Alternative to Benadryl for toddler on plane?

MIstyA85

I am flying alone with my very active/mobile 13 month old boy on Tuesday. Everyone says I should give him Benadryl to calm him down and make him sleepy during the flight. I try not to give him any medicine and I always look for natural alternatives first. I wanted to see if you had any recommendations for a natural alternative to Benadryl? I know lavendar essential oil has a "calming" affect. And then there is Calm Child Herbal Syrup, which looks like it's marketed towards kids with ADHD though. Any ideas? TIA!

MrsOjoButtons

Rescue Remedy. It doesn't make you drowsy, but can calm you in stressful situations. I give it to my dog when we have thunder storms. Second idea is aromatherapy/essential oils.

bim38106

what about a little chamomile tea?

Be careful with Benadryl...it can have the opposite effect on some kids. For my DD1, it knocks her out. My DD2, however, it makes her WIRED! And I've heard that's not uncommon.. not what you want on a plane

CDMay2006

MrsOjoButtons:

Rescue Remedy. It doesn't make you drowsy, but can calm you in stressful situations. I give it to my dog when we have thunder storms. Second idea is aromatherapy/essential oils.

This, or sleep remedy.  It doesn't make you sleepy, just helps calm your nerves.  If nervousness is part of the picture, you could try massaging his (i think you said boy...) hands and feet, esp. w/ lavender lotion and that can help.  I'm not sure what to suggest for general high-energy tendencies, though.

HeyNey

bim38106:

what about a little chamomile tea?

Be careful with Benadryl...it can have the opposite effect on some kids. For my DD1, it knocks her out. My DD2, however, it makes her WIRED! And I've heard that's not uncommon.. not what you want on a plane

Yes, in some children it has an adverse reaction.

GRKaters

HeyNey:

bim38106:

what about a little chamomile tea?

Be careful with Benadryl...it can have the opposite effect on some kids. For my DD1, it knocks her out. My DD2, however, it makes her WIRED! And I've heard that's not uncommon.. not what you want on a plane

Yes, in some children it has an adverse reaction.

Giving a half-dose can help that.

GRKaters

While I wouldn't medicate preventively, it may not hurt to have something on hand. Our nearly-3-year old, who is as active and bouncy and LOUD as they come, has flown a lot and is always a peach on the plane. We count on the new surroundings and tons of fun activities (as well as familiar lovey objects) that we've packed to keep him calm and quiet without resorting to medicating.

jen5-03

I've flown alone with two small kids. It really wasn't that bad, even though we had to change planes and had a layover! For the first flight, the toys I brought were completely ignored. The seat, the airplane window, the cup the drink came in... they were all more interesting than anything else. The lady behind us who played peekaboo, the grumpy looking old man who waggled his bushy eyebrows, and the kids across the aisle also consumed her attention.

 

BelleIsa

bim38106:

what about a little chamomile tea?

Be careful with Benadryl...it can have the opposite effect on some kids. For my DD1, it knocks her out. My DD2, however, it makes her WIRED! And I've heard that's not uncommon.. not what you want on a plane

This.  Also, I tried Benadryl on my last flight with DD (from Beijing to Vancouver) and it basically had zero effect.

BlackDiamond3201

I also have the reverse effect with products such as Benadry