Sedating kids/babies on long flights is a ...

[armywife13]

Not a good idea unless medically indicated.

Armywife, now is a hell of a time to be moving to Korea!

Ugh, yes. One of the joys of the Army! Hopefully things will calm down a bit by November, but I will trust the Army's judgement on the situation. I know they will not allow family's to move over if things escalate too much.

 

[JaneSmith]

IF my daughter had taken benedryl before without a bad reaction AND she were a difficult flyer, maybe I would do it. The risk just seems terribly low and the argument against seems mostly a dogmatic thing rather than an evidence-based thing. Neither is true, so I certainly didn't. We recently had a miserably long flight from NY to OR. I was the only one who needed sedation though. Baby slept through the whole thing with nothing stronger than milk.

Drugging a person into docility or sleep rather than providing adequate care and attention is unethical. Only use this option when medically indicated.
Benedryl is not some benign sleepy-syrup, it is a powerful drug.
From Wikipedia:
"Adverse effects

Diphenhydramine is a potent anticholinergic agent. This activity is responsible for the side effects of dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, urinary retention, constipation, and, at high doses, hallucinations or delirium. Other side-effects include motor impairment (ataxia), flushed skin, blurred vision at nearpoint owing to lack of accommodation (cycloplegia), abnormal sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), sedation, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, irregular breathing, dizziness, irritability, itchy skin, confusion, decreased body temperature (in general, in the hands and/or feet), erectile dysfunction, excitability, and, although it can be used to treat nausea, higher doses may cause vomiting.[15] Some side effects, such as twitching, may be delayed until the drowsiness begins to cease and the person is in more of an awakening mode.

Acute poisoning can be fatal, leading to cardiovascular collapse and death in 2–18 hours, and is generally treated using a symptomatic and supportive approach.[16] Diagnosis of toxicity is based on history and clinical presentation, and specific levels are generally not useful.[17] There are several levels of evidence strongly indicating diphenhydramine (similar to chlorpheniramine) can block the delayed rectifier potassium channel and consequently prolong the QT interval, leading to cardiac arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.[18]
There is no specific antidote for diphenhydramine toxicity, but the anticholinergic syndrome has been treated with physostigmine for severe delirium or tachycardia.[17]
Some patients have an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine in the form of hives.[19][20] Paradoxically, restlessness or akathisia can also be a side effect that is made worse by increased levels of diphenhydramine.[21] As diphenhydramine is extensively metabolized by the liver, caution should be exercised when giving the drug to individuals with hepatic impairment.

Diphenhydramine is not recommended for patients older than 65 or children under the age of six, unless a physician is consulted.These populations should be treated with second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, and azelastine.[16] Due to its strong anticholinergic effects, diphenhydramine is on the "Beers list" of drugs to avoid in the elderly.[23]
Diphenhydramine is Category B in the FDA Classification of Drug Safety During Pregnancy.[24] Diphenhydramine is also excreted in breast milk.[25] Paradoxical reactions to diphenhydramine have been documented, particularly among children, and it may cause excitation instead of sedation.[21]

 

[TC1987]

Wow, this thread has been an eyeopener. I feel fortunate that i did all of my business travel prior to 2005 and I didn't have to put up with either the cattle pen of family life or the cattle pen of smelly farting belching snoring adults on planes, LOL!

I don't hate children, as a rule. But I don't think parents have any idea just how much of an irritant their screaming or badly-behaved children can be to other people. I mean, if you live with it all the time, you have learned to tune it out or ignore it until it stops. But some of us live child-free, and also were NEVER permitted, as children, to run wild, scream continuously, and got told to "stop crying before I give you something to really cry about. We were not permitted to create disturbances in public. So some of what today's permissive parents expect the rest of us to put up with is incredibly much too much. If that mother whose kid got slapped had perhaps tried to quiet the kid down some, maybe the man next to her would not have slapped the kid. Maybe the man should have slapped the mama, is what I immediately thought.

I rode the Amtrack once, from Pennsylvania through to Indiana. All the way, there was some kid who bounced all over the train car, then settled behind me and hit me in the head repeatedly and yip-yapped and pulled my hair. The only reason I put up with it is that I was 19 at the time, and I was far more tolerant of it back then. Now that I am adult, I would not play nicey-nice at all with a little brat kid like that one. Nor with his parent(s).

Personally, I'd be far more sympathetic to and empathetic with someone traveling with 3 caterwauling cats than someone who brought disruptive children. Cats are so much less trouble. I'll admit that they probably can outstink children, though.

 

[yssie]

Personally, I'd be far more sympathetic to and empathetic with someone traveling with 3 caterwauling cats than someone who brought disruptive children. Cats are so much less trouble. I'll admit that they probably can outstink children, though.

Had we had the benefit of hindsight then we'd have just taken the extra week and driven! They all had to be in separate carriers b/c of weight restrictions, but the airline required one person per carrier so we couldn't just buy three seats. DH's mum actually flew across the country just to help us carry a cat back!

All three spent the drive to the airport howling in chorus. We got there really early and security was almost empty, fortunately, so they routed us to a separate line. They wanted to scan the cats and carriers. Fine.
"Well, which one first?"
"Can I request a private room?"
"..."
"I'm not about to risk my cats slipping their harnesses in the airport!!!!"
We got the room, but only one of us could go in with the cats. That was me. So there were two security guards, the inspector, one young woman, and three "live animal" cases all closeted in a 6x6. I figured may as well get the troublemaker out of the way first and got Garett out of his carrier, and he was antsy but started to calm down as I held him. They scanned his carrier and then told me to "hold him still" and started patting *him* down with no warning at all! Of course he completely freaked. And he's 15lbs, and it's not like you can reason with a cat! I let him go back into his carrier, and they wisely warned me before prodding at Gretta and Mina, and Garett came back out for a scan docile as can be and we didn't hear a peep out of him for the rest of the trip. He's normally a yowler so... I was so worried about him

As it turned out once we got on the plane they just slept the whole way through. No sedatives needed When we got off the plane a couple a couple of rows behind us commented that they'd had no idea we had three cats

 

[partgypsy]

This may be neither here nor there, but it IS a good idea to bring on board nonprescription meds that your child may need. My youngest was 2 when we took a 2 leg flight for vacation at Disneyworld. She just was coming down with an ear ache (she had recurring ear infections during a period of time) which we discovered, which was exacerbated by the changes in air pressure. But we had no children's pain medicine (ibuprofen or tylenol) to give her. She was pretty much crying the entire trip, and I'm sure the other passengers wished I could sedate her during that time.

My youngest can also be a handleful, but not to the extent that I would consider sedating her for plane or other trips. The only sedation needed are DVD movies

 

[Smith1942]

Wow, this thread has been an eyeopener. I feel fortunate that i did all of my business travel prior to 2005 and I didn't have to put up with either the cattle pen of family life or the cattle pen of smelly farting belching snoring adults on planes, LOL!

I don't hate children, as a rule. But I don't think parents have any idea just how much of an irritant their screaming or badly-behaved children can be to other people. I mean, if you live with it all the time, you have learned to tune it out or ignore it until it stops. But some of us live child-free, and also were NEVER permitted, as children, to run wild, scream continuously, and got told to "stop crying before I give you something to really cry about. We were not permitted to create disturbances in public. So some of what today's permissive parents expect the rest of us to put up with is incredibly much too much. If that mother whose kid got slapped had perhaps tried to quiet the kid down some, maybe the man next to her would not have slapped the kid. Maybe the man should have slapped the mama, is what I immediately thought.

I rode the Amtrack once, from Pennsylvania through to Indiana. All the way, there was some kid who bounced all over the train car, then settled behind me and hit me in the head repeatedly and yip-yapped and pulled my hair. The only reason I put up with it is that I was 19 at the time, and I was far more tolerant of it back then. Now that I am adult, I would not play nicey-nice at all with a little brat kid like that one. Nor with his parent(s).

Personally, I'd be far more sympathetic to and empathetic with someone traveling with 3 caterwauling cats than someone who brought disruptive children. Cats are so much less trouble. I'll admit that they probably can outstink children, though.

Ohhhhh, I could not agree more with all this. In 15 years of frequent travel, I have never heard a parent ask their child to be quiet. Not once. OK, babies and very tiny toddlers don't know what you're saying, but why don't parents tell a three-year-old to be quiet? I have never even heard them say "Shhh"! Never! It's unbelievable to me. That kid shaking his jar full of stones for the entire flight? How on earth it is possible that their parents did not ask him to stop? My sister is about the only person I know who actually bothers to discipline her children. When my cousin came to tea, her four-year-old boy was jumping on the chairs at the table and she just totally ignored it. My mother had to lurch and catch the armrest before the whole thing toppled backwards, injuring the kid! He was being an utter brat, making sure none of us could enjoy our meal as we were all on edge at his antics, and putting himself in danger too and my cousin simply couldn't have cared less about what was going on in front of her eyes. I CANNOT understand that. How it is possible to just abandon any notion of disciplining your own child? Like most people brought up in the Seventies, I simply was not allowed to behave like that. My father would have killed us!

There are no problem children, but there are plenty of problem parents.

 

[Tuckins1]

No. No. No. Not ever. It is not ok to give a baby/ child drugs for any other reason than when prescribed by a doctor for a specific ailment. Period.

 

[Tuckins1]

Wow, this thread has been an eyeopener. I feel fortunate that i did all of my business travel prior to 2005 and I didn't have to put up with either the cattle pen of family life or the cattle pen of smelly farting belching snoring adults on planes, LOL!

I don't hate children, as a rule. But I don't think parents have any idea just how much of an irritant their screaming or badly-behaved children can be to other people. I mean, if you live with it all the time, you have learned to tune it out or ignore it until it stops. But some of us live child-free, and also were NEVER permitted, as children, to run wild, scream continuously, and got told to "stop crying before I give you something to really cry about. We were not permitted to create disturbances in public. So some of what today's permissive parents expect the rest of us to put up with is incredibly much too much. If that mother whose kid got slapped had perhaps tried to quiet the kid down some, maybe the man next to her would not have slapped the kid. Maybe the man should have slapped the mama, is what I immediately thought.

I rode the Amtrack once, from Pennsylvania through to Indiana. All the way, there was some kid who bounced all over the train car, then settled behind me and hit me in the head repeatedly and yip-yapped and pulled my hair. The only reason I put up with it is that I was 19 at the time, and I was far more tolerant of it back then. Now that I am adult, I would not play nicey-nice at all with a little brat kid like that one. Nor with his parent(s).

Personally, I'd be far more sympathetic to and empathetic with someone traveling with 3 caterwauling cats than someone who brought disruptive children. Cats are so much less trouble. I'll admit that they probably can outstink children, though.

Ohhhhh, I could not agree more with all this. In 15 years of frequent travel, I have never heard a parent ask their child to be quiet. Not once. OK, babies and very tiny toddlers don't know what you're saying, but why don't parents tell a three-year-old to be quiet? I have never even heard them say "Shhh"! Never! It's unbelievable to me. That kid shaking his jar full of stones for the entire flight? How on earth it is possible that their parents did not ask him to stop? My sister is about the only person I know who actually bothers to discipline her children. When my cousin came to tea, her four-year-old boy was jumping on the chairs at the table and she just totally ignored it. My mother had to lurch and catch the armrest before the whole thing toppled backwards, injuring the kid! He was being an utter brat, making sure none of us could enjoy our meal as we were all on edge at his antics, and putting himself in danger too and my cousin simply couldn't have cared less about what was going on in front of her eyes. I CANNOT understand that. How it is possible to just abandon any notion of disciplining your own child? Like most people brought up in the Seventies, I simply was not allowed to behave like that. My father would have killed us!

There are no problem children, but there are plenty of problem parents.

I quite agree... I see children behaving SOOO badly, almost everywhere I go. Just generally being loud and boisterous, center of attention, etc... I was never aloud to behave like that, and neither is my son. Granted, he isn't even 2 yet, but I still shush him, make him sit quietly in his high-chair, make him walk with me or ride in his stroller, etc... People say i'm a "strict mom", or "let him be a kid" (I allow things that are age appropriate- I don't expect my toddler to behave like a 10 year old), however, they do learn how to behave at a very young age, and if you let them run a muck, then you are setting a very bad precedent. I will not be responsible for my son being a terror. (If he is one, i'll blame it on the grandparents )

 

[TC1987]

Yssie, that was even more of an ordeal than I'd imagined! I have 3 cats and have only moved them via car and truck. Looks like I made the right decision. lol

Smith, I'm glad that someone got my point, because it was about courtesy and respecting other people's boundaries. I was raised with the concept of limits, and to be respectful of other people's space and other people's property and possessions, and how to live in a world full of other people and peacefully coexist with them. My mother always said that if you don't set behavioral standards for kids when they are young, you'll never be able to do it when they are older. And "Everyone knows right from wrong by age 5." I love that one. It was a quote from someone else, but my mother always used it on us when we gave excuses for bad behavior.

 

[ruby59]

Drugging children, imo, is dangerous and wrong. And yes some parents are idiots. But that does not mean you have to sit there and take it.

If I am at a restaurant and the child behind me is kicking the seat or screaming, I immediately ask to be moved to another section. If there is no room available, I leave. Ditto at a movie theater. Prices are just too expensive to seethe in silence. You let the proper authorities know and let them handle it. If they refuse, I take my business elsewhere. And if like someone else mentioned above, a child was pulling my hair, you can be sure that clueless mom together with the flight attendant/conductor would be repeatedly on notice until it stopped.

There is a big difference, imo, between a baby or toddler and a full on brat. And an even bigger one for me to want the parent to tend to him, rather than put his life in danger.

And I agree with another poster in that it is not the children but the adults who seem to lack basic decorum today. Try eating in peace when the person behind you is screaming into their cellphone every detail you could live without knowing?

 

[Smith1942]

Yssie, that was even more of an ordeal than I'd imagined! I have 3 cats and have only moved them via car and truck. Looks like I made the right decision. lol

Smith, I'm glad that someone got my point, because it was about courtesy and respecting other people's boundaries. I was raised with the concept of limits, and to be respectful of other people's space and other people's property and possessions, and how to live in a world full of other people and peacefully coexist with them. My mother always said that if you don't set behavioral standards for kids when they are young, you'll never be able to do it when they are older. And "Everyone knows right from wrong by age 5." I love that one. It was a quote from someone else, but my mother always used it on us when we gave excuses for bad behavior.

Oh yes, SO true! If you don't grab the steering wheel well before they're 2, you've had it - they'll always be in the driving seat. TC1987, we sound very similar in our outlook on this!

 

[ruby59]

I have 3 children very close in age, and when they were young, my husband traveled frequently on business. You are correct that training begins as young as possible. And you have to be consistent. If they acted up in a store, they were warned. If it continued, we immediately left. I have left a cart full of groceries in the middle of an aisle, food half eaten in a restaurant, or seen only half a movie.

And they knew the rules. If they inconvenienced mom or others, then they would be as well. Upon arriving home, they went right to their rooms and to bed right after dinner. It took a bit of work, but after awhile, I could take my children anywhere.

 

[Smith1942]

I have 3 children very close in age, and when they were young, my husband traveled frequently on business. You are correct that training begins as young as possible. And you have to be consistent. If they acted up in a store, they were warned. If it continued, we immediately left. I have left a cart full of groceries in the middle of an aisle, food half eaten in a restaurant, or seen only half a movie.

And they knew the rules. If they inconvenienced mom or others, then they would be as well. Upon arriving home, they went right to their rooms and to bed right after dinner. It took a bit of work, but after awhile, I could take my children anywhere.

This all sounds great and it's exactly what I would do. That half-eaten food or half-seen movie pays dividends. I bet you didn't have to do that too many times.

I wish more parents could be like you two. I think that around eighty per cent of kids are not disciplined these days, and it's not fair on the children because the world dislikes them, when it's the parents who simply cannot be bothered with the work of discipline.

 

[MissStepcut]

IF my daughter had taken benedryl before without a bad reaction AND she were a difficult flyer, maybe I would do it. The risk just seems terribly low and the argument against seems mostly a dogmatic thing rather than an evidence-based thing. Neither is true, so I certainly didn't. We recently had a miserably long flight from NY to OR. I was the only one who needed sedation though. Baby slept through the whole thing with nothing stronger than milk.

Drugging a person into docility or sleep rather than providing adequate care and attention is unethical. Only use this option when medically indicated.
Benedryl is not some benign sleepy-syrup, it is a powerful drug.
From Wikipedia:
"Adverse effects

Diphenhydramine is a potent anticholinergic agent. This activity is responsible for the side effects of dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, urinary retention, constipation, and, at high doses, hallucinations or delirium. Other side-effects include motor impairment (ataxia), flushed skin, blurred vision at nearpoint owing to lack of accommodation (cycloplegia), abnormal sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), sedation, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, irregular breathing, dizziness, irritability, itchy skin, confusion, decreased body temperature (in general, in the hands and/or feet), erectile dysfunction, excitability, and, although it can be used to treat nausea, higher doses may cause vomiting.[15] Some side effects, such as twitching, may be delayed until the drowsiness begins to cease and the person is in more of an awakening mode.

Acute poisoning can be fatal, leading to cardiovascular collapse and death in 2–18 hours, and is generally treated using a symptomatic and supportive approach.[16] Diagnosis of toxicity is based on history and clinical presentation, and specific levels are generally not useful.[17] There are several levels of evidence strongly indicating diphenhydramine (similar to chlorpheniramine) can block the delayed rectifier potassium channel and consequently prolong the QT interval, leading to cardiac arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.[18]
There is no specific antidote for diphenhydramine toxicity, but the anticholinergic syndrome has been treated with physostigmine for severe delirium or tachycardia.[17]
Some patients have an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine in the form of hives.[19][20] Paradoxically, restlessness or akathisia can also be a side effect that is made worse by increased levels of diphenhydramine.[21] As diphenhydramine is extensively metabolized by the liver, caution should be exercised when giving the drug to individuals with hepatic impairment.

Diphenhydramine is not recommended for patients older than 65 or children under the age of six, unless a physician is consulted.These populations should be treated with second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, and azelastine.[16] Due to its strong anticholinergic effects, diphenhydramine is on the "Beers list" of drugs to avoid in the elderly.[23]
Diphenhydramine is Category B in the FDA Classification of Drug Safety During Pregnancy.[24] Diphenhydramine is also excreted in breast milk.[25] Paradoxical reactions to diphenhydramine have been documented, particularly among children, and it may cause excitation instead of sedation.[21]

Poison is in the dose. I took benedryl almost every day of my pregnancy, under doctor's recommendation, to sleep. Sorry, I don't think it's a big deal. It actually is quite benign, right up there with tylenol for things I would give my kid without much hesitation. Any med, you could find a big long list of scary reactions associated with overdose. Not very persuasive.

I also have no idea where you get the idea that people are drugging their kids in PLACE of proper care and attention? Hello? Have you ever flown with a fussy kid? Do you know the meaning of the term "inconsolable"?

As for adverse reactions and excitation, I specifically said I would only do it if my kid had taken it already, so...?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I am not a fan in self-medicating in general. I find it worse to medicate a child (or elder) for the relief of others. I believe that is abusive.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/07/22/drugged.children.parenting/index.html

 

[ruby59]

I am not a fan in self-medicating in general. I find it worse to medicate a child (or elder) for the relief of others. I believe that is abusive.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/07/22/drugged.children.parenting/index.html

I pulled my mom out of a nursing home because of that. I admit because of dementia, she can be difficult at times. Their answer was to dope her up on Trazodone. I placed her in another nursing home that specifically deals with memory loss, and what a difference, without drugging her.

 

[MissStepcut]

I don't think drugging for behavioral issues is analogous to giving a baby benedryl to get her through a long flight.

 

[monarch64]

I'd probably check with our pediatrician to make sure it was ok, and IF NEEDED, I might give my child a dose to help her get through the flight if it was an especially long one (to me that means over 4 hours.) Fortunately we don't fly often, so this likely will not be an issue. I was just reading the other thread about weight/flight ticket prices, and noticed some were talking about unruly children. Wonder what they have to say about this thread? (Maybe I should read them both in entirety again, I could be missing a lot.)

MSC, I also used Benadryl off and on during pregnancy to get to sleep after a stressful day at work when my mind just wouldn't shut down. I also drank wine in moderation. Lots of people would frown upon that or even say I'm a terrible person, but I did what I felt was right for me and for my child. My husband was 100% supportive about both things. My doctor never condemned or condoned either, but he did always say he was pleased with my pregnancy/health and the baby's as well.

ETA: and this is a serious question: how the hell did Wikipedia become a reputable source of information???? Truly boggled. No offense to you JaneSmith, I always enjoy reading your posts, but I felt like the question was warranted.

 

[JaneSmith]

I'd probably check with our pediatrician to make sure it was ok, and IF NEEDED, I might give my child a dose to help her get through the flight if it was an especially long one (to me that means over 4 hours.) Fortunately we don't fly often, so this likely will not be an issue. I was just reading the other thread about weight/flight ticket prices, and noticed some were talking about unruly children. Wonder what they have to say about this thread? (Maybe I should read them both in entirety again, I could be missing a lot.)

MSC, I also used Benadryl off and on during pregnancy to get to sleep after a stressful day at work when my mind just wouldn't shut down. I also drank wine in moderation. Lots of people would frown upon that or even say I'm a terrible person, but I did what I felt was right for me and for my child. My husband was 100% supportive about both things. My doctor never condemned or condoned either, but he did always say he was pleased with my pregnancy/health and the baby's as well.

ETA: and this is a serious question: how the hell did Wikipedia become a reputable source of information???? Truly boggled. No offense to you JaneSmith, I always enjoy reading your posts, but I felt like the question was warranted.

Wikipedia is usually in lay-language, not behind a paywall or from a member site, and I double check the important stuff before posting. No offence taken. That is sweet of you to say that you like reading my posts.

 

[JaneSmith]

Not a good idea unless medically indicated.

Armywife, now is a hell of a time to be moving to Korea!

Ugh, yes. One of the joys of the Army! Hopefully things will calm down a bit by November, but I will trust the Army's judgement on the situation. I know they will not allow family's to move over if things escalate too much.

I hope it's all rhetoric from Best Korea. I'm sure the army will take care of you guys.

 

[mdmc]

Sedating children for your benifit or others is just WRONG. I had four children and never once thought about sedation for any reasons.

 

[ksinger]

Yssie, that was even more of an ordeal than I'd imagined! I have 3 cats and have only moved them via car and truck. Looks like I made the right decision. lol

Smith, I'm glad that someone got my point, because it was about courtesy and respecting other people's boundaries. I was raised with the concept of limits, and to be respectful of other people's space and other people's property and possessions, and how to live in a world full of other people and peacefully coexist with them. My mother always said that if you don't set behavioral standards for kids when they are young, you'll never be able to do it when they are older. And "Everyone knows right from wrong by age 5." I love that one. It was a quote from someone else, but my mother always used it on us when we gave excuses for bad behavior.

I was just reading and not intending to comment. But this made me smile. MY mother called it "getting your bluff in early", and said, "If I can't outwit and out-stubborn a 2-year-old, there is something wrong with ME, not the 2-year-old." I think our mothers might have gotten on famously.

 

[rosetta]

Yes, I would sedate them if they were going to be very distressed (not just if they were being fidgety, there's better ways to deal with that) I wouldn't give anything I hadn't tried out on land first. But I'm a doctor with advanced life support skills, my husband is too and we feel safe and travel well equipped.

I had to resuscitate my first patient in flight quite recently in fact!

I wouldn't judge any parents who decided to sedate. The chances of an anaphylactic reaction are very small and frankly, there are a lot of risks we take in life like putting kids in a car, swimming in the sea, climbing trees etc etc

 

[partgypsy]

No. No. No. Not ever. It is not ok to give a baby/ child drugs for any other reason than when prescribed by a doctor for a specific ailment. Period.

So you don't give your child a anitpyretic to bring down a fever, pain medication if they are in pain?
I personally don't see the need (or benefit) of sedating my child for a long trip, but people and children (as Kenny would say) vary.

If a parent uses an OTC medicine at the recommended or lower dose for their child, for the appropriate symptoms or for a commonly used off label use, I would give the parent the benefit of the doubt they knew what they are doing, unless their was other information suggesting otherwise.
And if you are a parent, wouldn't you like the same benefit of the doubt?

 

[HollyS]

Sedating children, for our own convenience rather than a trauma, is unacceptable.

Just as sedating nursing home residents, to make them more compliant and quiet, is unacceptable.

Do I agree that small children should not be on commercial aircraft? If the flight is not absolutely necessary, then a baby or toddler should not be on a plane. No; Disneyworld can wait until they are older.

But, since no one is EVER going to allow what is best for a child, or most courteous for others, get in the way of what they want to do . . . we'll all just have to put up with a cranky brat, now and then. No sedation.

 

[Demelza]

Do I agree that small children should not be on commercial aircraft? If the flight is not absolutely necessary, then a baby or toddler should not be on a plane. No; Disneyworld can wait until they are older.

But, since no one is EVER going to allow what is best for a child, or most courteous for others, get in the way of what they want to do . . . we'll all just have to put up with a cranky brat, now and then. No sedation.

I didn't realize anyone was questioning whether small children should actually be allowed on an airplane!! Who defines "absolutely necessary" and at what age should children be allowed on a plane without restriction? I fail to see how it isn't in a child's "best interest" to fly on an airplane nor do I see how it is discourteous to others to allow them to do so. I have two small children with whom I fly (often without my husband) about 4-5 times a year. In my experience, most people are kind and helpful, but I would find it very disheartening if someone was unable to tolerate a fussy baby for a few hours. Airplanes are not spas or fine restaurants where the expectation is to rest and relax. They're cramped, dirty, noisy, uncomfortable vessels whose sole purpose is to get us from one place to another. They're glorified buses, for goodness sake -- a perfectly appropriate place for children as far as I'm concerned!

Anyway, to answer the original question: I wouldn't sedate my own children, but certainly wouldn't condemn otherwise responsible parents for administering an appropriate dose of Benadryl to help calm their child. I'm much more outraged by the suggestion above that children shouldn't be allowed to fly at all!

 

[HollyS]

Do I agree that small children should not be on commercial aircraft? If the flight is not absolutely necessary, then a baby or toddler should not be on a plane. No; Disneyworld can wait until they are older.

But, since no one is EVER going to allow what is best for a child, or most courteous for others, get in the way of what they want to do . . . we'll all just have to put up with a cranky brat, now and then. No sedation.

I didn't realize anyone was questioning whether small children should actually be allowed on an airplane!! Who defines "absolutely necessary" and at what age should children be allowed on a plane without restriction? I fail to see how it isn't in a child's "best interest" to fly on an airplane nor do I see how it is discourteous to others to allow them to do so. I have two small children with whom I fly (often without my husband) about 4-5 times a year. In my experience, most people are kind and helpful, but I would find it very disheartening if someone was unable to tolerate a fussy baby for a few hours. Airplanes are not spas or fine restaurants where the expectation is to rest and relax. They're cramped, dirty, noisy, uncomfortable vessels whose sole purpose is to get us from one place to another. They're glorified buses, for goodness sake -- a perfectly appropriate place for children as far as I'm concerned!

Anyway, to answer the original question: I wouldn't sedate my own children, but certainly wouldn't condemn otherwise responsible parents for administering an appropriate dose of Benadryl to help calm their child. I'm much more outraged by the suggestion above that children shouldn't be allowed to fly at all!

Well, since we're all just sharing our opinions here, my opinion is as follows: If you must fly with your children, fine. Do it. If you don't have to fly, and I think you know whether you have to or not, then please don't. That would be optimal . . . in my opinion. But, as I said, nobody is going to do what others would like them to do, so it really is a moot point anyway. Carry on.

 

[Demelza]

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[ksmom]

I think the question of whether or not children should be sedated on flights is worthy of thought and discussion. The new question of whether or not children *need* to fly, however, is simply ludicrous.

 

[monarch64]

I think the question of whether or not children should be sedated on flights is worthy of thought and discussion. The new question of whether or not children *need* to fly, however, is simply ludicrous.

Mm hmm, agreed.

How about this: if you are a human being who is incapable of tolerating other human beings in a public setting and you cannot find the strength within yourself to peacefully coexist with your fellow human beings, do not use public roads, transportation, meeting areas, parks, etc. Just become a hermit and allow the rest of us who are able to get along just fine with each other to do so, without your glares and your smirks, and your judgment.