How To Prevent And Alleviate Travel Sickness On Family Trips
Aug 30, 2023
Travel sickness can quickly ruin a journey. Whether you’re off on vacation or to visit some relatives, long family journeys can be uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness, and children ages 2 to 12 are particularly susceptible. Of course, the last thing you want is for your little ones to feel unwell. Fortunately, there are numerous tried and tested methods of preventing and alleviating travel sickness - here are just a few for you to try on your next family car ride.
Supply Plain Snacks
Throughout the course of your journey, it is important to offer your kids plain snacks to keep hunger at bay. Steer clear of fatty, spicy, or acidic foods, which can upset their stomachs and exacerbate the symptoms. Instead, pack a selection of crackers, breadsticks, popcorn, granola bars, fresh fruit and nuts. Similarly, hydration is crucial. Encourage your young passengers to drink plenty of water throughout the journey to prevent dehydration, which can intensify motion sickness.
Discourage Screen Time
While it may be tempting to allow your kids extra screen time during a long car journey, reading or using electronic devices during travel can exacerbate motion sickness. You may have experienced this issue yourself, which happens when your eyes are fixed on a book, phone or tablet while your inner ear senses motion. As such, these conflicting sensory signals can lead to a sense of disorientation and nausea. Encourage your passengers to look out of the window and gaze toward the horizon in the direction of travel.
Provide Distractions
There is nothing worse than being bored on a long car journey. As mentioned previously, limiting screen time is advisable to curb the effects of motion sickness. Hence, by providing entertainment such as games and music, you can help keep your kids occupied and distracted from any nausea they may be experiencing. Consider playing a good old-fashioned travel game like I Spy or Word Association. Alternatively, you could play an audiobook version of your kids’ favourite literature or simply put on the radio and have a family sing-along.
Travel Bands
Travel bands, or anti-sickness bands, are a natural alternative to medication inspired by the principles of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. These bands typically consist of an elastic wristband with a plastic stud or button embedded on the inside which targets a pressure point known as the "Nei-Kuan", located on the inside of the wrist. By applying continuous gentle pressure to this acupoint, travel bands stimulate the median nerve, relieving nausea and sickness.
Arrange Travel For Nap Time
A great tip for parents of young children who suffer from motion sickness is to arrange travel for nap time. By strategically planning your journey, you can increase the likelihood of your little ones sleeping throughout. Furthermore, getting some shut-eye can significantly alleviate the symptoms of travel sickness. Ensure your car is comfortable, and pack their favourite blanket or plush toy to help them drift off. You can find the perfect, comfortable car seat in Singapore by shopping at reputable retailers that stock brands such as Cybex and Maxi-Cosi.
Open The Windows
An excellent way to relieve the symptoms of travel sickness is to simply open the windows, allowing fresh air to circulate. This may also reduce the concentration of odours and pollutants inside the vehicle, which can contribute to feelings of nausea. Moreover, breathing in fresh air can be soothing and calming. It can distract your kids from focusing solely on their symptoms and may help shift their attention. Finally, cracking a window or turning on the AC can help with body temperature regulation, making for a more comfortable journey.
Talk To Your Paediatrician
If your child regularly suffers from motion sickness and the aforementioned methods don’t seem to do any good, it may be worth consulting your paediatrician, who can provide valuable advice or prescribe medication for severe cases. Alternatively, you could try over-the-counter travel sickness medicine, such as Dimenhydrinate, which is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. You can purchase travel sickness medication for minors at most pharmacies, although you may want to consult your paediatrician or a pharmacist before giving your child Dimenhydrinate.