Why are kids more prone to motion sickness than adults? 5 things parents should know
You can be halfway through a perfectly ordinary drive when the backseat goes quiet. A moment later comes the sentence every parent of a travel-sick child recognizes: "I don't feel good."
Understanding why it happens can help you plan around it.
1. Childhood is a more susceptible stage
Motion sickness usually becomes more common after infancy and often eases with age. The CDC puts peak susceptibility between ages 7 and 12. That doesn't mean every child follows the same timetable. CDC guidance.
2. The backseat can limit what they see
A child may feel every bend while mostly seeing the seat in front. Their eyes have less information about the journey than yours do through the windshield.
3. The tablet can make the mismatch worse
A cartoon may keep a child occupied while their eyes stay fixed on a screen. Meanwhile, their inner ear keeps detecting movement. Try a story they can listen to instead.
4. Big meals and a stuffy car can add to the discomfort
Light snacks and fresh air are practical starting points. Keep them simple enough to repeat on the school run as well as the long holiday drive.
5. Growing older can help, but you still need a plan for now
Many children become less sensitive as they grow. Others still experience motion sickness as teenagers or adults. For the next journey, allow time for breaks and avoid activities that you already know make your child feel worse. Futura's article on children and motion sickness covers these everyday triggers.
Looking into motion sickness glasses?
Ollaway's four blue-liquid rings are designed to create a horizon-like visual cue. The glasses are lensless and reusable, with no medicine to take.
If you're considering a pair for your child, check the product's age and fit guidance and ask their clinician about suitability. Ollaway has no established minimum age in its current guidance, and relief isn't guaranteed.
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