Preparing formula abroad - some questions

[3questionmarks]

Going away for a few months (to Canada)

1. Aptamil not available; possibly looking for needle in haystack; but has anyone experience of Canadian formula brands? DD doesn't get on with SMA Gold at all.

1. Will I have to make up bottles with boiled mineral water? Or can I assume a gradual getting used to Canadian tap, which is surely nicer than Thames bilge anyway.

1. Will airport security let me through with boiling water in a flask? Or an empty flask in hand luggage?

1. Any other transition-making tips on the feeding front?

1. Why mineral water? Where will you be staying?

1. Use ready made cartons of formula for the outward flight (expensive but worth it)

mineral water - just something generic I heard at a mums and babies group about going on hols. However, I'm guessing it applies to more exotic destinations than Canada, but just wanted to check.

Oh yes, and can you take sealed pre-prepared stuff through? Or must you line airside Boots' coffers, assuming they stock it at Heathrow?

I don't know tbh.

Hopefully NotQuiteCockney or someone who has been recently can help you.

Bumping for you

A friend of mine took ready made cartoons for a flight and was made to open them all to try them for security reasons, which once opened have to be used within one hour. No good for a long haul flight.

I would ring boots at the airport and check they sell it and then buy it that side!

Similac is a formula brand that most of my US-based friends use - you don't say how old your LO is, but it is available for different stages.
For the flight over - prepare as many bottles as you will need with just water (security will make you taste it) and then invest in one of those Formula Divider containers where you can measure out each feed in powder - simply add to the water as you need it.
You won't need to boil mineral water - just watch for the salt content - ( should say on the bottle if it can be used for babies) I would boil the tap water, though.

boots at gatwick and heathrow sell formula airside - there is more info on baa website. The cabin crew will be able to provide you with hot water.

You won't be able to take the sealed pre-prepared stuff through, I had mine taken off me before!

You can take as many bottles as you want though, as long as you taste them at security!

Security possibly won't let you through with water in a flask, but an empty flask will be OK. Just need to call and ask.

When we went to Austria (I imagine same as Canada, the tap water was as clean as could possibly be!) I just boiled tap water, rather than Mineral water, again watch the sodium levels!)