Flying, babies and Benadryl

[Grub]

Hi, a while ago, there was a discussion about using Benadryl on babies while flying on long trips. While I don't like feeding medication to my baby unnecessarily, he just hates new environments and will not sleep even if he is dead tired. We opted to fly during the day so that if he screams on board, he won't be interrupting the other passengers' sleep.

Can someone suggest an herb safe for babies to take, that will make them sleep? Or can anyone who has used Benadryl on their kids let me know the pros and cons of it?

Thanks.

[larissab]

I have used a Children's Relax tincture before, but I can't remember the brand name (it's not Herbs for Kids).  It worked quite well for my daughter.  My son has taken Benadryl on numerous occasions in the past to minimize allergic reactions to foods and has always responded with extreme drowsiness.  I've heard that it doesn't work for everyone.

Ethics on this issue aside, the biggest drawbacks I can see to using Benadryl or herbal preparations are that a) you could create a dependence, b) they might not work, and c) they might backfire and child might have the opposite response.

[Brawny]

I have 3 small boys, and travel back to the US.  
If you travel every week and give them drugs, then they can be dependent on it. But if it's a long trip, and it's 1-2 times a year, use the drugs.

My sons' can't use benadryl.  They hyper up.  I found that out of a "long" trip from NYC to LA.  

As far as "ethics" are concerned, it's very difficult to change your clock, be stuck in a plane for hours and not get agitated or cranky.  We take drugs to help us, tylenol, Melatonin, or whatever, what is wrong with helping the little ones make their trip a little less stressful?  Sometimes I have a glass of wine with dinner and it helps me relax too!  Am I now dependent on it?
The best place to start is with a Doc.  Tell them your impending trip and get their advice.  After that, try the medicine a few days/weeks before you travel just in case they get hyper.
good luck!