R.N. asks from Hollywood, FL on February 10, 2010
Carsickness Remedies
Hi Moms,
My (just about) 2 year old has gotten carsick the past couple of times we've traveled more than 3 hours. We are going on another trip at the end of the month and I was just wondering if you have any advice or remedies that have worked for you, besides the obvious frequent stopping, fresh air, ginger cookies, etc. Also, the motion sickness bracelets don't work because she just takes them off.
In a related matter, any advice on how to get the throw up smell out of the car would be appreciated. We had the whole interior cleaned and detailed and it still smells!
Thanks in advance,
R.
So What Happened?™
Thanks for all your advice!
Featured Answers
T.C. answers from Dallas on February 10, 2010
When I was pregnant I had terrible motion sickness!! My only refuge was peppermint. I sucked on them in the car and managed to get from point A to point B with my tummy intact. If you are afraid of the hard candy ones, maybe you could give her the softer dissolving kind. Peppermint tea in her sippy?
Have you tried to put the bracelets on ankles?
1 mom found this helpful
L.M. answers from Boston on February 12, 2010
A friend of my said talking to her daughter and pointing out things outside has helped them. They talk about the trucks, cars, trees and anything else they see along the way.
I've heard baking soda helps get the smell out.
More Answers
T.C. answers from Dallas on February 10, 2010
When I was pregnant I had terrible motion sickness!! My only refuge was peppermint. I sucked on them in the car and managed to get from point A to point B with my tummy intact. If you are afraid of the hard candy ones, maybe you could give her the softer dissolving kind. Peppermint tea in her sippy?
Have you tried to put the bracelets on ankles?
1 mom found this helpful
E.F. answers from Casper on February 10, 2010
For the smell try vinegar or a pet odor remover.
For the car sickness, Make sure you put her in the middle of the seat so she can see out the front window. Keep the temp in the car cool, that helps a lot. and cold water can help if she is starting to get car sick. Also having her look as far a head as she can and whatever is the largest scenery will help. You could ask her questions about things that are a in front and far away.
The reason for car sickness stems from your brain not being able to register the speed at which you are traveling, with the stillness of the things right beside you (in the car). so when looking ahead at a stationary object that is not moving rapidly, it allows your brain to focus on that and not your traveling speed.
Good luck
E.
1 mom found this helpful
B.C. answers from Norfolk on February 10, 2010
Some crystallized ginger or a little ginger ale might help. I get car sick if I have an empty stomach. Just the vibration of the car is enough to set me off. I also can't read if I'm in a moving vehicle. If I have to go on a long distance car ride, I make sure I start out the day with a good breakfast. You might ask your Dr if a little Dramamine would be alright. Then she'll just sleep through most of the way.
1 mom found this helpful
A.W. answers from Detroit on February 10, 2010
We used Dramamine with our 3 year old and it worked like a charm! Obviously, I wouldn't want to give it to him all the time. But, for long trips, I will definitely use it again. Good luck and God Bless!
1 mom found this helpful
D.W. answers from Gainesville on February 10, 2010
I suffer from carsickness also and it is miserable when it strikes. If it's possible place her car seat in the middle where she can feel the air blowing in her face from the air conditioner. Even sitting in the front seat I have to have the air in my face. Make sure she is not watching a dvd player or trying to read/look at books. Those are some of the worst things a motion sickness sufferer can do!
1 mom found this helpful
J. answers from Chicago on February 10, 2010
air blowing on my daugher is what helps and keeping her lightly dressed
1 mom found this helpful
K.G. answers from Boston on February 11, 2010
As as the related question---When you took out the carseat did you completely remove the covering, straps/buckles. I washed the plastic base with Simple green and washed the cover in the washing mashine--getting into all the nooks and crannies. I hand washed the straps in the sink that were attached to the base. I can totally relate--vomit lingers
C.T. answers from Dallas on February 10, 2010
Ask her pedi if she can take motion sickness meds. I got car sick as a child and still can as an adult if I'm not careful and it is awful. Don't let her look at books or color or do anything while looking down. It always helped me to be able to see out the front windshield and to have some air blowing on my face.
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