Quick Ways to Conquer Car Sickness
"I don't feel so good." When those five little words come out of your little one in the backseat ... uh-oh. There are some easy ways to remedy, or possibly prevent, your kids' upset stomach—and keep your car puke-free. Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg, an NYC-based pediatrician and author of The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Check-ups, Illnesses and Accidents, says that keeping them comfortable is half the battle.
Keep the Car Comfy
Here's one time you've gotta win the battle of the temperature controls, because the right temperature can ease a bout of nausea. Either crack the window open or make sure the air-conditioning is on so it's not too hot and stuffy. Too many layers can also cause kids to get overheated and nauseous, so travel smart and make sure your kids are dressed appropriately for a long ride.
Don't Eat and Run
Try not to stuff the kids with a giant meal before you stuff them into the car (it won't mean you can get there without a pit stop anyway, so stop dreaming!). If their tummies are too full, it's easier for the last thing they ate to come back up.
Be Prepared
If you know your kid's a puker, keep some water handy to help quickly settle a queasy tummy. Chewing on ice chips can also nix the nausea. You'd rather have some water on your seats than vomit, right?!
Keep Calm
For little kids, getting upset and crying can also lead to upchucking, so make sure you've got books on tape or some backseat games handy to help calm them. Just be wary of actual books, for kids of any age, since reading is a predictable puke prompter. And be warned: You might just have to squish into the backseat with the kids (well, as long as there's someone else to drive!) and do some impromptu entertaining.
Drive Smoothly
Remember, you are in control of the car—and its motion. So be aware of yourself and how you're driving. Rushing, weaving in and out of lanes, and making those sudden, jerky stops can turn even an ironclad stomach to mush.
Been There, Puked That
Chewable Dramamine tabs or liquid Dramamine a half hour before a long car trip are OK for bigger kids if they are prone to motion sickness. Just check for dosage information on the box (it's definitely not OK for kids under 2!) and beware that it can cause a cranky drowsy-upon-arrival situation. Of course, a few minutes of whining may be better than a messy car ride.
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