Seeking Advice on Benedryl for Flying

When I took my 2 month old daughter on the airplane, I gave her a dose of tylenol infant and it seemed to relax her and she fell asleep. i have not tried benadryl.

I gave my son a little tylanol, just up to the first mark. it's enough to make them relax and one we got in the air a bottle and he slept almost the entire flight. just remember to have a bottle for takeoff and landing - helps pop their ears. K.

Well.....I have given my child Benadryl....She was wonderful. I asked the pharmacist. But my child was a little bit older. So you might want to ask a pharmacist.

Our daughter was 4 months old when we flew back to North Carolina and we asked the same question of our pediatrician. They do not recommend it as it may have the reverse effect causing anxiety and alertness. I just made sure that I bottle or breastfed her as the airplane was taking off and landing to help with any ear popping or discomfort. I also brought along her boppy pillow so that she could comfortably fall asleep, in my lap, on something that was familiar to her. She ended up sleeping for about 2 hours on the way there, and approx. 2 � hours on the flight home. I think the white noise of the airplane was very soothing. During her awake time, we took a portable DVD player on board and played some of her favorite videos and even went as far as singing along to them for her. We were very nervous as well and were willing to do anything to keep her entertained. We also had a 3 hour car ride to and from the airport in NC so it made for a very interesting trip, but she was a trooper and did great! Good Luck!!!!

S., before I go further, you should know that I have given my son generic Benadryl (available for children at Walgreen's) as approved by his pediatrician and my pharmacist, but that was because he was very sick and so miserable that he couldn't sleep. I have, however, often made a "mama decision" when it comes to medicine and my child, even if others didn't think it was a good idea. So here's my advice:

1. I wouldn't give a 5 month-old anything if it's not okay with his/her pediatrician. There's too much of a chance that something could go wrong. When he's older and heavier, it's a different story...but even then, always do a "practice run" with any medication to see how your child will react before you give it to him and go out in public.
2. I'm sure you would never do anything to hurt your child, and I'm sure you will do all kinds of research by asking around and reading up on the subject before you make a decision. Whatever you decide to do with your child, somebody somewhere is not going to like it and will probably say so, or they'll advise against it, etc. That's certainly their perogative, but you don't have to care. You're the mama. You know what's best for your child. So your decisions are most likely right for you and your child.
3. At five months, the worst your child could do is cry loudly and for a lengthy amount of time. I'm willing to bet that most people who will be sitting around you have had or have experienced an infant before, so they will be understanding. Plus people LOVE babies, so they'll probably be engrossed with how cute he is and such. And if they're not understanding or in love with him when they see him, they're obviously grumpy and that explains their mean looks/comments (your baby could be an angel and they'd probably still be grumpy!). You could always jokingly apologize to everyone around you before the plane takes off. My husband and I do this, and it seems to lighten the mood...then people are more understanding as my toddler kicks and screams...
4. As many before me have said, make sure your baby has something to suck on at takeoff and before/during landing. Also, make sure your baby isn't congested when you get on the plane, as this will cause discomfort and crankiness for your whole flight.
5. Enjoy this time. Your baby is most portable right now! When he gets older, it will be nearly impossible for him to sit still so long, and he'll kick the seat in front of him and want to run up and down the aisles. Plus you'll have to bring a carry-on bag full of activities for him. Be grateful that he'll snuggle with you on your flight!

Hope this helps.

I recently flew with my 6 week old on a 3 hour flight. I didn't use benedryl, but if you are still breastfeeding, what I did was have a glass of wine, then pumped a bottle for the plane. He drank that during the take off to help with the pressure change, then slept the entire flight thanks to the wine. (This was also okayed by my pediatrician). Good luck!

S.,

We have flown all over the US, Hawaii and to Germany and Sweden with our son since he was 5 months old. He is now 17 months. I would not recommend give your 5 month old benedryl. We gave our 6 month old benedryl when he was sick once and it made him so wired, totally the opposite of what I thought would happen. So I knew giving him that on a plane would be a disaster.

Will your baby have his own seat? If so, bringing his car seat along to set in really helps them sleep. It has his own smell on it. Ask the gate agent if the plane is full. Sometimes the gate agent will tell you if the flight is full and then you can bring on his car seat and he can have his own seat. My husband works for the airlines and we know many of the tips for traveling w/ kids. Just ask, they can only tell you no!

Also, make sure you have enough milk (or nurse)-(or whatever likes to drink) for take-off's, landings and any delays that you may encounter. Take a change of clothes for him and an extra shirt for you in case he gets milk or burbs up on you. Usually, the landing is the hardest on thier ears, not so much the take-off.

Good luck. Relax and have fun on your trip, everything will work out fine!

Hello S., You should call your peditrician for advice regarding the benedryl. In my exprience, I traveled with my 9mth old, I was very surprised about how good he was with the flying thing. He slept round trip. I also flew from to the east coast from AZ. The noise you have on the plane from the engines and the motion on the plane, I fould that my son found that soothing. Your child might also. Still ask your ped's doc for a back up in case he/she doesn't take to flying.

I would check with your pediatrician before you give him anything. Mine told me to make sure they had something to suck during takeoff and landing.

OK, I have never given my kids benedryl while flying and am surprised it's such a casual remedy! Our longest flight was five hours or so, but my youngest was almost 18 months. As young babies, our longest flights were only 2-3 hours. I found the best thing to keeping baby relaxed was relaxed parents. And I find that to be true when seeing others fly. And the best way to keep my baby calm was to nurse her while flying. This is esp. important during take off and landing for the previously mentioned ear popping. If not nursing, a bottle. Also, find other young families. You all will be sympathetic with each other.

Often, my babies slept a lot b/c of the constant white noise and general tiredness from the rush-rush-rush of travelling. They're worn out, too! So relax and baby may, too!

Hi S.,

Your flying anxiety is very normal, but flying will not be as
bad as the anticipation. Most babies do beautifully flying,
in fact, it is when chldren become older that they can be more
of a challenge on a plane. Although this is a new experience
for your family, your son and you will do great. Medication is
not recommended for infants your son's age, even over the counter medicines, unless their is an illness and the medicine
is advised by a physician. Your usual soothing techniques will
be effective on the plane. The main thing is that you and your
husband want to be calm and view this as a new family adventure. You will have many new adventures in the future with you son. As you travel, you will be surprised as this
time you will see the trip through your son's eyes--a whole
new world! Take care and enjoy your trip! C.

Yes I did use children's benedryl for my 7month old twins who were 2 months premature to fly from NY to Colorado last year. I used 1.25 ml on each of them on the plane before take off and they both slept great. The benedryl is also great because if there is any mucous in their sinuses at landing the pressure change in their ears can cause a significant amount of pain during descent. Be aware that benedryl can have the opposite affect on them and keep them awake and you may want to try it the day before and determine if it keeps your baby awake or makes him sleep.

Checklist:

- carseat with FAA tag on it most new models have this.
-Baby's birth certificate, some airlines and airports don't care and others do.
-4 full 8 oz. bottles
- plenty of diapers and wipes
- a favorite snuggly and blanket
- soft music if you have it to bring
- change of clothes
- burp cloths
-xtra shirt for you
-benedryl, tylenol, pediacare- if you decide not to go with the benedryl pediacare works as a decongestant and with drooling teething babies (mine started at 4months) this will help releive sinus pressure on descent
-ziploc bag for dirty diapers
-3 binkys, in case they get dropped

Best of Luck
K.

Sorry, trigger finger.

Toys:
1.) Play Dough (with the accessories kit, e.g. the garlic press)
2.) Magna Doodle
3.) color wonder markers and coloring book

Also, now that my daughter can walk, I make her walk from the security check point to the gate. This makes her really tired and gets her to sleep on the plane easier.

Good luck. At five months, it was actually quite easy to travel with my daughter than it was when she became a toddler. Take advantage of it while you can and the more you do it, the easier they are to travel with later.

L.

P.S.: Dosage chart: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T088800.asp

I was extremely nervous on my daughters first flight as well. She was 4 months old at the time & inconsolable at times so the thought of being on a plane for 5 hrs freaked me out. I inquired about benedryl as well (a friend of mine had suggested it) but my pediatrician along with family memebers in the medical field were completely against that idea and strongly discouraged it.

The first flight and many others turned out just fine without the aid of trying to put her to sleep with medicine. If you breastfeed/bottle feed him during take-off & landing, it will avoid the pressure building up. You could also sit close to the wings for the loudest white noise. Since he enjoys the swing, the constant motion of the plane should be calming to him.

I totally understand your hesitation.....but in the end, the worse thing that could happen is he cries a lot. Although stressful for you both, it won't be the first time a baby cried during a long flight. Good luck & hope it goes well!!

Be careful with the Benedryl! It has the opposite effect on some children. It has made some children (my daughter included) more active. Try it before you leave on your trip so that you'll know how he responds to it. And if for some reason he is allergic to the medication (not likely but it could happen) you'll know before you are stuck on a plane with a sick baby. That's what I would do! :)

Hi!
With the new TSA rules be sure that whatever you take is allowed. I know you can take infants Tylenol onboard but it is just a small bottle. Make sure that you read the new rules with regards to flying and what you can and can not bring on the plane. We all laugh but they wont even allow diaper cream on at this point! www.tsa.gov is the ONLY site that will be 100% on what you can and can�t bring. Also what my DH and I found is best is to print out the pages incase you take something you know is allowed and some weenie tries to make you throw it away!
With all that out of the way I can tell you that are going to be more nervous then the baby flying! We started traveling with our son when he was 8 weeks old he is now 14months old and has platinum status on two major airlines. Our first flight I flew to Philadelphia alone with him and I was a wreck to put it nicely! I had everything in line from toys to Tylenol. I worried for weeks that he would cry and fuss the whole trip and when it came time for our flight to leave I gave him a bottle at takeoff and about 25 minutes into our flight he was sound asleep! Make sure you don�t give him the bottle until the plane is moving down the runway, I tried to wait until I could feel that we are off the ground. Sometimes planes taxi for a long time and then sit and before you know it he is done and you haven�t taken off yet! The best tip for you, if you can afford it buy him his own seat! Put his carrier by the window and let him relax in his own little world. Usually airlines will sell you a seat at deep discounts for infants. I think the most we have paid for a domestic flight was 90.00, to me this is worth it! Also take a blankie and make sure the airline attendants give you a bottle of water BEFORE you take off. With turbulence as bad as it has been the past few weeks we have noticed that the beverage carts has been missing! You are allowed to take formula and breast milk on board but no juice, they do have juice available but it is full of sugar! Speaking of turbulence, babies love it! So don�t freak out if it gets a little bumpy they can sense that. Our son usually giggles the more bumpier the ride! We have only used the Tylenol once and that was more because he was teething and was a mess, I cut the does down to half and he was fine. Try and change him right as boarding begins, its not fun to change him in the tiny bathrooms. Take ziplock bags to put the dirty diaper in so you don�t stink up the plane. We also use a pacifier, which he sucks on most of the time so we have not had to use the bottle since he was about 6 months old.
One last thing, Trust your flight attendants and your flying neighbors, if they fuss over your baby and ask if they can help don�t be scared, accept their kindness, Our son has earned wings from several airlines when the attendant has asked to hold him and walk with him. Remember you are on a plane so its not like they are going anywhere! We have also gotten compliments that he behaves better then some adults on the plane. Ignore those stares as people board and look at you like �oh god a baby�. If people can talk on the plane then a baby has a right to cry!
I think I have rambled enough! Please let us know how your flight went! And great success! If you need anymore help please feel free to contact me!

Benadryl has been a lifesaver for us at times when flying, but honestly we never needed to use it until our daughter became mobile. Before that, she was content on our laps just hanging out, plus often the vibrations from the plane taking off puts them to sleep. You hear a lot about their eardrums hurting, but that's never been a problem for either of our kids, though I always try to give them something to suck on when taking off. My advice for you would be to take along the Benadryl, but don't give it unless you need it because #1 he might be fine without it and #2 it might not effect him the way you want (it makes some kids sick and some kids wired - not what you're looking for!) Seriously though, it is a great tool and you should ask your pediatrician what dose you should use (our pediatrician was fine with us using benadryl for flying and you'll want to be sure to use the dose appropriate for his weight) and then you'll have it along with you just in case. For both of my kids (one is 2 1/2 and the other 10-months), they have been fine flying as long as I have plenty of food, bottle, binkies and toys. Don't worry - I bet the flight will be WAY easier than you expect.

IMO 5 months is a little young for the Benedryl deal. If he nurses plan to do that a lot. His ears will be a mess and sucking is the only thing that will clear them. Bottles work, but nursing is better. You'll also be surprised that just the motion, noise and close quarters in the plane will be soothing on their own. I would actually worry more about providing stimulation when you want him awake than helping him sleep. Pick up a couple new, small toys that he hasn't seen before to spring at the right moment in the bottom of your purse. We did a couple of flights around that age and both went pretty well. I've actually never given my daughter (now 4) anything for flying and she's a real handful most of the time.

M.

We tried not to at first, and followed all the other suggestions already made, but it made for a miserable first half of the flight. So we used the recommended dose of infant tylenol, and she calmed down and did wonderful the second half of the flight. That was when our daughter took her first flight, at 8 1/2 months old. And I used the infant Tylenol on the return flight, worked beautifully.
She has flown many times since then, and each time we use either Tylenol or Benadryl. You can really tell when we don't! I asked my pediatrician before I ever flew with my daughter, and again each time before we fly, just to make sure I have the right dose and strength of medicine.
She could eat or drink to her heart's content when she's taking off and it really doesn't help or make a difference with her.

Hi, I work in a pharmacy and benedryl can have an adverse effect on children. I have flown with all three of my girls when they were babys and they were all really good just make sure they have something to suck on and some toys and you should be good to go.

K.

Hi S.,
You are not alone in being concerned with traveling with a young child/infant. If your baby has a generally good disposition, trust he'll keep it during the trip.
Our biggest concern when flying with the babies was their ears popping. Check with your pediatrician, but a small dosage of a decongestant (not a decongestant with an antihistamine) can help with their ears.
Like the other replies said, make sure to bring items that keep your baby occupied and comfortable...a couple suggestions there though. Bring something small enough to keep track of and easy enough to retrieve when it's been dropped/tossed. I'd take a couple of favorites for comfort and a couple of new so he stays more occupied discovering his new toy.
Most of all, for you, make sure you're well rested ~ don't spend the last moments packing or gathering things together so that you're already frazzeled before you even get to the airport. The more calm you and your husband feel, the more calm your baby boy will feel as well. :o)
Good luck on your trip!

I wouldn't give the baby Benadryl! I've flown many, many times with 3 small children for flights over 3 hours and I just kept them busy. I brought lots of bottles, suckers, stuff to play with. Plus they were so intrigued with what was going on around them that the flight went by pretty quickly. My doctor didn't want me to use Benadryl on my kids until they were over 2 years old anyways.

Also, if you keep the baby up late the night before and wake him up early, he should be really tired by the time you get on the plane. Good luck!

First and foremost you should check with the baby's doctor before you give over the counter medicine to a 5 month old baby.

You can buy Dramamine for infants/children at Wal-Greens. Ask your doctor about that if he/she is not ok with Benedry.

I have been flying with my two boys since they were about 5 months old and have to say that they have held up amazingly well without any medication (should be really only used when sick). Here are a couple of things that I did to ease the flight:

1. Schedule the flight so that it co-insides with his usual nap or sleep time

The excitement of the travel preparations and airport will knock him out once you settle in your seat and he gets comfy.

2. Schedule connecting flights with plenty of time in between

Rushing with a baby is not fun, to say it mildly. Your stress level will go through the roof. And once he gets mobile you will appreciate the fact that he can crawl or walk for a while before it goes on the next flight.

3. Stay relaxed yourself and take it easy

At that age your nervous energy will transfer to your baby in a flash and make him nervous and insecure -> crying.

Actually, that's true even for older kids. They pick up stress signals very well and can become a handful.

With the right expectations (he will cry some, will be a bit fussy (you are changing his routine and he doesn't know what's going on), he will want to be carried or drink/eat something at an awkward moment (just when it's your turn to go throught the security screening), etc.) you will be able to take this trip in stride and stay balanced and reassuring to your baby. "Hey, if mommy is fine with this new thing we're doing, then I am fine..."

Have your husband scramble with the stuff so that you can stay centered and relaxed.

4. Use a baby carrier until you get onboard

This allows you to have your hands free to deal with your luggage/carry-ons and ticket/id, etc. and the baby will feel much more secure close to mommy's body. He might even take a cat nap. He might even want to stay strapped on during the flight... I've used a BabyBjorn and it saved me many times.

5. Have a new toy, his favorite snack and a drink ready

At that age the great thing is that it is very easy to divert his attention to something else that will distract him from crying. It's easier to squash the crying right when it starts then after he has been at it for a while. But don't overmother him because that will unsettle him as well because something must be up if mommy is all over me... you want to maintain your normal behavior around him as much as possible to "cover up" the big adventure you two are on. :)

6. Yep, that ear thing during take-off and landing

Have a drink, snack, toy ready so that he will suck and swallow during take-off and landing to pop his ears. In my case, my two boys just slept right through it and never needed something... and there I was all ready to swing into action with my bottle, burb cloth, etc. ...

7. Don't take snide remarks personally

There will always be those few people that have to make a snide remark when your baby is not absolutely quiet for the whole nine yards. Don't take them personally! You know that you are trying your best to make it as pleasant as possible for everybody. As long as people see that you are trying to calm your baby their sympathies will be on your side and that odd ball will learn that a baby is not a piece of luggage that you store away...

I hope you will find some tips here helpful and wish you a great Labor Day holiday. Stay relaxed and enjoy!

First, at the risk of being redundant, my kids (both of them) bounce off the walls like superballs if they have had Benedryl. Definitely not a play to try on game day. Try it out at home first. Second, when I have flown solo with my kids, I brought a small pack of cookies...not for my kids but for the poor soul who got the luck of the seat next to me. It was an ice breaker. While not huge on kids, he was nice about it. If your son cries on the trip, oh well! Give him a bottle or nurse him on take off and landing and with any luck, he'll sleep much of it. Just watch those pressure changes. Good luck and have a great trip!

Not sure about the Benedryl thing, but I have heard and done this that you should have the baby sucking on something for take offs and landings so that their ears will pop ( I always chew gum to help me out or my ears start hurting) or if you use a pacifier give that to him. The flight may actually make him tired and sleep on his own, I know my kids did and do so even in the car on long trips. I hope that you have a safe and fun trip! Hope that this helps you out a little bit. Take care
D.

You really should talk to your pediatrician. Baby's really should not be given anything before 6 months of age. Especially not adult benadryl.

Don't medicate him w/ anything other than Tylenol... Benedryl will dry him out and flying is already very drying. Jack has been on 7 flights... Here's my advice:

Nurse or bottle feed during landing and take off.

Bring along a pacifier (even if you don't use one - we didn't but it was a good back up) and a bottle of water in case he's not hungry. I'd dribble a little water in Jack's mouth to get him to swallow even if he wasn't hungry so his ears would pop.

Bring a couple of toys.

Bring a blanket to cover him if he sleeps or if he needs less distraction. I used our Bebe au Lait nursing cover.

Bring a sling or some kind of carrier in case you need to pace the corridor once the seat belt signs are removed

Know that he probably will cry a bit. Jack was great on most flights but only had one completely cry free flight.

The noise from the plane is soothing, so your little should sleep. Try not to worry too much. Even if he cries a lot - most people are understanding and the flight attendants will help you out. You can stand at the back and hold him if he needs to be up and moving around. I'd also recommend getting an aisle seat. Some people recommend requesting a window for one seat and an aisle for the other in case the flight is empty, the middle may not fill if it's empty and you have a whole row... Or someone will switch for an aisle or a window if it does fill.

Relax mom! All will be well!

P.
Mom to Jack, 9 months
Fort Collins, CO

S.:
being a step mom, I understand more than anything wanting a child to be comfortable, so that i can be at times...honestly love, giving your baby anything so that it will be able to rest is honestly a tad selfish.....there is no doctor that should be allowed to practice medicine that will allow a mother to give a baby medicine to be calm. It's all in parenting and i don't have kids of my own, i know that it's hard wanting to be peacful, wanting relaxation. Your baby will be grown up sooner than you think. When it comes to a day that they try drugs and tell you " it's because I wanted to try it" you'd have no excuse to be upset and tell them your opinion.

I know it may come across like I'm being rude and un-supportive, but babies can become addicted just like us parents. and no matter what age, they know what's going on. lets say you tried the Benedryl now, next time you take a flight, it'll be worse off if you don't have it then. Your little one will only sleep under certain conditions? I believe it's mostly because of the tiny personality inside. He will only nap with the use of the swing because that's what was taught first off from birth. a plane and a swing aren't that different. and if you are worried about the other passengers being upset due to crying, just think how many passenger not only have been in your shoes, but how many passengers are going to be touched to hear that sound of crys.
like I said, I'm not trying to be rude at all, I just know how easy it is for us, including pediatricians to grab the closest bottle of drugs and say " here ya go". this world today lives off of pain pills and mind altering drugs to live outside of reality. I just hate the fact that we all as society complain about health insurance costs, and the statistical rate of psycho-analysis and still complain on the lack of reasoning. we create what we have as humans, one at a time.
you should at least research the medicine in full and maybe talk to a few different doctors with different opinions and why. it's not healthy if it can be taken and alter a physical condition like that.

Hi S.,
I'm a flight attendant and have been traveling with my son since he was 6 weeks old and he's been all over the world already at age 3. Take off and landings are the hardest on the babys ears, so be prepared to nurse och give him the bottle at that time so he can clear his ears, or he will scream. I always did that and no problem. That might also make him fall asleep. Make sure he's not hungry of too tired when you get on the plan, since that might make it worse. My son always falls asleep now as soon as the engine starts. I never had to give my son benedryl for flying since he alwyas sleep anyway, but I know many people has. Most babies that I see do fine on the plane, as long as you're calm and not stressed about it. Just make sure he can clear his ears all the time, and be proactive and do it before it happens. Also the ear plugs easier when your laying down. Good luck and hope this helps.

Hi S., I know you've gotten a ton of requests, but I just want to say that you know your son better than anyone. My pediatrician recommended that I use Benadryl if needed, so we took it with us and we play it by ear. If it was near naptime, we wouldn't use it. When my son was between 1 and
2 1/2 we tended to use it a bit more, but we didn't really need it for him before then. We have already flown with my new infant and will have another flight next month when she will be 6 months. I doubt we will use it, but we will have it just in case. My only point in this is to just trust yourself . If your trip is like ours, the plane ride will be the relaxing part, it's getting through security that is a headache! Good luck and have fun!

I flew with both kids to Europe a few times. I asked our pediatrician before we flew, and he said to give 1/2 teaspoon of benadryl for kids under 1 year. We tried it and it worked but you do need to try it out before you fly because Benadryl does make some kids wired. Check with your pediatrician to make sure - mine gave me tiny sample bottles of Benadryl (1 oz or less) so I had no problems taking those in my carry on. And if nothing works and your kid screams - oh, well. That's what kids do so do not worry about angry stares and sighs from other passangers. If they want comfort they can fly first class:):):) Keeping my fingers crossed!

S.,
My husband and I were in a similar situation. Best advice to you would be to try the benadryl a few days BEFORE the flight. Benadryl can make some kids hyper (yikes on a plane). Fortunately for us, it worked as hoped for our flights. If benadryl doesn't work, try triaminic purple (nighttime formula). Good luck!!!

We have flown with each of our kids as infants. It's really not that big of a deal. All my kids napped in swings also. My biggest concern was crying because of ear pressure. That was solved easily by feeding them, I breastfed them, but we brought a bottle in case we didn't have privacy. If they didn't sleep they were entertained by the people around them. What ended up being our biggest issue was poopy diapers. Airplanes aren't the best place to change a diaper!!

Just for future knowledge, the back of benedryl, children�s and adult�s, it says that it can cause excitability. That's very true. With my kids it's hit or miss on that. Some times it knocks them out, some times it energizes them. You don't want a very energetic child on a plane, no where to run it off.

One last thing, bring your car seat to the plane, even if you didn't buy a seat for the baby. Every airline we have flown on has given us a row, if they had the extra space. If there was the room I'd lay my baby down. If there isn't room they will store the car seat for you and give it back when you leave.

I wouldn't medicate him at that age. I would check with you peditrician and see if there are other options as well. The pacifier worked as does the bottle, at least for my son at that age. We took him to Mexico and flying didn't become a challenge until closer to 2 when they can reach the seat!!! lol...

I'm sure he will do great! Dramimene seems to work wonders on my husband when he flys also..as long as one is awake to tend to the baby...lol.

Have fun! ~ A.

Hello, I would use "gripe water" before using benadryl. You can get it at any health food store. Its all natural and helps with teething,and colic. I also used ear plugs for my then 4 month old. This helped him too.

Good luck
Cece

Don't worry!!! My daughter flies since she was 4-5 months it was so easy to fly with her when she was a baby. Don't give to your baby any medicine if you don't ask your pediatrician. She only recommended us bottles of water or milk during taking off and landing. It works great!!! Even when she was 1 1/2 years old we flew to Europe and I asked the pediatrician about dramamine or another medicine, she told me that she didn't need it. she didn't sleep at all because at that age she wanted to explore the airplane but the dvd player was a great option with her classical music dvd s. Take a lot of clean nipples and bottles with you and the flight attendants will help you a lot.... Don't worry everything will be fine...good luck. Sylvia

I was going to try that when flying with our son when he was an infant and I brought it just in case. We actually didn't need it. He did just fine and slept as usual. We just altered the days schedule so that he'd be ready to nap/eat. We also packed lots of toys/books. I would recommend he eat or use a binky durin take-off and landing though. Good Luck.

I would not recommend taking any meds during an airplane ride, regardless of how long the flight is. Just give your child as much comfort and love during the flight...read to him, play with him, give him tons of attention and you'd be surprised at
how well a baby handles a flight. Don't worry about the other passengers either. Your job is to make sure your baby is comfortable...if they can't deal with the occasional cry, then they obviously do not have any experience with children. They can just buy the headphones and watch an in-flight movie! Relax! I know it is a lot easier said than done...but I was a bundle of nerves when we took our first born on a flight too! She slept at the end of the flight and during landing. I know you have already purchased tickets (I assume) but if you can book your flight during "nap time" that helps too! Good luck and have a safe flight!

My 3 yr old had been on about 12 flights his first 2 years of life (he had grandparents far away) Everytime, I was so nervous he would cry and bother the other passengers, but everytime he was great and not a single fuss out of him.
I gave him a little tylenol before the flight (can't remember the recommended dose for a 5 mo old.) And a bottle at take off to help with the ear popping-he also sucked on his pacifier and most of the time would fall a sleep from the noise and motion of the plane. I would also bring a new little toy, to keep him busy.
Only tried benedryl once-it had the opposite effect on my son-made him restless.
Hope your flight goes well!

I wouldnt necessarily use medicine to put him to sleep. I will suggest making sure he has a bottle to unplug his ears from the altitude change. If he only sleeps with the use of his swing you should keep him in his carrier and once the plane has taken off, rock him in his carrier. Just a suggestion. I hope it helps.

S.-

I just flew from PHX to New Hampshire with my 15 mo old son (this is his 3rd flight) yesterday. The first flight was 4 1/2 hrs and the second one was just over an hour. On the way there, we gave him Benadryl (the first 2 flights he got nothing and never slept a wink on any leg-one trip to Porland, OR and one to Milwaukee, WI) so we thought we'd try it this time. I asked the pharmacist and she said there was only Children's Benadryl, not infant. I bought the children's formula and she told me you cannot use it on anyone under 1 yr of age, although I know mothers who do. he is 15 mo, so we gave him some and it made him totally wired...this flight was by far the worst of the 3 trips. I don't recommend it, he was so overtired and crazy he bit us and broke the skin on my husband's arm, and he never bites. I would definately avoid it. We gave him nothing on the way back, and again he didn't sleep but wasn't crazy like on the way there. One tip if you do use it: give it to him at the ticket counter and then check it in your luggage because they will take it away at the security check point. I checked the TSA website and it said over the counter meds were ok if less than 4 oz, which is the size of the bottle so thought we were ok, but they took it anyway. They also took a teether (he has 4 teeth coming in right now) because it was "liquid filled" even though it also said on the TSA website that teethers were ok. They let the milk go through, but not his sippy with water in it. I had to dump the sippy and take it empty, then ask the flight attendant for water as soon as we got on the plane so he'd have it to drink for takeoff. They also took our gel pack that we had to keep the bottles cold, and on the way back we tried a bag of ice which they also took. As soon as they see a diaper bag, expect to be searched.

Good luck!

Hi. Here's what we did with our daughter. She was a little older, but just keep this in mind.

First, have a bottle or (if your son uses one) a pacifier. The sucking will help his ears pop. That should help with the discomfort thing.

Our daughter slept most of the flight. Somehow the hum of the plane lulled her to sleep. Works for some, but not all. Take some toys for him to play with. That's about all I've got.

I was terribly worried about going with my daughter. But, things were better than I thought they would be - much to my relief!! I took her juice, some snacks and toys - she never used any of it. Ok, well she had some juice until her ears popped! Then she slept!!

Good luck!

I have not used benedryl with my daughter, but she was a very collicky baby and I was very worried about flying with her as well. The first time she flew she was 3 months and to my happy surprise, she SLEPT the ENTIRE trip. The movement and noise of the plane put her right to sleep. We flew again when she was about 5 months and the same thing happened. You could bring Benedryl and use it only if needed, But I'd be willing to bet that you won't need it. also, I know this is unsolicited, but i would advise breaking the habit of sleeping in the swing before he's too big for it!!

Hi S...I know you have had a TON of responses, but I am actually moving out to Arizona on Friday from Chicago so it is almost 4 hour flight..I have a 4 year old and my daughter is 16months old and i gave her benadryl at 10am this morning (our flight leaves at 10:30am on Friday so I wanted to see how it would make her react) and by 10:30am she was terrible..She wanted to sleep, but couldnt go to sleep so she would walk around crying and crying and wanting to be help, but then would want down..She finally cried herself to sleep just a half an hour ago..So from this response I am not giving her benedrayl on Friday..The same reaction happened with my son when he was 19months old flying to florida so I guess benadryl does not mix well with my children..We will see how the flight goes:) Good luck with yours..Also I hve flown wtih both of my children now MANY times and they have never had a problem with there ears and both have been on planes since about 9 weeks old..
Good luck,
M.

I've flown with both of my kids (3 yrs & 4 months) multiple times, and they have always done pretty well without the use of anything. Plus, I could be wrong, but it was my understanding that babies under 6 or 7 months couldn't take anything other than regluar infant's tylenol... (??)
When my son was about 6 months old we flew across the country and he actually slept most of the way. I think the combination of the noise from the plane along with the over stimulation of the airport pretty much knock them out.

My suggestion is keep your son close to you (in a sling or pouch) and keep moving (walking, standing, etc) before you board the plane to tire him out. Then (in my experience at least) they are ready to doze pretty close to take off. Of course take some favorite toys, etc just in case. Plus, avoiding benedryl will help keep your son closer to his regular routine/schedule once the flight is over. This has always worked well for us.

Hi, I never have used Benadryl, however baby tylenol soothes my grandson when he flies...and he is 8 months.
As for you, if you get the jitters when flying, I found that a pre-flight prayer works for me. Simply ask God to grant you and your family traveling mercies, a hedge of protection...and for Him to give His angels charge over you...He is faithful to grant you peace...

hi! my name is B. i have a 13 month old daughter Katie. when she was 4 mo we flew from phoenix to philadelphia. we did have a lay over. we did not use any medicine. MEDICINE IS FOR SICK BABIES!!! she did great and slept through most of it. our doctor told us it was a great time to travel with her before 6 mo. he said nothing about medicating her. when use take off and land feed him. the sucking will help his ears. she sleeps more and is less wiggley! i hope this helps. remember you are his number source of comfort!!!!!

I flew with my baby a few months ago --when she was 6 months old. I went to the pharmacy and asked based on her weight what to use! They told me how much to use and we went from there! It worked like a charm!! I gave her the benedryl about 10minutes before boarding, and she was an angel. She slept the entire flight, and she wasn't affected negatively later. She stil slept through the night, and went along just as normal as can be. I would suggest to keep your child awake so they are ready for a nap anyway just so that way he isn't just getting up from a nap and then going to sleep again!

Let me know if you have any questions.....but I would just go to the drug store and ask the pharmacist how much to give him --it's based on weight...

good luck