Travel Sickness

[babalon]

My Ds nearly nine has often complained of feeling sick during long or country road journeys. We are driving to france end of april and was hoping for hints tips aand whether medication works etc.

He doesn't half go white and sweaty poor lad. Do kids grow out of it at all?

I still get it a bit, I'm Ok if driving but obv you can't really let him drive all the way

Phenergan can be good. Children can take it too. Best to ask your GP.

Stugeron was a lifesaver for ds2 who was/is (tho' not so bad now) a martyr to travelsickness. It can make your mouth a bit dry and also make you a wee bit sleepy. At least now when he yawns in the car I know it's because of the Stugeron and not because he's about to throw up!

You can buy it over the counter and are allowed it from 5 years upwards.

Those accupressure wrist bands work wonders for some children.

I used to get horribly sick, but grew out of it. Anxiety plays a big part too, so keeping it calm and fun can help.

Having one of those blinds on the window helps me as it stops the peripheral vision of things flying past the car.

I was terrible as a child. I did eventually grow out of it in my teens, but can still be sick occasionally whilst travelling.

My parents gave me travel sickness tablets and i really would not recommend. Made me feel a bit ugh.

My ds has unfortunately inherited this sickness - though not so extreme. I'm afraid that our way of dealing with it is to always travel with 2-litre ice cream boxes (lids essential) and a load of wipes. He knows what to do and is very practical about being sick and mopping up, poor thing.

Yet he can go on rollercoasters without so much as a stomach twinge

Thanks all, will look into travel pills sleepiness maybe a plus. Sun/heat seen to be a factor so dark sun blinds a must and I'll be saving ice cream tubs from now on

Phenergan can also make you sleepy (I had it for morning sickness, but saved my pills for the occasional car journey!!) Take it the night before I think.

Also remember: Keep windows open so it doesn't smell all car-y.

Try and make him look out the front - sit him in front seat if poss (no airbag) or in the central back seat so there is a view. Don't let him look out the side windows.

Sucking a sweet can help...don't know why!

Avoid anything fatty or heavy to eat before travelling.

Maybe try seabands - they go on your wrist and use acupressure to help. (from Boots/superdrug)

Most of all, NEVER let him read or concentrate on a book or puzzle in the car - this is the worst thing for me!! Try spotting road signs or something, or best if he can sleep.

Buy him a little battery operated fan to use himself.

HTH!

Yes, I forgot about the fan - heat is definitely a factor for ds. I wear lots in the car because we freeze having it cold enough for him.

I found the Stugeron helped build up his confidence again. At one stage we barely got to the first roundabout from home before he felt ill. Now (aged 15, started when he was 3yrs)he can do most straightforward car journeys without medication but still likes it for flying (it's the ups and especially the downs!).

Sick bags nicked from airlines are best. He is very good at coping himself.

He, too just loves rollercoasters.

And he did once feel v ill on the country roads on the way the tour of a 'cave' and some winetasting in France. However, having sampled some wine, he was fine on the way home!

Wine it is then!!!

i have always felt travel sick right from a young child. some days even now (am in my 30's ) i have to be the driver to avoid being sick and buses are a total no-no.

have tried most over-the-counter meds/bands etc etc and have found sipping diet coke works the best although not sure why. also being able to see straight in front of me (not blocked by a seat) and plenty of fresh air. i also find strong smells in the car (air fresheners/perfume/wet dogs) make it 10 times worse.

good luck and hope you enjoy your holiday