Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, eyes and other areas of the body that detects motion, sends a mixed signal to the brain.
Your child may begin to feel queasy with the initial nausea followed by a cold sweat, fatigue and loss of appetite. A younger non-verbal child may become restless, pale, sweaty and cries. At some point these symptoms are usually followed by vomiting. By then you have figured it out!
The best treatment for motion sickness is prevention! If you have already experienced motion sickness with your child then plan ahead.
If your child is over the age of two, place them in their car seat in the middle of the backseat and face them forward. Provide a small nutritious snack prior to the trip rather than a big meal, and avoid dairy.
Open the windows and do not let your child play video games or read while the car is in motion. Try to distract them by singing or talking. Sleeping may also be helpful, so at times you may plan your trip around naps and bedtime.
Frequent stops for a child who is feeling sick are a necessity. Letting them lay flat for a few minutes while the car is stopped and even applying a cool rag may make them feel better. Try small sips of carbonated beverages or crackers to help the nausea.
Expect the unexpected and be prepared. Bring along zip lock bags and hand wipes in case of emergency. This will make everyone in the car a little happier.