Benadryl is an antihistamine which is used to relieve food allergies, clear the itching and swelling of rashes. An adult can use it safely for mild allergic reactions without any fear. However, the situation becomes different when you have to give Benadryl to infants.

Benadryl is approved by the FDA, and is in the pregnancy category B. So, while it is expected to be safe for unborn babies, it might be a different story for newborns. Infants and nursing babies can be sensitive to the antihistamines. Never give it to infants without first consulting a doctor. Many mothers administer Benadryl thinking it will be safe.   Without the advice of a doctor, mothers will also not know how much to give. This is a crucial factor as the dosage, if given by a doctor, will depend upon the infant’s weight.  Though Benadryl will have dosage instructions at the back of the label, your child might require a lesser or heavier dosage.
                          

Also, mothers ought to realize that Benadryl can have a negative effect on breathing. If the respiration rate becomes very low, it might result in permanent brain damage or even cause SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). This happens because the infant is too small to wake up and stimulate its own breathing if the medication causes it to stop breathing. The risk is too great. So, generally pediatricians recommend that the child should be at least 6 years old before he can safely take Benadryl.

So, if your baby suffers from allergies, take him to a specialist. Give him Benadryl only and if prescribed by the specialist.

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