travel sickness 15 month old

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Motion Sickness Travel Sickness

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Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

Motion Sickness

Travel sickness, in this article, what causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness.

• What should I do if I'm actually sick?

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).
• Sweating and cold sweats.
• Increase in saliva.
• Headaches .
• Feeling cold and going pale.
• Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

• Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.
• On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

• Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.
• On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

• Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.
• Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

• Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.
• Don't try to read.
• Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.
• Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.
• Do not read or watch a film.
• It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.
• If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

• Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.
• Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

• Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.
• Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

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All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

• Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.
• Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

What should I do if I'm actually sick?

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

• Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.
• Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.
• After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.
• Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Altitude Sickness

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Further reading and references

Leung AK, Hon KL ; Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs Context. 2019 Dec 138:2019-9-4. doi: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-4. eCollection 2019.

Spinks A, Wasiak J ; Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jun 15(6):CD002851.

Zhang LL, Wang JQ, Qi RR, et al ; Motion Sickness: Current Knowledge and Recent Advance. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Jan22(1):15-24. doi: 10.1111/cns.12468. Epub 2015 Oct 9.

Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.

Van Ombergen A, Van Rompaey V, Maes LK, et al ; Mal de debarquement syndrome: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2016 May263(5):843-854. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7962-6. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Related Information

• Hyoscine for travel sickness (Joy Rides, Kwells, Scopoderm)
• Scopolamine skin patch for nausea (Transderm Scop)
• Nausea Medicine
• Cyclizine for sickness (nausea)
• Promethazine (Avomine, Phenergan, Sominex)

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For about the past 2 years I have suffered from a sudden feeling of visual imbalance or cross-eyed sensation (although not actually cross-eyed)! This in turn causes a type of vertigo involving loss... katewarn39

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions .

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• Children's health

What causes car sickness in children and how can I prevent it?

Car sickness is a type of motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the inner ears, eyes, and nerves in the joints and muscles.

Imagine a young child sitting low in the back seat of a car without being able to see out the window — or an older child reading a book in the car. The child's inner ear will sense motion, but his or her eyes and body won't. The result might be an upset stomach, cold sweat, fatigue, loss of appetite or vomiting.

It's not clear why car sickness affects some children more than others. While the problem doesn't seem to affect most infants and toddlers, children ages 2 to 12 are particularly susceptible.

To prevent car sickness in children, you might try the following strategies:

• Reduce sensory input. Encourage your child to look at things outside the car rather than focusing on books, games or screens. If your child naps, traveling during nap time might help.
• Carefully plan pre-trip meals. Don't give your child a large meal immediately before or during car travel. If the trip will be long or your child needs to eat, give him or her a small, bland snack — such as dry crackers and a small drink — before it's time to go.
• Provide air ventilation. Adequate air ventilation might help prevent car sickness.
• Offer distractions. If your child is prone to car sickness, try distracting him or her during car trips by talking, listening to music or singing songs.
• Use medication. If you're planning a car trip, ask your child's doctor about using an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to prevent car sickness. Both medications work best if taken about an hour before traveling. Read the product label carefully to determine the correct dose and be prepared for possible side effects, such as drowsiness. Nondrowsy antihistamines don't appear to be effective at treating motion sickness.

If your child starts to develop car sickness, stop the car as soon as possible and let your child get out and walk around or lie on his or her back for a few minutes with closed eyes. Placing a cool cloth on your child's forehead also might help.

If these tips don't help or if your child's car sickness makes travel difficult, talk to your child's doctor about other options.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Concussion in children
• Brunette GW, et al., eds. Motion sickness. In: CDC Yellow Book 2020: Health Information for International Travel. Oxford University Press; 2019. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-by-air-land-sea/motion-sickness. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Motion sickness. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/motion-sickness/motion-sickness#. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Altmann T, et al., eds. Head, neck, and nervous system. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 7th ed. Bantam; 2019.

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Why Babies and Kids Get Carsick—And How to Help Them

Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight

• What Carsickness Is
• Why Some Babies and Kids Get It
• How to Prevent It
• What to Do When It Happens

If your child vomits every time you take a drive, you know how disruptive carsickness can be to daily life. Motion sickness is most commonly seen in children 6 to 12 years old, but this phenomenon affects everyone to some extent. Even babies are not immune from the feeling.

Motion sickness happens when the brain receives conflicting messages about body movement and the environment you are in. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to avoid the sensory incongruity that leads to nausea and vomiting. There are also ways treat the symptoms themselves when you can't prevent them from happening.

Here, we share insights from a pediatrician and advice from experienced parents for helping a child cope with motion sickness.

What is Carsickness?

Carsickness is a type of motion sickness, which can also occur on a boat or a plane. Since many people depend on driving as their daily mode of transportation, carsickness is a more frequent problem.

Motion sickness occurs when the signals that the eye and inner ear send to the brain to indicate the body is in motion conflict with the signals from the skin, muscle, and joints that the body is sitting still. "Sometimes, with too much or prolonged motion, some individuals can feel sensitive to the conflicting signals and feel what we describe as motion sickness," explains pediatrician Amna Husain , MD, IBCLC of Pure Direct Pediatrics in New Jersey.

This leads to a variety of symptoms, including tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Why Do Some Babies and Kids Get Carsick?

While it is not entirely clear why some babies get carsick and others don't, there are a few contributing factors that may affect children specifically.

Sitting in the backseat makes it difficult to look out the front window, which gives the most accurate visual representation of the car's movement. On top of that, kids often keep busy on long drives by looking down at books, tablets , or toys. Staring at a fixed point, straight ahead, can often help the brain better process the signals it is getting.

There is a genetic component to carsickness as well. So if you suffered from motion sickness in your youth, it is more likely that your children will too.

Preventing Carsickness

Prevention is the best way to put a stop to carsickness. While it may not always be possible to avoid driving, reducing the frequency of longer rides may be helpful. Dr. Husain advises against family road trips if you have kids who suffer from motion sickness.

You can also try shortening the length of your car rides, when possible. Angelina Meilani, a mother of two, says that her sons would always vomit after 30 minutes of driving. They did not have issues with shorter rides.

It's helpful to encourage a queasy kid to look straight ahead: out the front window if they are facing forward or the back window if they are in a rear-facing car seat . The best spot for a carsick kid is often the middle seat in the second row, which offers a less-obstructed view of the horizon. Try to avoid having your child read a book or look at a screen.

Playing music or audible books or having a family sing-a-long are fun alternatives that keep the eyes up. Games like I Spy—focusing on objects that can be seen straight ahead—can also help.

Dr. Husain suggests leaving the window open for some fresh air. She also recommends giving children a small snack before a car ride, but advises against anything heavy. Meilani says that one of her sons did best with a small, bland snack before a drive, while the other would vomit anything at all.

Another mom, Corina Horsey, points out that nothing worked for her daughter's severe carsickness until a doctor prescribed nausea medicine to take half an hour before a drive or plane ride. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think this may be necessary for your child.

Some parents have found that scheduling car rides around nap time can be helpful. Horsey says that was the only way to make drives longer than 30 minutes when her daughter was young. Just be sure that your child remains securely buckled in their car seat if and when they doze off.

What to Do if Your Child Gets Sick on the Road

When kids get sick in the car, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Pull over carefully when it is safe and let them rest, notes Dr. Husain. Ideally, you want to stop for a break before your child vomits. Since babies and young toddlers cannot always express themselves in words, be on the lookout for signs like yawning, sighing, burping, or fussiness.

If you see your baby exhibiting those signs, try getting your child some fresh air. Horsey finds that letting her daughter get out and walk around for a while helps calm nausea. Or, allow them to rest while the car is parked. Meilani says that her sons did best when she lay them down with a cool cloth on their foreheads.

Children who vomit excessively may be at risk for dehydration, so it is important to replace fluids. Dr. Husain advises that parents give children small amounts of water, waiting for intervals of about 15 minutes before giving more to prevent continued vomiting.

Do Children Grow Out of Carsickness?

Carsickness does decline with age, to many parents' relief. Children ages 6 to 12 years old tend to suffer the most from carsickness, with a peak between 9 and 10 years old. Meilani's twins still suffer from carsickness at age 6, but less so than in their toddler years. Horsey's daughter still suffers from motion sickness on car, boat, and plane rides at age 5.

During and after puberty, carsickness declines. It is not immediately clear why this is, but it could be that children's bodies begin to get used to car movement and their brains learn to adjust. Know that as your child grows up, relief may be on the horizon.

Leung AK, Hon KL. Motion sickness: an overview .  DIC . 2019;8:1-11. doi:10.7573/dic.2019-9-4

Cleveland Clinic. Motion sickness: symptoms .

Schmidt EA, Kuiper OX, Wolter S, Diels C, Bos J. An international survey on the incidence and modulating factors of carsickness . Transport Res Part F: Traffic Psychol Behav. 2020;71:76-87. doi:10.1016/j.trf.2020.03.012

The Car Seat Lady. Motion Sickness .

Huppert D, Grill E, Brandt T. Survey of motion sickness susceptibility in children and adolescents aged 3 months to 18 years .  J Neurol . 2019;266(S1):65-73. doi:10.1007/s00415-019-09333-w

By Elisa Cinelli Elisa is a well-known parenting writer who is passionate about providing research-based content to help parents make the best decisions for their families. She has written for well-known sites including POPSUGAR and Scary Mommy, among others.

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About motion sickness

Motion sickness or travel sickness happens when your inner ear ‘tells’ your brain you’re moving but your eyes ‘say’ that your body is still . Or it can happen the other way around – your inner ear says you’re still, and your eyes say you’re moving. Either way, there’s a clash of information in the brain, which can cause vomiting, nausea and dizziness.

Motion sickness often happens when children travel in cars or on buses, but it can happen on planes and ships too. Children might also get motion sickness when they go on swings, roundabouts, ferris wheels or amusement park rides. Some children get motion sickness when they play video games.

Motion sickness is common in children. Almost 1 in 2 children get motion sickness at some stage. Children aged 10-12 years are most likely to get motion sickness. Children older than this are less likely to get it. It’s also unusual for children under 12 months to get motion sickness.

Children with a family or personal history of migraines or motion sickness, inner ear conditions like vertigo , or a fear of heights are more likely to get motion sickness.

Symptoms of motion sickness

If your child has motion sickness, they might:

• have nausea
• have a headache
• feel that something bad or unusual is about to happen
• seem uncoordinated.

Young children might not be able to tell you how they’re feeling. So if your younger child seems pale, afraid, distressed or lethargic when you’re travelling, they might have motion sickness.

You might notice that your child doesn’t want to get in your car or go on the bus. Or there might be play equipment that your child doesn’t like. These could be signs that your child gets motion sickness but can’t tell you about it.

Medical help: when to get it for children with motion sickness

Motion sickness usually goes away by itself, often after your child gets out of the moving vehicle.

But if your child vomits a lot when they travel, take your child to see your GP .

Your GP will ask about your child’s symptoms. If the GP thinks that your child has motion sickness, they might suggest strategies and medicines to help.

How to handle motion sickness

Your child might be able to avoid motion sickness by:

• looking at the road ahead or at the horizon
• trying to keep their head still
• not reading or using devices while travelling
• getting some fresh air by opening a window or turning on a fan
• eating and drinking small amounts regularly, rather than having large meals
• singing songs or playing games to take their mind off feeling sick
• taking breaks from travel every so often, if possible.

Where your child sits in a train, bus, plane or car can affect whether they get motion sickness. Your child might be able to avoid motion sickness by sitting:

• in a forward-facing seat on a train or bus
• in a seat near the wings of a plane
• in a front car seat, if they can do so legally and safely
• on the lower deck of a ship.

These locations can reduce your child’s sensation of being in a moving vehicle, which can help your child avoid motion sickness.

If you know your child gets motion sickness a lot, it can be a good idea to have a container, disposable bags, wipes and a spare change of clothes handy, in case your child vomits.

Medicines and other treatment for motion sickness

If the strategies above don’t help with your child’s motion sickness, you might want to talk to your GP about motion sickness medicine.

Your doctor might suggest over-the-counter medicines or prescribe medicines like antihistamines or anticholinergics to prevent motion sickness. Note that only antihistamines that cause drowsiness are effective. And both antihistamines and anticholinergics can have side effects, like drowsiness and dry mouth. They shouldn’t be used in children under 2 years of age.

Some people find that sucking on a ginger lolly or wearing an acupressure wrist band help with symptoms. But there’s no strong evidence to suggest that these approaches prevent motion sickness.

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Traveling with Children

Children may face the same health risks as their parents during travel, but the health consequences can be more serious. For example, some illnesses can be difficult to recognize in children especially if they can’t talk yet to express what they are feeling, or children may be more likely to encounter health risks such as animals because of their size and curiosity. If you are planning to travel with children familiarize yourself with the information on this page to help everyone stay safe and healthy.

Make an appointment  with your child’s primary health care professional or a travel medicine specialist at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your itinerary and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations. 

Make sure your child is up to date on all  routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect your child from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries. 

Some routine vaccines for young children have different recommendations if you plan to travel internationally. For example, although the first dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is not usually given until after 12 months of age, infants 6 to 11 months old should get 1 dose of before international travel. Some travel vaccines can be given on an accelerated schedule, meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time. Not all travel vaccines can be given to very young children, so it's important to check with a travel medicine doctor or your child's pediatrician, as early as possible before traveling.

Plan for the unexpected. It is important to plan for unexpected events as much as possible. Doing so can help you get quality health care or avoid being stranded at a destination. A few steps you can take to plan for unexpected events are to  get travel insurance ,    learn where to get health care during travel ,  pack a travel health kit ,  and  enroll in the Department of State’s STEP .

Diarrhea is among the most common illness experienced by children who travel abroad. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. The best treatment for children with diarrhea is plenty of fluids; there is usually no need to give medicine. If your child appears to be dehydrated, has a fever, or bloody stools, get medical attention immediately. Keep in mind:

• Oral rehydration salts (available online or in stores in most developing countries) may be used to prevent dehydration.
• Over-the-counter drugs that contain bismuth (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate) should NOT be used in children.
• Antibiotics are usually reserved for serious cases.
• Other common treatments for diarrhea, such as loperamide, are not recommended for children younger than 6 years old.

For infants, breastfeeding is the best way to prevent diarrhea and keep infants who have diarrhea hydrated. If you use formula, you may need to bring your own. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to prepare it. If there is poor water quality where you are traveling, you should use sterile water to prepare formula and to sterilize bottles, nipples, caps, and rings before using them. You can sterilize items in a dishwasher, boil in water for five minutes, use a microwave steam sterilizer bag or use bleach if none of the other options are available.

Everyone should choose safer food and drinks  to prevent diarrhea. This includes eating foods that are served hot or are dry or packaged. Drink bottled, canned, or hot drinks and only drink milk that has been pasteurized. For short trips, you may want to bring a supply of snacks from home for times that available food may not be safe.

Wash hands  with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based  hand sanitizer  that contains at least 60% alcohol. Use soap and clean water and to wash bottles, pacifiers, and toys that fall on the floor.

Diseases Spread by Bugs

Mosquitoes can spread diseases, such as Zika , chikungunya , malaria , dengue , and yellow fever . Ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis.

Children can be protected against most of these diseases by using  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents  with one of the following active ingredients:

• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

When using insect repellent on your child, always follow label instructions. Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old. Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin. If also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first.

More steps to protect your child include dressing them in clothing that covers the arms and legs. Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

Malaria is a serious infection that children can get while traveling internationally. Children visiting friends and relatives in areas with malaria may be at higher risk because they usually stay for longer periods of time.

Children traveling to an area with malaria should take malaria prevention medicine. Your health care professional can help you know which medicine your child should take. Many malaria prevention medicines have a bitter taste, but a pharmacist can crush the capsules and put the powder in a flavorless gelatin capsule. Because of the risk of overdose, malaria drugs should be stored in childproof containers and kept out of the reach of children.

Even if you are taking malaria medicine you should still use bug spray and take other steps to avoid bug bites .

Rabies  is spread primarily through contact (bites, scratches, or licks) with animals that can have rabies (mammal) . Rabies is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. Children are at greater risk for rabies because they are smaller than adults, may play with animals and may not report bites.

Supervise children closely around animals, especially around dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, and wildlife. Any animal bite should be washed thoroughly with soap and water and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Road Safety

Children should always wear a seat belt or sit in appropriate car and booster seats. Research car seat guidelines for the country you are going to; a car seat from the United States may not be approved in another country for use. In general, children are safest traveling in the back seat. No one should ever travel in the back of a pickup truck. See Traffic and Road Safety for more tips to avoid getting in an accident.

Water Activities

When doing water activities, supervise children closely and have them wear a life jacket.

You might also want to see the following topics to prepare for traveling with children:

• Travel to High Elevations
• Motion Sickness
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun
• Swimming and Diving Safety
• Travel and Breastfeeding

After Travel

If your child recently traveled and feels sick,  particularly if they have a fever, talk to their healthcare provider, and tell them about the travel. 

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Traveling Safely with Infants and Children

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Traveling with 15 month old

Yup! I give my daughter Zarbees melatonin. I believe it says the same as far as weight and age, not to give it to them under 2 but she’s 20 months and 26 lbs. close enough! I give her one full gummy which is 1 mg.

Melatonin is completely natural and something your body already produces. The FDA is required to put weight/age limits on things like that though. You could try a half a gummy and see how your kiddo takes it. Your sanity will thank you.

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How to Prevent and Treat Car Sickness in Kids

January 30, 2023

Car sickness is a common problem in young children—but don’t blame it on the car. It’s actually a form of motion sickness, a broader condition in which movement brings on symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. This problem may occur not only in cars, but also on boats, planes, trains and amusement park rides.

Why do some little ones feel sick more easily than others? Douglas Hackenberg, MD at University Hospitals Rainbow Children’s Medical Group, explains that the issue may be due to increased sensitivity in part of the inner ear that plays a key role in balance, as well as the brain receiving signals from eye, ears and other sensations.

Taking Preventive Steps

“Young children ages 2 to 12 are especially prone to motion sickness,” says Dr. Hackenberg. “If it isn’t managed, it can make traveling stressful for everyone. But by planning ahead, you can usually keep it in check”. He suggests trying these tips:

• Use anti-motion sickness medicine. Dimenhydrinate (such as Dramamine) is sold in chewable tablets for kids ages 2 and older. It’s available without a prescription. This medicine should be given an hour before traveling, and one dose helps prevent symptoms for about six hours.
• Consider child-sized acupressure wristband s (such as Sea-Bands) for additional help. Putting a band around each of your child’s wrists before beginning your trip may help relieve nausea by stimulating pressure points.
• Bring the right entertainment along. Looking at a book or device screen may trigger symptoms. Listening to music or an audio story is a better option.
• Focusing on objects outside of the car. Sometimes fresh air and focusing attention outside of the vehicle can provide enough additional information to the brain to ease the cycle of motion sickness.

Caring for Motion Sickness

Many people associate motion sickness with throwing up. But in children younger than age 6, the main symptoms are dizziness and wanting to lie down. Other potential symptoms include unsteady walking, nausea and vomiting.

If symptoms of motion sickness have already begun, offer only sips of water until your child’s tummy settles down. Keep a vomit pan or bag handy, just in case. Encourage rest – your little one may even doze off.

“The good news is that motion sickness usually goes away within four hours after the motion stops,” says Dr. Hackenberg. “If the symptoms last for more than eight hours however, you should call your child’s pediatrician for advice.”

If your child feels dizzy or unsteady, and it doesn’t seem linked to movement, talk with your child’s pediatrician. This may be a sign of something else, such as vertigo (an abnormal spinning sensation) or other issues with the body’s balance system.

Related Links

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s has the region’s largest coordinated network of pediatric primary care providers, committed to delivering the very best care to children of all ages, including routine immunizations. Find a UH Rainbow pediatric practice near you.

Tags: Donald Hackenberg MD FAAP , Motion sickness

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Does my baby have travel sickness?

Children younger than two years old are rarely travel sick, but if your baby is often unhappy when travelling, he may have motion sickness.

• Travel sickness usually starts with a tummy ache, so if your baby suddenly seems upset and uncomfortable, this could be the reason.
• Nausea can cause more saliva to be produced, so your baby may start to dribble more than usual.
• Your baby may feel hot but look pale, and then actually be sick .

Strong smells or bendy roads can cause travel sickness symptoms too. Your baby may feel worse if he’s moving his head a lot, or looking at a nearby object such as his car seat or mobile .

• Plan your journey for times your baby may fall asleep. Travel sickness is less likely to happen when he’s sleeping.
• You could put your baby to bed before you depart, and then transfer him into his car seat without (hopefully) waking him up. Once the journey has started and your baby begins to feel ill, he is less likely to go to sleep.
• Try not to give your baby a full feed just before travelling.
• If your little one vomits , give him sips of breastmilk or formula milk, or cooled boiled water. This will prevent him becoming dehydrated . If he vomits a lot, you may want to give him an oral rehydration solution, which you can buy from your pharmacy.
• Keep the car cool and don’t overdress your baby . A little battery fan can be useful to keep him cool, but don’t let him get cold.
• Don’t try to distract your baby with toys or books as these can make travel sickness symptoms worse.
• Put a sun shade on the car window to protect him from the sun and to help him look forward.
• Keep the car well ventilated and free of any strong smells from food or perfume. Your little one may find fresh air from an open window more refreshing than air conditioning.
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke in the car with your baby. It's against the law, even if you have the windows open, and may make him feel even more queasy.
• Make sure that your baby’s head is well-supported in his car seat .
• Playing familiar music or singing nursery rhymes may distract him from feeling ill.
• Put a towel over your baby’s front if you think he may be sick. It’s easier to remove than clothing.
• If you think that your baby is going to be sick on the journey then it’s also a good idea to cover the car seat with a towel before putting your baby into it. This will protect the seat and ensure that your little one won’t have to sit in a soiled seat if you can’t clean it up during the journey.

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• Parenting Babymoon & Travel

What to Do if Baby Gets Sick While Traveling

Spending vacation time with your little one is always fun, but worrying about your child getting sick during your travels is not. Here are our top tips for what first aid items to pack and how to be prepared for a potential illness while traveling.

What to Consider Before Booking Your Trip

New parents often ask us, “when can I travel with my newborn?” Most pediatricians feel more comfortable giving parents the okay to bring a baby on a plane once they’re 2 months old, since a fever (a rectal reading of 100.4 degrees Farhenheit and above) in a baby under 2 months old calls for an automatic trip to the emergency room. Talk to your pediatrician about whether it’s safe to travel if your child has certain medical conditions, such a heart or lung disease, is on medications that suppress the immune system, or is about to have or has recently had surgery.

You should also ask your pediatrician before your trip if there are any special considerations when traveling to certain destinations, such as presence of the Zika virus, a measles outbreak, potential rabies exposure in the area, the possibility of altitude sickness, tick-borne illnesses or other infectious diseases. A great resource to look at before picking a destination is the CDC travel website , which lists travel health notices for international destinations. It’ll tell you if certain vaccines or medications are recommended before you travel to an area and the level of health concerns for specific countries.

First Aid Items to Pack

Here’s what we recommend packing in case your child gets sick:

• Any prescription medication your child is taking
• Infants’ Tylenol or Motrin (if baby is over 6 months old)
• Children’s Benadryl (if your child is over 2 years old)
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Thermometer
• Tweezers to remove splinters or ticks
• Electrolyte solution in case of a stomach bug (these come in single-serving powder packets that easier to travel with)
• Aloe to treat any sunburns
• Mosquito repellent

Make sure you know your child’s dosing for each medication you bring so you’re not searching for it in an area with little internet access. It may be helpful to bring a dosing syringe with you as well. If you’re flying, don’t forget to throw a few useful items in your carry-on bag, including hand sanitizer, Band-Aids and lollipops—they can help ease kids’ ear pain during landing and serve as a post-medicine treat.

What to Do If Baby Gets Sick

Before you travel, research your destination and look up where to go in case of an emergency, and have emergency numbers on hand. It’s important to ask friends, family or your pediatrician, if possible, for places that provide pediatric care. If you’re traveling within the US, the AAP offers a list of pediatricians who are happy to see out-of-state patients.

If a pediatric office isn’t available near your destination, look for the closest pediatric urgent care center (rather than just an adult urgent care center) or a hospital with a pediatric emergency room. You can also always call your own pediatrician if your child becomes ill. They can often triage your child over the phone based on their symptoms and can advise you to either seek care immediately or wait it out until you return home.

Meet Dina DiMaggio, MD, and Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH, official spokespeople for the American Academy of Pediatrics and the co-authors of The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers . They write about the latest AAP guidelines, studies and seasonal issues affecting babies and toddlers. Follow them on Instagram @pediatriciansguide .

Published July 2019

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How to Deal With Baby Motion Sickness

What is Motion Sickness?

What are the signs of motion sickness in infants, what are the remedies for travel sickness in babies.

It is heartbreaking for parents to see their children in trouble and pain. It fills parents with a sense of sadness and helplessness if they are unable to help their child. And if this pain occurs on the day of travel, which is supposed to be filled with a lot of fun and enjoyment, the feeling turns into despair. Motion sickness is a common problem with babies and dealing with it can be quite troublesome. In this article, take a look at what motion sickness is, its signs and how it can be effectively tackled and nipped in the bud.

Motion sickness refers to that uneasy feeling in the stomach when a person is travelling in a bus or a car. The affected person gets struck by a churning feeling in the pit of the stomach, which leads to nausea and discomfort. In most cases, motion sickness results in the child throwing up uncontrollably. It occurs due to different signals reaching the brain from each of the sensory organs, and the brain is left confused and unable to sort out the mess. This makes the body uncomfortable, and then nauseous.

In the case of motion sickness in babies, symptoms are easy to observe. Some of these symptoms include:

• An unsteady gait
• Yawning or drowsiness
• General restlessness

Car sickness in babies is a very common occurrence, and there are a number of ways you can try to keep it under control while travelling with your baby . Motion sickness medicine for babies is also available, and these medicines prevent your child from vomiting during the journey. Apart from medicine, there are a few other ways by which you can help your child from being sick in the car. These are:

1. Snacking

In many cases, the chances of the baby getting sick can increase drastically if his stomach is too full or too empty. The best thing to do will be to let your child eat something. It should be easily digestible during the journey so that it does not churn much. Give your child a few snacks before setting out on the journey, so that his stomach feels comfortable on the way.

If your child is asleep during the journey, he is less likely to get bouts of motion sickness. Therefore, you can plan your trip in a manner such that your child remains asleep for the majority of the time spent in the car and, thus, be refreshed and energetic when he reaches the destination.

3. Rehydration

If your baby vomits on the way, it is important to let him rehydrate so that he stops vomiting soon. When he throws up, a lot of body fluids and water content in the body gets ejected and this leaves him thirsty and dehydrated . You have to give him some water or a bit of breast milk if he vomits during the journey. And in case of excessive vomiting, oral rehydration solution must be administered.

4. Fresh Air

In many cases, children feel nauseous during the journey because they feel boxed in and suffocated. To prevent motion sickness in your child, ensure that there is plenty of air circulation within the vehicle so that he feels fresh and is able to breathe properly.

5. Avoid Strong Smells

The smell from your surroundings plays a huge role in determining whether your child will get car sick or not, so you can help your child a lot by eliminating anything with a strong smell from his presence. This includes perfumes, strong-smelling food items and some types of car fresheners. In some cases, a child may get sick owing to the smell of stale leather emanating from the seats of the car itself.

6. Focus Long

A part of motion sickness occurs because the brain is unable to comprehend and make sense of all the movement happening. This means that you should encourage your child to look as further into the horizon as possible, instead of focusing on something within the moving environment. Therefore, you should avoid any games, toys, books or films during the trip.

Breaks during the journey can work wonders, not just for the driver but for all the people sitting in the car. Take a number of breaks so that the child does not feel suffocated during the journey, and give him a chance to stretch his legs and arms. This goes a long way in keeping him fresh, and thus prevents motion sickness.

While motion sickness is something that is exceedingly common in children, you can take measures to prevent or limit the extent of it during the journey. In case of motion sickness in an infant, make him lie down immediately so that he does not feel overwhelmed by all the movement around him.

Also Read :  Baby Travel Checklist

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Motion Sickness

Is this your child's symptom.

• Dizziness or nausea from spinning or rolling motions

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

• Dizziness and unsteady walking
• Nausea and vomiting are also common
• Before age 6, the main symptom is dizziness and the need to lie down.
• After age 12, the main symptom is nausea (feeling sick to the stomach).

Causes of Motion Sickness

• Symptoms are mainly triggered by motion. Sea sickness or amusement park sickness are the most common types. Fun-park rides that spin or whirl are some of the main causes. The Tilt-a-whirl is a good example of a ride to avoid. Also seen during travel by train, aircraft and even car.
• The cause is a sensitive center in the inner ear. This center helps to maintain balance.
• As a car passenger driving on winding roads, 25% of people will have symptoms. Under extreme conditions (e.g., high seas) over 90% of people have symptoms.
• Strongly genetic: If one parent has it, 50% of the children will have it.
• It is not related to emotional problems. The child cannot control it with will power.
• Motion sickness symptoms are often worse in children.

When to Call for Motion Sickness

Call doctor or seek care now.

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Motion sickness symptoms last more than 8 hours
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Motion sickness symptoms

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

• Federal Way
• Virtual Urgent Care

Care Advice for Motion Sickness

• Motion sickness is a common normal reaction that occurs in 25% of people.
• Caused by increased sensitivity of the inner ear.
• It is not related to emotional problems or any physical disease.
• In the future, take a special medicine ahead of time to prevent it.
• Here is some care advice that should help.
• Have your child lie down and rest. If your child goes to sleep, all the better.
• Give only sips of clear fluids. Water is best. Do this until the stomach settles down.
• Prepare for vomiting. Keep a vomiting pan handy.
• Usually, children don't vomit more than once with motion sickness.
• All symptoms of motion sickness usually go away in 4 hours after stopping the motion.
• As for the future, people usually don't outgrow motion sickness. Sometimes, it becomes less severe in adults.
• Buy some dimenhydrinate tablets (such as Dramamine) at your drug store. No prescription is needed. In the future, give it to prevent motion sickness.
• It comes in 50 mg regular and chewable tablets or in 25 mg Kids chewable tablets.
• Dosage by age: do not use under age 2.
• 2 to 5 years (12.5 mg): ½ Kids chewable
• 6 to 11 years (25 mg): 1 Kids chewable
• 12 and older (50 mg): 1 regular tablet or chewable
• Give the medicine 1 hour before traveling or going to a fun-park.
• The tablets give 6 hours of protection and are very helpful.
• Benadryl can also be used to prevent motion sickness. Use this if you do not have any Dramamine.
• If your child is over 12 years old, sit him in the front seat.
• Before age 12, have your child sit in the middle back seat. This should help him look out the front window.
• Have your child look out the front window, not the side one.
• Discourage looking at books or movies during car travel.
• Keep a window cracked to provide fresh air.
• Avoid exhaust fumes from other vehicles.
• Meals: Have your child eat light meals before trips. Some children can just tolerate crackers and water.
• Plastic Bags: Always carry a ziplock plastic bag for vomiting emergencies.
• Acupressure bands (such as Sea-Bands) are helpful for some adults.
• There is no reason they shouldn't work for some children.
• Put them on before car trips or other causes of motion sickness.
• The pressure button goes over the center of the wrist. Place ½ inch (1 cm) above the wrist crease.
• Any symptoms last over 8 hours
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 10/11/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

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How To Help Toddlers With Car Sickness

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Looking for a cure to toddlers with car sickness ? We feel your pain!

And we’ve cleaned the seats to prove it… 🤢

Motion sickness symptoms vary from person to person, but when your child is unable to communicate their symptoms, dealing with it can become a nightmare. Whether your planned car trip takes twenty minutes or four hours, no parent wants their toddler to start feeling ill on the journey. 

A few roadblocks commonly stand between parents and treating their toddlers with carsickness; in this guide, we’ll explore how to recognise the symptoms, treat, and prevent motion sickness. 

Non-prescription medication

How long does motion sickness last in toddlers, final thoughts, common causes of motion sickness.

When you’re sitting in a car, your body is stationary. You’re not doing any of the work to move, but your eyes are receiving entirely different signals — according to your eyes and inner ear, you’re moving quickly. Motion sickness occurs because of the confusion that happens in your brain and the mixed signals it is trying to interpret. 

The most important body part involved in all of this is the inner ear. When your inner ear is trying to understand how to balance you, the movement you are experiencing without actually moving causes the wires to get crossed in your brain and can lead to that queasy feeling. 

What Are The Signs of Toddlers With Car Sickness?

If you’ve taken your young child on a plane ride or a long car journey , they might have experienced motion sickness.

Common symptoms include:

• Upset stomach and queasiness

Your toddler might not be able to explain how they are feeling. They’re likely to show it by crying, becoming restless, and they might turn pale. They could also start to yawn if they’re feeling fatigued.

And, of course, stay alert for any vomiting in the back seat.

How to Prevent Car Sickness in Toddlers

If your toddler suffers from motion sickness during car trips, be prepared by following these top tips.

Be aware of what they eat

If your child ever vomits or has an upset stomach when travelling, take care with what you feed them before and during the journey.

A small, light snack such as plain crackers and a sip of water is perfect. Avoid anything too heavy or greasy.

We’ve all been tempted to stuff our toddlers with sweet treats to keep them amused on a long journey, but all that sugar can easily trigger a vomiting episode if they’re suddenly accosted with motion sicknesses.

Check the temperature & provide air ventilation

One of the easiest ways to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness is to provide fresh air. Open the windows or use the air blowers in the car as soon as your toddler starts to display signs of motion sickness.

Alternatively, use a cool cloth to bring their temperature down if they’re feeling hot. Dress your child for the weather too — layers of light clothing are best for travelling.

Reduce sensory input

Looking at a fixed point outside the vehicle can often help. Encourage your youngster to look out of the window rather than playing with toys or looking at a book.

It’s quite common for children to start to feel sick when they are watching a video or reading during travel, and the symptoms are often eased when they stop.

Seat placement

Related to the above, if possible, it’s a good idea to let travel sick toddlers sit in the middle seat, so they have a clear view out of the window ahead.

If your toddler is sitting in a rear-facing seat, it might be time to consider turning their seat around if they’re badly afflicted with car sickness. Facing against the direction of travel can sometimes make motion sickness symptoms worse.

Remember, toddlers should always travel in the back of the car for safety.

Offer distractions

If your child starts feeling sick, distracting them by offering to play games like I-Spy or playing music might be enough to help. It will take their mind off their feelings of queasiness (and make the journey more fun, too!).

Stop regularly

Break up a long car trip with frequent breaks to allow your toddler the chance to get some fresh air and stretch their legs. This will help reduce boredom too — a win-win!

Travel bands

Acupressure bands are popular among many parents, although it’s important to note that they have not been proven to work. However, there’s no harm in trying them if you have a youngster who is frequently affected by motion sickness. Sometimes the placebo effect is enough to take the edge off!

Hyoscine is available to toddlers aged 2 years and above, and is thought to be highly effective. Consult with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure about the suitability of certain medications.

It’s worth trying the above options first, and consider medication as a last resort.

Toddler Car Sickness FAQs

What can you give a 2-year-old for motion sickness.

There are medications suitable for 2-year-olds suffering from travel sickness – hyoscine and dramamine are popular medicated options, whereas acupressure bands and ginger are great non-medicinal alternatives to try.

What can I give my 1-year-old for car sickness?

There aren’t any medications suitable for this age group, but plenty of the suggestions above can help. Try to avoid giving your baby a big feed shortly before car or plane rides. Instead, give them a few sips to prevent dehydration and plan bigger feeds for earlier or later in the day.

Is it normal for toddlers to get car sick?

It’s more common for slightly older children to suffer from travel sickness — it’s especially common in those aged 6-12. However, it can and does affect toddlers and even babies.

Thankfully, motion sickness symptoms ease off quickly once the journey has ended. Expect your child to be back to their usual happy self within a couple of hours.

Motion sickness can be stressful for both parents and toddlers and can spoil a holiday before you even arrive.

Thankfully, it’s quite easy to prevent with or without medication. Something as simple as opening the windows and taking away toys and games can often be enough to ease the symptoms of car sickness and ensure the family has an enjoyable journey!

AUTHOR PROFILE

Sarah Blackwell

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What to do if your child suffers from travel sickness

Travel sickness can be a debilitating condition to suffer from and is actually more common in children aged 3 to 12 years old . Trying to help a small child when they are feeling ill in the car can seem overwhelming, especially if you often have to do longer journeys with me. Don’t worry, we have some great tips and insights into things that really work when your toddler has motion sickness.

What is travel sickness?

A lot of you may already know the main symptoms of travel sickness for your child, however, it can never hurt to have another look or it may be that your child has one of the more rare symptoms that you hadn’t realised. Every child is different so they may not experience all the symptoms, and the severity of symptoms may be different each time.

Travel sickness is more accurately called motion sickness as it is a direct result of being in motion- usually occurring when you are travelling in cars, trains, buses, boats etc.

• Vomiting and nausea
• Cold sweats
• Increased saliva
• Drowsiness and extreme tiredness
• Rapid breathing

Why does travel sickness occur?

Motion sickness occurs when there is a disparity between what your eyes can see and what your inner ears (that help with balance) can sense. So if you’re in car then your eyes are saying that you’re moving at a high speed but your inner ear is sensing that you are sat down which results in the confusion. Some people are clearly more susceptible to the effects of this disparity and it results in some of the symptoms above.

How can I stop my child from getting travel sick?

Treating motion sickness as soon as you can (once you’ve ruled out any other causes for vomiting such as a tummy bug) is key as you don’t want your child to always associate being in the car with feeling really ill as they will start to dread going on car journeys making everyone’s life miserable.

One of the simplest and best tips is to make sure they have an uninterrupted view out of the front window. The easiest way to do this is having them either in the passenger seat or the middle of the back seat.

Try to remove anything that may be doing that involves looking at screens for a prolonged period of time, especially anything that involves reading. So no tablet, Kindle or book. A short DVD may still be OK but it’s probably best to try and go completely cold turkey with this as reading can very quickly bring on nausea. Replace this with music or an audio book to listen to- either using headphones or just in the car so that they don’t get bored.

Make sure you have a bit of air circulating around the car as hot, stuffy conditions can make everything feel a lot worse. Crack the window nearest to them a bit and encourage them to take big, deep breaths. Singing can help with the breathing and could distract them as well.

If the travel sickness is happening on a boat or plane advance book a central seat or cabin as this is were the least rocking or turbulence will be felt.

If you are planning a long journey, think about what food you give your child before you leave as a heavy or greasy meal can make the symptoms worse.

Be prepared for travel sickness, a good tip I read was to use plastic sealable bags (like ziploc foodbags) as sickbags so that the smell (along with the vomit….) can be contained for the rest of the journey. Make sure you have a good supply!

Give ginger a go- there is some evidence to suggest that taking ginger can lessen nausea and I have certainly heard anecdotal evidence of this working for other types of nausea such as period pain.

Acupressure bands are also suggested and I can remember friends wearing these when we were on school trips to help stop travel sickness.

Update: Extra tip!

Recommended in the comments is an app called Nevasic which I’d never come across so I’ve taken a look. It is audio that you play when starting to feel the effects of nausea and has been empirically verified for pregnancy sickness as well as motion sickness.

Interestingly, the clinical study carried out by Imperial College School of Medicine which found a significant reduction in nausea when using the app, also investigated controlling breathing. This was also found to be effective in reducing the feelings of sickness. Less useful for younger kids but could be worth trying for older kids.

If none of these remedies seems to be working or symptoms are severe and ongoing even on short car journeys then a trip to your GP or local pharmacist is in order. They can recommend or prescribe medicine designed specifically to target the symptoms of travel sickness.

Kids and travel sickness: final thoughts

I really hope this post has thrown up (oops, pun not intended!) some new tips and ideas to try with your children to stop the travel sickness. If you have any tried and tested tips of your own or just want to share your story then leave a comment below.

Reader Interactions

19th December 2017 at 9:20 am

Try the nevasic app, drug free, developed for travel sickness and proven safe and to work in a clinical trial run by Westminster College of Medicine London.

19th December 2017 at 1:09 pm

Thanks for the recommendation Dave, will take a look and add it to the tips.

28th January 2018 at 3:32 pm

Some great tips for travelling with travel sickness, thanks for linking up to #fortheloveofBLOG

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Dramamine® For Kids

Dramamine® for Kids is the only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2-12 from the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand.

● Treats symptoms on the spot ● Prevents nausea, dizziness, vomiting & queasiness ● Safe, precise dose in a fun, chewable grape flavor ● Convenient travel case

Available in an 8-count box.

To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 1/2 to 1 hour before starting activity.

To prevent or treat motion sickness, see below:

• Children 2 to under 6 years: give ½ to 1 chewable tablet every 6-8 hours; do not give more than 3 chewable tablets in 24 hours, or as directed by a doctor
• Children 6 to under 12 years: give 1 to 2 chewable tablets every 6-8 hours; do not give more than 6 chewable tablets in 24 hours, or as directed by a doctor

Other information

• Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine 0.375 mg per tablet
• Store at room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)

Ingredients

Active Ingredient (in each tablet)

Ingredient: Dimenhydrinate 25mg Purpose: Antiemetic     

Inactive Ingredients Aspartame, citric acid, flavor, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acide copolymer, sorbitol

Do not use  for children under 2 years of age unless directed by a doctor

Ask a doctor before use if the child has:

• A breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis

Ask a doctor or a pharmacist before use if the child is  taking sedatives or tranquilizers.

When using this product:

• Marked drowsiness may occur
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
• Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

If pregnant or breast-feeding,  ask a doctor before use.

Keep out of reach of children.  In case of accidental overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

Comments, Questions or Concerns Call 1-800-382-7219 weekdays or visit us on Facebook

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