What should you know about infant motion sickness?

Motion sickness happens when signals from the eyes, inner ear, and body do not agree about movement. A baby cannot describe nausea, so early clues may include becoming quiet, clingy, pale, sweaty, or irritable before vomiting. It can happen in a car, boat, or aircraft and may settle when movement stops. It is different from a stomach infection, although vomiting can have many causes.

Plan travel after a normal feed rather than a large one, keep the infant comfortably upright, and avoid strong smells. Use a properly fitted rear-facing car seat and never loosen the harness to improve comfort. Take breaks on road journeys, offer small frequent sips if the child is able to drink, and change soiled clothing promptly. Do not give travel-sickness medicine or herbal products unless a clinician has advised that the product and dose are suitable for the infant.

Seek urgent help if vomiting is green or bloody, the baby is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, develops a seizure, or shows signs of dehydration such as very few wet nappies, a dry mouth, or no tears. Arrange medical advice when vomiting continues after travel, prevents drinking, follows a head injury, or comes with fever, severe pain, or a swollen abdomen.

Ask whether the pattern fits motion sickness, how to maintain fluids, and whether any medicine is appropriate for your infant's age and weight. Mention recent illnesses, feeding, wet nappies, travel conditions, and every product already given.