It can be difficult to not worry when your baby is sick. Babies cry in the car for a variety of different reasons, but one of the main reasons is motion sickness. Motion sickness happens to some people consistently, and hardly ever to others. Motion sickness happens the most when your body feels movement, but your eyes can’t see it. This situation happens to babies in cars, so it makes sense why they would get motion sickness easily. Luckily there are a few big flags to look out for that will help you know if your baby is crying from motion sickness.
Here are a few signs of motion sickness and some solutions to make your baby feel better:
- They Always Cry in the Car
This one seems obvious but it’s worth noting. If your baby cries every time they get in the car and stops crying shortly after you stop driving, it’s likely that they are prone to motion sickness. If this sounds like your child, consider leaving for long trips during their naptime. This way your baby is more likely to sleep through the majority of the trip. You can also try keeping their attention at the front of the car so that they always look out of windshield. Being able to see straight ahead will reduce the symptoms of motion sickness in your baby.
- Cold Sweats
If your child seems cold and slightly sweaty, it could be a tell-tale sign that they are feeling motion sick. When this happens, pull over, lay him down, and put a cool damp cloth on his head. The symptoms shouldn’t last for more than 15 minutes.
- Loss of Appetite
Babies tend to show a loss of appetite before they throw up. At the same time, hunger can make nausea much worse. If your baby isn’t responding to food while they are in the car, they could be feeling nauseous. Try feeding your child a small snack before long trips. You can also pull over every once in a while to give your baby a quick snack. They’ll be more responsive to food when the car isn’t in motion, and having a little food in their stomachs will keep them from feeling nauseous.
- Pale Skin
Paleness happens when there is a loss of blood to the brain due to a drop in blood pressure. This is a big sign of nausea and motion sickness. Try opening a window a little bit to allow some fresh air to run throughout the car. If that doesn’t work, consider pulling over and distracting your baby with some of his toys. Sometimes motion sickness can be a state of mind, so giving your baby a distraction can actually cure him from feeling queasy.
- Vomiting
If your baby isn’t already sick, vomiting in the car usually indicates motion sickness. If your baby is 2 or older, you can purchase some over the counter anti-nausea medication to give to them on trips. However, if your child is under 2 years old, there are a few other things you can do to alleviate their symptoms.
Some people recommend motion sickness bracelets that stimulate acupressure points on the wrist. These bracelets reduce the effects of motion sickness in many people, while others feel they don’t do much. Try one on your baby and see if he responds to it well. If the motion sickness is happening in another form of transportation such as a plane or boat, make sure the baby is always seated where they can see through a window or toward the front of the vessel.
Above all else, the most important thing to remember when your child is experiencing motion sickness is to be patient. They most likely are feeling miserable, and despite the vomiting or crying it’s important to stay calm. If you’re driving a car, keep your cool and pull over to safety where you’ll be able to tend to your baby’s needs best.
Scott Juceam 