Whole Mama Wellness: Natural Solutions for Children’s Carsickness

If you’ve ever had to deal with a carsick child while on a long drive, you know how stressful it can be — not just for your little one, but for the whole family. As a certified health and wellness coach and a mom who has taken more than a few bumpy rides myself, I’ve discovered a range of gentle, natural ways to prevent and manage carsickness in kids.

Why Kids Get Carsick

Carsickness happens when the brain gets mixed signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body. This sensory mismatch can make children feel dizzy, nauseated, or even vomit — especially on winding roads or long trips.

Gentle, Natural Prevention Tips

🌿 Time Their Meals Right

Don’t let kids travel on a full or completely empty stomach. Light meals with low sugar and fat work best.

🌿 Essential Oils for Nausea Relief

As a certified aromatherapist, I always keep an inhaler of sweet orange in my bag. 3 inhales to soothe dizziness.

🌿 Look at the Horizon

Position your child where they can look out the front window. Focusing on a stable horizon helps the body and brain recalibrate.

🌿 Stay Hydrated

Encourage small sips of cool water throughout the ride — it helps calm the stomach and prevent dehydration.

🌿 Pressure Point Bands

The P6 acupressure point on the wrist (about three finger widths below the palm) is known to relieve nausea. You can use light finger pressure or buy child-size acupressure bands. Apply pressure for 60 seconds on each wrist. 

What’s in My “Wellness Mama Car Kit”?

👜 Reusable zip bag for clean-up and a barf bag, just in case 

👜 Crackers and candies

👜 Water bottle

👜 Essential oil inhaler

👜 Wet wipes

👜 Extra shirt (for both of you!)

👜 Evian Brumisateur (I use this on Baguio trips along the winding mountain path. I just spray every few minutes to keep the face cool)

👜 Kool Fever (yes, those fever strips work wonders on the road. Apply one on the forehead or the nape)

If It Still Happens…

Even with all the prep, sometimes the motion wins. If your child still gets carsick, offer comfort, don’t panic, and let the moment pass with grace. This is part of raising emotionally secure kids — showing them that even messes are okay and that Mama's calm presence is stronger than any bump in the road.

Wellness isn’t just about nutrition or fitness. It’s how we live, love, and show up — especially on the messy, bumpy, unexpected days.

Lady E is an internationally certified Life, Health, and Nutrition Coach and Aromatherapist.