One hour into an eight-hour-long car trip, I heard the following from my 4-year-old in the back seat:<\/p>\n
\u201cMommy? My tummy hurts\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
Me: \u201cYou\u2019ll be okay; just close your eyes for a little while.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cMommy!? [Insert retching sounds, with me frantically looking for a freeway exit].\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
My daughter had just vomited. I realized it was going to be a very long drive! For any parent like me who\u2019s cleaned up vomit from a car seat during a road trip, motion sickness may be in your top 5 least favorite parenting situations. And any parent who has experienced motion sickness themselves knows how unpleasant it feels!<\/p>\n
Motion sickness \u2013 also known as carsickness, airsickness, or seasickness \u2013 happens when the balance areas inside your skull don\u2019t agree with the sensory input your eyes are seeing and your body is feeling. Symptoms can include:<\/p>\n
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- Nausea or vomiting<\/li>\n
- Sweating or hot flashes<\/li>\n
- Headaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Typically, motion sickness improves once the motion stops. However, in some cases (like after getting off a boat), it can last for hours or even days.<\/p>\n
Preventing Motion Sickness<\/strong><\/h3>\n
It isn\u2019t known why motion sickness occurs for some kids more than others. And we all want to be able to travel with our kids<\/a>! Here are the best ways to prevent motion sickness in kids:<\/p>\n
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- Stop the motion when possible. This may require lots of stops on longer trips.<\/li>\n
- Put your child\u2019s car or booster seat<\/a> in the middle back seat of the car to look out the front window instead of side windows. Kids should not ride in the front seat until age 13.<\/li>\n
- Keep the temperature cool. Air conditioning, a cool rag on the forehead, or cold drinks can be helpful.<\/li>\n
- Have your child eat a small amount before or during travel. Too much food can worsen nausea, but an empty stomach can also increase symptoms.<\/li>\n
- Find ways to distract your child. Singing songs and telling stories can help kids not focus on their symptoms. For my daughter, watching a tablet does help prevent symptoms as it keeps her from looking out the windows. However, for other kids, looking at a book or device may cause motion sickness, so they may do best with their eyes closed.<\/li>\n
- Travel at a time where your child may be able to sleep in the car or on the plane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Treating Motion Sickness<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When the above efforts don\u2019t help symptoms, families often ask about treatment for motion sickness. Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n
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- Pull off the road when safely possible. Have them get out of the car to walk around or lay down on the ground until symptoms improve.<\/li>\n
- Have them close their eyes and press their head into the headrest If they\u2019re unable to get out of the car or are on a plane.<\/li>\n
- Give them ginger candies or carbonated drinks which can reduce symptoms of motion sickness for many people.<\/li>\n
- Use acupressure wrist bands which help some people and have no side effects, making them safe to try in kids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Parents will often ask about scopolamine patches for motion sickness, as they are commonly used by adults. However, these aren\u2019t recommended for kids under age 12 due to their side effects.<\/p>\n
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are in over-the-counter children\u2019s motion sickness pills and can be helpful to take before travel for some kids. The side effect of this medication can be sleepiness. It\u2019s a good idea to talk with your child\u2019s doctor before trying this medication. If it\u2019s your child\u2019s first time using diphenhydramine (Benadryl), it may be best to try it at home before your trip. Some kids actually get stimulated (energetic or irritable) rather than tired on the medication \u2013 not what you want to find out while traveling!<\/p>\n
If none of the above work and your child still gets motion sick on the road or plane, plan ahead by making these \u201ctravel survival kit\u201d items easily accessible:<\/p>\n
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- Cleaning supplies.<\/li>\n
- A \u201cpuke poncho\u201d (towel tucked in over the car seat straps)<\/li>\n
- A change of clothes for your child.<\/li>\n
- Gallon-sized plastic zipper bags near your child\u2019s seat so that they can reach them quickly if needed.<\/li>\n
- A good attitude and sense of humor!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If your child\u2019s symptoms of motion sickness last for more than a few hours, or if it happens without any triggering motion or movement, please reach out to your pediatrician.<\/p>\n
Resources For Parents<\/h4>\n
American Academy of Pediatrics<\/p>\n