Answer As long as their child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, theirr child will be safe to fly almost immediately after birth. I have seen children as young as 1 day old fly. Make sure that even after their initial visit to the doctor, they take their child for another check-up right before you leave.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. Here are some other tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help them:
1.) They will need to have all their baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with them. Have them verify what travel documents they will need in advance to make sure they have everything.
2.) They can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that they will be able to use it all the way up until the time that they board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for them. When they exit the plane, it will be waiting for them at the door as well.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that they can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
3.) Airline regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat).
The Flight Attendants should place them in a front seat where they will have more room. Depending on the airline and length of flight, the Flight Attendants might give them a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put their child in (however they can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
4.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help their child sleep, and gives both of them the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. They should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing they can do to help with the ear popping, is if their child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give the child a bottle to drink (formula, water- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and they are not limited to the amount they can bring aboard (as long as your child is with them), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow them to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that they have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Have them save their money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide them with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that they request, no matter how many times they request it.
Another trick is that if their child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
They can also place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears to help with the ear popping.
6.) Make sure to pack one or two comfort things, such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
7.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for their child. They will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case their luggage gets lost.
8.) Keep their diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm They can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
They should be respectful of other passengers and always change their child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small. Usually the bathrooms with the diapers beds are the handicap ones (tend to be at the rear of most planes), so they tend to be a little bit bigger and it does help.
I also know some people who say that instead of using the changing table, they say to put the toilet seat down, use the toilet as a seat for yourself, and lay the baby across your knee to change their diaper.
To make it easier on themselves, make sure that they undress their baby so that he/she has just a diaper on while at their seat. Grab the diaper, wipes, and ointment or baby powder (whatever they use for changing their childs diaper) and head to the bathroom. This will help to make the procedure faster and easier.
Tell them to try to change their childs diaper as close to boarding as possible. If the flight is not long, they may get lucky and their child will not need their diaper changed while on the plane.
9.) Keep your doctors name and number with them. Also get the name and number of a doctor where they are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
10.) Bring any medications that they might need for their child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Tell them NOT give their child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
11.) Tell them to keep their calm. If they get stressed out, their child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
12.) Last but not least, if help is offered to them, take it.
