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

[kenny]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21977785

 

[ruby59]

You have got to be kidding, but here is my opinion. NO, it is NEVER an acceptable idea to give children, especially babies, any type of medication, unless prescribed by a pediatrician. And I would love to meet the doctor who would sanction giving Bendadryl to a child just to keep him quiet.

Another example of lazy and dangerous parenting.

Just to add: I have allergies and ate shellfish by mistake. I took that stuff and I am adult. It is pretty strong medication. I was told not to drive after taking it. It just puts you right out and you are even groggy afterwards. I cannot imagine giving it to a baby unless it was medically necessary.

 

[yennyfire]

Nope, would never do it (though the thought of taking my kids on a 12 hour flight terrifies me!!). How would a parent live with themselves if something happened as a result of taking unprescribed meds??

 

[ruby59]

And Yenny brings up a good point. What would happen if your child had a reaction midflight?

 

[yssie]

If a parent chooses to give her child an antihistamine because she feels it's the best thing to do at that time for the child/herself/other passengers, and she's confident there won't be any adverse side effects, then I suppose I have no place to judge.

I personally can't imagine being that confident but I don't have kids. We moved cross-country a couple of years ago and wound up flying with our three cats in-cabin, and I refused to sedate them unless it looked like they were under too much stress. And I had locations of emergency vets near the airports of all stopovers printed out, and I'd called the day before to confirm hours and warn them of the possibility of needing their services... At the end of the day the health and welfare of my responsibilities comes before the happiness of other passengers.
So... mewling bothering you? Get earplugs.

 

[armywife13]

Nope, in my opinion, that is not ok. We only give medication that is prescribed or over the counter medicine when it is justifiable, such as over the counter allergy medication when our daughter has allergies. Our doctor did tell us to give my two year old some children's Dramamine on flights or long drives because she often gets sick. It makes her sleepy as a side effect, but we would never give it to her just to make her sleep. In November, we will be taking my daughter(then 3) and new daughter(then 4 months) on a 13 hour flight in order move to S Korea(we will finally be reunited with my hubby-yay!). We will not be giving any medication to our daughters unless under doctors orders.

 

[yssie]

Nope, in my opinion, that is not ok. We only give medication that is prescribed or over the counter medicine when it is justifiable, such as over the counter allergy medication when our daughter has allergies. Our doctor did tell us to give my two year old some children's Dramamine on flights or long drives because she often gets sick. It makes her sleepy as a side effect, but we would never give it to her just to make her sleep. In November, we will be taking my daughter(then 3) and new daughter(then 4 months) on a 13 hour flight in order move to S Korea(we will finally be reunited with my hubby-yay!). We will not be giving any medication to our daughters unless under doctors orders.

My BIL and family just came back to the US from two years stationed in Korea and they loved it! His parents are thrilled they're back, of course - now the grandkids are just a short drive away

 

[Smith1942]

It's ethically wrong to do this. I am sure that we ourselves wouldn't like it if someone drugged US to keep us quiet.

Even though I don't have any children of my own, I've got no time for people who hate children. (This is not aimed the person who posted the topic in the slightest - it's just that I know a lot of people who can't stand children.) And frankly, I've heard enough against children from those people to last a lifetime. One, in particular, is dogmatic in her hatred and yes, I would call it hatred. She's a sad individual who has steamed through multiple marriages and isn't averse to a bit adultery, so perhaps it's a good thing she doesn't have kids!

However, in articles like this I sense the same negativity towards children. Yes, they can be ultra-annoying. There have been times where I have sat on a train tense from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, waiting for the next piercing scream from the seats across the aisle. And then there was the flight where a kid shook some stones in a glass jar for the entire flight - the party was at least six rows ahead but everyone could still hear it. That's a parenting issue though. Recently, I was on a long flight to the UK with a wailing two-year-old who was travelling only with his father. It's a pity the guy never thought to bring a single toy to amuse his child with. When I was a child there were snacks, toys, games etc. on some interminable car journeys.

But basically, I'm fed up with people who hate kids because we were all like that once, and if you want to be part of society with pleasant things like smooth roads, a postal service and a police service, you have to realise that children are also part of society and if their parent hasn't done what they can to keep them topped up with sleep, food, dry nappies and enough toys then it isn't their fault. It's true that wailing kids are everywhere....which is why I carry earplugs in my handbag. It really is a simple enough solution. So a kid's crying on a flight? Big deal. You'll get over it.

 

[armywife13]

Nope, in my opinion, that is not ok. We only give medication that is prescribed or over the counter medicine when it is justifiable, such as over the counter allergy medication when our daughter has allergies. Our doctor did tell us to give my two year old some children's Dramamine on flights or long drives because she often gets sick. It makes her sleepy as a side effect, but we would never give it to her just to make her sleep. In November, we will be taking my daughter(then 3) and new daughter(then 4 months) on a 13 hour flight in order move to S Korea(we will finally be reunited with my hubby-yay!). We will not be giving any medication to our daughters unless under doctors orders.

My BIL and family just came back to the US from two years stationed in Korea and they loved it! His parents are thrilled they're back, of course - now the grandkids are just a short drive away

Thanks!

I am glad they had a good experience, I hear from everyone who has been there that they really enjoy S Korea. My husband has been there since February and absolutely loves it. Once the baby is born and we get all of the proper documentation in place, we will head over too. I am excited to experience a new culture! Plus, he has lost 10 lbs so far because the cooking is so much healthier-I am hoping it will have the same effect on me. Haha. While my parents are excited for us to take this journey and know it is best for my husband's career, they will definitely be glad to have their grandchildren back in the States when our time in Korea is over. At least there is technology in place, such as Skype and FaceTime, that will allow them to see and talk to the girls while we are gone!

 

[ame]

Eh, a little bourbon slush will work just fine. No need for benadryl. Worked great with us. Trust me: EVERYONE is thankful for that. I still hate to fly, and usually get Xanax or Valium for anything longer than about an hour.

 

[AGBF]

Eh, a little bourbon slush will work just fine. No need for benadryl. Worked great with us. Trust me: EVERYONE is thankful for that. I still hate to fly, and usually get Xanax or Valium for anything longer than about an hour.

I was going to say give the bourbon to the adults who are bothered by the kids, not to the kids, but then I remembered that some adults are nasty drunks. Like the one who slapped the toddler during the flight recently. I don't want them near any children!

I am going back to the idea that any adults who dislike kids should be banned from flights with children on them. As was said on the last thread that dealt with this topic, let the drunks all fly with each other.

AGBF

 

[SB621]

You have got to be kidding, but here is my opinion. NO, it is NEVER an acceptable idea to give children, especially babies, any type of medication, unless prescribed by a pediatrician. And I would love to meet the doctor who would sanction giving Bendadryl to a child just to keep him quiet.

Another example of lazy and dangerous parenting.

Just to add: I have allergies and ate shellfish by mistake. I took that stuff and I am adult. It is pretty strong medication. I was told not to drive after taking it. It just puts you right out and you are even groggy afterwards. I cannot imagine giving it to a baby unless it was medically necessary.

Yup +1. If anyone even suggested that to my children they would not even see the $hit storm coming at them that I would bring.

 

[SB621]

Nope, in my opinion, that is not ok. We only give medication that is prescribed or over the counter medicine when it is justifiable, such as over the counter allergy medication when our daughter has allergies. Our doctor did tell us to give my two year old some children's Dramamine on flights or long drives because she often gets sick. It makes her sleepy as a side effect, but we would never give it to her just to make her sleep. In November, we will be taking my daughter(then 3) and new daughter(then 4 months) on a 13 hour flight in order move to S Korea(we will finally be reunited with my hubby-yay!). We will not be giving any medication to our daughters unless under doctors orders.

YAY!!!!!! Armywife let me know if you want some contacts in S. Korea! We have several good friends there with children the same age as yours! Plus my DH might be doing a remote there so we will be visiting!

We went from Okinawa, Japan to the US with my 6 month old son. Ended up being 27 hours with lay-overs. He was just fine the entire way. It will be easier then you think and if you are traveling on the rotator then everyone sort of helps with the children.

 

[armywife13]

Nope, in my opinion, that is not ok. We only give medication that is prescribed or over the counter medicine when it is justifiable, such as over the counter allergy medication when our daughter has allergies. Our doctor did tell us to give my two year old some children's Dramamine on flights or long drives because she often gets sick. It makes her sleepy as a side effect, but we would never give it to her just to make her sleep. In November, we will be taking my daughter(then 3) and new daughter(then 4 months) on a 13 hour flight in order move to S Korea(we will finally be reunited with my hubby-yay!). We will not be giving any medication to our daughters unless under doctors orders.

YAY!!!!!! Armywife let me know if you want some contacts in S. Korea! We have several good friends there with children the same age as yours! Plus my DH might be doing a remote there so we will be visiting!

We went from Okinawa, Japan to the US with my 6 month old son. Ended up being 27 hours with lay-overs. He was just fine the entire way. It will be easier then you think and if you are traveling on the rotator then everyone sort of helps with the children.

Hey Sarahbear! I just got back on PS after quite a hiatus, I saw your post to me on your M and under SMTB thread asking if I was going to be back at Bragg and felt horrible for not seeing it and responding before I got off of PS for a while. Sorry! Obviously, as you can see we won't be coming back to Bragg for a while, heck, we won't even be living stateside again until mid-2016. Who knows though, we might end up back at Bragg after that since my husband loves the units there and I have a soft spot for it since it was the first place where we lived together. How long do you think you will be in the area? If we do end up back at Bragg, I am demanding a get together so I can see all of the gorgeous pieces you have acquired since I was last on here!

I would love to get some contacts in S. Korea for when we get there(K-16)! It would be awesome to have a few people I am familiar with when we get there, especially ones with children the same age as mine!! You might be coming to visit?? Exciting!!! I would love to meet up. I think I may have a way to get in contact with you....keep your eyes open for a message or email from me (my name is Sarah too, fyi).

27 hours with layovers? Yikes! I am glad everything went well. I am hoping the journey won't be too bad. I am dragging my husband back to the States to travel with us and help, what can I say, I am a wuss. haha.

 

[SB621]

Nope, in my opinion, that is not ok. We only give medication that is prescribed or over the counter medicine when it is justifiable, such as over the counter allergy medication when our daughter has allergies. Our doctor did tell us to give my two year old some children's Dramamine on flights or long drives because she often gets sick. It makes her sleepy as a side effect, but we would never give it to her just to make her sleep. In November, we will be taking my daughter(then 3) and new daughter(then 4 months) on a 13 hour flight in order move to S Korea(we will finally be reunited with my hubby-yay!). We will not be giving any medication to our daughters unless under doctors orders.

YAY!!!!!! Armywife let me know if you want some contacts in S. Korea! We have several good friends there with children the same age as yours! Plus my DH might be doing a remote there so we will be visiting!

We went from Okinawa, Japan to the US with my 6 month old son. Ended up being 27 hours with lay-overs. He was just fine the entire way. It will be easier then you think and if you are traveling on the rotator then everyone sort of helps with the children.

Hey Sarahbear! I just got back on PS after quite a hiatus, I saw your post to me on your M and under SMTB thread asking if I was going to be back at Bragg and felt horrible for not seeing it and responding before I got off of PS for a while. Sorry! Obviously, as you can see we won't be coming back to Bragg for a while, heck, we won't even be living stateside again until mid-2016. Who knows though, we might end up back at Bragg after that since my husband loves the units there and I have a soft spot for it since it was the first place where we lived together. How long do you think you will be in the area? If we do end up back at Bragg, I am demanding a get together so I can see all of the gorgeous pieces you have acquired since I was last on here!

I would love to get some contacts in S. Korea for when we get there(K-16)! It would be awesome to have a few people I am familiar with when we get there, especially ones with children the same age as mine!! You might be coming to visit?? Exciting!!! I would love to meet up. I think I may have a way to get in contact with you....keep your eyes open for a message or email from me (my name is Sarah too, fyi).

27 hours with layovers? Yikes! I am glad everything went well. I am hoping the journey won't be too bad. I am dragging my husband back to the States to travel with us and help, what can I say, I am a wuss. haha.

We actually won't be here much longer. We are AF so this was a weird assignment for us to be attached to the army. After this we are stepping back into the blue and back to AF bases so we will never be back to NC. However we are hoping to rent our house out here so if you come back in 2016 we will be looking for nice renters!

 

[iheartscience]

Way back when my mom was given a prescription sedative for my older sister when she took her to Italy to see my grandparents, so I believe this used to be pretty normal. This sedative had a rare side effect of sometimes having the opposite effect, and it had the opposite effect in my sister. Apparently she was INSANE the entire flight, running up and down the aisles and being terribly behaved. My mom said as soon as they landed my mom handed my sister over to my grandparents and started crying! Poor mom!

I don't think it's child abuse but I don't think I would do it unless the kid was inconsolable or something.

 

[royalstarrynight]

There was once a news article about how foster children are being drugged up to behave properly. aka quietly, less rebellious and such.

I consider this same topic equivalently sad.

 

[kenny]

It's probably better than what this naughty daddy did, no not on a flight.

http://www.brandonburton.com/?m=201001

 

[Ally T]

As much as I think back fondly of my life before the children & our very many holidays in the Caribbean, my favorite destination to do nothing (I am well travelled), the thought of taking my little ones on a 10 hour flight from the UK is just a huge no. And I would never ever sedate them just for this purpose. Until they are older our rule is no more than 4 hours, which is enough for them.

 

[Smith1942]

It's probably better than what this naughty daddy did, no not on a flight.

http://www.brandonburton.com/?m=201001

Poor kid. Hope he never bothers calling his parents when he's older.

 

[tammy77]

I wouldn't do it, but if someone has a child that's safely taken the medicine many times before, I suppose it isn't dangerous. My oldest DD actually had to take benadryl for allergies and tolerated it well, but did get sleepy. I wouldn't think to give it to her for that purpose though, as others have pointed out it's misuse of a drug.

I do have to wonder though about how many parents do this because THEY are lazy vs. how many parents do it because they're afraid of upsetting others. Between slapped/drugged babies, the "pay what you weigh" business and how some people are actually encouraging of demoralizing people because they don't think it's fair that they have to pay the same when they're thinner, I'm SOOOO not looking forward to my flight to NY this summer.

 

[ksmom]

This topic is near and dear to my heart, as I was once a practicing pediatrician and now mother to a child with special needs. I routinely recommended against sedating children in practice, citing the adverse reactions some babies experience, particularly paradoxical excitation. However, I always stopped short of saying 'don't do this,' because parenthood is supposed to be about making choices in our children's best interests, and as long as those choices are well informed, it's not always entirely my place to say what is right and wrong for any particular family.

My little guy will be three next month and he is not the easiest traveler. He is easily upset by the loud noises and sudden movements involved in air travel (thankfully, he is getting better every time we fly.) Unfortunately for him though, we travel frequently. But my resolution to not drug him is even stronger now, despite the pressure from other moms and notably by other physicians to do so. I know it's my job as his mother, but I feel a tremendous responsibility in consenting for *anything* on his behalf, without his knowledge. He had to be sedated and intubated for a procedure recently, and when he was administered a sedative before being taken into the procedure room, I bawled like a baby to see him so out of it and mentally altered. I wish us moms were also offered sedatives when our children need to undergo stressful procedures!

I personally would never sedate my child in this way without a clear medical indication.

 

[Laila619]

No way.

That's what the bourbon is for!

 

[JaneSmith]

Not a good idea unless medically indicated.

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

 

[kenny]

No way.

That's what the bourbon is for!

For the kid or for the adults who have to listen to the screaming?

 

[JaneSmith]

No way.

That's what the bourbon is for!

For the kid or for the adults who have to listen to the screaming?

Sometimes babies cry, sometimes adults talk loudly or snore, sometimes people have BO or fart a lot, and some airlines now make you pay for every last ounce of your arse.
Flying can suck, but unless you can afford your own jet, you'll have to just deal with your fellow humans for a few hours.

 

[Laila619]

No way.

That's what the bourbon is for!

For the kid or for the adults who have to listen to the screaming?

Both!

 

[TooPatient]

I recently had the suggestion from "A"s mom that I give her some pills to make her groggy before seeing the dentist
She didn't specify what pills and I really didn't care to ask. Kids should NOT be drugged up just to keep them quiet. They need to be taught that medications are to use carefully and only as required by actual medical need. They are NOT an all purpose go-to when you need to "relax". (with the exception of those who genuinely have anxiety problems and are under the close supervision of a qualified doctor)

I can see how it might be "easier" for the parents than dealing with a kid who is fidgety and wants to be active, but that is when they should be teaching!

 

[Smith1942]

No way.

That's what the bourbon is for!

For the kid or for the adults who have to listen to the screaming?

Sometimes babies cry, sometimes adults talk loudly or snore, sometimes people have BO or fart a lot, and some airlines now make you pay for every last ounce of your arse.
Flying can suck, but unless you can afford your own jet, you'll have to just deal with your fellow humans for a few hours.

Oh, jeepers, this times a hundred! I take a lot of flights between the US/UK and from where I live in the States to Florida. Particuarly on the transatlantic flights, I have yet to have a flight where someone hasn't STUNK TO HIGH HEAVEN! If it's not their smelly breath coming from their mouths hanging open as they spend the entire flight in NeverNeverLand it's their arses farting in their sleep. If it's not their smelly mouths or their disgusting bums it's their unwashed feet. If it's not their mouths or bums or feet it's their armpits. And if it's none of those things then they snore so horribly that it sounds like ajbect farting through their mouths. I have to take earplugs, yes, but I also have to take eucalyptus oil and throw it around so I don't have to have smelly breath and bottoms in my face for seven hours. And we complain about kids on flights? I know I mentioned other things but the bad breath and the smelly bottoms are the most prevalent.

When did everyone start smelling so bad? I'll tell you when: After the financial crash. Once everyone got so scared and desperate, the smell on the Boston T got worse and worse and worse. When I first came here in 2007 I noticed how perfumed people smelt. Well, not anymore. There is a noticeable difference in personal hygiene after an economic crash of historic proportions, that's my theory. Maybe people are saving on heating hot water, maybe they're too depressed to floss, I don't know, but complain about kids on transport all you want - the adults STINK!

 

[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.