Travel sickness is most likely at sea, but can happen in planes, buses and cars. Almost half of all children suffer from motion sickness at some time in their lives, but almost all will grow out of it by adulthood.
Symptoms of travel sickness:
It can take up to three days of experiencing the same movement – the rocking of a boat, for instance – to overcome motion sickness, but it usually dissipates quickly once the movement stops.
How to avoid motion sickness:
- Do eat before you travel – motion sickness seems to be worse on an empty stomach – but avoid fatty foods.
- Encourage your child to focus on objects outside the car that are still – trees, houses, cows.
- Ensure there is fresh air circulating – if you’re on a plane, make sure that the air vent is turned on and is directed at your child.
- Don’t allow your child to read while in motion.
- Keep your child’s head still – this will minimise his sensory confusion.
- Try distracting your child from his feelings of nausea.
- If you can, stop travelling for a short time and let your child have a break from the motion. Often putting his head between his knees will help.
- Consider using travel sickness medication if it is chronic.
- Be prepared for the inevitable accident – keep a container, a change of clothes and a towel handy at all times.