One of the less glamorous aspects of parenting is the dreaded moment when your child gets carsick. Every parent seems to have a horror story about the chaos of dealing with vomit in a confined space. Some brave souls even continue driving for hours after the incident, proving that parents truly possess remarkable resilience.
If you’ve ever been stuck in a car with a child who has just hurled all over themselves, you know that this experience can make you feel like you can handle anything else parenting throws your way—especially if you’ve been breathing through your mouth for what feels like an eternity.
As someone who suffered from car sickness as a child, I completely understand the struggle. My family had an “urp bucket” in our minivan that was always at the ready. My siblings and I seemed to have an uncanny ability to get sick whether the trip was long or short—sometimes just my dad’s driving alone would do the trick! While many of those memories have faded, I can’t shake the image of the time I threw up a substantial amount of grape Kool-Aid. Trust me, that one is ingrained in my memory—and now yours too!
Thankfully, as an adult, I spend most of my time in the front seat, which has significantly reduced my nausea. However, I still occasionally need to ask my husband to pull over for some fresh air. Unfortunately, the tables have turned, and now I have a child who suffers from motion sickness just like I did. I recall one particularly harrowing outing when he returned home looking ghostly pale and rushed straight to the bathroom to be sick—he had been squished in the backseat of a minivan that, let’s face it, had that unmistakable “weird smell” that all minivans seem to have.
There have been other incidents, too, like the infamous chicken nugget incident from 2011 that still haunts me six years later. Despite my best efforts to clean up after the milk mishap of 2014, I can still spot remnants of that disaster. Just recently, during a long road trip, my son started to look pale and quiet after just one hour on the road. My past experiences alerted me to the impending doom, and we ended up pulling over on the freeway to let him breathe for twenty minutes. Car sickness can turn an already tedious road trip into a true nightmare.
When you have a child prone to carsickness, traveling anywhere can feel like a monumental task. With a long road trip looming, I want to share some strategies that help our family stay vomit-free on the road.
Encourage Window Gazing
This might seem obvious, but many kids don’t realize that focusing on a screen or a book can exacerbate motion sickness. Promote screen-free time and remind them to look out the window instead—when I was younger, I entertained myself with songs and imaginative stories.
Feed Them Well
I’ve noticed that keeping my son’s stomach full helps reduce the chances of him getting sick. Try to make sure they eat outside of the car when possible; certain smells can trigger nausea. For me, the scent of chocolate is like kryptonite when I’m feeling queasy. An empty stomach may seem like a better option, but in reality, keeping their bellies full helps maintain a vomit-free ride.
Be Prepared with Supplies
On road trips, I don’t travel with an “urp bucket,” but I do keep necessities handy. I always have empty grocery bags, paper towels, and wet wipes within arm’s reach. A towel and a change of clothes can also save the day. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re unprepared just as your child is about to be sick. If short trips are a problem, consider keeping a small bag in the car, along with a change of clothes.
Ensure Fresh Air
Keep the airflow consistent in the backseat and check in on your kids frequently. Even in winter, having some air circulating can help prevent overheating and ensure everyone feels comfortable. Given that mom cars tend to accumulate unpleasant odors, it might be worth getting your vehicle professionally cleaned before long trips.
Consider Anti-Nausea Remedies
If car sickness becomes a significant issue, consult your pediatrician. They might suggest a small dose of Dramamine or recommend natural remedies like ginger ale or peppermint oil.
Mind Your Driving Style
Some drivers can make car sickness worse. I had a friend whose driving always made me feel ill. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Listen to Your Child
Lastly, trust your child’s instincts when they say they don’t feel well. Those of us who are prone to car sickness can easily become nauseous, and it’s better to take a few minutes for a break than to spend hours with your mouth open in desperation.
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In summary, dealing with a child who experiences car sickness can be challenging, but with the right strategies in place, you can make road trips much more manageable.