We have a big problem with our oldest in this area.  Every time we went more than 30 mins from home, we would have to pack the car completely full with towels, bottles of water, face washer, spare clothes etc etc etc.  No room for the rest of us! lol.

One thing we have found though, is that in a car, and I'm talking your standard car where the seats are much lower than the windows, she got sick all the time.  In the ute we used to have, because the seats were higher, she never got sick (execpt for one time after we stopped at the petrol station and got fumes all through the car, but I was sick too! lol) because she was better able to see the world outside.

The problem usually stems from them trying to watch what is happening out the window and not being able to see properlyl.  The lower the seats in the vehicle, the more likely they are to get travel sickness because what they are seeing is whizzing by really, really fast.  The higher the seats, the more they can see things like the other cars going by, and the things further off the road.  This helps to keep their equilibrium (balance) more in line and they are better able to control their stomaches.

I would recommend a booster seat, the big funny looking foam ones not the small cowboy looking ones, as they are higher sitting and just as safe.  This will allow him to better see the world outside, even if he is just in a standard sized car.

Funny thing though, a child that is travelling for long distantances soon after birth, and I mean on  a regular basis, will have less problems with travel sickness because they have grown up learning the control.  True for our kids, our first is terrible with travel sickness, but our second and third don't have a problem.  Haven't travelled far with 4 or 5 yet!

go to the the buck shop or find litle cheap toys wrap them up as  pressie and give him one when you feel necessary.like penclis and paper or even wrap up his toys from home.have travel lots with three kids and it works.junket tablets to help with the tummy,they worked for me i had bad travel sic kness when a child sure u can still get them,supermarket in the dessert isle i think hope it helps!?

I can sympathize. I was always got car sick as a child up until I was about 10 years old. In many trips I got really ill and throw up.

What worked for me as a child is not to have any food at least 1 hour before traveling. And to always sit but the window  and never in the middle, that way I could look outside. Looking down inside the car while the car was moving was a sure fire way to get me really really sick. But though if you're driving in a highway where there is no speed changes and no stops, it'll be OK to to something in the car for short periods of time. But if you do this, remind your child to always look forward outside the car for 10-15 minutes to 'rest'.

As far as medication, are you familiar with Dramamine? It is an over the counter medicine. I've provided a link in case the brand is not available where you are. You can ask your pharmacist/chemist about it and see if it's safe for kids. If you do go this route, note that it causes drowsiness, which may be good because then your child will just sleep. I take this medication all the time when I get dizzy. But like with all medication, check with your doctor and read all labels carefullly. Good luck.

Maybe those Sea Bands they make for wearing on the wrist.  Keeps you from getting sick on a ship, can't imagine why they wouldn't work in the car.  I haven't tried them myself, but I've heard good things. :)

My son is about 1 year and 1 month, and what we do with him is we bought him an assistant steering wheel. Try it maybe it will help for you as well.

My children all get car sick. I avoid dairy products before we head off on a trip and bake some gingernuts for when on the go. I use 'Phenergan' for the two eldest, and we try and stop every hour just to get out of the car and stretch our legs. Have a fun holiday!

Hi,

I also suffer from travel sickeness if it is not managed correctly... unfortunately you won't be able to 'keep him busy' as this will add to the feeling of illness! The best thing to do is allow him to sit in the front of the car (maybe not if in a car seat) or at least position the seat in the centre of the car - so that he has a clear vision out of the front of the car. Looking at books etc is out - he needs to be able to see out of the front of the car. Do this and I guarantee he will not get sick - maybe just a little bored!!!

The only 2 things I can think to add to the others is that pepermint is suposed to calm stomachs as well. I used it while preggers. And what about a DVD player for the ride. That should take his mind off of his belly.

I hoep it goes well for you all and that you ahve a great time.

I think your chemist was being rude!!

Do you have something there called Gravol, for childrens?? It's suppose to help with nausea, dizziness and stuff like that..

Here's a website that I found, http://www.feelbest.com/pages/gravol.aspx

Hope this helps.. :)

Good luck on your holidays and don't cancel it just because your chemist doesn't know what their talking about.. :)

Hi!

Ginger is good for car sickness. look in the health food section of the supermarket for yummy choc or carob coated ones that kids usually like... other than that, I am not sure!

cheers!