Are you planning a family road trip? In addition to mapping out the route, packing suitcases and bringing enough snacks and toys to last the duration, you should also brush up on your car sickness techniques. Whether or not car sickness is a common problem for your kids, the truth is it can strike at any time.
Tips for prevention and treatment of car sickness
Eat a cookie – Ginger snap cookies can help fend off nasty bouts of car sickness. Sharing a bag of these cookies throughout the trip can greatly reduce the possibility of getting car sick, besides they are yummy! Ginger root capsules and ginger ale are other known sickness soothers.
Suck on candy – Peppermints in particular are great at stopping the awful beginning feeling of car sickness. Lollipops are another good idea, especially Queasy Pops which are designed to help alleviate motion sickness.
Books on tape – Do not read in the car if you are prone to car sickness. Most adults know this adage, but kids may need to be reminded. Packing word finds and other activity books may see like a good idea, but can quickly backfire. Listening to a book on tape is a good alternative for bookworms and for taking a break from the radio and DVDs.
Eat cookies and candy and don’t read, so far these guidelines should be easy enough for everyone to follow!
Seating arrangements – It is helpful to keep eyes focused forward when traveling. For this reason, seat a car seat prone child in the middle rather than giving them a window seat. Looking out side windows can create a dizzying blur that can lead to queasiness. Encourage your child to focus on objects in front of the car.
Wear shades – Dark sunglasses can help keep headaches under control on a sunny day. Wrap around sunglasses may not be the most fashionable, but they are great travel companions.
Practice deep breathing – Encourage everyone in the car to take deep breaths through their mouth to help settle tummies. Deep breathing is something everyone can do, but may need to be reminded.
Crack the window – Regardless of the temperature, sticking a hand out the window can alleviate some of the symptoms. Fresh air will do a body good, so allow the kids to open the windows when necessary.
Be prepared for the worst – Keep cold wash cloths in the cooler, large ice cream tubs with lids and a stock of baby wipes in the trunk for just such an occasion. A quick change of clothes, towels, trash bags and Febreeze are other important on the road items that are easy to pack and forget about until necessary.
Ice it – When car sickness strikes, you can offer a cool face cloth and place an ice pack on the back of the neck. A few minutes on, a few minutes off can work wonders.
Medicate – If your child is known for bad bouts of car sickness, consider asking your doctor about appropriate medication. Dramamine or Benadryl are potential pills that may work.
Stay calm if car sickness does strike. Try to factor in a break from the road to allow the illness to pass. If that is not possible, be patient this too shall pass!
