Babies & Airplane Sickness

It's tough enough to bring a baby, the diaper bag and everything else necessary to keep your tot happy on a plane without having to worry about motion sickness. Regardless of whether your infant is prone to motion sickness, it's always wise to prepare yourself for an unexpected, midair cleanup and clothing change.

  1. Causes of Motion Sickness

    • According to pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears, writing at AskDrSears.com, motion sickness occurs when your brain senses movement, but the signals received through your eyes don't match up. This discord worsens if the baby's eyes are fixed on a stationary object in the car or airplane, such as a toy or book. Because the brain is receiving mixed signals from your baby's eyes, nerves and even joints, it becomes confused, which then leads to the feelings of discomfort and nausea. Airplane sickness becomes worse if the ride is rocky because of turbulence.

    Preparing for the Journey

    • Whether your baby is prone to motion sickness or if you're not sure because this is his first plane ride, it's important to prepare for the journey. Pack at least two changes of clothing, plenty of wet wipes and a paper towel to clean up after an accident. Airsickness bags are often available, however if they're not handy on the flight, packing two or three plastic grocery bags is a quick way to prevent a mess on the airplane if your baby vomits. Also, pack a washcloth to use during the flight. According to Sears, a cool, damp washcloth placed on the back of your baby's neck is a soothing way to help alleviate the nausea.

    Preventing Motion Sickness

    • Feed your baby a bottle or if he's eating solids, a light snack such as crackers three hours before the flight. Babies, children and adults with an empty stomach are more prone to motion sickness, according to Sears. If the flight is short, try to schedule it during your baby's regular nap time. This will ensure he sleeps through most of the flight. However, if that isn't possible, keep your baby engaged during the flight. Sing to him, play with toys or simply keep talking. If your baby is old enough, try encouraging him to look outside the window. Because airplane sickness is caused by conflicting signals to the brain, if your baby's eyes and body both sense motion, it lessens the chances he will get sick.

    When Airplane Sickness Strikes

    • Watch for the signs your baby is getting queasy, such as irritability or sweating. If your baby is refusing his bottle or a snack, this is another sign he could be nauseated. Because you cannot pull the airplane over, prepare yourself if your baby begins to vomit. Pull out an airsickness or plastic bag. Soothe your baby by singing to him, rubbing his head or placing a cool, damp washcloth on the back of his neck. If your baby gets sick, help him vomit into the bag before cleaning up any mess, including changing his clothing in your seat or the bathroom. Don't hesitate to ask a flight assistant for help cleaning up your baby and the mess.

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