One of the more unpleasant parenting milestones is undoubtedly that first experience of your child vomiting in the car. Every parent has a horror story about projectile vomit in a confined space. Some brave souls continue driving for hours after such an incident, showcasing the resilience that comes with parenthood.
If you’ve ever found yourself driving with a child covered in vomit for more than five minutes, you know that you can handle just about anything parenting throws your way—especially after hours of breathing through your mouth. Unfortunately, raising a child who suffers from car sickness can feel like an endless struggle. I can relate, as I was that kid once. My family always kept an “urp bucket” in the backseat of our minivan, thanks to my sister and me both having a knack for getting queasy on road trips, no matter how short. I still vividly remember the time I lost my lunch after downing too much grape Kool-Aid. That image is forever stuck in my mind (and now yours too—sorry about that!).
As I’ve grown older, my car sickness has lessened, particularly since I usually sit in the front seat. However, I still occasionally need to ask my husband to pull over for some fresh air. Now, of course, I have a child who mirrors my past struggles. There was one time he came home from a playdate looking exceptionally pale, and rushed to the bathroom to vomit—having been crammed into the back of a minivan that, let’s face it, had a typical “weird smell.”
Things haven’t always gone smoothly. I still remember the infamous chicken nugget incident from 2011 that haunts my memories, not to mention the lingering stains from the milk episode of 2014. Recently, during a long road trip, my son began to appear unwell just an hour in. My own history with car sickness alerted me to the impending disaster. We had to pull over for 20 minutes on a desolate stretch of freeway so he could breathe. Car sickness can transform an already tedious road trip into a nightmare.
Many families have endured similar experiences with a nauseous child, but if your kid is particularly prone to car sickness, every journey can feel like a minefield. As we prepare for another long trip in the coming weeks, I want to share some strategies that have helped our family travel without the mess.
1. Encourage Window Gazing
This simple technique can work wonders. Many children don’t realize that focusing on activities like coloring or watching a screen can worsen their nausea. Encourage them to look out the window instead.
2. Mindful Eating
It’s crucial that my son, especially, has a full stomach when we travel. Having a meal before the trip can help, and eating outside the car can reduce the risk of unpleasant smells.
3. Pack Essentials
While I don’t carry an “urp bucket,” I ensure we have empty grocery bags, paper towels, and wet wipes within easy reach. A change of clothes and towels can also be lifesavers in emergencies.
4. Ventilation is Key
Make certain there’s plenty of air circulating in the backseat. Even in chilly weather, fresh air can prevent overheating and discomfort.
5. Consult a Pediatrician
If car sickness becomes severe, don’t hesitate to speak with your child’s doctor. They may suggest remedies like a small dose of Dramamine or natural alternatives like ginger ale or peppermint oil.
6. Drive Smoothly
Some drivers just have a knack for making car sickness worse. Slow and steady is the name of the game.
7. Listen to Your Child
Lastly, trust your child when they express discomfort. A few moments spent pulling over can save you from hours of dealing with the aftermath of a car sickness incident.
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In summary, while having a child who gets car sick can be challenging, employing a few simple strategies can help make road trips more pleasant. By encouraging kids to look out the window, ensuring they eat well, keeping supplies handy, and maintaining a smooth driving style, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of messy situations.