Understanding Motion Sickness
What is it? Motion sickness is caused by a mismatch between what your child’s eyes see and what their inner ear senses. It often happens in cars, planes, boats, or on amusement park rides.
Common Symptoms to watch for:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pale skin, sweating
- Unsteady walking or need to lie down
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's motion sickness at home when:
- Symptoms improve once motion stops
- Your child vomits only once and feels better
- Symptoms resolve within 4 hours of travel ending
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for motion sickness:
- Lay down and rest — encourage sleep if possible
- Sips of clear fluids (water is best)
- Let your child look forward at stable objects (e.g., horizon)
- Crack a window or offer fresh air
- Avoid screens, books, strong smells, or heavy meals
- Use motion sickness bands (SeaBands, ages 4+)
- Ginger tea or chews (age 4+)
- Sniff isopropyl alcohol pad during nausea (safe and effective)
Safe Medications
Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) – give 1 hour before travel or amusement rides
- Ages 2–5: ½ kids chewable (12.5mg)
- Ages 6–11: 1 kids chewable (25mg)
- Age 12+: 1 regular tablet or chewable (50mg)
Not for children under 2 years old
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again if:
- Symptoms not gone 4 hours after travel ends
- You’re unsure if your child is improving
- You need help planning for future travel or meds
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment for:
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Frequent or worsening symptoms that interfere with daily life
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is experiencing:
- Severe dizziness, weakness, or inability to walk safely
- Vomiting that doesn’t stop and leads to signs of dehydration
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
