How to Beat Motion Sickness and Travel Comfortably with Kids
Cologne/Baierbrunn (dpa/tmn) – A long car journey, the whole family packed inside, the air growing stifling, and then the winding roads begin. Perfect conditions for motion sickness. Here's why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do when symptoms strike.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
During a car ride, the inner ear's balance system detects acceleration, braking, and turns—but your eyes don't always register the movement, especially if you're focused on something static, like a book or screen, explains the Automobile Club Verkehr (ACV). Your brain receives conflicting signals: your body senses motion, yet your eyes see stillness. Unable to reconcile the mismatch, it triggers nausea.
Notice this: If you're the one driving, you rarely feel sick because you instinctively watch the road, aligning visual and physical cues. Children, however, are more prone to motion sickness—their balance systems and motion-processing abilities are still developing, making them more sensitive.
How Can You Prevent It?
- Sit in the front seat – Passengers up front have a clearer view of the road than those in back, helping the brain anticipate movement, says the ACV. Note: Whether a child can ride in front depends on their age, height, and car seat. If they must sit in back, position them to face forward and look out the window.
- Time trips around sleep – For children, napping through part of a long drive can help. Scheduling travel during early mornings or usual naptimes reduces discomfort. Caution: The driver must always be well-rested.
- Keep the air fresh – Strong odors (food, air fresheners, cigarette smoke) can worsen nausea, and heat exacerbates the problem in a sealed car. Crack a window or use the AC moderately—but avoid direct airflow on your face.
- Focus on the horizon – Reading, watching films, or scrolling on a phone often intensifies sickness. Instead, gaze straight ahead at distant scenery.
- Snack lightly – An overfull stomach can aggravate nausea, while an empty one may cause queasiness. Opt for bland pre-trip snacks like bread, toast, crackers, or rusks. Apples and bananas are also gentle options. Stick to still drinks (no carbonation). Tip: Ginger eases nausea—consider ginger supplements (ginger tea is less effective, per Apotheken-Umschau).
- Take medication in advance – For severe, predictable motion sickness, over-the-counter antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (taken 30–60 minutes before travel) may help, according to the pharmacy magazine. Scopolamine requires a prescription. Warning: Children should only take medication after consulting a pediatrician. Side effects can include drowsiness or, in some kids, restlessness. Adults should note that some drugs impair reaction times, cautions the ACV.
I Feel Sick—What Helps Right Now?
If nausea hits mid-drive, act fast:
- Look ahead – Fix your gaze on the road or distant landscape.
- Put away books/phones/tablets – Immediate distraction worsens symptoms.
- Keep your head still – Minimize movement to reduce sensory conflict.
- Cool down – Press a damp cloth to your neck or face.
- Let in fresh air – Open a window to ventilate the car.
- Pull over if possible – Step out briefly to reset your senses.
Pro tip: Always keep a sick bag or plastic bag in the car, advises the ACV. If someone vomits, continue to the next exit or rest stop—never pull over on the hard shoulder unless it's an emergency (e.g., choking or breathing difficulties).
