I would like to ask and seek advice, opinion and proven method to avoid or alleviate so-called 'airplane ear' in young children. Children of all ages fly or are flown in aeroplanes all the time, but my question remains how one can help a young child not suffer the debilitating effects of ear pressure and how one can make sure it is avoided as their ears are still growing and are vulnerable. I know of several friends whose children have suffered ear problems and upon discussion and timeline study, aeroplane trips could not be ruled out as the root cause of the problem. I have spoken to three people who I know very well and they have since added a very credible alternative to their theory as to the never-ending ear problems of their beloved young ones. I ask as I need to plan travel with my daughter in the near future. I have received advice from using a warm compress (but you can only do that afterward, perhaps after the damage is done) to administering an antihistamine prior to the flight. A lot of people were outright dismissive of me and told that 'children fly all the time'. I would then ask how they knew if the children did not suffer and they just replied that 'no the children were fine and they played around when we got there and look, we came back'. Needless to say, that did not reassure me and I am afraid that my child may not be able to travel with me and enjoy far away places since I myself suffer airplane ear (but I know how to deal with it but sometimes it lasts longer than I would like) and she possibly may have the same issue as she is my daughter. But she is too young to be instructed on what to do or to chew gum. I do not want to do possibly irreversible damage to her lil precious ears in pursuit of travel. ANY ADVICE, COMMENTS OR INSIGHT WOULD BE SO GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thank you.