We are taking our three-month-old daughter on a 2-hour flight. What steps should we take to make it as comfortable and safe for her as possible?
Justyna MacDonald

Dr Jules Eden replies: Fortunately for you the flight is fairly short, so there should be insufficient time for her to get annoyed with both the environment and close proximity of other passengers. The key point really is during take-off and landing - cabin pressure will alter and she will need to equalise. Adults, of course, can wiggle their jaws, or blow into a closed nose. She will just feel an odd pressure, which may get painful for her. So make sure she is on her bottle. The gentle sucking will move the jaw enough to open up the eustachian tube so that the middle ear is equalised. Also, get an aisle seat. If she does erupt and needs to be rocked, then it's best done walking down the aisle. Keep a change of nappy and lots of wipes handy, but remember it will be cramped in the plane loo, so don't go in with a massive bag, just the bare essentials. For your own comfort, take a spare top in case the baby is airsick.

My girlfriend and I are visiting Goa in March. As an insulin-dependent diabetic, will it be safe for her to take the anti-malarials proguanil hydrochloride and chloroquine phosphate?
Ian Holland

Yes. A diabetic can take any of the available anti-malarials. My only concern would be with Lariam, which is known to cause a few psychological side effects, including confusion, depression and irritability: these could be mistaken for the warning signs of a potential hypoglycaemic attack. But remember, there are other problems for a diabetic abroad. She must avoid diarrhoea, carry a doctor's note for customs if she has needles, and keep insulin at the correct temperature.

Ask the flying doctor

If you have any questions you want to ask Dr Jules Eden, email travel.doctor@theguardian.com, or write to The Flying Doctor, The Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.