Is it safe to sedate my baby when flying?

Taking an infant or a young child on a long plane journey can sometimes be the stuff of nightmares.

Worried that their little one will cry or be unsettled the whole way, some parents often toy with the idea of using medication to sedate their little one.

But, while it may seem like the easy option to ensure a calm child, it is important that you don’t just choose an over-the-counter product. If you are planning on taking a flight in the near future, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options and they will be able to prescribe any medication based on what is suitable for them.

Medications can have side effects that you may not be aware of. Instead of making children drowsy, some may actually cause them to become hyperactive.  Benadryl contains an antihistamine diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness in addition to treating allergies but can also make kids wired.

Even more important, some over-the-counter medications can have dangerous side effects such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures and changes in blood pressure. Often the benefits outweigh the risks, but all medicines given to children must be used with caution.

Tips, like travelling at night, getting your child their own seat and bringing goodie bags full of toys, snacks and books, can help keep them calm during the flight. Try setting up as much of a routine on the flight as you can, especially if it is long haul.

If you are flying with someone take it in turn to walk up and down the plane to amuse your little one. Unfortunately, for some mums these options are tried and tested and failed.

If you do choose to sedate your child during the flight, it is important that you discuss all options with your doctor. Remember to always do a test run before you travel so that you can monitor the effect it has on your little one; that way you can deal with any unexpected side effects while you are in the safety on solid ground.