Anyone who has travelled with children knows that no two journeys are ever the same, and for many parents, one unexpected issue can quickly turn a smooth flight into a stressful experience: upset stomachs.
From constipation to sudden toilet emergencies, experts say changes in routine, dehydration, nerves, and long hours sitting still can all affect children’s digestive systems while travelling, especially on flights.
Some parents notice their child becomes constipated after flying, while others find the opposite happens, with anxious tummies leading to urgent bathroom trips before take-off or mid-flight.
Paediatric health experts say air travel can be surprisingly disruptive for children’s bowels. Cabin pressure, dry air, unfamiliar foods, altered sleep routines, and excitement or anxiety about the trip can all play a role.
For younger children especially, travel days are often packed with snacks, sugary treats, and long periods without proper meals or hydration, all of which can upset normal digestion.
Constipation is one of the most common complaints during holidays, particularly after long-haul flights or road trips. Sitting for extended periods and not drinking enough water can significantly slow digestion.
The travel issue many parents don’t think about
On the other hand, some children experience what parents jokingly call “holiday tummy”, where nerves and overstimulation can trigger stomach cramps or diarrhoea.
Many parents also say children can become reluctant to use unfamiliar toilets on planes or in airports, causing them to hold it in, which may worsen constipation or discomfort later in the trip.
Experts recommend keeping children hydrated before and during flights, encouraging movement where possible, and sticking to familiar foods if a child has a sensitive stomach.
Packing spare clothes, wipes, and any usual medications in hand luggage is also strongly advised, particularly for parents of toddlers.
And while it can feel mortifying to deal with a child’s bathroom emergency at 30,000 feet, travel experts say it is far more common than many parents realise.
Deirdre Holland Hannon is a Limerick-based nurse, urotherapist & behavior specialist who has very helpfully posted a little-known hack to help combat constipation while travelling with children.
She says ‘A lot of us board a plane and instantly become constipated. Routine changes, different foods, less movement, holding while travelling and new environments’.
Her expert advice is that ‘the earlier you recognise it, the easier it is to support’.
She also recommends planning ahead and preparing for what you might need if travel does have an adverse effect on your kids’ digestion. It’s fair to say it can happen to anyone and thinking ahead is always a good idea in this scenario.
‘Bring a few nappies, bring extra medication they may need to increase their usual dose under these circumstances. Talk to your pharmacist and travel with a tool box!’
