Giving Kids Benadryl to Sleep on Airplanes: Good Move or Needless Medicating?

My sister has told me to do this, but I hate giving my kids medicine when it is not necessary. I have never done this, and I know I never will! Very Needless medicating in my opinion!!!

I've never given DD benadryl or any other unnecessary medication simply to make her tired. She flew from the US to the UK, Ireland to Scotland and home and slept better than the rest of us. She was fine. If DD needed it medically (same as how her brother must have dramamine), then that would be different.

I haven't read the article, regardless of what it says, I feel it is needless medication. Additionally, for some kids it may not make them sleepy.

I have flown on many flights with my young children from six months of age until now...

I have always carried Benadryl with me, just in case for insect stings or allergic reactions...and yes, in the back of my mind if it was needed to help calm them down...to sleep maybe, but neither of my children really get sleepy from it.

I think in all of our flying I used it once with my son who after all of our delays including three hours on the plane sitting on the runway was so fit to be tied (he was two and a half) he was just inconsolable.

I believe that it is good parenting to meet the needs of your child and at that time he needed more help than I could give him any other way to calm down.

To say giving your child medication is "not parenting" is a huge insult. I was very insulted by that comment below that my using medication as a tool to help my child is "not parenting". I am glad your children are so perfectly trainable in all situations that they never need any outside help but your guidance.

Anyways...if you have never thought your child needed medication when flying then don't start giving it now. But if your child does need it then use it, it shouldn't hurt them.

Ask the people sitting beside the kids on the plane the question. Some will say yes, some will say no. Probably depends on the kids' behavior. Personally, my kids begged for benedryl during very long flights because they longed to sleep, and they weren't very old either. (The ped told me to give it to them in the first place, and after we had traveled a couple of times, they knew that medicine made them sleepy and were thrilled to have it.)

ETA: Giving my kids benedryl on very long flights doesn't mean I'm not "parenting". I take issue with that remark. And thank you, Retta.

Dawn

As with any situation involving children, there's no right answer -- no "one size fits all" solution. I totally agree that one shouldn't give a child a medication like Benadryl to help them sleep on a plan if they've never had it before.

As for never using medication unless it's "necessary", I'd say there are different kinds of "necessary". For years when my kids were little, I travelled for business. I hated it, but I needed to do it. I worked my flights as tight as possible so I'd be home as much as I could. When I was on a plane I was either leaving my babies & looking forward to a packed & stressful trip or on my way back to them, exhausted after long days & short nights. In either direction, I was sad and wanting just to be home.

As a parent I know how hard it is to control children on a flight. Been there, done that; got the t-shirt. Planes aren't built to make life easy for adult travellers, let alone children. Still, some parents would try very hard to make the flight easy for everyone, their children and their fellow travellers included. Sometimes, I'm sure medication was used. Some parents expected everyone else to accomodate their children because, after all, they were only children & travelling was difficult for them. Seriously? Why should 200 other people need to accomodate one individual? Why are the needs of other passengers less than one or two children's? Why, as parents, shouldn't we instruct our kids that they are expected to be considerate -- and do what is necessary to ensure that they are?

I will forever be greatful to those many, many parents who either had naturally wonderful children, or worked with their kids or medicated them "when necessary" or whatever to make a flight pleasant for everyone. As a lonely, sad and stressed business traveller I appreciated the extra efforts they made (that wonderful mom of an adorable 2 yo flying from Honolulu to New Jersey back in July of, like, '95? You, I LOVE! You worked so hard to make a 9.5 hr flight easy for your little girl AND everyone else!). And those occasional parents who were so disgusted when someone rolled their eyes because your ill-behaved child was in their face -- again? Yeah, well I appreciated you as well. The lessons I learned on how I didn't want to parent were also very valuable.

I don't need to do this (my kids are decent travelers for their ages) but I would not worry about it if you did give your child benedryl. I do give my kids decongestant/antihistimine before flying if I think they are at all congested though (flying with a stuffy head is miserable). I also know from working in the mental health field that many hospital and residential programs have standing orders to allow the nurse to give benedryl to any child who is having trouble sleeping. It is in many over the counter sleep aids and my doctor said it was okay to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Considering all that I am not concerned about the safety of the medication. If you want to give it to your child is a judgement call--it depends on your child, their age and temperment and the situation. I would not give it to a child for the first time on an airplane though-- a small percentage of children get hyper or have allergies. If you have an active or hard to manage child it may make sense to try it.

I think it depends on the kid, their age, the length of the flight and how they generally act on planes. I see nothing wrong with administering the proper dosage if you have a two year old who flips out no matter what and has to be on a 4,6, 8+ hour flight. God knows I've been on flights with those kids and PRAYED their parents would dose them with something! My kids take after their dad and sleep no matter what, so we're lucky, but I always take Tylenol PM when I'm on a transAtlantic flight, because I want to sleep, so I don't see the big deal. People just need to make sure their kid doesn't have the adverse reaction and become hyper. My oldest is one of those. A dose of Benadryl and he's spinning in circles until the wee hours!

As far as not taking kids on flights at all if they aren't going to behave, well, sometimes grandma dies in California (or France or Dubai) when you live in Georgia. The world is not a perfect place.

Not sure if I ever had to do it but unless I had a child who was on medication often (which knock wood I haven't), I don't think it's a big deal. Some kids have allergies and take stuff all the time. If a child is reasonably well behaved, then not necessary. But if a child cries and is disruptive to other passengers, I think the child should be given something. I can't imagine thinking a bit of medicine once is worse than disrupting a lot of people who paid likely a good amount of money to fly somewhere in peace and quiet.

btw- obviously if it makes your child hyper, this question isn't even relevant. For many people (such as myself) it makes them sleepy and there's no hangover effect.

We did a test run at home first. We mainly did this option because my 14 month old at the time was a poor napper and we were traveling all day, 2 planes and 9 hours flight time plus a drive after. I needed her to nap to feel good herself, and it worked great. I didn't consider it unnecessary at all. Now, our son will sleep with a jack hammer working in his room so for our long flights we've never needed it for him. I think each trip and kid has special needs and any trick to make it work is ok.

I have given out Benadryl once. That was when one of my four daughters broke out in hives from an unknown source.

I would NEVER EVER give any medication unless necessary. Helping them calm down/sleep on a plane/car/train/boat when traveling? NOT necessary.

I look down on those that do, actually. That isn't parenting.

My kids are 8, 7, 4 and 3. So i know VERY WELL about trying to handle them, etc. I also don't sit my kid in front of a screen, either. I've taught my kids to be pleased with a book, coloring, doing puzzles, workbooks, etc.

Benadryl will not help them learn on their OWN to be patient, sleep or cope.
Benadryl will not broaden their minds.
Benadryl could be hazardous in a case of an emergency- their coherence would be minimized.
Benadryl will give them the idea that medicating is the answer. They could grow up and learn the routine- "Oh, going on a trip, gotta take some drugs first."

Not for me or my children, thank you very much

EDITED TO ADD: After reading a couple of you having a problem with what I said, I stand by my words. Seriously! Relying on a bad side-effect of a medication that should be taken for allergies to drowsy-up your kid is GOOD? THAT is your solution? Not a proud thing to stand by! And my kids AREN'T perfect, they get wound-up real quick especially when they are cooped-up in a car or anywhere for a long time. That is the beauty of it. I actually deal with them the good old fashioned no-drugs way. YES, the way the requires MORE work on my part, and the way where I can be guaranteed I'm actually HELPING them, not drugging them. THAT is PARENTING. I didn't say one wrong thing.

I don't agree with medicating a child for any reason other than the intented purpose. If they have a fever, treat the fever etc. But to medicate for the convienence of the parents or others on the plane isn't right to me. I think with the right combo of toys, activities,movies etc. a child can get through a long-distance flight just fine. I do however understand why some parents choose this route and I don't judge them for it---it is just NOT the right option for my family.

I can remember sitting at a gate with my son. I started up a conversation with this other mother. She had a little girl. Right before we got up to go on the plane, she pulled out this bag. In it, was a mini pharmacy. It was full of nasal sprays, benedryl, motrin, tylenol, wipes, sudafed..you name it. The girl didn't look sick to me, but the mother gave her some Benedryl, turned to me and said " you gotta do what you gotta do, right? It's a long flight.." I just looked at her, said, oh. Now this girl could very well have had something, but I wasn't sure if it was needed. It sounded like she did it all the time, and it was no big deal.

I don't give my son any medication unless it is absolutely necessary. You don't want a child to grow up being dependent on pills to make them feel better, or calmer, or whatever. It's ridiculous!

Absolutely needless and it can actually have the exact opposite desired effect:

"Diphenhydramine does have a long track record of safety and efficacy as an antihistamine, but some children get wired or hyperactive instead of sleepy when taking such drugs!

Even more important is that, with any medication, there can be dangerous side effects, such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and changes in blood pressure. Because the risks of serious adverse reactions often outweigh the benefits, over-the-counter medicines must be used with caution in babies and young children."

http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-sedate-my-bab...

I've done it with great results to get them to sleep when they are stuffed up and a few other scenarios (yes as a sleep aid, not for its intended purpose) , but the one time I did it for the airplane it backfired, so I won't do it again. There are times when my husband and I find sleep aides incredibly useful and there are times when it can be useful for your children too.

We travel often with our kids and we have never given them Benedryl. I think it is not necessary at all. We have had a few times that were unpleasant but we made the best of it. When both our kids were about 1 to 18months and wanted to practice walking we had to walk up and down the aisle a LOT which was exhausting. Our daughter had a couple times where her ears bothered her, but it was just during landing. Most of the time they are great. Both our kids are very very good little travelers.

needless medicating. i hate giving meds to my son when he's actually sick!

Have you ever given them benadryl before? Some kids respond by getting very hyper, which is the last thing you'd want. So, I'm not opposed to doing it IF it makes your kids sleepy, as you want, but I wouldn't do it for the first time right before the flight.

I see nothing wrong with it. I probably would not give them a full dose but yes if we ever fly somewhere for everyones sanitly my youngest will get it. Children that are hyper naturally can have issues being restrained. And I dont' feel that giving it to him makes me a bad parent. I might even would give it to my oldest son if he wanted it. Me and both my son's have allergys to dust and several other things that would probably be on a plain so it would help in many ways. It's not for everyone and not everyone reacts the same way. If you have not given it to your child before and know how it will effect them a plain ride is not the time to give it to them.

I have been traveling with my daughter since she was 2 (mostly flying) and I have never given her any medication (she is now 5). I would never medicate my child unless it was nessary. Benadryl is for allergies not to make your kids sleep. If the children are that out of control then they shouldn't be on the plane in the first place.

After getting a verbal tongue lashing about using the medication, I did use it on a trip between the US and Japan. It didn't work at all. Apparently not all kids get drowsy.

It makes my son hyper! I much prefer a distracted kid to a groggy, hyper kid!

No I do not think medicating your kid for a flight is a good idea. Bring a present she can open when they are airborne and starting to get antzi. Gives them a bit more time with something interesting. Walk them up and down the aisle a bit.

No. I had to fly internationally with my daughter after her adoption...a 2 yr old who didn't even share a language with me...17 hrs planned BEFORE the 6 hr delay en-route. I'm not sure she slept at all on that trip, but it wasn't awful, just long. There were a few rough moments (or hours), but it was do-able. The main thing is to have toys and lots and lots of snacks. We've always flown several times a year, and sometimes it's good, sometmes it's a bit rough.

I'm glad I didn't try the Bendadryl on a plane because it turns out that it makes my daughter very hyper. It does NOT knock her out...thar would've been a tough reality lesson at 30,000 feet.

ive never been on a plane, but i cant see myself giving medicine for no apparent reason.

It is needless medicating. Try melatonin or a Dramamine patch instead.

Well, i dont know what its like on a plane with young ones, but i know how hard it is on car rides.
Try other things, such as movies, music, books, ect... before medicine. I wouldnt recommend it... its already not the safest stuff to begin with.

I always took it with me...just in case (plus my kids have allergies, so we always have Benadryl on hand anyway). Knowing that it was there *if* I needed it made it much easier to deal with the kids. I think (out of all the 10+hour flights I did with my kids, and there were LOTS), I only used it once or twice and only when absolutely necessary.

I specifically recall a 12 hour overnight flight where my 18month old son was on my lap in the aisle seat and there were two ladies next to us who, no kidding, had a loud 12 hour conversation, they talked the ENTIRE flight. There was NO WAY my kid was going to fall asleep with those chatty women right next to us. It was a nightmare flight, I'm actually stressing out right now just remembering it. The only thing that actually helped him calm down and fall asleep was the Benadryl.

Luckily, for the most part, my kids have been cooperative on airplanes, so that was a rare occasion.

Depends on the kid I think. My older daughter had ear/sinus trouble all the time on planes. We would give her benadryl to help with that. The bonus was it usually helped her sleep. To this day she takes either benadryl or dramamine when she flies (she's almost 24).

I "love" judgmental moms who actually say they look down on others for doing things like this. Thanks for your condescending attitude.

My son always sleeps on the plane on his own. I have heard of giving Benadryl but have also heard it could have the adverse affect. I don't think it's worth it.

Oh goodness! Well, all parenting styles & all children are different. I can only speak from personal experience. My son's pediatrician encouraged dramamine for my, then, 2.5 y/o son on our 3-flight trip across the country. EPIC FAIL! My son's reaction was to act out in a very abnormal and aggressive way. It's was a terrible two tantrum times about ten. I've since discovered that most sedating medicines cause my son aggression. There are other ways to sooth and calm the kiddos- especially with modern technology. There are also many natural methods to encourage sleep and peace on a plane. One includes pre-training the brain thru association. This involves having the child listen to airplane sounds via headphones at bedtime for a week or so prior to flying. Just as with music the brain begins to associate these particular noises with sleep. Because we, too, fly frequently, I've done this very successfully with my son. To any parent traveling with kids- and especially those not traveling with children remember to have compassion. Regardless of opinion- we are all humans trying to get from point A to point B. :)

You've already had MANY responses, but I wanted to say that I've been flying cross country (CA to OH) since my kids were VERY little (6 and 10 weeks, now 5 and 2), and I've never medicated. I've never even considered it, as I believe it's unnecessary and can actually be dangerous to some kids. My kids are extremely sensitive to medication (inherited from their mother), so even a teaspoon on Benadryl would probably knock them out 8 hours straight, and it surely doesn't take that long to fly back east!

Plus, it gives us the added bonus of taking a 6am flight and being on east coast time almost immediately :)

There are natural things that you can give that may work without medicating. Chamomille tea is good to calm and there are other natural things. I would try that and just bring a lot of things to do and spread them out. Don't start the acivities until the plane actually takes off. Bring coloring, puzzles, sticker books, leap frog or portable DVD with head phones (you can control what she watches, could be learning etc.) snacks, light bright, etcha sketch (they have little portable toys at Michaels etc..

I tried this once when my daughter was 6 months old, and it backfired big time. Instead of making her sleepy, it wound her up like crazy. She was happy, but bouncing off the walls. She could've called china for all I know, on those old phones that were in the back of the headrest of the seat in front of you. I couldn't keep her still! She was babbling to everyone, and smiling and just clapping like crazy. Needless to say, I never did that again. :)

I can absolutely see being on the fence about doing this. Sounds good in theory, but when it came down to it, I probably wouldn't. Maybe bring a few boxes of the pill form and instead of giving it to your kids, hand it out to your fellow passengers? lol.