It’s family road trip time! You packed the car and programmed the GPS. The kids brought plenty of games and electronics to stay busy. Mom filled the cooler with snacks and drinks so no one will go hungry. There’s just one last thing you may have forgotten to figure out. How can you keep your kids from getting carsick?
Car sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the inner ear, outer ear, eyes, and limbs. For example, if your child feels motion but isn’t looking out the window to see the movement, that sensory disconnect can bring on motion sickness.
Motion sickness commonly affects children while they are riding in cars. Symptoms include upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting, feeling dizzy, and excessive sweating. There are some things you can do to help your kids avoid getting carsick and enjoy long road trips.
Make Sure Kids Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration can make children feel awful. Add in a long car ride and not drinking enough water can turn into car sickness. Make sure to pack plenty of bottled water in the cooler. Check that children are drinking enough to stay hydrated. Remember that drinks loaded with caffeine like sodas and energy drinks can make dehydration worse.
Keep Children Busy in the Car
Watching the scenery go by is fun, but watching the movement out the window can lead to car sickness. Bring other activities for kids to focus on like books, videos, or games.
For some children, the opposite is true. Looking out the window can help stop motion sickness, and reading can bring on car sickness. You can try playing music or suggest a nap to prevent motion sickness, too. Try different remedies to see which ones work for your kids.
Change Seating Arrangements
The center seat in the back seat may feel more comfortable for children prone to car sickness. Also, if your child no longer needs a child safety seat, try moving him to the front seat. Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s air bag warnings to make sure it’s safe for your child to ride in the front of the car.
Avoid Stinky Snacks
If you’re grabbing burgers for lunch, hold the onions and avoid other foods with heavy odors. Stinky smells can aggravate motion sickness symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
Provide Lots of Fresh Air
Provide a cool breeze by keeping the windows open. If it’s hot, be sure to turn up the air conditioner to keep the back of the car cool. Hot, stuffy air can make car sickness worse. Also, make frequent stops on long car rides to let kids get more fresh air and stretch their legs.
Try Over the Counter Remedies
If natural treatments don’t work, you can try an over-the-counter remedy. Choose a brand that makes a strength and formula suitable for children. It’s important to note that some ingredients in these medications can cause drowsiness.
Keep road trips fun for the whole family. Try these tips to help keep your kids from getting carsick. You’ll enjoy the ride more yourself knowing your little ones feel happy and healthy.
“SpringBreak2017 (1257)” by anjanettew is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
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