You’re planning a long trip with the family – ten long hours in the car with your 9-month-old, who you know isn’t a great traveller. Feeling anxious about your journey, you consider the options. In your mind, you imagine a scenario where your baby screams during the whole journey because they’re uncomfortable and restless. Another option is that you give your little one something to help calm and relax them, which will, in turn, make for a much more peaceful journey for everyone involved.

You wonder: surely the stuff you get over-the-counter is harmless for babies? It can’t hurt, can it?

We know how tempting it can be to guarantee a sleeping baby during a long trip, but before you make your decision, we’d like to explore the research with you.

First, let’s take a look at the supposed benefits of sedating your child while travelling.

What are the supposed benefits of sedating your child while travelling?

Benadryl and other over-the-counter antihistamines are harmless and can have a calming effect on your child.
If your child is fearful or fussy, this medication can have a positive, soothing effect.

This medication can cause your baby to become drowsy and therefore make a long trip peaceful for you, your child and the rest of the family.

A 1976 study shows that children who take this medication fall asleep more quickly and wake less frequently.

What are the risks associated with sedating your child while travelling?

Common sedation medication Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine (DPH), is typically used to treat allergies. When it comes to giving DPH to babies to make them feel drowsy, scientific research has identified many risks:

Any sedation medication can have dangerous side effects.

A 2006 study found not only that DPH was ineffective at improving sleep, but also that it caused hyperactivity in children.
The American Academy of Paediatrics (APP), The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) all discourage using sedation medication, stating that it can have a reverse effect, causing agitation and restlessness in infants.
Side effects associated with DPH include dizziness, constipation, nausea and headaches.

Administering the right dosage is tricky, which means it’s very easy to give your child too much, and therefore could be very dangerous.

So, how do I use this information to make a decision that’s right for my baby?

Not only is there insufficient evidence to suggest that sedating your baby will keep them asleep during a long trip, but there are also various dangers and side effects associated with sedation medication. We, therefore, recommend steering clear of medicating your child.

Instead, bring plenty of snacks, books to read, toys to keep them occupied and put together a road trip soundtrack that your baby will love. Babies love it when you sing to them so prepare to warm up those vocal cords and get ready to serenade your little one. Try to break up the journey with regular stops where possible too.

If you’re on an aeroplane, consider using the sick bag as a puppet. Your baby will love it. They're also likely to be very interested in the people around them too. Another way to keep your baby calm is to give your child a dummy or let them suck on a breast or bottle. This can also help to alleviate your baby’s ear pressure during take-off and landing.

Can I use sedatives to help my baby sleep while travelling?

Medication may be a tempting way to keep your baby quiet but it is not recommended.