Candice W. Jones

How Old Does a Baby Have to Be to Fly? 0:56 Babies can generally fly as early as one week old if they are full-term and healthy, subject to pediatrician approval. Air travel can lead to ear discomfort and exposure to germs, so planning is essential to make your baby more comfortable during the flight. Most airlines allow babies to sit on a parent's lap for free, though purchasing a separate seat and using an approved car seat can be safer.

Credit: Parents/Getty Images Babies start to recognize familiar faces within a few weeks and prefer them over strangers. By 6 months old, babies show more excitement for familiar people and can miss them when they’re gone. Encouraging face recognition through eye contact, smiling, and talking helps babies feel secure and loved. From birth, babies are wired to recognize the faces they see most, starting with yours.