Jet lag with Kids
Tips for dealing with and treating jet lag in kids (and adults too).
Travel is most of the time, wonderful. Flying on planes can be cool (for short flights) but can also be very exhausting. It’s not easy getting a family of five packed, to the airport, through security, on the plane and sleeping – especially when all the flights we normally have crappy seats (yes, we are cheap). My kids and sometimes even the husband generally sleep pretty well on a planes. I do not. I can not sleep sitting straight up – it’s not going to happen. In addition to always ending up straight (with no head rest) there is usually a kid or 2 leaning on me at very awkward angles. Often at least one kid is stretching out in to the aisle or drooling on something or someone – plane sleeping is just not much of an option for me. We’ve taken 2 overnight flights so far this trip. I just pretend it’s like a shut in from middle school – no sleep till next day.
This article contains affiliate links – please see disclosure in footer for more information.
Looking for accessories to help your plane ride be more enjoyable than ours? Really these could be really helpful. I should try them one day …
Headrests:
Comfort Kits:
And a soft blanket (or towel that doubles as a blanket like we use):
Headphones:
What an overnight flight looks like for us
So as I already said, I don’t sleep well if at all on overnight flights. May be I could get better sleep if I bought a good headrest and other comfort accessories but I just have been so focused on the kids that I don’t always get things I need for myself (common mom problem). Luckily the kids do usually sleep but when we land our bodies are way out of wack for a few days. If you have a baby or a toddler – definitely try to bring an approved car seat on board for an overnight flight. They will rest easier and you may have a better place to lean your head.
To see a list of recommended car seats for flights click here.
Going East
When we took our flight from New York to Copenhagen we took off about 9pm and caught up with the sun somewhere in Norway. It was way too early to be seeing sunlight – my body was screaming – “it’s like 3 am what the heck is that fireball thing.”
We had coffee and pastries in Norway and took the next flight to Copenhagen and landed about noon. We all stayed up until 8pm and crashed. We slept in a little (like 8am) and then next 2-3 days the 3-year-old did not go to bed until midnight or 1 am. The second night everyone in the house just randomly woke up at 2 am wide awake and didn’t lay back down until 4-5 am. Eventually is straightened out.
So What to do About Jet Lag
When it comes to jet lag and kids my first advice is to give it time. Try not to schedule super full days immediately. I generally like to have a “down day” the day after we get to a new place even if we’re not changing time zones. Having a down day even more important when dealing with jet lag.
Go with the Sun’s Schedule
Second, pretend that your body is already on the new schedule. Get up and get in the sunlight in the morning and stay in the sun as much as possible. About 2 hours before your normal bedtime start turning down lights. No electronics 1-2 hours before bedtime (good advice for sleep anyway) but even more important when you are adjusting to a new time zone. If you do find yourself or you kids wide awake in the middle of the night, get up for a little bit and read or find something calm and non electronic you can do then try to settle down again.
Medications
Third, you can try a little Melatonin. I would bring some with you just in case. Melatonin is considered a safe medication and can be used short-term in kids. Yes, it is a medication (aka drug). I have a particular pet peeve about companies who don’t understand the definition of drugs and medications. I don’t recommend using it more than a couple of days. Start with a .5-1mg dose 1 hour before bedtime (it’s not meant to be a quick medication). Some kids may need up to 3mg but I recommend consulting with your pediatrician on the correct dosing.
I do not recommend using Benadryl (in kids or adults). Benadryl can be a dangerous medication in young kids and especially under age 1. It has been known to cause deaths even with slight variations of dosage. Some children process this medication differently and are more susceptible to overdose. It can also cause severe hyperactivity in children (totally not what you want).
For adults, 1-4 doses of Benadryl in a month is OK. If you take more often you may be making your insomnia worse since it can cause rebound insomnia. It is also known to cause memory problems in adults.
For Frommer’s Tips on Jet Lag click here
Here is another great article on jet lag and kids
Most Importantly – Give it Time and Relax
The best thing you can do is follow the daylight, avoid electronics especially later in the day and just take it a little easy until everyone adjusts. The more you stress about sleep the more likely you’re going to have problems – which is why it’s wise not to stare at a clock when you’re having trouble falling asleep. When you’re travelling with kids it’s good to have some wiggle room in your schedule and flexible plans when possible. You’ll have a much better trip if you allow time to relax.
Like this Article then Pin Me ….
We’re a family of 5 taking a gap year from normal life to travel. In “real life” I’m a a Physician Assistant and my husband is an IT project manager. For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.
Take a look – Travel Shopping Lists:
Luggage,Kids Travel Accessories, Mother’s Day Gifts, Electronics, Car Seats and Boosters, Kids Clothing, Travel Supplies, For the Beach, Gifts for Travelers, Home School Books, Home School Supplies
