Apr 1, 09 | Posted by: David Melbye, M.D.

Flying with infants and toddlers

A lot of people are thinking about  going on vacation this time of year.  I can’t imagine why, what’s not to love about 40 degrees and rain?  The thought of being somewhere warm and sunny right now sounds great but the prospect of flying with young children can be less than appealing.  Trying to keep an infant or toddler in a confined space for 3-4 hours without crying is not an easy task.   If you are lucky enough to be able to take a vacation, here are some tips that may make flying more enjoyable for everyone. 

• Gate check your stroller.  It’s a lot easier to navigate through the airport with your stuff if you don’t have to carry your kids.  Your stroller will also be waiting for you in the walkway when you get off the plane. 
• Bring snacks.  The airline will give you something but chances are your picky toddler may not like it and would rather have the snacks they are used to you giving them.
• Bring a drink.  This will especially help the babies who have ear pain during takeoff and landing.  If your baby starts to cry the swallowing should either “pop their ears” or distract them enough to calm them down.  The same goes for toddlers.
• New or “not played with for awhile” toys can be a great time passer on the plane.  You should bring some of your kids favorite toys also to keep them occupied for as long as possible.
• Bring books to read (to your children, not to distract you while they are screaming, although that could work too….).
• Portable DVD players can be a great distraction if you have one.  Bring a couple of different movies in case they decide they don’t want to watch their favorite DVD for the 18th time.  Normally I would never tell a parent to let their kids watch TV for 2 hours at a time, but the airplane is an exception.
• Medications.  If your child is flying with a cold or an ear infection I would give him/her a dose of ibuprofen or tylenol before boarding the plane.  If they are lucky enough to be healthy this time of year bring the medicine along in case you need it while you are on your vacation.  Sedating your kids with benadryl before flying  may sound like a good idea, but I would advise against it.  The FDA has recommended against the use of benadryl for sedation for children under age 6.  It is also very likely that a dose of benadryl will just make your kid tired and crabby all day and not actually put them to sleep.

Hopefully these tips will help make your flight a pleasant experience that goes by quickly.   If your child does cry for most of the flight and none of this is helping, remember that we have all been on airplanes where someones kid is screaming, it may just be your turn to be that parent so don’t feel too bad.  The plane ride will come to an end and then you can get on with enjoying the rest of your vacation!  Or at least until you have to fly again on the way home…

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