If you’re one of those fortunate souls who can read a book or scroll through your phone while riding in a moving vehicle without feeling nauseous, kudos to you! For those who have experienced car sickness, you know it can be truly miserable. As a parent, the thought of your little one suffering from motion sickness is even more distressing.
Motion sickness can significantly impact family outings, whether it’s a road trip to visit relatives or a simple carpool to school. So, what causes car sickness in children, and how can you help prevent it?
What Triggers Car Sickness in Kids?
While people often use “car sickness” and “motion sickness” interchangeably, the latter is a broader term. According to Dr. Sam Parker from the Health Institute, motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your inner ear, eyes, and muscles. About one-third of the population experiences it at some point, but it predominantly affects children aged 2 to 12 and women. The exact reasons why some kids experience motion sickness while others do not remain unclear.
Understanding the Symptoms
Younger children primarily experience dizziness and an urge to lie down, while by age 12, nausea becomes the main complaint. In more severe cases, vomiting can occur, so it’s wise to keep some sort of receptacle handy in your vehicle. If your child is too young to communicate their discomfort, watch for signs like irritability, excessive yawning, sweating, pale complexion, or restlessness.
Strategies to Prevent Car Sickness
There are plenty of suggestions for preventing motion sickness, though what works for one child may not work for another. Here are some strategies that might help:
- Light Snacks: If your child needs to eat before a trip, opt for something light.
- Fresh Air: Crack a window or use air conditioning to keep airflow circulating.
- Look Forward: Encourage your child to gaze out the front window rather than the sides.
- Seating Position: For older children, sitting in the front seat can help; for younger ones, the middle back seat encourages looking forward.
- Minimize Screens: Encourage them to avoid reading or using devices that can worsen nausea.
- Rest: A sleeping child is less likely to feel sick during the drive.
- Acupressure: Some find that wearing acupressure bands can mitigate symptoms.
Medication Options
If preventive strategies aren’t effective, consult your pediatrician about medication. Common over-the-counter options include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which should be taken an hour before travel. Keep in mind that these can cause drowsiness, which may not be a bad thing on a long drive.
What to Do If Car Sickness Strikes
If your child starts feeling queasy, the best course of action is to stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Have them walk around or lie down with their eyes closed. Sipping clear fluids like water and having bland snacks, such as crackers, can also help.
Cleaning Up After a Car Sickness Incident
If the unfortunate happens and your child gets sick in the car, you can clean it up easily. A vinegar and water solution can help eliminate odor and disinfect surfaces. Fresh vomit is easier to manage than dried stains, so act quickly. You’ll need items like rubber gloves, garbage bags, paper towels, and possibly baking soda to absorb odors.
For more information, check out this excellent resource on motion sickness and this informative blog post that covers related topics.
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