Traveling with kids who get motion sick is... something else. Honestly, there are times I've dreaded getting in the car. You just feel so helpless. One thing I've learned, though, is that what they eat (or don't eat) can make a huge difference. I used to think an empty stomach was best, but that can actually make it worse. Finding the right light, simple snacks has been a game-changer for us. It doesn't fix it completely, but it helps keep the complaining—and the nausea—down. So yeah, here are a few things that have worked for our family.
How I Handle Motion Sickness in My Kid While Travelling ...
1. Simple Crackers and Dry Cereal
Okay, so this is my go-to, the old reliable. When my kid's tummy starts feeling a little iffy, plain crackers or some dry cereal are the first things I reach for. They're just so boring, you know? In a good way. No strong smells, not greasy, just something simple to nibble on that doesn't upset the balance of an already unhappy stomach.
I was reading something from this guy who runs a cruise company, James Cole, and what he said really clicked. He was talking about how millions of people get travel sick and it can ruin a vacation. He said to eat small bits often and stay away from anything heavy or greasy because it takes longer to digest and just makes everything worse. That’s exactly it.
This is what I usually keep in my bag:
-
Plain crackers: The unsalted ones are our favorite.
-
Pretzels: Just the basic twists, nothing fancy.
-
Low-fat or no-fat choices: I always check for this, no hidden oils.
-
Rice cereal: The plain, puffy kind.
-
Oat-based cereals: Again, super basic, no sugar.
-
Dry cereals: You get the idea—boring is best.
And here are a few little tricks for packing that have saved me some headaches:
-
Packing Tips for Travel:
-
I use those little airtight containers or Ziploc bags. It keeps them from getting crushed into a million crumbs.
-
I always keep the snack bag right next to me, not in the trunk. When you need it, you need it now.
-
Paper towels. Always. For everything.
I try to offer a few crackers before we even leave and then little bits during the ride. It seems to help soothe things before they get bad. Then I just seal the bag back up for later.
Alright, on to the next one, which I was honestly a little surprised by at first.
2. Easy-to-Pack Fruits
I’ll admit, fruit seemed like a risky bet. But it turns out that some fresh and dried fruits are actually really great for motion sickness, as long as you choose the right ones and don't go overboard.
-
Fresh Fruits That Travel Well
Bananas are pretty much perfect. They're easy on the stomach, and I read somewhere that the potassium in them is good for restoring electrolytes if your kid does end up getting sick. Plus, they come in their own wrapper, which is a huge win.
Apples are another good one. They've got fiber that can help, you know, clear things out that might be causing the nausea in the first place. When fresh fruit isn't practical, I'll pack a little bit of dried fruit. -
Tips for Packing Dried Fruits
Here's what I've learned about dried fruit, mostly by making mistakes: -
Keep Portions Small: This is a big one. Too much can cause bloating or gas, which is the last thing you need. I learned that the hard way.
-
Prep for Kids: My little one is over 18 months, so I'll tear raisins into smaller bits or cut up bigger things like dates into tiny pieces.
-
Check Ingredients: I try to get organic dried fruits without a bunch of extra stuff. For dried cranberries, I look for the ones sweetened with fruit juice instead of corn syrup.
-
Packing Fruits for Travel
Getting the fruit there in one piece without a mess is its own challenge, right? -
I put pre-cut fruit in an airtight container in a little cooler bag.
-
Sometimes, if I’m in a rush, I’ll just grab those pre-packaged apple slices from the store.
-
The key is choosing fruits that aren’t going to stink up the car or make a huge, sticky mess.
So yeah, sticking to mild fruits in small amounts and having them ready to go has really helped make our trips a bit more peaceful.
3. Light Protein Snacks
Sometimes it’s not just about nausea, but about keeping their energy up without causing a stomachache. A little protein can really help with that.
-
Pre-Portioned Cheese Options
Cheese is so easy. Those little pre-portioned packs, like the Sargento® Balanced Breaks®, are great. They're small and not too overwhelming. -
Natural Sharp White Cheddar with Sea-Salted Cashews: 7g of protein
-
Natural Gouda with Honey Roasted Peanuts: 8g of protein
-
Natural Double Cheddar with Walnuts: 7g of protein
-
Or just a simple mozzarella stick, like the Organic Valley Stringles®, has a good amount of protein in it. Easy to hand to the back seat.
-
Nut Mixes
A handful of plain nuts can work too. I stick to the ones without a lot of salt or heavy seasonings. It’s surprising how much protein is in them. -
Pumpkin seeds: 9g
-
Cashews: 5g
-
Plain almonds: 6g
-
Packing Tips for Protein Snacks
How I keep these from becoming a mess: -
Sealed, portion-sized containers are my best friend. Cheese always goes in the cooler.
-
For long road trips, I try to pack stuff that doesn't need to be refrigerated.
-
I'll break up bigger nuts into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat on the go.
Sometimes I'll pair these with a ginger treat, which brings me to the next thing that has been a total game-changer for us.
sbb-itb-e1a023f
4. Ginger Snacks for Nausea Relief
I’d always heard that ginger was good for an upset stomach, but I was kind of skeptical. I mean, it’s just a root, right? But it actually, truly works. It’s become our secret weapon for car rides.
-
How Ginger Helps
I read somewhere that ginger has these active compounds in it—I think they’re called gingerols and shogaols?—that basically talk to your body’s receptors and tell your stomach to calm down. It helps with digestion and just sort of regulates things. So yeah, there’s a real reason it works. -
Kid-Friendly Ginger Snacks
This is where I have to mention the MommaBear Organics Motion Sickness Lollipops. Honestly, these have been a lifesaver. It’s got ginger, honey, and lemon all in a lollipop, so my kid thinks it’s a treat. And I love that it only has six clean ingredients, no weird stuff like high fructose corn syrup or GMOs. It just feels good to give them something that I know is wholesome. -
Cost and Usage A 10-pack costs $14.99. I just follow the directions on the package.
-
The company puts it this way, which I think is sweet: "Experience genuine support with our motion sickness candy infused with ginger, lemon, and organic honey; crafted with 6 clean ingredients, these ginger candies for nausea are a wholesome remedy for both adults and kids (3+)" - MommaBear Organics
I even saw a study that showed ginger really does reduce motion sickness symptoms, and the results were super clear, like a P-value of less than 0.0001, which I guess means it’s not just a coincidence. -
Storage Tips
-
I just keep them in the box they come in until we need one.
-
I store them in the pantry, away from the sunny spot on the counter.
-
For a long trip, I’ll throw a few extra in my bag, just in case.
5. Ready-to-Eat Fruit Pouches and Drinks
Fruit pouches are the ultimate travel hack, especially with a kid prone to motion sickness. They're hydrating and calming, and best of all, there's basically zero mess.
-
Choosing the Right Pouches
I always flip them over and read the ingredients. I’m looking for simple, natural stuff. Like, the GoGo squeeZ® Fruit Blend Apple Berry one just has apple, apple puree, some berries, and lemon juice. Easy. No common allergens, and I don't have to worry about sticky fingers everywhere. -
Electrolyte-Boosted Options
For really long or hot trips, some pouches have added electrolytes. The GoGo squeeZ® Active Fruit Blend ones are good for that. It’s like a sports drink but without all the sugar and weird dyes. -
Tips for Traveling with Fruit Pouches
I just serve them as needed, in small amounts, to help with hydration and keep the tummy settled. I keep them in the front seat with me for easy access and just follow the storage directions on the box. So simple.
Conclusion
I guess... the main thing is that having the right snacks can make a trip feel a little less daunting. Plain crackers, some fruit, those ginger lollipops... they're all just little tools in the toolbox. You never quite solve motion sickness, I don't think. You just learn how to manage it, one trip at a time. And some days are just better than others, you know? It's all just trial and error, really.
FAQs
How can I introduce travel snacks to my child to help with motion sickness?
Honestly, I just try to make it feel normal, not like a big deal. I pack them in their favorite little containers to make it more fun. I offer a small snack before we even get in the car, maybe 30 minutes before we go, just to get something in their stomach. Then I just offer small nibbles during the trip instead of a big snack time. If they start to look a little green, we pull over if we can. A little fresh air can do wonders. It's all about small, gentle steps.
What are some tips for choosing travel snacks that won't upset my child's motion sickness?
I stick to the "B" rule: bland, basic, and boring. Haha. Anything greasy, heavy, or super sugary is out. Think dry crackers, pretzels, maybe a banana. Small portions are key. A big meal right before a car ride is just asking for trouble. Also, keeping a window cracked for fresh air really seems to help us. If it’s really bad, it’s probably worth talking to your doctor, but for us, sticking to simple foods has made the biggest difference.
How can I store travel snacks to keep them fresh and effective for kids prone to motion sickness?
Airtight containers are everything! They keep crackers from getting stale and prevent spills. I usually have a small, designated snack bag. For things that need to stay cold, like cheese sticks or yogurt, a small insulated lunch bag with an ice pack does the trick. I try to keep the snacks out of direct sunlight in the car, because nobody wants a warm, mushy banana. Just keeping things packed right means they're ready to go when that "I don't feel so good" moment hits.
