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Motion Sickness in Children
Preventing and Managing Motion Sickness
By Felicia Hodges
Unless your car has passenger-side airbags, which could seriously injure children under 12, you might want to think about putting your car-sick riding companion in the front seat. By looking into the direction in which his or her body is traveling, a sense of balance may be restored, which may help calm the semicircular canals in the ear. If you are traveling by plane, request a seat over the wing as there tends to be less movement in the center of the plane. If hitting the high seas, staying in the center of the ship as much as possible has the same effect.
Sea BandsMade of stretchy material that fits on your child's wrist, Sea Bands are designed to ward off motion sickness using accupressure. Available at most larger chain drugstores, studies done over the last several years suggest that the bands can be anywhere from 75 to 80 percent effective when used correctly.
Simple, easy-to-digest meals before traveling may be best for little stomachs subject to motion-induced queasiness. Once your child's stomach begins to churn, plain crackers might help calm an anxious belly.
If none of the above works for your youngster, see your family health care provider about over-the-counter medications (like Dramamine) or prescriptions that may quell an uneasy rider. Also on the market is a prescription patch that is worn behind the ear. Although it has side effects (including drowsiness), the patch can be worn for up to three days at a time.