Motion sickness occurs when movement creates a sense of uneasiness or dizziness. It can develop quickly and cause symptoms such as sweating, nausea or vomiting. This sensation can be particularly unsettling for a child. There are precautions that can be taken before a trip in conjunction with simple remedies to treat a child who suffers from motion sickness.
Consider Positions When Traveling
Placing a child in certain locations can minimize the shifts or changes in motion that can cause motion sickness. For a cruise, parents should opt for a cabin in the front or middle of a ship or on the upper deck. Sitting in the front, near the edge of an airplane wing is typically a neutral position during an airplane flight. When riding on a train, parents should choose seats that face the direction the train is moving and allow the child to sit near a window. Sitting in the front passenger seat of the car can help to minimize the occurrence of motion sickness.
Identify a Focal Point
Being able to focus on one central focal point can help a child maintain equilibrium, preventing the onset of motion sickness. MayoClinic.com advises parents to help their child keep their eyes on the horizon. Encouraging the child to keep his head against the seat back can also help him to feel less unsteady.
Take Medication
Several medications can be used to treat motion sickness or dizziness, but not all of them are recommended for children. Depending on the age of the child, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends cyclizine, sold as Marezine, and meclizine, sold as Bonine. Cyclizine is not recommended for children under 6 years of age and meclizine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Treat Nausea
Nausea is difficult for many children to manage. Avoiding heavy or greasy meals before traveling can help prevent nausea and vomiting. Giving a child crackers or a carbonated drink such as ginger ale may help settle his stomach.
