HALF term is a great time to escape the city and go on a road trip — but car sickness can be a nightmare for parents.
Children can feel poorly when travelling in the back of vehicles, making the holidays far less enjoyable.
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However, experts say there are a range of ways you can help prevent your kid feeling ill or alleviate some of their symptoms.
Jana Abelovska, superintendent pharmacist at Click Pharmacy said: “With half term comes a great opportunity to take the kids away for a well earned break.
“If you’re travelling afar, you might be concerned about travel sickness.
“There are a number of medicated, and non medicated ways to treat any car sickness in children.”
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Drink water
Before setting off on a journey, make sure your child is well-hydrated.
Water helps reduce how ill your child feels if they’re prone to car sickness, experts say.
Ms Abelovska said: “First and foremost, you should ensure your child is properly hydrated before setting off. Poor hydration can exacerbate symptoms of nausea.
“As well as this, proper hydration can actually reduce inner ear sensitivity – the body part which plays a key role in motion sickness.
“But be mindful of excessive fluid intake right before a journey.”
Eat ginger biscuits
While you want to make sure your child is well-hydrated, try to avoid heavy meals before going on a road trip.
Research shows greasy, sugary and spicy foods can increase symptoms.
Instead, feeding your kids small amounts of biscuits or crackers during journeys can help reduce car sickness.
Dr Duane Mellor, a dietitian at Aston University, said: “Some things have been suggested as possibly reducing symptoms, which include nibbling on plain crackers or even ginger biscuits.
“There is limited evidence that ginger might reduce symptoms of motion sickness.”
Travel during nap times
Another way to avoid the nasty side of motion sickness is to start trips when your children would normally be asleep.
Roads quieter at night — meaning less stopping and starting or having to change lanes as much.
A SIXT expert said: “If your journey is only a couple of hours or you prefer to drive when the roads are quieter at night, try starting your journey when your children are usually asleep.
“This will mean they are asleep for a good portion of the trip, avoiding any sickness and distraction for you.”
Wear wristbands
Special wristbands can also help reduce symptoms.
Anti-nausea bands can be bought for as little as £4.50 can could help alleviate your child feeling sick.
Ms Abelovska said “Acupressure wristbands are another effective solution to treat car sickness.
“They work by applying pressure to specific points to reduce feelings of nausea.
“You can buy wristbands for children of all ages to help.”
Look out the window
Playing eye spy is a good way of getting your child to look out the window, reducing their chances of being car sick.
Sitting up right and focusing on something in the distance helps lower feelings of motion sickness.
A SIXT expert said: “Looking out at the passing views can actually help avoid feeling car sick.
“If your child is sitting up and looking out rather than down at a book or a screen they’re less likely to feel nauseous, try playing games that require looking out of the car, especially on windy roads.”
Scopoderm patches
If your child gets particularly bad motion sickness, you might want to try medications.
There are a range of prescription drugs available for children, depending on their age, including Scopoderm patches.
Ms Abelovska said: “If you’re considering medicated options, Scopoderm patches can work for children aged 10-plus.
“They are simply applied behind the ear prior to your journey to provide long lasting effects against nausea.”
Stugeron tablets
Another drug you can try for younger children is Stugeron.
Ms Abelovska said: “Stugeron tablets can be swallowed, chewed, or sucked — making it a versatile alternative for children aged between 5 and 12.
“It’s always important to read the information guide on any medication you use to treat car sickness, especially when to administer for the best impact.
“For example, Stugeron must be taken two hours prior to any travel.”
Fresh air
Cracking a window can also help reduce symptoms.
Proper ventilation can alleviate nausea and reduce your temperature, preventing the sweating that can occur with motion sickness.
A SIXT expert said: “Stuffiness and overheating can cause anyone to feel uncomfortable, therefore fresh air can often keep car sickness at bay.
“You may want to remove any air fresheners from the car too as scents and odours can also cause sensitivity.”
Avoid screens
Finally, banning phones, tablets or reading in the car can reduce your child’s chances of feeling car sick.
Staring at screens while being on the move can trick the brain into thinking it is off balance or dizzy, causing motion sickness.
A SIXT expert said: “Looking at a tablet or a book can make motion sickness worse because it requires the eyes to focus and can increase the sense of vertigo.
“Try listening to music or an audiobook to keep the little ones entertained while their eyes can stay on the road ahead.”