How to Prevent Car Sickness in Kids: Tips & Tricks for Happy Travels

Traveling with kids can be a lot of fun, filled with laughter, memorable moments, and a sense of adventure. However, whether you're hitting the road, hopping on a bus, boarding a plane, or setting sail on a boat, motion sickness can turn an exciting journey into an uncomfortable experience for many families. As a parent with countless horror stories of vomiting on the road from my own kids, I've learned a few tricks to keep those queasy tummies at bay. Here’s a friendly guide to help you prevent motion sickness in your kids and make getting from point A to point B more enjoyable for everyone.

Understanding Car Sickness in Kids

Car sickness, a type of motion sickness, happens when the brain gets mixed signals from the inner ears, eyes, and sensory nerves. It's particularly common in children whose senses are still developing. Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting can make what should be a smooth journey feel like a wild adventure in all the wrong ways.

What's in Our Anti-Nausea Toolkit?

• Sea Bands: These nifty acupressure wristbands are a lifesaver for kids as young as 3 and are clinically proven to relieve nausea, motion sickness, and even morning sickness for those newly pregnant mommas out there.

• Motion Sickness Patches: For ages 4 and up, these little patches use natural herbs like ginger, mint, safflower, and cinnamon. Stick one behind your ear to quell queasiness without any of the sleepy side effects for up to 3 days.

• Anti-Motion Sickness Glasses: Yes, they might look a bit goofy, but better than looking miserable! These liquid-filled rims create a steady horizon line, calming those turbulent signals to your brain. Even though they're a tad big for my little one, they still do the trick!

• Children’s Dramamine: Perfect for ages 2-12, this is our go-to for longer journeys. Just be sure to dose up at least 30 minutes before liftoff to give the medicine a chance to work its magic.

Other Tried and True Ways to Prevent Car Sickness

• Plan Your Meals
  • Light Snacks: Feed your child light snacks before the trip. Heavy, greasy, or spicy foods can make queasiness worse, but so can a completely empty stomach!
  • Hydration: Keep everyone hydrated with small sips of water. Avoid sugary drinks and dairy products right before and during the trip.
• Choose the Right Seat
  • Front and Center: If possible, let your child sit towards the front seat of the bus or vehicle (depending on their age and your local laws) or the middle seat in the back. Giving them a clear view ahead helps sync their senses.
  • Elevated View: Use a forward-facing car seat (as soon as it's safe to do so) or booster seat to give younger kids a better view of the horizon, which can help reduce dizziness.
• Encourage Looking Outside
  • Scenic Views: Get your child’s eyes off of the backseat entertainment and out onto the great outdoors! Focusing on the scenery helps their inner ear and eyes team up to keep motion sickness at bay.
  • Play Games: Turn the journey into fun and games! Play “I Spy,” count cars of specific colors, or start the alphabet hunt—spotting things outside that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Our kids have even borrowed a game from Bluey, where they pretend their hands are leaping along the window, jumping over cars and buildings as they zoom by. Learn how to play games inspired by our favorite Blue Heeler family!

• Distract and Entertain
  • Music and Stories: Keep those little minds occupied and those tummies calm with some tunes or tales! Whether it’s Disney sing-alongs, Taylor Swift jams, or Kidz Bop hits, a bit of car karaoke is sure to keep everyone entertained. And for those quieter moments, Library Mom’s curated list of podcasts and audiobooks for kids is pure gold.
  • Comfort Items: Never underestimate the power of a beloved blankie or a trusty stuffed animal. These comfort items are like magic for a calm, happy child. When our kids were babies, we swore by reusable diaper cloths as loveys—super easy to replace, soft, and perfect for mopping up any, uh, unexpected messes. (Projectile vomit, anyone?)
• Keep the Air Fresh
  • Ventilation: Fresh air is your friend on the road! Crack open a window or crank up the A/C to keep everyone feeling breezy and nausea-free.
  • Avoid Strong Odors: Steer clear of strong smells like food, scented perfumes, or smoke. Keep it fresh and light for happy tummies all around!
• Take Frequent Breaks
  • Stretch and Breathe: Plan regular pit stops during your epic journeys. Let your kids hop out, stretch their legs, and take in deep breaths of that fresh air. When our kiddos were tiny, we couldn’t go more than half an hour without someone groaning about a tummy ache. But as they've grown, so has their tolerance for longer drives. Hooray for progress!
  • Interactive Stops: Make these breaks mini-adventures! Check out a rest stop playground, have a roadside picnic, or visit a cool landmark or scenic lookout. Turn your travel breaks into part of the fun, and let the journey become half the fun.

What to Do if Car Sickness Strikes

Despite your best efforts, sometimes car sickness can still occur. If your child starts feeling unwell, pull over safely as soon as you can. Let them get some fresh air, and give them a chance to rest and recover before continuing the trip. Having a “sickness kit” in the car with essentials like wipes, plastic zip-top bags, a change of clothes, and a bottle of water can be a lifesaver in such situations. Don't forget to keep some air freshener in the car as well. The last thing you need is to be smelling the aftermath on the journey ahead.

Time to Take the Show on the Road

Preventing car sickness in kids is all about preparation and a bit of trial and error to see what works best for your child. By following these tips, you can make your family road trips smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s to many happy and healthy journeys with your little ones!

Send these tips along to fellow road warriors and subscribe for more family friendly travel wisdom. If you have any tips or experiences to share, leave a comment below! Here’s to endless happy travels with your little ones!