Travelling with children is always an adventure, but it can quickly turn into a challenging experience if your little one suffers from travel sickness. At the Seaton Pharmacy Travel Clinic, we understand the concerns many parents have when it comes to preventing travel sickness and ensuring their child is comfortable during long journeys. Motion sickness can occur in cars, planes, boats, or any moving vehicle, and it’s particularly common in children between the ages of 2 and 12. Fortunately, there are ways to minimise the chances of your child feeling unwell while travelling.
What Causes Travel Sickness?
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, happens when there is a mismatch between what the eyes see and what the inner ear senses. In a moving vehicle, your child’s inner ear detects motion, but if their eyes are focused on a book, tablet, or the seat in front, the brain receives conflicting signals. This confusion can lead to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Understanding what triggers travel sickness is key to preventing it, so let’s take a look at some practical tips to help your child avoid discomfort.
Top Tips for Preventing Travel Sickness in Children
- Encourage Looking Outside the Window: One of the simplest ways to prevent travel sickness is to encourage your child to look out of the window during the journey. Focusing on a fixed point in the distance can help the brain and inner ear align, reducing the likelihood of feeling sick.
- Positioning in the Vehicle: Where your child sits in the car or plane can make a big difference. In a car, try to have them sit in the front seat if possible, or in the middle of the back seat where they can see the road ahead. On a plane or boat, sitting near the front or in the middle, where motion is felt less, can also help.
- Take Regular Breaks: For long car journeys, stopping regularly for fresh air can make a huge difference. Allow your child to get out of the car and walk around during breaks, as this helps to reset their senses and reduce nausea.
- Avoid Reading or Screens: While it may be tempting to keep children entertained with a book or tablet, this can actually increase the chances of travel sickness. Instead, encourage your child to listen to music or audiobooks, as these activities are less likely to trigger symptoms.
- Light Snacks and Hydration: Before the journey, make sure your child has eaten a light meal. Having an empty or overly full stomach can both contribute to nausea. Small, healthy snacks during the trip can also help, but avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods. Keeping your child hydrated with water is equally important.
Using Travel Sickness Medication
In some cases, despite all your efforts, travel sickness may still affect your child. That’s where children’s travel sickness tablets come in handy. At Seaton Pharmacy, we offer a range of travel sickness medications that can help prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.
These medications work by reducing the sensory conflict between the brain and inner ear, helping your child feel more comfortable during the journey. There are several types of travel sickness medications available:
Antihistamines: These medications commonly treat travel sickness and are suitable for children. Medications like promethazine and cyclizine are effective in preventing nausea and dizziness. It’s important to note that some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, which could help your child rest during the journey.
Hyoscine: Also known as scopolamine, this medication is highly effective at preventing motion sickness. However, it is usually available in patch form for adults, and its use in children should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Natural Remedies: Some parents prefer natural alternatives like ginger or acupressure bands to reduce motion sickness in children. These remedies may help relieve symptoms in some cases.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medication to your child, as they can recommend the most suitable option based on your child’s age and health.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If your child frequently experiences travel sickness, it’s worth discussing it with a healthcare professional. At Seaton Pharmacy, we are here to help. Our pharmacists can offer advice on the best preventive measures and recommend appropriate medications, such as children’s travel sickness tablets, to ensure your child enjoys a smooth and comfortable journey.
Enjoy the Ride
Travel sickness doesn’t have to ruin your family’s travel plans. By following some simple preventive strategies and considering the use of children’s travel sickness tablets, you can help your child avoid discomfort and enjoy the journey.
At Seaton Pharmacy, we offer expert advice and a range of solutions to make travel a breeze for your little ones. Pop into our pharmacy today or get in touch for more information on how we can help you prepare for your next family adventure.
This blog was written on behalf of Seaton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.