Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, is very common in younger children. The swaying motions during travel can upset their inner ear and trigger nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. This can turn what should be an exciting trip into an uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, there are several useful hacks to help prevent and relieve travel sickness in younger kids.
Choose the Right Seat
Sitting in the front seat of a car or at the front of a boat, train or airplane can reduce travel sickness. The front has the least motion and allows children to focus on the fixed point of the road or horizon ahead. If this isn’t possible, sitting over the wings on an airplane or near the middle of a boat limits side-to-side movement. If you foster children with Foster Care Associates Scotland, make sure to find out whether they are known to become travel sick on different modes of transport.
Provide Distractions
Boredom makes travel sickness worse, so provide entertainment. Books, toys, games, music players with headphones and tablets loaded with games, videos and movies can divert their attention from feelings of nausea. Interactive games and activities that occupy their mind, eyes and hands are ideal.
Keep Them Looking Out
Have children look out the window at a fixed point if possible. Looking out helps them anticipate and adapt to changes in motion. Open windows can also provide fresh air. Avoid positioning younger kids backwards as this goes against the visual signals their bodies get.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration worsens travel sickness. Make sure children drink plenty of water before and during the trip. Avoid large amounts of juice or carbonated drinks which can upset the stomach. Anti-nausea lollipops and ice pops can help increase fluid intake.
Minimise Food
A light meal or snack before travelling is fine, but avoid heavy, greasy and spicy foods which are harder to digest. Pack plain snacks like crackers, cereal and fruit for the journey. Eating while travelling can actually help, just avoid trigger foods. Don’t force kids to eat if nausea has set in.
Use Medications
For highly susceptible children, over-the-counter anti-nausea medications approved for their age can be given 30-60 minutes before travelling. Natural remedies like ginger and mint may also be beneficial. Always follow dosage instructions carefully. If vomiting occurs, stop the vehicle to help them recover before continuing.
Stay Still
Sudden jerky head movements can worsen nausea. Encourage children to keep their heads still by resting them against a pillow or the vehicle. Reclining the seat a bit can provide relief by aligning the body against motion. Closing the eyes periodically also helps.
Schedule Stops
Building in regular breaks allows kids to get fresh air, stretch their legs and re-orient themselves. Stopping before nausea escalates prevents vomiting episodes. It also gives them something to look forward to on long trips.
With preparation and preventative measures, the incidence and intensity of travel sickness can be significantly reduced. Be ready to provide extra comfort and reassurance as children often become more upset if parents seem worried. Keep the focus on the fun adventures ahead instead of the travel itself. With a few handy hacks, the whole family can have smooth and enjoyable travels together.
