S/O Poll: benadryl while flying

KristinKD

In the article Pesky posted below about flying with small children, one of the suggestions was to give the child Benadryl, which was even recommended by Dr. Harvey Karp. I've heard of parents doing this, but I'm still surprised to see it recommended by an "expert." So...[Poll]

happy-honey

You don't have my choice.  We used it to go overseas but all our domestic travel has been without.

ilovemygirls

My experience didn't fit into those categories exactly.  We don't fly much, but I used it once on DD#1 when she was about 18mo & we were going to be flying at her naptime.  Worked great- she was out like a light & woke up only about 30min before landing. 

I gave it to DD#2 this summer when she was just over 2 and it was naptime.  It didn't affect her at.all.  She was exhausted but refused to sleep & got sooo cranky.  Finally fell asleep a short time before we got to our destination, then I had to wake up a very crabby kid.  I don't know if I'd try to use it on her again since it didn't work. 

fwiw, I do use benadryl on a regular basis with my youngest when she gets sick because she has asthma & it makes her cough uncontrollably when she lays down sometimes- even with her asthma meds.  My pedi recommended it to help settle her down at bedtime so she can get to sleep (otherwise she'll just cough & cough) and it does seem to work for her in those circumstances.  She told me that benadryl is a very safe medication that can be used for the long term, as I have described.  Which is why I also don't think it's a horrible thing to try to give to your kiddo for a flight here & there when you think it would be a good idea.

jsugrin

I gave my kid benadryl once and it made him hyper as can be, the whole experience was a total nightmare.  I'd warn anyone considering giving it for flying to test it out at home first.

DevonPow

Benadryl makes DS super hyper. Tylenol makes him really hyper as well. Some kids are like that, so I would never rely on it.

I fly with DS all the time. Yes, it can be a major PITA but I would still never  give unnecessary medication to him to try and make it easier. I do let him watch unlimited DVDs, though.

brightning

Ditto on DD being hyper on Benadryl. She took it once for an allergic reaction and was *wired!!

I would never medicate my child for my convenience.

momofolivia

brightning:

I would never medicate my child for my convenience.

a very strong ditto.