Motion sickness occurs when the movement our brain senses doesn't match our visual cues. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Children between two and 12 can be particularly prone to it. Infants and toddlers are generally not affected.
Dramamine or Triptone (dimenhydrinate) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are the top medications recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for motion sickness prevention in children. Administer dosages an hour before traveling and every six hours during the trip. Drowsiness is the common side effect.
The Scopolamine patch can be an effective prevention treatment for adults; however, children should not use the patch. Transderm Scop (a maker of the patch) does not recommend its use for anyone under 18.
Acupressure bands are deemed safe for children older than two; however, the CDC asserts scientific data are lacking regarding their effectiveness. Wear the knitted bands on the wrist; they apply pressure to the Nei-kuan acupuncture point. Some users swear by the effectiveness of these bands, which you can purchase under the names Sea-Bands or BioBands.
There is no cure for motion sickness. Repeated exposure may desensitize children to it, but that's hardly a fix for a nauseous child. Peppermint or ginger may help alleviate symptoms. Also, closing the eyes or watching the horizon (especially if your child is on a boat) may also help reduce symptoms or prevent them in the first place.
