Flying with Babies and Small Children

When I took my two daughters on their first plane ride, I was so nervous to say the least. My one-year old had a lot of "spunk" and I feared the very worse. On the plane, sure enough, she threw a fit, had major wiggles and definitely bothered others on the flight. I turned around and saw all the other kids on the plane soundly sleeping. What???

I actually leaned over and asked another mom with her child fast asleep across her lap, how she (and the others) were doing it. She smiled and said half guilty and half giddy: "We drug them." They were giving their babies children's Benadryl. I decided to try it - especially after what I was experiencing. It worked for them after all.

I wasn't so lucky. Benadryl actually caused hyperactivity in my baby! So if you hear that Benadryl helps, be careful. I'm not even sure it's safe either, although some moms swear by it. I wouldn't risk it.

So, before I scare you any more, let me tell what does help. It's pretty simple, but this advice has helped me tremendously on flights with little kids: Stay calm. Babies react directly to your emotions. If you get nervous that you are bothering others on the flight, your baby will heighten his cries. Just stay calm and accept his wiggles.

Also, pack a flight bag with his favorite treats, blanket, binky, activities and a few new things he hasn't seen before. Oh and if he's into movies, bring a portable DVD player or iPod with movie!!!! That will be sure to take up at least an hour or two!

• share tip
• 
• 1 comment
• 
• who approved it?
• 
• Q&A
• 
• more tips like this

Approved By