Motion sickness has been described for thousands of years, but is becoming more common as people travel more and more. More common in girls ages 4-10, it presents with stomachache, nausea, vomiting, headache or drowsiness. In children under 5, it may cause problems with balance.

The cause of motion sickness is not well understood but thought to be related to a mismatch in sensory input. Sensations received from the eyes do not match input from the brain about body position leading to the symptoms.

Preventative techniques may involve feeding your child a light meal several hours before traveling, and avoiding dairy products. A booster seat allows your child to look out and focus on external objects. If over 12 years, sitting in the front seat may help. Most importantly, don¹t let your child read books, watch TV or play hand held electronic games while traveling.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture or accupress bracelets as well as a variety of teas like anise, chamomile or meadowsweet, and ginger root in any of its forms have been used for centuries with some success. Other options to discuss with your pediatrician include Dramamine, Bonine, Benadryl, Scopolamine as well as others, but all have some side effects which may not be desirable.