To drug or not to drug...

[Nathanmum]

Hi, just wondering.. Those of you that have done a long haul (9 hour) flight, do you give anything to help them sleep? If so, what? And did it work?

You see, we have done this flight before. The first time was so easy as it was so new - but now he's more used to it, it's not such a novelty.

arfishymeau - Like the idea of wrapped toys - did you have any problems at security?

Thanks for all the good wishes though - appreciate it!

Medised worked wonders for my two year old when we did a 12 hr flight. I would definitely take some with you and just see how things go, at least that way you will have it to hand.

Medised worked wonders for my two year old when we did a 12 hr flight. I would definitely take some with you and just see how things go, at least that way you will have it to hand.

I traveled from London to South Africa when ds was 4wks, 4mnths and 8mnths, each time I was shocked by how many mother's 'drugged' their children and was very smug that I didn't have too.

However, at 16mnths I took out the medised 4hrs into the flight (5hrs pass bedtime) and he slept till 6am, we landed 2hrs later (much to everyones relief).

I'd also so no. We have done 7.5 hour flights twice with DD - at 2y4m ad at 4y2m. Both times she has been fine. Lots of snacks, lots of activities, walks down the ailse, some sleeping, food times...they find it all interesting in our experience. DD has suffered with jet lag and travelling weariness much less both times that either me or DH.

See Cads, that's what I mean - he's got progressively worse, so now I'm waiting for the explosion!

The worst thing is that when we land it's going to seem like 130am to him, so was wondering to see if I could get him to sleep earlier... Seems like such a long walk from the plane to the baggage & more importantly, stroller.

hulababy - Was this a day or over night flight?

I'm flying to South Africa in November with ds (who'll be 2.10years), dd (who'll be 1yr) and my bottle of medised.

Way out - day; way back - night. Both times.

Can't get medised here, anything else you'd recommend? I've tried Benadryl, & it didn't work.

Can you have a word with your doctor? Think it will be the best thing to do.

In South africa you can get Melatonin over the counter, which is natural and helps regulate sleep patterns to avoid jet lag. Look it up on the web.

www.melatonin.com/

I met a woman at my paeds who has to give it to her ds very night because he just will not sleep at all.

ok thanks!

I can heartily recommend a hip seat for all that non stroller walking you will have to do.

Hi NM. No problems at all with security with the wrapped presents. I quite enjoy the challenge of finding things that will keep DD occupied for as long as possible.

I also use a DVD called Shae by Air from I'm a good little Traveller which DD watches before long flights to remind her how to behave! It's quite American but it's helped us a lot, especially with seat kicking. I'm a good little traveller . It's especially for toddlers.

Really loving the idea of wrapped presents - a stroke of genius. I will save that one for my next transatlantic in Oct!!Thanks a mil. Forgot to recommend the portable DVD also; has saved my life on short-haul, although battery not sufficient for long-haul. However, most airline have seat back TVs long-haul now. I make a point of only booking these flights - the power of TV cannot be underestimated when travelling with kids IMO

Yes, we're on Virgin & so have the tv in the back of the seat... Will have to look for that dvd arfishymeau, thanks - the seat kicking is definitely a big one!

very apt I'd seen this thread now - just booked our flights to Zimbabwe for august. 11hr flights to Jo'burg, 5hr wait at the airport then another 2hr flight up to Zim then the same in reverse on the way home - boys will me 2 and 5 (well closer to 3 and 6 actually by then).

HRH - good luck, I've only got one child & one flight!!

hi girls! I will be taking DD (14 mths)on a 45mins flight this sat from UK to Amsterdam - piece of cake ! 4 hours waiting time in Schipol..here's the crunch....but from amsterdams a 13 hours connecting flight to S'pore. I am sweating buckets now esp colleagues were telling me how mad they were with crying babies on flight. i will definately bring medised with me as plan c being plan b will have to be toys and snacks but can't figure out what yet ! she loves milky way and that's out of the plan now. i'll try biscuits .. and wine gums sounds really good for ear-popping technique !! thanks for the tips