Car Sick!

Tips to help kids travel

Nothing makes a family car trip more miserable than a kid with motion sickness. You feel sorry for the child, sorry for yourself, and sorry you ever tried the trip in the first place.

Still, trips are a part of life and you can make it easier.

According to the experts, I mean mom’s, be sure before you start out that you are prepared, but haven’t primed the pump, so to speak. Don’t remind kids of their motion sickness or, focus on old stories. Emphasize what fun the trip will be and remind them that you are well prepared if they do get sick.

        Nonetheless, prepare.

1 Keep a sick kit on board with a dry towel, wet towel, wipes, container and plastic bags.

2 Prepare some ginger drinks before the trip. Ginger helps prevent and treat nausea. As well look for snacks that contain Ginger or Peppermint.

3 Stick to bland pre-trip meals

4 Prior to the trip, practice deep breathing. Inhale slowly through the nose for four seconds. Exhales slowly for the count of four.

Plan the drive:

1 Take a straight route, no matter what. Turns are the enemy.

2 Put towels or blankets over the windows if it is possible that sunlight will come in during the trip.

3 Make sure the car is cool and well ventilated.

4 Prepare some podcasts or audible entertainment, as well try playing car games. No screens, video games or books.

5  Consider Over-the-Counter Medication. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is approved for kids age 2 and older, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be given to kids 6 and older. Read the product label carefully to determine the correct dose.

Finally, remind the kids if they feel bad they should let someone know. There is plenty of time to stop.

The good news is that most kids tend to outgrow their car sickness by the time they are 12 years old. In the meantime, hopefully, some of these tactics will help.

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