How to Prevent Airplane Sickness in Kids

All kinds of movements can cause motion sickness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Traveling by air has its literal ups and downs, which could result in motion sickness, even for experienced travelers. There are relatively simple ways to prevent or reduce motion sickness in kids so everyone feels comfortable and enjoys their flight.

Things You'll Need

  • Dimenhydrinate (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Speak with your child̵7;s physician before flying to discuss your concerns about motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is effective for reducing motion sickness in children between the ages of 2 and 12, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ask about the proper dosage and timing of the medication based on your child̵7;s age and weight. Ask about giving your child a test dose of the medication before flying to ascertain how your child will respond to the drug. Some children become agitated after taking dimenhydrinate, so if your child has this reaction, you will know about it before you fly.

    • 2

      Place your child in a seat near the wing or center of the airplane, suggests the Children̵7;s Hospital of St. Louis. People sitting in these locations on the airplane generally experience the least amount of turbulence.

    • 3

      Administer the dimenhydrinate approximately one hour before take-off so the medication is effective while flying.

    • 4

      Feed your child a light meal before flying. Avoid heavy and greasy food because these foods may not get digested well and could cause additional nausea. Serving crackers and water might be an option if you expect that your child will have significant problems with motion sickness.

    • 5

      Engage your child to keep her busy during the flight. Distraction may help reduce or eliminate motion sickness, suggests the Healthy Children website. Have her listen to music or an audiobook or read her books. You can also tell each other stories. Independent reading or watching a hand-held electronic device may make motion sickness worse, warns Children̵7;s Hospital of St. Louis.

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