Seeking Info Regarding Melatonin and Babies on Flights

I have flown dozens of times with one or both of my daughters as infants and toddlers. It isn't always easy but I have never given them anything to make them sleep-except once when my older daughter was like 10 mos. Nine months shouldn't be too hard an age-some books, some toys, lots of snacks.....and if you can keep her awake until just before you take off, the white noise might put her right to sleep. I have never heard of using melatonin for a child so young and the one time my daughter had benedryl at around 10 mos (this was before they said it is not safe for children under 6) it was a disaster. She fell asleep right away but woke up shortly after jittery, groggy and screaming for the rest of the flight.

I would not use anything for sleep during flights except breastfeeding. It is the best sleep aid and soother. And it helps their ears pop.

As a former business flyer, thank you for knowing your child & trying to make the flight as easy as possible for your child, yourself & the other hundred or so people on the plane! Though many children are fine during flights, many are not. My daughter in Chicago finds Benadryl for her children helpful when flying to visit us in Boston. Sorry it didn't work for yours or some others.

Not sure about melatonin but, after reading some of the comments that seemed a little judgmental to me, I wanted to offer some support. You know your child better than those of us who just read your request. Each child behaves differently. Call your pediatrician & talk about your Benadryl experience. Ask about melatonin or for other suggestions. Flying is stressful for many. Nothing wrong with trying to make it more tolerable for all. The people on your flight will thank you and it won't hurt your child.

Good luck -- and hugs.

I have flown with my daugther 6 times roundtrip since she was 3 months old (now 18 months), each flight being no less than 3 hours, and I have never had to nor felt the need to drug my child either with over-the-counter medication or with supplements. Please, for your child's sake, do not give her medication unnecessarily for any reason, whether it's to get a better night's sleep or to make air travel easier. God forbid she does have an adverse response to the medication/supplement and you're 20,000 feet in the air with no doctor around. I've seen children drugged on planes before and my heart breaks for them, because it's a selfish thing their parents have done to them simply to make their trip more enjoyable for themselves. The children look and act miserable, half awake and not aware of their surroundings. I'd rather hear a child crying for the duration of the flight than see a child so out of it on medication they're drooling on themselves staring into space like a little drunk. PLEASE, just make the trip and see how your child does. If it's hard, then wait a while for the next flight. You never know, your child might be an angel without medicating her for no reason. Good luck!

I am not sure how much to give a baby, I have only given it to my son when he was two. They type I give him was a pill form that I smashed into a powder and added to his drink. I would ask your pediatrician how much to give her.

When I fly I will give my baby/kids tylenol when they start to get fussy. For me flying and not being able to move much will make me stiff and sore, so I can only guess that is why they are fussy. It will calm them down and usually they will fall asleep after it takes affect and they don't hurt anymore. Good luck flying, it is really not that bad flying with a baby. Most people are very understanding and some will even try to help you calm the baby down.

If you are planning to fly with your daughter, why do you feel you need to use this? I started flying with my son when he was 3 months old. ( my family is 750 miles away and we visit often) I never and still to this day gave him anything, he was always fine, I would nurse or give a bottle during take off and landing.

--I just read your previous question, I need to add it was always just my son and I flying too. From Missouri to Ohio, which is usualy a 4 hour flight as well, I packed a bag of toys, or he slept in his carseat, ate snacks, everything was okay!

I would be really really careful alot of supplements like that aren't regulated by the FDA so when you think you are giving your child an age/weight appropriate dose you may be giving her 18x the right dose. I always just nursed my DD on a flight BIG BONUS tell the person your sitting next to that you will be breastfeeding and that you hope it won't make them too uncomfortable. Nine times outta ten they will ask to be relocated. LOL free elbow room!

We used melatonin to help my son stay asleep but he was 2.5 yrs when we started that. It did not make him fall asleep it just helped him stay asleep once sleeping and I would not be comfortable giving any type of sleep aid to a baby. I have taken very very very long drives with my kids starting at about 6 months old and both did wonderful much longer then a 4 hr flight like you posted in your previous question. Pack some new toys in your carry on, some different types of snacks, a bottle, and maybe she will even nap some of the flight. If its a morning flight get her up early and keep her up so she will be tired if it is an afternoon flight don't give her a nap and maybe she will take an extra long one. There are plenty of ways to keep her happy In my opinion it is wrong to drug a child/baby just so you won't have to worry about keeping them occupied on a flight.

There is a spray melatonin that you can purchase at Whole Foods Market. But do not give it to your baby until you clear it with your pediatrician first!!! I'm sure that a simple call to your doctor's office will give you all of the information you need.