Should Parents Medicate their Kids on Air Flights? Check out what TripMama has to say on the Subject

It’s a good question and one that’s come up quite a bit in the news lately. We’ve all read about parents being kicked off flights due to unruly children, but does that mean we should medicate them? Is that the issue or are children uncomfortable flying? Here are some ideas to consider when traveling with children on your next air flight.

If your flight is short, the general consensus is no. Yet, when the question is posed for long or extended flights, the response is varied. Parents, as well as doctors, seem to struggle with the idea to medicate or not to medicate children while flying. Some feel the potential aggravation it causes other passengers and the stress it causes the child are good reasons to consider a sedative. Others are emphatically against it, claiming it is unhealthy and detrimental to the child.

A poll on www.babycenter.com shows that 31% of the public states they'll never give their child a soporific drug. 23% says they've never needed to give their child a sedative. However, 40% claim they've given their child sleeping aids and would do so again, or would do it again. This survey displays the divergent attitudes. This can pose an added problem if one parent thinks it is unnatural to medicate their child and the other feels it would be better all-around if the child sleeps.

Pediatricians offer differing opinions on this front. Some feel you should bring a constant flow of activities for your child, to be changed every half or full hour. Many parents have claimed they've taken activities on their flights, but the kids grow weary of them quickly. The doctors' point of view is parents don't bring enough, constantly-changing activities to keep their child busy and happy.

On the opposite end, other physicians consider the trips themselves are stressful for children. They believe adding the extra pressure of an unhappy flight with irritated passengers and parents, develops too much stress for the child. These pediatricians consider having them sleep will relieve some of the stress of visiting somewhere new.

Whatever your opinion, you can see that others are just as confused or assured in their stance as you are. Consider the pros and cons and consult your doctor before coming to any conclusion. Also, check out the TripMama Family Travel Forum and see what other parents have said about kid friendly best airlines.