Car sickness children: tips and practical remedies for traveling.

Infants often rest easily when they are in the car seat, so much so that many parents drive around to make them fall asleep. This technique ceases to be effective after the first two years of life when many children begin to suffer from motion sickness. A widespread phenomenon that affects 30% of children and which is almost completely absent in newborns.

Why do children get car sick?

The origin of motion sickness in children is not entirely known, above all it is not clear why some children suffer from it and others do not. The problem is certainly not to be identified in the movement of the car, as what is called car sickness also occurs on other means of transport (ship, plane or train), but also as a result of rotational movements such as those of the swing and roller coaster.

At the origin of this disorder is the ability of the brain to receive the messages of the movements it perceives and to process them correctly. A child sitting in a car, for example, receives movement signals from sight but also from the ears where the system that controls balance is located.

On the one hand, the child sees what is around him that is immobile (the seat, toys, nearby passengers, etc.), but on the other, he perceives movement. This sensory discrepancy "confuses" the brain, generating the typical symptoms and discomfort of motion sickness.

The causes of motion sickness in children

Although many mechanisms that cause motion sickness in children are unknown or not entirely clear, it is possible to understand some elements behind this disorder. In fact, we are talking about a phenomenon linked to the hypersensitivity of the labyrinth, or the center of balance which is located in the inner ear. This hypersensitivity excessively stresses the autonomic nervous system causing that sensory discrepancy

Car sickness in children: symptoms

In young children who are not yet able to communicate or express discomfort, motion sickness can manifest itself through constant yawning, restlessness, bad mood, excessive sweating and vomiting. The symptoms are the same even for older children who, however, have the opportunity to express the malaise they are experiencing by allowing parents to intervene.Generally if you stop the car sickness disappears and then reappears during the journey, especially the older ones. long, and in some cases tends to relieve or disappear after children have vomited.

Remedies for motion sickness in children

In the event that a child suffers from motion sickness it is essential to know how to intervene and have everything you need available. Indeed, especially for longer journeys, it is very important to organize yourself in order to manage the problem, reducing its incidence and annoyance. During the journey it is possible to invite the child to look at a fixed point in front of him or to change position, taking place on the front passenger seat of the car (if age permits) or in a more central position of the other means of transport. Another remedy is to open the window by circulating fresh air that the child can breathe, finding relief from the annoying malaise of car sickness. Children who suffer from motion sickness can learn to breathe slowly and keep their eyes closed to relax, focus on breathing, and reduce symptoms of sickness. Parents, but also siblings or friends, play a central role in treating motion sickness by distracting children who suffer from it by involving them in songs, games or other activities that go hand in hand with being in the car.

There are also drugs and medicines in patches and tablets against motion sickness which, however, can only be taken in certain cases and under certain conditions.

In addition to knowing the remedies for motion sickness in children, it is very important to know what not to do to avoid aggravating this condition. The first indication is to advise against the use of electronic devices, but also books and comics, as well as not to devote oneself to looking at moving objects in general. The other attention is related to nutrition, avoiding too heavy foods and carbonated drinks.

Traveling with children: some tips against motion sickness

Traveling is not just an entertainment that can be given up and even going on vacation is a form of care and well-being that adults and children must indulge in. The solution to motion sickness in children, therefore, is not to avoid traveling. Motion sickness is a phenomenon to live with and to reduce the annoyances as much as possible. In addition to what has just been said, it is possible to implement a series of strategies that can prevent their appearance or significantly reduce the severity of the annoyances.

1. Plan your departure

A good advice against motion sickness is to leave at times when the child usually rests. Especially for longer journeys, starting at night allows children to rest during the hours of travel without perceiving the discomfort.

2. Predict stops

The planning of the trip also includes the forecast of the stops that will be made. In addition to being useful for the driver, stopping every two or three hours allows the child to break the duration of the journey and reduce discomfort. The ideal would be to allow him to walk a little at each stop also to breathe some clean air.

3. Eliminate unpleasant odors

Speaking of clean air, we have already mentioned the importance of opening the window, but it is also useful to use the air conditioning very sparingly and prevent bad smells from collecting in the passenger compartment. During a trip these can depend on the perfumes of the outside, on the deodorants, on the smell of cigarettes and on those that are inevitably produced by the presence in the car of more people.

In addition to ensuring good air circulation, the stops are also useful to dispose of this stale air.

4. Plan your meals

A very useful advice against motion sickness in children is that relating to nutrition. Before the trip it is good to have a light snack. Small snacks such as crackers, bread sticks or dry biscuits are preferred during the trip. In all cases, fried foods, carbonated drinks and fruit juices should be avoided.

5. Drive quietly, driving style also has a profound effect on car sickness in children. Driving gently, avoiding abrupt or sudden maneuvers is certainly preferable to allow all passengers, not just children, to relax and travel safely and calmly.