Medicating your children for travel?

Question

Well, lots of people know about giving your kid some Benadryl to make him/her sleep on a long trip. I haven't done this so don't start screaming! Anyway I know lots of people who have. But I recently read in Dear Abby a letter from someone who said that was a terrible thing to do and you should never medicate your kids!

I recently traveled to the US from Africa (where we currently live) alone with my 3 year old (no meds) and it was rough--that's 24 hours of travel. The trip back is going to be even longer, closer to 36, because of 12 hours layover in Paris. So, what does everyone think? Should I bring the Benadryl or will that make me a criminal?

Answer 1

I have walked a mile in your shoes as well I did not have quite as long in flight as you do but I flew from Alaska to Florida and let me tell you it was not fun. I did speak with my doctor before flying and he actually suggested taking along the medication just because of the popping of the ears and things like that it can be a cause for concern if they are awake it can cause them pain and make them uncomfortable so he felt it might be better for her if I took it and I could give it to her if it was needed. I also took things like movies and books, and most of all food that I knew would make her full and make her want to sleep. On the flight out I did have to use it on the way back she was so tired from the family I did not, so I would suggest taking in just in case and use your own judgment and do what you think is best for your child. You are that child's parent and well quite frankly the rest of us have no right to judge how you parent that child do your best no one can fault you for that. Good luck and have a safe flight.

Answer 2

Well... any doctor.. medical journal.. nurse.. and of course anyone who doesnt have kids... will tell you that is a bad idea and it is wrong to use drugs for anything other than it's medical purpose.
I have heard though... that Benadryl can go either way with kids.. it may just wire your child out instead.
I admit I am guilty. I've done it and it really helped! I have also one time while driving 3 days across the U.S. been guilty of giving my 8 yr old 1/2 of a tylenol pm and that was nice too... and even a 1/2 tsp of nyquil to help him sleep if he is cranky and miserable when ill. I don't think it's wrong once in a while and if used mildly. Just don't use it unless your at your wits end.

Answer 3

The thing about doing that is, if it's a 24 hour flight, the Benadryl is going to help her fall asleep. She's going to sleep for as long as she needs to...could be 2 hours, could be 10 hours. When she wakes up, are you going to give her more? Then yet another dose 4 hours later when she wakes again? Once your trip is over, you're going to have a hellish time with her sleep schedule, and trying to get it back on track.

I don't think it would make you a criminal at all. I just think it would be a better idea for people who are, let's say, driving from Michigan to Ohio...that way the child would be guaranteed to sleep almost the whole time.

Answer 4

I have flown that same length with my 3 kids without drugging them. The first 2 times my youngest was 1. Consider it a chance to work on patience and spend time with your child. Packing small toys, crayons, and snacks will help. I'm about to do a 24 hour airline travel with my kids again next week (now 8, 6, 4) and the only meds I'm packing are for my own motionsickness.

Answer 5

Ask your pediatrician. I know how rough that long of a trip can be for a child and for you. I have traveled about 36 hours with my daughter in a van when she was just 1 and it was very difficult. She slept a good part of the way but when she wasn't sleeping she was screaming! Try giving him stuff to play with for the trip. Get him a few little travel games and that might help you both out.

Answer 6

Well I don't think drugging your child is the answer, but I can certainly sympathize with trying to entertain an over-tired, hungry, grumpy toddler for a long period of time. I would suggest buying tons of little hand held puzzles or games, books, and snacks for your carry-on bag and perhaps considering a motel room at the airport for the 12 hour layover. Hopefully the child will sleep SOME of the time on the plane and I'm sure that there will be a lot of other people on the plane that will wish you'd drug your "little angel" so they don't have to put up with it during the flight I personally would never consider drugging my child strictly for convenience.

Answer 7

giving your child drugs when not need is a form of abuse! It will be a hard trip I have traveled back and fourth from USA to Italy a few times with a child under 2! bring some good toys with you. and at every stop allow them to run around and be crazy while still at the airport. Sure you might get dirty looks but its better then pulling your hair out on a plane!! WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T GIVE THEM MEDS!!! It is illegal...as dear abby said (i read that one as well)

Answer 8

Oh my gosh..... I'm guessing that when you're 70 and your children are taking care of you... you're hoping that they use much meds to get you to stay still and shut up as well!

3 yr. olds still tend to take many naps as it is.... do you want her sleeping the whole trip? How about planning out this trip well enough so that you can keep her occupied? Bring along a bag full of her belongs . ... a coloring book and crayons, some head phones, games, books (for u to read to her), snacks, etc.

Think smarter...

Answer 9

i am a mother of 3, and as fellow mother, I would say the choice is up to you on how you want to do this. When I travel, but never have in a plane mind you, but in a car, I usually travel at night when the kids are already ready to sleep. I also have a portable dvd player that helps pass the time.
You are the mother, you know whats best for your situation.

Answer 10

it would be best you use your own judgement. but i have been in your shoes. when we moved to germany, we had a 12 hour flight to germany. about a couple hours in flight, after her dinner and watching a couple of cartoons, i gave my 3 year old melatonin. i gave her the lowest dose possible. melatonin is a natural sleep aid. unlike benadryl and other things like that, it doesn't knock them out. and medicine like that always makes my daughter extremely hyper. this natural sleep aid triggers the natural process that puts you to sleep, much like having the lights out at night, or having your belly full after a big dinner. it does no harm to the body, just makes you sleepy. and she slept until about an hour or so before we landed. and it helped a lot with the time change. since we got there in the morning and she was just waking up, she adusted very well. you can get melatonin in any drug store or natural drug and herb store. but if you are having any reservations about giving your child something to sleep on the plane, talk to your baby's doc, they will be able to give you the best advice!