Real Medical Questions from Parents

Tuesday 2nd March 2010

We are starting a new weekly blog series which is: real medical questions by parents answered by Dr. Liana Dao

Today’s Topic is: Air travel with Babies/Toddlers

When can babies fly? They can start flying at about/after 6 months. That’s when they have hopefully completed all their immunizations. Keep in mind their ear canals are not fully formed until after 2-3 years old though. Newborns should never fly unless it’s an emergency.

What does a parent do about ear pressure? Ear pressure will happen. You could give the baby either a pacifier or a bottle to suck on (or breastfeeding) as sometimes that works and/or you could give Tylenol because that sometimes helps with pain/pressure in ears. If the baby is sleeping you don’t need to wake him/her up for ‘sucking’.

What is your opinnion on giving medicine like benedryl to children before flying? I’m not a big fan until after they are over 6mths old. Usually we avoid all OTC meds ( over the counter) except Tylenol until they are 6 months to 1 years old. Also some medications can have an unexpected reverse effect, in which case you’ll have to put up with a child who’s bouncing around hyper-acitve.

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