Colin Snow
Giving babies medication to help them sleep on long flights is a highly debated topic. While some parents swear by antihistamines like Benadryl, others are strongly against the idea. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and several doctors advise against it, citing potential side effects and the risk of adverse reactions. However, some doctors suggest that in certain cases, a prescribed sedative may be reasonable for long-haul flights, especially if the child is agitated or unable to sleep. It is essential to consult a doctor about the correct dosage and potential risks before administering any medication to a newborn.
Can I give newborn sleeping medication for flying?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it safe to sedate a baby for travel? | It is not recommended to give medication to a baby to help them sleep during a flight. However, some parents do so, and it is a polarising topic. |
| What do experts say? | Experts advise against giving medication to babies to help them sleep during a flight. They recommend non-medical alternatives such as scheduling flights during sleep times, bringing new toys and favourite snacks, and exposing the baby to sunlight at the destination during the day to regulate sleep. |
| What medications are used? | Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl and Phenergan are commonly used to help babies sleep during flights. |
| What are the risks? | There is a risk of dangerous side effects, such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and changes in blood pressure. Some children may become hyperactive or irritable instead of sleepy. |
| What if the baby has motion sickness? | Parents can call their paediatrician for guidelines and medication recommendations before travelling. |
| What are alternatives to medication? | Scheduling flights during sleep times, getting a separate ticket for the baby so they can sleep in their car seat, bringing new toys and favourite snacks, and exposing the baby to sunlight at the destination to regulate sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Allergy medication as a sedative
The use of medication to help babies sleep during long flights is a highly debated topic among parents. While some parents swear by the use of allergy medication as a sedative for their children during travel, others are strongly against it.
Allergy medications, also known as antihistamines, are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. Certain antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl), can cause drowsiness in addition to their intended effects. While diphenhydramine has a long track record of safety and efficacy as an antihistamine, it is not recommended for children under two, and some children may experience hyperactivity instead of sleepiness.
It is crucial to note that any medication can have dangerous side effects, including a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and changes in blood pressure. The risks of serious adverse reactions often outweigh the benefits, so caution is advised when considering the use of over-the-counter medications in babies and young children.
If you are considering using allergy medication as a sedative for your newborn during a flight, it is essential to consult your child's doctor first. Discuss your child's health history, any medications they are currently taking, and the correct dosage based on their weight. It is also recommended to do a test run of the medication before the flight to monitor for any side effects.
While the use of allergy medication as a sedative for newborns during flights is a personal decision, it should be approached with caution and only after consulting a healthcare professional.
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The ethics of sedating children
Sedating children for air travel is a highly polarising topic among parents and professionals alike. While some parents swear by antihistamines for inducing sleep in children, others are vehemently opposed to the idea. The debate surrounding the ethics of sedating children for air travel centres around the potential health risks, the morality of drugging children for the benefit of others, and the question of whether it constitutes a dangerous abuse of parental power.
Health Risks
The use of medication to sedate children for air travel comes with inherent health risks. The biggest concern is unusually slow or shallow breathing, which can be fatal. Other potential side effects include dizziness, slurred speech, dry mouth, blurred vision, and paradoxical stimulation, which can result in tremors and hallucinations. The risk of these side effects is particularly high in children under two. Additionally, there is a chance of building up a resistance to these drugs, leading to more frequent use in later life.
Morality
The morality of sedating children for air travel is a complex issue. Some argue that it is immoral to drug children for the benefit of others, as it prioritises the comfort of fellow passengers over the well-being of the child. This perspective suggests that inducing sleep through more natural means, such as scheduling flights during sleep times, providing a comfortable sleeping environment, and bringing familiar items from home, is preferable to using medication.
Parental Power
The use of medication to sedate children for air travel has also been criticised as a dangerous abuse of parental power. This perspective argues that parents have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their children, and that sedating them for convenience or to avoid embarrassment may not always be in their best interest.
Precautions
While the ethics of sedating children for air travel are highly debated, there are some precautions that parents can take if they choose to use medication. It is recommended to consult a doctor to discuss the child's health history and any potential drug interactions. Testing the medication at home before travelling can help parents observe their child's reaction and identify any side effects. Scheduling flights during sleep times, bringing items from home, and providing a comfortable sleeping environment can also help induce sleep without the use of medication.
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Preparing for a flight with a newborn
Flying with a newborn can be a stressful experience, but there are several things you can do to prepare for a smooth journey. Firstly, it is important to note that while there is no official age restriction on newborn flying, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages newborns from flying unnecessarily, as it can increase their risk of catching an infectious disease. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until their immune system is more developed or until they have received their initial immunizations, which can be given after 6 weeks. If you must fly with a newborn, check with your airline, as some have age restrictions for newborn passengers.
Documents and Consent
When preparing for a flight with a newborn, it is important to have all the necessary documents in order. For international flights, all passengers, including newborns, need their own passports. You will need to apply for your baby's passport using the DS-11 form and apply in person, so be sure to plan ahead. Some airlines may also require proof of age documentation for babies and children under 18, so it is a good idea to call ahead and find out. If the child is not travelling with both parents, a notarized letter granting parental permission is strongly recommended by US Customs and Border Protection.
In-Flight Comfort and Entertainment
To make the flight as comfortable as possible for your newborn, consider purchasing a seat for them so you can bring their car seat and strap them in securely. Just make sure your child-restraint system (CRS) is approved for use on an airplane and that it meets the weight requirements. You should also pack any liquids, formula, breast milk, or juice your baby will need, as these are exempt from the TSA's carry-on liquid restrictions.
To keep your newborn entertained during the flight, pack a mix of their favourite books, toys, and comfort items, such as their favourite stuffed animal. Bringing new toys or options that your baby doesn't usually play with can also help keep them occupied.
Sedation
It is not recommended to give newborns or young children medication to help them sleep during a flight. While some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or Benadryl, can cause drowsiness, they are not recommended for children under two and can have unpredictable results. There can also be dangerous side effects, and the risks of serious adverse reactions often outweigh the benefits. However, if you are considering sedation, be sure to consult your child's doctor to discuss any potential health conditions or drug interactions, and always do a test run of the medication before the flight to monitor for side effects.
Additional Tips
- Try to schedule flights during your newborn's sleep times to increase the likelihood of them sleeping during the flight.
- Bring extra snacks and their favourite foods to keep them happy and occupied.
- Consider travelling during off-peak periods, such as early morning or steering clear of weekends, to avoid crowds and delays.
- Show yourself grace - travelling with a newborn can be challenging, and even with planning, things may not always go smoothly.
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Alternatives to medication
If you are considering giving your newborn sleeping medication before a flight, there are several alternatives to explore first.
Firstly, scheduling flights during your baby's natural sleep times can help them sleep through the journey without the need for medication. Additionally, getting a separate ticket for your baby so they can sleep in their car seat can provide a more comfortable and familiar sleeping environment.
Bringing a variety of age-appropriate activities, such as new books, toys, and sticker books, can help keep your baby occupied and prevent boredom. It is also a good idea to pack their favourite snacks and some new treats to help keep them content during the flight.
Screen time can also be a useful tool to keep your baby calm and entertained during the flight. While there may be some withdrawal symptoms or increased screen time cravings after the flight, these are likely to be less detrimental to your child's health than medication.
Finally, it is important to remember that while the idea of a long flight with a newborn may be daunting, it is a manageable task, and many parents have successfully flown with their babies without the use of medication.
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Side effects of medication
While some parents give over-the-counter antihistamine medications to their children to help them sleep during long flights, these medicines are not approved for sleep purposes and can have adverse side effects. Diphenhydramine, for instance, can cause unpredictable results in infants and toddlers, with some children becoming wired or hyperactive instead of sleepy. In rare cases, serious adverse reactions such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and changes in blood pressure can occur.
Additionally, sleep medications, including natural ones like melatonin, can also cause side effects such as confusion, memory issues, and balance problems. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, feeling drowsy and having muddled thinking and dizziness. These daytime effects can negatively impact one's ability to perform daily tasks.
Other over-the-counter herbal remedies like chamomile, hops, passion flower, and St. John's wort are not recommended due to a lack of evidence of their effectiveness and established safe pediatric doses. Similarly, while valerian, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids (fish oil) have fewer side effects, there is insufficient evidence of their efficacy in promoting sleep.
Prescription sleep medications, such as benzodiazepines, can also have side effects. These drugs are rarely prescribed to children and can be addictive. Sedative medicines like Vallergan and Phenergan are not recommended for children under 2 years of age and can cause irritability, hyperactivity, challenging behavior, and daytime drowsiness.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to give newborns or infants sleeping medication for flying. While it is a polarising topic among parents, doctors generally advise against it due to the potential side effects and risks of serious adverse reactions.
Some medications, like Benadryl, may cause newborns to become hyperactive or irritable instead of sleepy. There is also a risk of more severe side effects, such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and changes in blood pressure.
Yes, there are several things you can do to help your newborn sleep on a flight without medication. Schedule flights during their usual sleep times, get them their own ticket so they can sleep in their car seat, and bring new books, toys, and favourite snacks to keep them occupied when they are awake.
If your newborn has a history of motion sickness, consult your doctor for guidelines and medication recommendations before your travel. Pack enough formula and diapers for at least 24 hours in case of unexpected delays.
Expose your newborn to sunlight during the day and dim the lights before bedtime at your destination to help regulate their sleep. Be respectful of their right to behave according to their age and understand that they may be in pain or discomfort if they are crying.
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