Children and sea sickness are one of the big mysteries of raising kids. While some kids have stomachs that seem to be made of iron, others are nauseous at a moment's notice. Sea sickness and children can be a bad combination. Sickness like this can make family cruise vacations and other excursions difficult to deal with, to say the least. Luckily, it is possible to deal with children and their motion sickness so the fun can go on as planned.
The Symptoms of Sea Sickness
The symptoms of motion sickness can vary from child to child. While some kids are immediately sick when they get on the water, others don't display such obvious symptoms. Nausea is the chief symptom of sea sickness, but dizziness and headaches are also signs of such a condition. Many children also flush and break into a cold sweat before sea sickness really sets in. The trouble with younger kids is that they are less able to vocalize their symptoms, but a lack of appetite or overall fussiness or lethargy may indicate an aversion to the motions of the water.
The Causes of Motion Sickness
The very same issues that cause motion sickness in adults causes motion sickness in children. The body has built in sensors that help to keep people in balance, and when this balance is thrown off it can send signals to the brain that cause dizziness and overall sickness. When the mind and the body are not in agreement about the way the body is balancing and overall motion, it can cause children to become sick.
Some Children Suffer from Sea Sickness
Not all children suffer from sea sickness. Those children who become sick on amusement park rides, during long car rides or after rough play are most likely to suffer from sea sickness as well. Some children have systems better equipped to handle that 'off-kilter' feeling that constant motion or rocking can create. Many children grow out of their motion sickness while others are forced to deal with it through their adult years.
It's important to remember that some kids who have never had a history of motion sickness before can have sea sick spells as well.
Medicine for Motion Sickness
Dramamine is the chief medication for people who suffer from sea sickness. It is available in chewable form and is approved for use in both children and adults. It treats all the symptoms of sea sickness, including dizziness and nausea. Best of all, Dramamine can be taken beforehand to prevent the symptoms of sea sickness from ever rearing their ugly heads. Keep in mind that Dramamine induces drowsiness, so keep your little one close by after they have taken it.
Sea Bands are another type of motion sickness treatment. These are bands that are worn around the wrist and put pressure in the right places. While these bands don't work for everyone they are a great non-medicinal alternative for sea sickness treatment.
If your child doesn't take well to Dramamine, talk to your pediatrician about alternative forms of treatment for their motion sickness problems.
Sea Sickness Tips for Children
The less your child has in their stomach, the less prone they are to nausea. It may be a good idea to keep your child's meals to a minimum before embarking on your water adventure. Frequent, light meals are best for kids who are prone to sea sickness as small meals can make it through the system more quickly and are less likely to cause nausea. Hunger and fullness can both exaggerate motion sickness.
Also, always keep a bag on hand as you never know when your child will be sick. When it comes to the ocean, it may take a couple of days for your little ones to become acclimated to the constant movement.
