Traveling with children is always merry and exciting; however, the same travel may also be accompanied with the nasty side effect that some children appear to abhor the feeling of travel sickness. Travel sickness tablets for kids become a lifesaver for many anxious parents who want to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. This guide will cover everything that you want to know about choosing the right travel sickness tablets for kids, including the safe use and more tips on how to enjoy your trip.
Why Do Kids Have Travel Sickness?
Before discussing the travel sickness tablets for kids, it’s great to understand why children have motion sickness. It happens when the brain receives conflicting information from the eyes, ears, and the body. For example, a child’s inner ear would notice motion when he or she is in a moving car, boat, or plane; however, the eyes would not necessarily pick up on the same movement if the child is focused on something still like a book or a screen. Confusion like this leads to nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting.
How Travel Sickness Tablets for Kids Work
Travel sickness tablets for kids are specifically designed to prevent and treat the symptoms of motion sickness. These tablets work by calming the brain’s response to conflicting signals inside a child’s body. Normally, such tablets contain antihistamines which block the part of the brain responsible for nausea. While the tablets are safe for children, the right type should be selected along with careful compliance with dosage guidelines.
Types of Child Travel Sickness Tablets
There are a few different varieties of travel sickness tablets that can be given to children. They all work in different ways, and you must select the correct medication based on your child’s needs and the type of travel he or she will be doing. Some of the more popular options include:
Antihistamines: These are the most common ingredients in travel sickness medications given to children. Quite often, an antihistamine like dimenhydrinate in Dramamine, blocks nausea and dizziness. The drugs cause sleepiness-sometimes desirable, usually undesirable side effects while traveling.
Hyoscine (Scopolamine): This is another medication that works under the principle of blocking certain nerve signals that actually cause nausea. The most common type is the patch, but it is available in the form of tablets too. It should not be given to children below a certain age unless specifically prescribed by the doctor.
Herbal Supplements: The parents prefer some herbal supplements like ginger pills because they think that is soothing to the stomach. For that reason, again, it is always up to a medical practitioner to determine if the drugs can work effectively on your child.
Choosing the Right Travel Sickness Tablets for Kids
Here are some things to consider while choosing children’s motion sickness tablets.
Age Acceptability: Not all travel sickness pills are safe for very young children. Always refer to the label for age recommendations, and if you have a child under that age recommendation, consult with your pediatrician.
Possible Side Effects: Some tablets may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness. Ensure you read the package insert and understand what potential side effects may occur.
Effect Durations: Each tablet has its effectiveness duration. If your child is to go for a long journey, you may need a tablet that can last for hours or even a full day. A shorter journey may need a milder one.
Ease of Administration: Consider how easy you will be able to administer this drug to your child. There are tablets that you easily chew and those whose ingestion seems to need swallowing. Opt for a form that your child is comfortable with.
When to Give Travel Sickness Tablets for Kids
When administering travel sickness tablets to children, the timing is very critical. Most drugs ought to be taken about 30 minutes to an hour before traveling begins. In this way, the medication is sure to have started taking effect by the time the motion sickness kicks in. It is however important to follow the prescription of your prescribed medication as the dosage might vary differently. If you’re looking for high quality Travel sickness tablets for kids, visit here and look through the quality ones.
Additional Tips to Prevent Travel Sickness in Kids
You may be surprised to learn that travel sickness tablets for children actually do work quite well but, of course, parents can do so much to reduce the chance of motion sickness. These include:
Positioning: To prevent your child from suffering from motion sickness, tell him or her to sit at a place where they can look out the window. If your child can see the horizon, he or she will be able to focus on the horizon; this is going to help the brain decipher the motion.
Fresh Air: The car air should remain cool and fresh. If it is safe to do so, try to open the window and give fresh air to your child while traveling.
Break Frequent: If you are driving, you must frequently stop to let your child step out of your car, stretch, and get fresh air.
Avoid Heavy Meals: Try not to over-feed your child with heavy or greasy meals in the last hours preceding travel. Crackers or fruit are far better.
1.How old should kids be before taking travel sickness tablets?
Most travel sickness medicines for children are advised for ages above 2 years. However, consult your doctor before using the most suitable one for your child’s age.
2. How many times can I give the travel sickness pills to my child?
The dosage varies with the type of tablet. For example, Dramamine for Kids can be taken every 6-8 hours, but always refer to the packet instructions or your doctor.
3. Do travel sickness tablets for kids cause drowsiness?
Most travel sickness tablets, especially antihistamines, have a drowsy side effect. One good reason some parents appreciate it is for long journeys, but something to consider when planning your trip.
4. Is there some alternative remedy for children rather than the tablets for travel sickness?
Yes. Acupressure bands, ginger supplements, and making sure that your child is kept in a well-ventilated area can all be helpful, although these will be less effective than the usual tablets.
5. Can I give my child adult tablets for traveling sickness?
No, adult travel sickness tablets contain higher doses of active ingredients and are not safe for children to take. Always use medications specifically designed for kids.
Conclusion
Travel sickness can turn a fun family trip into a stressful experience, but the right preparation and the help of travel sickness tablets for kids can ensure a smooth journey and fun trip time with loved ones. Make sure you pick the right type of medicine, the right amount prescribed, and other alternatives like making sure there is air circulation, and that your child does not take heavy meals. This way, your child can safeguard him or herself from suffering from motion sickness during the journey ahead.
As for more information, it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician before you give any medication to your child.