What medicine helps toddlers sleep on planes?

“There is a common belief that giving an antihistamine, specifically diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to children will help them sleep [on a long trip],” says Dr. Noelle Leung, a pediatric acute care clinical pharmacist at the University of Kentucky HealthCare.



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Consider melatonin This is for toddlers of age who have taken melatonin before. If your toddler is notorious for not sleeping and getting them to sleep on the plane is a must, then you may want to consider melatonin. Of course, check with your doctor first.

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5 Tips to Help Your Toddler Sleep on a Plane
  1. Follow your bedtime/naptime routine as closely as you can on the plane. ...
  2. Keep distractions to a minimum. ...
  3. Consider using your toddler's car seat on the plane. ...
  4. No sugary drinks or snacks.
  5. Consider something containing oatmeal and milk as a bedtime snack.


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“Sedative drugs, including antihistamines such as Phenergan, are unpredictable and we do not recommend them for children on plane trips, car trips,” a spokesperson for the Children's Hospital at Westmead told Family Travel.

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If you can't give them an antihistamine, giving them ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the flight can help reduce pain. If your child is prone to severe ear pain when flying, you might give them both Benadryl and Tylenol before take-off.

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Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

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Medication is sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis to treat the symptoms of a flying phobia, such as anxiety and nausea. These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).

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Medication is sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis to treat the symptoms of a flying phobia, such as anxiety and nausea. These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).

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People ask me all the time about giving their children Benadryl or any antihistamines, Hammond said. Technically, it is not recommended to give your children anything before they fly.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages medicating to sedate babies and children on plane rides. Giving the medicine has more risks than benefits because it can have serious side effects if you give them repeated doses.

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Children swallow more often when they are awake. Also, waking up with ear pain can be frightening for your child. Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing.

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A few more tips to increase the possibility of a painless flight:
  1. Let her get her energy and tension out before you get on the plane and at any convenient moments on the plane. ...
  2. Keep her fed and hydrated so she's less likely to get grumpy. ...
  3. Distract and entertain. ...
  4. Calm your little one. ...
  5. Calm yourself.


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What to do when a baby is crying on the plane
  1. Offer an aisle seat if the parent is stuck in the middle. Getting out from between two strangers and into the aisle with just a little extra shoulder room can make all the difference. ...
  2. Share a kind word or smile. ...
  3. Provide hands-on help. ...
  4. See if there's an empty seat.


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