Summer is often synonymous with vacations, sun and family trips. But sometimes there can be a little gray cloud on the horizon: the famous motion sickness.
Ah, that feeling of discomfort that can spoil your car or boat trips with your little ones! Don't panic, we're here to help you and give you some valuable advice to prevent travel sickness in your children. So you can enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind.
This unpleasant experience, known as motion sickness , particularly affects children. In this article, you will find a series of tips to help you prevent motion sickness in your children and ensure a more pleasant stay for the whole family.
But first of all, what is motion sickness?
Motion sickness is the body's response to conflicting messages received by the eyes and inner ear. When we are in a car or boat, the inner ear perceives motion, while the eyes, which often see a stable environment inside the vehicle, send a conflicting message. This can cause nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. Children, because of their heightened sensitivity, are often more affected.
So how can we make traveling more enjoyable for our little ones?
First, choose your child's seat wisely. If you're traveling in a car, seat your child in a position where he or she can see outside, preferably in the middle of the back seat. Having a clear view of the road can help reduce conflicting messages sent to the brain. If possible, crack a window open slightly to allow fresh air to circulate in the vehicle, which can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
Keep your child busy
Distractions can be a great way to prevent motion sickness. Offer games or activities that don’t require sudden movements or focusing on nearby objects, as these can make motion sickness worse. Guessing games, audio books, or word games can be good options. Soothing music or audio stories can help distract your child from their symptoms and calm them down.
Opt for light snacks
And of course, fueling up before and during the trip is crucial! Choose light snacks like fruit or crackers to avoid heavy, fatty foods. A light little stomach is a happy stomach! Make sure your child drinks enough water before and during the trip. Hydration will help prevent nausea.
Take regular breaks
Breaks are also necessary for our little adventurers. On long journeys, stop every two hours so your children can stretch their legs and breathe fresh air. A moment of freedom to better get back on the road! This can help prevent nausea and dizziness.
Optimizing the car environment
On the comfort side, pamper your child so that they feel good. A travel pillow for good posture, a light blanket for those who are cold, a portable fan for the little ones who are chilly or our cooled therapeutic bear to keep them cool during trips. Dress them in loose and comfortable clothes for longer trips.
Use natural remedies
We also love natural solutions that do good.
Have you heard of ginger? A wonder to relieve nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed in different forms, as a drink, in candy, in biscuits or in capsules before leaving.
Peppermint is another effective natural solution. Its refreshing scent can help relieve nausea. It can be consumed as a beverage or diffused with peppermint essential oil.
Acupressure bracelets
And have you ever heard of acupressure bracelets? They apply pressure to specific points on the wrist to reduce nausea. Magic, right?
If, despite everything, your child experiences difficulties, do not hesitate to consult a health professional. They will be able to guide you as best they can and, if necessary, prescribe suitable solutions.
Car sickness can be a challenge for family travel, but with these tips, you can help your child have a more enjoyable summer. Remember, every child is different, so don't be afraid to try different solutions to see what works best for them.
The key is to prepare your children for the trip in advance. Talk to them about what motion sickness is, and assure them that you have solutions to help them feel better, if needed.
Do you have any other natural remedies to help with motion sickness?
