May 2008
How to handle carsick kids
Don't let carsick-prone kids do this.
If your child is not a "great little traveler," don't worry. Many kids outgrow motion sickness by adolescence. In the meantime,
try these steps to help minimize your travel troubles.
DON'T let carsickness-prone kids read, color, play handheld games, or watch videos. Have them listen to music or audiobooks and play games such as I Spy that involve looking out the window.
DO plan frequent stops for fresh air. Wear the kids out at a park or fast-food play area. Sleeping children don't get carsick.
DO be prepared with a waterproof bag and a cleanup kit. Include a change of clothes, paper towels, an enzyme-based pet-spot remover (good for cleaning and deodorizing after human accidents too), and a towel to cover the cleaned seat.
DON'T give susceptible kids an untried OTC antihistamine. Try a test dose at home. These drugs make most people drowsy, but some kids have the opposite reaction. And you don't want to be stuck in a moving vehicle with a hyper child.
DON'T let carsickness-prone kids read, color, play handheld games, or watch videos. Have them listen to music or audiobooks and play games such as I Spy that involve looking out the window.
DO plan frequent stops for fresh air. Wear the kids out at a park or fast-food play area. Sleeping children don't get carsick.
DO be prepared with a waterproof bag and a cleanup kit. Include a change of clothes, paper towels, an enzyme-based pet-spot remover (good for cleaning and deodorizing after human accidents too), and a towel to cover the cleaned seat.
DON'T give susceptible kids an untried OTC antihistamine. Try a test dose at home. These drugs make most people drowsy, but some kids have the opposite reaction. And you don't want to be stuck in a moving vehicle with a hyper child.
