A common concern that parents have (especially new parents) is "How soon can I fly with my baby?" or "When is it safe?" It can be quite a scary thought. Not to mention, I'm sure everyone in your circle will have varying, and even contradictory opinions. Talk about overwhelming! Travelling as a grown up can be exhausting and challenging, much more the thought of adding a baby into the picture.
But to really answer the questions though, how soon is best determined by the parents and the baby's pediatrician.
Before You Go
As a parent, you know your child's temperament best (though it can change so often, especially in the early months). For example, you'll know if you baby is "colicky" or experiences the "witching hour". In either of these cases, you may want to wait a bit to avoid a noisy flight. Your pediatrician should also give the green light on when is best based on baby's health, possible risks associated with the destination, etc.
From my experience as a parent, I'd say once your baby is current with his/her vaccines, from around 3-4 months, it's safe to travel with baby. Just ensure you won't be away from home too long to avoid baby missing any checkups or further vaccines.
The next thing you'll need to do is obtain a passport for your baby. For avid travelers this is one of the first things they'll do once baby is born. In most countries you'll need the birth certificate, the completed application form, 2 passport sized photos and both parents' consent. It's quite funny and cute taking passport photos of a baby (well, smaller babies). At this age the main concern may be keeping them awake or getting them to sit up. For older babies it can be a bit chaotic to keep them still ; but don't worry, photographers now how to get the job done. Leave all the stress to them. It may make you giggle to finally see your tiny baby with a whole official passport! Like really, such a little person needs all of this? It's important to give enough time for the passport process. This is another reason 3-4 months is a practical window in which you'll get things in place to travel with baby.
Benefits of Flying with A Baby
Now that we've cleared up the requirements, let's move unto the why to fly with baby.
1) It's Free! - For the first two years of baby's life, you can travel with your infant without any added cost! It's a great deal and the best time to plan a trip! Plane tickets are expensive, so in my opinion this window is the perfect time to take your little one in tow. Especially because after 2 years, you'll be paying full fare for your little one to fly.
2) It's Easy- relatively speaking. Any parent knows that most things in parenting are not easy. But some things are easier at certain stages. I think flying is one of them where there's a sweet spot of sorts. This might shock you, but lots of parents will tell you that travelling with an infant is the least difficult. Why? An infant's main needs are food, sleep and comfort. When travelling, they easily get these needs met, especially because they spend so much time next to you. The sound of the airplane in flight provides a calming noise, similar to the famous "white noise" which is known to soothe babies. As a matter of fact, most babies get so comfortable, that they will sleep through the flight.
3) Now is the Best Time - once your child becomes mobile (a creeper, walker, or toddler, it gets harder). This is when they develop curiosity and will want to explore, so it's harder to confine them to a plane seat, baby carrier or stroller or to keep them seated in an airport waiting area. Older babies (from around 10 months) also develop "stranger danger" and may feel uneasy around new faces. They are also much more likely to be stimulated by the environment (noise, lights, movement etc) and so it may be more difficult for them to fall and stay asleep, which may result in a cranky baby. I'd say the sweet spot for flying with baby is 3-7 months. At this stage once they are fed (especially breastfed), changed and cuddled they are in heaven!
4) You Get to Break the Rules- with a baby, you are allowed more cargo for free. I think it's quite sweet actually, especially considering that you didn't pay for baby to fly. You are allowed to check on a car seat and stroller for free and you can take the stroller with you all the way until you board the flight. So helpful! You are also allowed a diaper bag in addition to your own carry on luggage. In most cases you can also carry liquids from home on board, at least to some measure. This includes pureed baby food, juice or water to prepare formula.
5) You Get VIP Status- I'm pushing it a bit here but airports, airlines and other passengers (well the nice ones) make special allowances for babies and their parents. Depending on the airport, you may have a specific line through security for families with children. This helps make the process more efficient and the personnel are usually more patient and understanding. Additionally, those behind you are less likely to get annoyed if you require a little extra time, because they are in the same situation. Most airlines allow parents with small children to board the aircraft first. This allows you more time to get on board and settle without feeling like you are getting in any one's way or holding up of the flight's departure. Passengers (except the really grouchy ones) are usually quite sweet and helpful to parents. They may, for example, offer their seat in a crowded airport, allow you to sit with your partner if your seats happen to be apart, give a smile, or tell you how cute your baby is and reasssure of what a great job you're doing. If baby sleeps well you may hear, "Wow! I didn't even realize there was a baby on board!"
I'd also suggest taking a shorter trip first to get the hang of things, especially if you're a bit nervous. It's always great to travel with another adult if possible (especially helpful if you need to use the rest room!).
Disclaimer: please note, the opinions started here are solely mine and should not replace the advise of a medical professional.
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