Road trips can be a lot of fun, but for kids who suffer from car sickness, sitting in a car for long periods can be a very distressing experience. Growing up, I would get really carsick, so it wasn’t a big surprise that my son would as well. Ever since he was a baby, we have learned various tricks and habits that lessen the chances of motion sickness.
Nausea, dizziness, and headaches can make the journey miserable for both kids and parents. And for some reason, for my family the medications just don’t work. However, there are many strategies you can use to help your child manage their motion sickness naturally, and enjoy the trip. From avoiding heavy meals before the trip to using acupressure bands, there are many ways to help your child feel better.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help kids with motion sickness on road trips. Whether you’re planning a long car trip or just a short drive, these strategies can help make the journey smoother and more comfortable for everyone.
Avoid heavy meals before the trip
Have your child eat light, non-greasy meals at least an hour before getting in the car. I find that having some snacks in the car can help as a distraction or to help settle a stomach, but nothing too heavy or rich.
Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
Warm and stuffy air can make motion sickness worse. We always at least crack a window to get some air flow. And in the event someone starts feeling sick, we roll the windows down all the way. Fresh air is critical at times like these.
Don’t overdress
It never fails that when someone gets car sick in our family, that person is overdressed. So now–no matter the weather–we wear a T-shirt while in the car. It’s easy to pull up a blanket or sweatshirt on the outside, but if its worn and they’re buckled in, kids just don’t have the capability to take off the sweatshirt when they start to feel hot. Instead, bring a light blanket or have a sweatshirt on the side that they can drape over them if they’re cold, which they can also easily take off when they feel too warm.
Keep the eyes fixed on a point ahead
Encourage your child to focus on the horizon or a fixed point in the distance to help reduce motion sickness. Sometimes we look at the car in front of us, or the yellow line that separates the lanes. For turns, look at where you are turning, and follow the road with your eyes as if you are the driver.
Take breaks
Frequent breaks can help your child get some fresh air and stretch their legs, which can help alleviate motion sickness. Look at your itinerary and see if there are any little pit stops to add to your trip which also adds to the adventure! Giving everyone a few minutes or an hour to walk around can make all the difference in the world. We end up taking a few breaks, making a few stops, but it’s all worth it at the end of the day.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea remedy has been shown to help reduce nausea, so you can give your child ginger ale or ginger chews. Make sure the drink or chew contains real ginger and not just artificial flavors. Also, I recommend having your child try it prior to the car trip, so they know what to expect.
Avoid reading or using electronic devices
Reading or using electronic devices can make motion sickness worse, so encourage your child to rest their eyes instead. We can’t even let our kids look down at a toy–that is all it takes sometime. Eyes need to be looking out the window, or in front out the windshield.
Motion Sickness Bracelets
Motion sickness bracelets or acupressure bands are a popular and drug-free option for helping to alleviate motion sickness in both adults and children. They work by applying pressure to a specific point on the inner wrist, called the P6 or Nei Kuan point, which is believed to help reduce nausea and vomiting. These bands are affordable, reusable, and come in a variety of colors and designs, making them a popular choice for both kids and adults. They are easy to use, simply place the band on the wrist so that the button or bead is positioned over the P6 point, and adjust the tightness for comfort. While the scientific evidence supporting the use of motion sickness bracelets is limited, many people find them to be effective and a convenient alternative to medication. It’s worth a try!
Peppermint
Peppermint is another natural remedy that can help alleviate nausea. You can give your child peppermint tea or peppermint candies to suck on during the car ride. Peppermint flavored gum may also help.
Distractions
Keeping your child distracted during the car ride can help take their mind off their motion sickness. Listen to music, or a book on tape. For some reason we started streaming episodes of The Berenstain Bears (they couldn’t see the video, we just listened) and just listening to the stories and voices seems to help take the edge off the road, and distracted them to the next time we could stop. For a great list of distractions, see this post.
Avoid Stop and Go
Stop and go, and curves and turns, are the worst things ever if you are prone to car sickness. If possible, drive during times of low traffic, or at night while children are sleeping. If there are multiple routes to your destination, choose the least winding one, or the one will less traffic. You can also time drives for during nap time, which for kids still in the napping phase, can be a life saver!
Stay Hydrated
Make sure your child stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can make motion sickness worse. Bring normal beverages like water, or try a carbonated clear beverage like ginger ale, which contains both ginger and carbonation which can settle a nauseous stomach.
Disposable Nausea Bag
Be prepared that nausea may result in vomiting, and have a disposable bag handy and ready to go. These bags are great in that they have a hard ring that cups around the face so avoid splattering. Also bring extra paper towels or wipes with you. These have come in handy for us, and are way better than grabbing a sweater (done that) or even had to take my own shirt off (done that, too). Just get the bag.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the best strategies to help your child manage their motion sickness while traveling.
By following these tips, you can help your child manage motion sickness and make your road trip more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Luckily, as children get older, some of the car sickness stuff starts to fade and trips become much more enjoyable!
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