Preventing motion sickness on road trips
For so many families, summer vacation means loading up the car and heading out on the highway... But what if your child gets motion sickness?
Fortunately, a number of simple tricks can help.
What is motion sickness, anyway?
Basically, motion sickness results from a conflict between the eye and ear: the inner ears detect that the car is moving, but the eyes-- focused within the car-- do not. The brain gets conflicting signals, and nausea results.
Usually the child will first complain that she feels queasy-- allowing some time to fix the situation before actual vomiting starts.
As always, prevention is best.
Tips to prevent motion sickness in the car
1. A Far Horizon
- encourage your child to focus on a distant point outside the car
- play car games like "I Spy" that get the child to look outside
- bring along books on CD's so your child can listen while looking out the window
- limit activities such as reading or playing hand-held video games where the eyes stay focused within the car
- for toddlers in car-seats, position the seat so that the child can see outside
2. Avoid Rear Seats
- many families have mini-vans, and kids seem to feel the van's motion more in the rear seat
- facing backwards is to be avoided too. (Some vehicles have back-facing seats in the rear)
3. Fresh Air
- a child on the verge of queasiness may feel better if the window's open
- Also, no one should be smoking in a vehicle with kids inside!
- also avoid strong-smelling foods or snacks
4. Settle the stomach
- a child fighting queasiness may feel better if he munches on a dry cracker
- An empty stomach is not best for avoiding motion sickness
- avoid greasy and hard-to-digest food
5. Smoother Driving
- the less braking and swaying the better
- a suspension system in poor shape can make things worse
6. make FREQUENT STOPS!
- plan enough time on your trip to stop and let your child(ren) get out of the car
7. Watch for early signs of motion sickness
- Make sure to listen, if your child says he's feeling sick or dizzy. Also, pay attention if she loses her appetite, or appears pale or sweaty.
8. motion sickness drugs
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over-the-counter drugs are available for motion sickness, as are some alternative-medicine remedies. Remember that alternative medicines can be as potent as drugs. It's best to be cautious and always seek a medical opinion before medicating a child.
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to be effective against motion sickness, most drugs need to be taken beforethe trip starts.
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For more on medications and alternative remedies for motion sickness, see links below.
Frequent stops are key for motion sickness
Stop at free playrooms at fast-food restaurants, or stop for picnics, or stop at rest areas and toss a frisbee or ball... and the more stops you make, the less you'll have to deal with fidgety kids and "are we there yet?"
Fortunately, infants seldom get motion sickness. Toddlers and preschool ages are most susceptible.
Remember: it's in everyone's interests to stop the car before the child actually gets sick!
