You are here: Q&A->
Page 40->Long Haul Flights with Toddlers
Long Haul Flights with Toddlers
I am flying to New York with my two-year-old son who like most toddlers, is very active, Is there anything like a natural sedative I can use to keep him still for the flight and if so, would there be any side-effects?
The remedy I use for my very active six-year-old daughter when we travel long-haul is an alcohol-free valerian and passion flower herbal tincture from the Eclectic range.
Valerian, as you probably already know, is a natural sedative and passion flower is a much milder anti-anxiety agent than kava kava which has, in any event, now been banned in the UK.
Both herbs are safe to give to children over the age of 1 and the bottle has very specific age-related dosage advice. There is no risk of side-effects and the first time I used this remedy with my child on an aeroplane, she actually asked me if she could go to sleep now.
The other key advice when travelling with kids is to make sure you have a bag packed with healthy snacks so that despite travelling through different time zones, you can try and stick to normal meal times and ensure they do not suffer from blood sugar dips which can exacerbate a fractious or over-excited mood.
*The Eclectic range is widely on sale in health stores but if you have trouble finding it, you can mail order from Victoria Health (0800-413596) where one fluid ounce costs £7.95.