Don’t Let Motion Sickness Ruin Summer Fun

Summertime often brings vacations and trips to amusement parks, but for 25 percent of children, it also means motion sickness, which is characterized by the sudden onset of dizziness, unsteady walking, nausea and vomiting.

Motion sickness is caused by the equilibrium center’s increased sensitivity to motion. It’s an inherited disorder that is not related to emotional problems and cannot be controlled with willpower. While people do not usually outgrow motion sickness, it may become less severe with age.

Symptoms of motion sickness usually disappear within four hours after stopping the trigger or motion. If your child begins to feel sick, have him or her lie down and rest or sleep, but keep a vomiting pan handy. Children usually do not vomit more than once as a result of motion sickness.

Keeping Motion Sickness at Bay

If your child experiences motion sickness, keep the following tips in mind:

• Air travel: Airsickness often can be prevented by selecting a seat near the wings or center of the aircraft since turbulence is least felt there.
• Amusement parks: Skip rides that spin (like the Tilt-a-Whirl). Some children can’t even look at whirling rides without becoming sick, but most children do fine on the Ferris wheel.
• Boat trips: Avoid riding on a boat when practical. Otherwise, have your child remain on deck and looking at the horizon. Boating on small lakes usually can be tolerated.
• Car trips: If your child is over 12 years old, have him or her sit in the front seat at window level. Before age 12, your child should sit in the middle of the back seat. Children should always look out the front window rather than a side window. Discourage looking at books or watching DVDs, and keep a window cracked to provide fresh air. Avoid exhaust fumes from other vehicles.
• Meals: Have your child eat light meals before trips. Some children can only tolerate crackers and water. 
• Plastic bags: Always carry a sealable plastic bag for potential vomiting emergencies.

Stop Symptoms Before They Start

Giving your child Dramamine® or Bonine™ at least one hour before traveling or going to an amusement park can prevent motion sickness. These medicines offer six hours of protection and can be purchased without a prescription.

You also may consider purchasing acupressure bands (or Sea-Bands®), which are effective for some adults and may work for some children as well. Have your child begin wearing a band before car trips or exposure to other triggers of motion sickness, ensuring the pressure button is placed over the center of the wrist and 1/2 inch above the wrist crease.

Remember, if your child is prone to motion sickness, it doesn’t have to spoil summer fun. By taking active steps to prevent it, your child can enjoy activities without feeling under the weather.

Copyright 1994–2009. Barton D. Schmitt, MD.

Last revised March 2009.