How to avoid car sickness
They are usually common in children from 2 to 13 years old.
BarcelonaFor some people, traveling can become a nightmare. The culprit? Motion sickness. Children tend to get motion sickness most often.
Why do they get dizzy?
According to pediatrician Anna Estapé, to maintain balance in our daily lives, our brain receives information from both the inner ear and our vision and body position. When conflicting or uncoordinated information is received, dizziness occurs: "When there is a mismatch between what is happening and what we perceive," she says. This is when motion sickness, or kinetosis, occurs: discomfort, cold sweats, nausea, and even vomiting.
Does it happen to babies too?
Car sickness can occur at any age, but it's rare in babies. From age 2 to 12 or 13, it's common.
What to do before starting a trip?
Avoid giving children large meals or letting them travel hungry. "It's best to have a light meal," says Estapé. She also recommends timing the trip during nap time and dressing them in comfortable, lightweight clothing.
What if they get seasick during the trip?
Try to keep your little ones' eyes and attention focused on the horizon because "motion perception is diminished." Avoid having them fix their gaze on a specific object and avoid reading, drawing, or looking at an electronic device. Alternatives? Play games like I Spy, sing, tell stories, or listen to audiobooks. Other tips include avoiding strong odors, not looking out the side windows, driving gently, keeping the car at a comfortable temperature, making frequent stops, and staying well hydrated.
At what age can drugs be given?
Children starting at age two can take antihistamines if all the measures explained above don't work. "Even so, they can have side effects, such as drowsiness, so it's advisable to consult your pediatrician first," says Estapé.
When does dizziness go away?
"With adolescence and adulthood, but it depends on each individual, in some cases they last a lifetime," Estapé explains.