I'm flying with an 18 month old baby boy, can anyone suggest any herbal sedative or sleep medication?

Question

My wife, baby boy and I will be taking a long haul (11.5 hour) flight to South Africa. Any general advice about flying with an 18 month old infant will be appreciated.

Answer 1

The longest flights my children have been on is 3 hours, but, we requested a travel cot on the flight when my eldest was 18 months old. Even though she was too large to sleep in it comfortably it was fantastic for her to sit up and play with her toys in. To try and hold an 18 month old on your knee for the whole journey would make both you and your baby cranky. Take a variety of toys - not noisy ones, you'd upset other passengers. Cotton wool in their ears is good for take off and landing and dulls the engine noise which could be frightening for them. Personally I wouldn't go down the sedative route - it just doesn't seem right. Take a couple of bottles of milk with you - again, they're good for take off and landing as it keeps them swallowing which reduces pressure in the ears - it's also a known comfort to them which will make them feel safe and reassured. I'm sure you'll be just fine. Good luck.

Answer 2

Medised is a paracetamol with decongestant. It is safe for occasional use and available at any pharmacist and is a sedative. Try keeping your child awake as long as possible before the flight so he will sleep during the flight. The vibrations from the plane made my son sleep. During take off give your child either a drink or something to chew to stop air pressure pains in the ears. Above all stay calm otherwise your child will pick up on it. Even if you're scared of flying make out that it's a good, exciting thing. Once up in the air you can walk the aisles if he gets fidgety. Arm yourself with his favourite toy, books, crayons and play dough. Hope this helps and I hope your flight goes well. Happy holiday!

Answer 3

When I was a nanny I flew with a baby for about that long. On the way the mother gave her a prescription sedative - It was an absolute nightmare! The baby was excited by all that was going on, but the sedative was making her tired so she ended up screaming the whole way there. (Overtired and overstimulated.) On the way back, we didn't give her the sedative. The baby was excited and was active for a few hours, then she conked out in my arms and slept most of the way back.
I advise not to try to sedate the child. It may make things a lot worse - as it did in my experience.

Answer 4

We flew with our daughter who was 18 months, for an 10 hour flight. I wanted a sedative but my partner said no way and lucky enough she was actually really great. I was told that the docs are reluctant to give young children these meds but i am not sure if this is correct. On the way home our flight was during the night so it was even better for her...she slept all the way home. The flight attendant gives you (like a travel seat) strapped on to a table (make sure you get a middle front seat) for take off and landing........ good luck, just dont get stressed....like i normally do!!!!! Enjoy your hol.

Answer 5

Talk to your child's pediatrician. Typically they do not suggest giving any medication to children below the age of 2 because a lot of medical abnormalities (if there are any) or conditions, such as allergies, do not manifest themselves until the child is at least 2 years old. Thus, erring on the side of caution, medication will not be given to infants lest an adverse reaction with any medical conditions occur. Your child's pediatrician may have an alternative to this though. You're much better asking him than anybody online that is not familiar with your child.

Answer 6

I would not suggest giving the child any medication. Medications should not be used to pacify or calm children. If you are hell bent on giving the kids something make sure it is not the first time he has taken that medicine. An allergic reaction on a plane is not something you want to deal with. Ask you personal doctor and you will get the same advice. Your, the child, and all those on the plane will live through a little bit of crying just fine.

Answer 7

I wouldn't recommend any kind of sedative, herbal or not. The key is just to entertain him. Bring toys that he's never seen before, so they really hold his attention. Try to stay on your schedule for naps and feedings. Cuddle him or do whatever you can to encourage him to take his naps so he doesn't get extra cranky. Offer him something to eat or drink when you take off and when you land so his ears don't bother him as much. That's a long flight and it will be tough with a little one, but it's good for you to get in the habit of traveling with him now if you plan to travel a lot with him in the future. Good luck and have a safe trip!

Answer 8

Benedryl. But you can only give that every 8 hours. Try once before the flight starts and once near the end.
But we took our daughter on 2 flights so far. One at 6 months and one at 8 months. And we're taking her again at 13 months. The first two were fine. It wasn't so long, but she still did good. As the flight attendents if there is anywhere for him to walk around a bit to get energies out.
Good luck!

Answer 9

If you and your wife stay nice and calm and hold him securely and in a way he feels safe that would help. Also, if someone gentlly rubs the back or sides of his head it could help make him sleepy.

Bring some particularly interesting toys for him (toys that will keep him really interested, like some kind of puzzle toy or some little people with furniture, etc.).

Bring little snacks that will keep him busy (Cheerio's or some other cereal).

Answer 10

Your baby's pediatrician can give you a low dose sedative to give to him. I flew 14 hours with a 22 month old to Africa. His doctor gave him a mild sedative. He did great, no jet lag or anything! Ask your pediatrician!