It's always a good idea to try to schedule car trips during your child's nap (if he takes one) or regular sleep times, and if he's prone to motion sickness that strategy might be especially helpful. Here are some other ideas to keep in mind:
* Don't seat him too far back in the car. He's more likely to feel nauseated if he sits in the back of a van, behind the axle, than if he sits in the middle seat, for example.
* Stock the car with some toys or books, but keep in mind that playing or reading can sometimes make matters worse. If this is the case for your child, try other distractions, like listening to the radio, singing, or chatting with him.
* Looking out the window may help prevent motion sickness, so talk about what's going on outside. (Gazing into the distance will help your child's brain register that his body is moving.) Invent some games to engage him — see how many states he can spot on license plates, or play the alphabet game (find something starting with the letter "A," then "B," and so on).
* Provide your child with a small snack before the trip so that he has something in his stomach, and take frequent breaks during the trip to give him a chance to calm his tummy. Help him stay hydrated by offering him plenty of fluids. Otherwise he may get headachy, or even dizzy or weak, which would only make him more miserable.
There are medications you can give your child, but you'll want to know how they affect him before you leave home. Dramamine, for example, is simply a form of Benadryl, a common sedating antihistamine. Although antihistamines aren't usually recommended on a regular basis for children, an occasional children's dose of Benadryl or Dramamine may be in order for a long car trip.
Keep in mind that these medicines may cause dry mouth and nose, so keep those fluids handy. They often cause drowsiness, but sometimes they have the opposite effect and cause — heaven forbid — irritability and hyperactivity. If you want to give medication a try, ask your child's doctor about the correct dose for your child's age and weight.
Motion sickness patches aren't for use on children under age 12. Don't cut one in half to deliver a smaller dose to your child.
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