When my kids were in daycare, the center required parental permission for administering medication and required the parents to bring it in. This was even for Tylenol and Anbesol for teething! They required a doctor's note for anything stronger than Tylenol. And they kept all medicines locked up at all times. Most licensed daycare providers are required to do this under state and local licensing rules. Just one more reason parents should make sure their daycare provider is licensed.
I take Benadryl as a sleep aid, and I know it is powerful stuff. I won't give it to my 10-year-old or 6-year-old yet. Anyone who would give this stuff to an infant is a criminal.
Just one more reason parents should make sure their daycare provider is licensed. I see what you mean, but many day care centers do things against the rules. (Go look at the ratios during nap time when teachers are taking lunch breaks.) If you must use a provider, choose someone who isn't a moron or casual about a baby's safety.