13 Genius Hacks for Dealing with Car Sickness on Family Road Trips

Ever been 30 minutes into a road trip when your kid suddenly turns green and mumbles those dreaded words, “I don’t feel so good”?

Yeah, been there, done that, got the stained car seats to prove it! But fear not, fellow road warriors. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that’ll turn even the queasiest backseat passenger into a happy traveler.

1. The Power of Positioning

First things first, let’s talk about seating. If your kid’s prone to carsickness, the middle seat is their new best friend. It’s all about stability and a clear view of the road ahead. 

When my little girl kept getting queasy, we moved her to the middle, and it was like magic! She could see where we were going, which helped her brain make sense of all that motion. Plus, it’s easier to keep an eye on her from the front seat. Win-win!

2. Snack Attack Strategy

Okay, here’s where it gets a bit counterintuitive. You might think an empty stomach is best for avoiding nausea, but a little something in the tummy can actually help. The key is choosing the right snacks.

We’re talking plain crackers, pretzels, or even a bit of ginger candy. These help absorb stomach acid and settle the tummy. Just avoid anything greasy or super sweet– trust me, you don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way.

3. The Aromatherapy Trick

This one’s a game-changer, folks. Certain scents can work wonders for nausea. Peppermint, lavender, and ginger are my go-to’s.

I keep a little bottle of peppermint essential oil in the car. When someone starts feeling iffy, I’ll put a drop on a tissue and let them inhale. It’s like a mini spa treatment on the go!

4. The Distraction Diversion

Sometimes, the best medicine is a good distraction. But here’s the catch– no reading or screens! That’s a one-way ticket to Queasville.

Instead, try audiobooks, sing-alongs, or good old-fashioned car games like I Spy. On our last trip, we listened to Harry Potter, and the kids were so engrossed they forgot all about feeling sick.

5. The Cool Air Cure

Fresh air can be a lifesaver. Crack a window or aim the AC vent toward your carsick kiddo. The cool breeze on their face can really help settle their stomach.

Just make sure they’re not getting blasted with too much wind– we’re going for a gentle breeze, not a tornado simulation!

6. The Acupressure Secret

This one might sound a bit woo-woo, but hear me out. There’s a pressure point on the inner wrist that can help with nausea. It’s called the P6 point, and you can find it by placing three fingers across the wrist, starting at the crease.

Press gently on the spot between the two tendons. You can buy special wristbands that do this, or just show your kids how to do it themselves.

7. The Hydration Helper

Staying hydrated is key, but sipping is the name of the game here. Gulping down water can make nausea worse. I always pack a water bottle with a straw for each kid.

It encourages small, frequent sips rather than big gulps. And if plain water isn’t cutting it, a bit of lemon or mint can make it more appealing and help settle the stomach.

8. The Visual Fixation Fix

Here’s a trick I learned from a pilot friend: focus on a stable point. In a car, that means looking at the horizon or a fixed point in the distance.

It helps the brain make sense of the motion. We play a game where the kids try to spot specific things in the distance – it keeps them looking forward and helps prevent that queasy feeling.

9. The Positioning Pro-Tip

If your child is old enough, teach them to lean their head against the headrest. This minimizes head movement, which can really help with motion sickness. We make it fun by pretending we’re astronauts preparing for takeoff – head back, eyes forward!

10. The Pit Stop Plan

Regular breaks are a must. I know, I know, you want to have a good time. But trust me, a 10-minute stop every hour or two can prevent hours of misery.

Use these stops for a quick walk, some fresh air, and a chance to reset. We often do a family stretch session – it gets the blood flowing and usually leads to some good laughs.

11. The Ginger Genius

Ginger is nature’s anti-nausea superhero. Ginger ale (the real stuff, not just ginger-flavored soda), ginger tea, or even ginger candies can work wonders.

I always pack a thermos of cold ginger tea for our trips. It’s become such a road trip tradition that the kids actually look forward to it now!

12. The Seatbelt Savior

Here’s a tip that might seem small but can make a world of difference: the humble seatbelt. Yep, that’s right, the way your child’s seatbelt sits can actually affect their comfort and likelihood of getting car sick.

If it’s too tight across the stomach, it can make nausea worse. The key is to adjust it so it’s snug but not pressing on the tummy. We call it the “comfy belt check” in our family – a quick adjustment that can prevent a world of discomfort.

I always do a quick check before we set off, making sure everyone’s belt is sitting just right. It’s amazing how such a simple thing can have such a big impact. And here’s a bonus tip: if your child is wearing bulky clothing, consider removing a layer before buckling up. It’ll help the seatbelt fit more comfortably and do its job better.

13. The Pre-Trip Prep

Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about setting yourself up for success before you even hit the road. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing car sickness. If you know your child is prone to motion sickness, consider giving them a child-safe motion sickness medication before you leave.

Always check with your pediatrician first, of course. We’ve found that taking it about 30 minutes before we leave helps prevent problems before they start. But medication isn’t the only pre-trip prep you can do.

Having a light, bland meal before the journey can help settle the stomach. We also make sure everyone’s well-rested – being overtired can make you more susceptible to nausea. And don’t forget to pack your anti-nausea toolkit: ginger candies, peppermint oil, wristbands, whatever works for your family. Being prepared means you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Happy Trails, No Trails!

There you have it, road trip warriors! With these tricks up your sleeve, you’re ready to conquer any journey, no barf bags required. 

Remember, every kid is different, so don’t be afraid to mix and match these hacks until you find what works for your crew. Now go forth and explore – the open road is calling, and this time, everyone can enjoy the ride!