Travel sickness is common in
children. It occurs particularly on car and train journeys and causes
considerable inconvenience to the parents. Sea-sickness is common in small
children. It has been estimated that under severe conditions only 20% of un-acclimatized
children remain entirely free from sea-sickness. Sea-sickness is said to occur
in dogs, cats, horses, monkeys and birds.
The usual age at which travel sickness begins is the second or third
year, but it may begin in the earliest infancy. The child becomes pale, quiet,
looks unwell and then vomits. The excitement which is so common before a
journey predisposes to it and may even cause vomiting before the journey
begins.
If your child is prone to travel sickness, following are some things to try in order to make his/her journey more comfortable and sickness-free:
- Avoid heavy meals.
- Drink small amounts of non-natural drinks. Avoid milk and citric juices.
- Take consultation regarding anti-motion sickness pills from your pediatrician.
- Try acupressure bands
- Avoid starring out for longer period through the side window.
- Try to maintain your posture with little movement.
- Ginger root is an excellent natural herb for travel sickness. Even ginger root capsules are available.
- Don’t read or watch videos.
- Listen to your favorite music
- Encourage your child to look forward
- Try to sleep
Written By: Dr. Harman
