Motion sickness in children – a practical guide for parents

Causes of Motion Sickness in Children
Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a reaction of the body to conflicting signals received by the sensory organs during movement. During travel, the brain receives inconsistent information — for example, the eyes see the interior of the vehicle, which appears stationary, while the inner ear’s balance system senses motion and changes in body position. This inconsistency causes a disruption in balance and can lead to typical symptoms, such as nausea or dizziness.
In children, the risk of motion sickness is higher than in adults because their nervous system and balance organs are still developing. Several factors can also exacerbate the symptoms during travel, including:

Incorrect seating position: Sitting facing backward or in areas where motion is felt more intensely increases the risk of nausea.

Reading or using electronic devices during travel: Focusing on stationary objects in the vehicle causes a signal conflict between the eyes and the balance system.

Strong smells: Intense perfumes, food odors, or gasoline smells can further irritate and amplify nausea.

Understanding these causes is key to effectively preventing motion sickness and ensuring a comfortable journey for your child.

Symptoms of Travel Sickness
Travel sickness in children usually starts with subtle signals that are important to recognize quickly so you can respond appropriately. The most common early symptoms include:

Pale skin,

Excessive sweating,

Yawning and fatigue,

Nausea,

Frequent swallowing of saliva,

And in more severe cases, vomiting.

It’s important to carefully observe your child during travel and react to the first signs of discomfort. If you notice your child starting to feel unwell, it’s a good idea to stop for a break as soon as possible — fresh air and stretching the legs often provide relief. If the symptoms worsen or vomiting occurs, it’s better to consider stopping the journey for a while to avoid intensifying the discomfort.
In such situations, offering a light drink (preferably water or diluted electrolytes) and avoiding heavy meals until the child feels better can be helpful. Quick action can reduce the child’s discomfort and make the rest of the trip more comfortable for the whole family.

Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness in Children
Preventing motion sickness in children is key to a comfortable and calm journey. There are several simple but very effective methods to reduce the risk of nausea and other unpleasant symptoms:

Choosing the right seat: It’s best if the child sits in the front seat of the car or the middle section of the bus, where the motion is less noticeable. A stable position and the ability to observe the horizon can help minimize motion sickness symptoms.

Ensuring proper ventilation and fresh air: A well-ventilated vehicle and access to fresh air are crucial. Opening the window or using air conditioning helps avoid stuffiness and alleviates nausea.

Avoiding reading and using screens during travel: Focusing on books, phones, or tablets during motion increases the conflict between sensory signals, which can intensify discomfort. It’s better to encourage children to look out the window and relax.

Regular breaks to stretch and rest: Every 1.5 to 2 hours, it’s advisable to take a short break, letting the child get out of the vehicle, move around, and breathe in fresh air. This not only helps the nervous system but also improves well-being.

Giving light meals and avoiding fatty foods before the trip: Heavy and fatty foods can worsen nausea, so it’s better to opt for light, easily digestible meals before the trip. Fruits, yogurts, crackers, and adequate hydration are good choices.

By following these simple rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of motion sickness in your child and make the journey more enjoyable and stress-free for the entire family.

Methods for Alleviating Symptoms
If motion sickness already occurs in a child, it’s helpful to know effective ways to relieve the unpleasant symptoms and improve the travel experience.

Natural remedies: One popular natural remedy is ginger, which helps alleviate nausea and improve digestion. You can give your child ginger tea or special ginger candies. Additionally, deep, calm breathing and focusing on a distant, stationary point (such as the horizon) can help stabilize the nervous system and reduce nausea.

Anti-nausea and antihistamine medications: In some cases, especially with severe symptoms, anti-nausea or antihistamine medications can help alleviate nausea and dizziness. However, medication should always be administered under a doctor’s supervision or after consulting a specialist to choose the appropriate medication and dosage based on the child’s age and weight.

Other methods: Increasingly popular are wristbands used for acupressure, which apply gentle pressure to specific points and may reduce nausea. Proper hydration is also essential — give your child small amounts of water or diluted electrolytes to avoid dehydration, especially if vomiting occurs.

By applying these methods, you can effectively alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness and make the journey more comfortable for your child.

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