How to Prevent Motion Sickness in Toddlers

Traveling by car with a toddler who get car sick can put a damper on any family trip or vacation. Follow these steps to cope with the problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DVD player

1. Schedule an appointment with the child's pediatrician for an examination to determine if the motion sickness is caused by a physical problem. The doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication or give other advice to prevent your child's motion sickness.
   

2. Plan to serve meals that are easily digested and fairly bland prior to travel. Dress the child in comfortable clothing for the trip and try to leave at naptime, so that the child will go to sleep right away. Pack a small bag or tote with paper towels, diapers, damp washcloth, baby wipes, sippy cup, juice, crackers and a change of clothes. Place it in a convenient location in the vehicle.

3. Hang a towel over the car window to block the child's view outside the vehicle. Some pediatricians have linked the effects of looking out the window of a moving vehicle with motion sickness. The towel will also keep the sun out of your toddler's face.
   
   

4. Purchase an inexpensive portable DVD player for the car. Many children's doctors recommend allowing toddlers to watch their favorite movies while traveling so they do not notice the vehicle's movement.

5. Select a long playing video for the toddler to watch and make sure it is something the family will enjoy since everyone in the car will hear the movie and music.

6. Offer the child some dry crackers and juice if he is getting hungry between meals. Keeping the child hydrated with something light in his or her stomach helps prevent motion sickness.
   
   

7. Stop frequently to allow the child to get out of the car seat and exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Have several movies to alternate on a longer trip.
• Place beach towels or an absorbent pad underneath the car seat to protect the upholstery “just in case”.
• Stop for meals at full service restaurants because they will have fresh milk. Many fast food eateries only serve sodas, tea and coffee; however if they do serve carton milk, always check the expiration date and feel the carton to make sure it is cold before allowing your child to drink.

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[merts]

on 1/17/2008 Has any of the readers tried using a DVD to reduce motion sickness? has it worked for you? Please comment