Update on my poorly baby .... am I cruel to take him on a flight?

[tigwig]

Well following on from my thread yesterday I took him back to GP but she couldn't find anything else wrong with him except his ears are still slightly inflamed. I asked her if he would be ok to travel on Sat (we go to Caribbean then) and she said she couldn't say that it was my choice as a parent and if I wanted to cancel it she would support me. She didn't say it would harm him but that a well baby can have ear ache so he was more than likely going to suffer. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but should I cancel? Of course I don't want to but I also don't want to make my baby suffer. It wasn't exactly my idea to take a baby on a long haul flight but last year when I was still pregnant my parents offered to pay for the whole family to go away for Christmas to celebrate their 40th anniversary. I now feel like I am being cruel to him but don't want to ruin everyone else's holiday either. What do you think?

[DSJ]

Did the doctor say that the flight might damage his ears?

[Sqad]

LOL...LOL..you do get into some scrapes LOL

The ear infection is being controlled by antibiotics and yes, if I was in your situation., I would take him.

Your shout though.

[LoftyLottie]

If you are going to worry about him (and you probably will) then I would cancel. He won't be happy on a long haul flight, but it won't be cruelty. I have seen babies screaming with ear ache on aircraft and it is quite distressing. You are the only one who can make the decision.

I don't know what medical facilities are like in the Carbibbean either!!

Mind you, babies and children can be really ill one minute and spring back to being their old selves very quickly.

Is he still on antibiotics?

[LoftyLottie]

I didn't mean that the Caribbean wouldn't have good medical facilities - just that it might be expensive if he needs treatment!

[Sqad]

I have just had another thought...IF you decide to fly, then get nasal decongestive drops or spray and use 30 minutes before take off, half way through the flight and 30 mins before descent.

How´s that?

[tigwig]

He's still on antibiotics yes and I'm not actually sure if he will have finished them by Sat morning.
The doctor didnt say it would damage his ears no just that he was more likely to be in pain.
He has flown before (but short haul) and to be honest I don't remember him being that bad then. If he had have been I'm sure I would remember.
Sqad I will get him some of those drops, I think my mind is made up. My family have convinced me we will cope with him and when we get there it will be worth it!

[Sqad]

tigwig.......;-)

[karenmac60]

My colleague's year old granddaughter has flown to Australia a couple of times and her mum always gives her a dummy on the flight - someone had recommended it as it makes them swallow a lot and so makes their ears pop.

[ummmm]

I'd still go...

[Dris]

How old is your baby tigwig -sorry just being lazy as I could have searched.

In the interim -I would take your baby -if he is still suckling that will help a lot and the antis will kick in pretty quick.
Its just the same as if he was there and he got an ear infection you likely wouldnt think twice about coming home.
I took my then 3mth daughter on a jaunt and she was probably the only one not feeling it when we landed -the adults were wanting sweets to suck -difference was I had a bottle for her and she slept like the proverbial.
Its hard -I have been the most anxious parent going but I know theyre made of sterner stuff than me !! I have proof but wont post it lol !!

Just enjoy -thats my advice as a still current over protective mother to 2 adults -who think im nuts !!!

[Dris]

Im always the cows tail lol !!
Enjoy !!!

[divegirl]

Hi, my son always suffered with his ears when he flew as a baby, my doctor would always prescribe anti-b's for me to take with us 'just in case' as your doc is aware of the problem maybe they could do the same...

Lisa x

[237SJ]

If his ears are not blocked by mucus he should be alright. You will have to do the usual things such as feed him on take off and landing and he might be in discomfort as all babies can be on flights but as long as his ears are clear he should be ok.