried loose in your cabin bag, with no clear plastic bag needed. That makes travelling with baby liquids simpler than it used to be. Even so, keep feeds accessible and be ready for a separate check, because screening of baby items can still apply. Remember that many other airports still enforce the old 100 ml rule, so plan your return journey around the rules at that airport, not Heathrow's.
Family facilities in the terminals
Every Heathrow terminal has baby-changing facilities and child-friendly amenities, and free luggage trolleys are available in key areas, which help when you are carrying a car seat, bags and a baby at once. If you need extra space and equipment, Changing Places facilities are available for departing passengers, though these need a RADAR key, which you can borrow from the assistance area.
If your terminal offers a family security lane, using it can make the search calmer with a baby. Availability varies, so look for signage or ask a member of staff. For the full rundown of what each terminal provides, see the facilities guide.
Special assistance if you need it
If travelling through the airport with a baby and equipment is going to be difficult, for example if you are also travelling alone or have a mobility need, you can book special assistance. This is arranged through your airline, travel agent or tour operator at least 48 hours before you fly, not directly with the airport. Assistance desks are located in each terminal.
A practical plan for the day
Give yourself more time than you would travelling alone. Heathrow advises arriving 3 hours before a long-haul flight and about 2 hours for short-haul, and with a baby the extra buffer takes the pressure off feeding, changing and a slower walk to the gate. Keep feeds, a change of clothes and essentials in one easy-access bag. Fold the pushchair before you reach the scanner belt so you are not fumbling in the queue. And once you are airside, use the time before boarding to change and feed your baby, since gates can be a long walk from the main lounge. For the full list of what can and can't go through the scanner, see our guide to prohibited items at Heathrow security, and for how much time to build in overall, see is 2 hours enough at Heathrow.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take a pushchair through security at Heathrow? Yes. Pushchairs are screened at security, usually folded, then you can use it through the departure lounge and take it to the gate, where most airlines load it into the hold at boarding and return it at the aircraft door or the belt.
Can I take baby milk and food through Heathrow security? Yes. Baby milk, formula, expressed milk, baby food and cooled sterilised water are allowed in the quantity you need for the journey. Officers may screen them separately, so keep them easy to reach.
Do the new liquid rules make travelling with a baby easier at Heathrow? They help. Since January 2026 all four terminals allow up to 2 litres of liquid loose in your cabin bag. Baby feeds were already exempt from the old limits, but the change removes friction. Note other airports may still enforce the 100 ml rule.
Can I take a car seat through Heathrow? Yes. Car seats are screened at security. Whether you can use one on board depends on your airline and whether you have bought a seat for your child, so confirm with the airline first.
Are there baby-changing facilities at Heathrow? Yes. Every terminal has baby-changing and child facilities, and free trolleys are available. Changing Places rooms with extra space are provided for departing passengers, using a RADAR key you can borrow from the assistance area.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Heathrow Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Heathrow Airport website before you travel.