Should I give my child (18 months) Benadryl for our plane ride so he will fall asleep?

The main reason kids cry on planes is because of the pressure in their ears. If your child has tubes, inner ear pressures should not be an issue. I have 3 girls who've flown at all ages and I've never found it necessary to drug them.

Bring plenty of toys and books and have drinks and snacks for your child to enjoy on the plane. Unless he's in pain, missing the excitement of a plane ride is terrible.

I am a little frightened by Elise's response. Sounds like she has no problem drugging her children for no good reason. Benedryl won't do a damned thing for all the germs on the plane, it only reduces histamine (allergic) reactions.

Elise, if people don't want to hear crying babies on a plane, I'll tell you like I tell everyone: Charter your own jet!!!!

I've actually switched seats with people who make parents feel uncomfortable about their crying children. I graciously offer my seat, so the offended folks can "get a little farther away", then I tell them to avoid this in the future by chartering their own jet. A little wink towards the baby's parents always elicits a supressed smile. Nothing like knowing someone's on your side!!

UMMMMMM NO!

seek the advise of your own pediatrician before listening to anyones advise that recommends medicating a child

there isn't any Benadryl that I know of that even has a dosage on the bottle for a child this young

how much did she say to give?

are you willing to overdose your child just for a peaceful plane ride?

what if your child GOD forbid has a reaction to the benadryl?

I for one am allergic to this med

why don't you just have activities and music and such & entertain & love your child during the trip or better yet don't take the child on a plane

How long is the plane ride for? Is it really necessary? Sometimes it doesn't matter what you give them, they won't sleep anyway because of the excitement of what's going on and new things, etc. I think medication should only be used when necessary. Maybe take some on the plane with you and use it if you need to calm him down and he needs some sleep (ie. if it is for quite a long trip). Some medication is a good idea to help prevent their ears hurting when the plane takes off and lands - but getting them to drink while that happens usually fixes that problem.

That is strange. I've heard of this before from many mothers around me. I think it's a personal choice of yours to make based off your beliefs about what is right/wrong for your child. You seem to be freaked out about this so don't do it. Its not like his ears are gonna blow up w/tubes when you take off. Give him some gum to chew or wear him out so he'll fall asleep on the plane instead. That would be a healthier choice. The Benadryl choice is a fast, lazy way to sedate your child so you don't have to bother w/him.

Just a question....please don't attack.. I don't agree on medication if it's 3 hrs or less but for the longer flights..6hr flights. really what is SO bad giving your 3 yr old a baby amt of Benadryl to help with sleep and congestion? You guys flipping out about "drugging" are acting like they are talking about prescription anxiety meds or something. I'm talking otc "baby" amounts. It drives me CRAZY that parents will give their growing babies soda that's chuck full of sugar or tea that has caffeine like coffee to ruin their baby kidneys yet you guys are freaking out about otc small amts to help a baby sleep on long flights. I gave some to my daughter after take off to help her sleep on long 6+ hr flights and now that shes grown she agrees that was the best thing I ever did. I say its just fine to do..but do bring tons of toys and snacks..Good Luck

Your cousins pediatrician should know better...Benadryl can have some nasty side effects...Bring some little snacks or something for it to suck on like one of those lollipops with a string.....That is what I used and my kids who were even younger did quite well.. Good Luck..

I wouldn't try it, it's just not worth the worry of drugging him. He probably will be fine on the plane. The best advice I was ever given was one word Lollipop. My kids NEVER get them so it would be a real treat and lasts for a long tine. He might be a bit young for that, but you get the idea. Just give him something new to distract him with.

i understand your concern, and while it is true that some children find a plane ride an uncomfortable experience, i suggest rather than going straight for the Benadryl, to try giving him some chamomile and taking some on the plane with you first - if you then notice that it is not working and he is in great distress, give him the Benadryl that you'll have carried on with you.

I heard this advice from everyone as well, but we chose not to use it and our son was great on the plane.

I am glad too, because when we gave him Benadryl for actual allergies several weeks after the trip, we found out it does not make him sleepy at all. In fact he seemed to get a burst of energy! Not all people react to antihistamines the same way.

Seriously? Drug your child for no reason?

Geez I cant believe people would do that. Lab made medicines are scary enough. We take them when we HAVE to but to take them just because? No thanks.

And besides. It might just make your child HYPER and make your plane ride way worse than it would have been if you didnt try to drug him.