Toddlers on long hall flights

Q: We’re taking our two-year-old son to Australia and I’m worried about how a long-haul flight may affect him. Is there any medication we can give him to keep him calm on the plane, and how can we help him cope with jet lag?


A: Giving children medication to calm them is not advised, but there are lots of things you can do to help your son survive the journey. Check what facilities the airline has for young children and book these in advance.

You should be able to get suitable seats with more legroom for your son to move about, children’s meals and activity packs. Take some favourite books and toys – you may end up reading the same book many times but it will relax him.

Keep his favourite teddy or blanket handy, as well as a drink for him during take-off and landing to help with the build up of pressure in his ears.

You’ll probably find that he copes very well with the flight and he’ll be reassured if you are calm. You could ask your pharmacist about travel-sickness remedies if you feel he may need them.

Regarding jet lag, children are pretty resilient. It will take him a little while to get his body clock sorted, but it’s very difficult to keep toddlers awake when they want to sleep, so just try to adjust his bedtimes slowly to avoid overtiredness.

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