Ask Dr. Kunani

Question: How do I help my child not get motion sickness in the car when we travel?

Answer: Motion sickness can be hereditary. Most common in toddlers and preschoolers, rarer after age 6 years. Make the child look straight ahead or out the window. Stop the coloring or the video watching. Music or talking reassuringly also help. If still queasy, get out of the vehicle and get some fresh air. Keep a stash of sick bags handy! A cool compress or light snack (fresh apples and grapes are excellent) may help. Avoid sweetened beverages. If severe, little ones may have Benadryl and kids older than two, Dramamine can help. Patches, bracelets, etc. work too, but have to be started at least half hour before travel. Check with your doctor.

Dr. Poornima Kunani is a pediatric obesity specialist with Kaiser Permanente in Kern County.

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