Motion sickness is the technical term for feeling unwell during travel, occurring when the brain receives conflicting signals about the body’s movement from the eyes and the inner ear. While true motion sickness is possible at any age, it is generally considered rare in infants. Susceptibility increases as a child’s sensory systems mature.
The Development of Motion Sickness in Children
Motion sickness is caused by a sensory conflict, which is a disagreement between what the eyes see and what the inner ear senses. The inner ear houses the vestibular system, a complex network of fluid-filled canals and sacs that detect changes in motion and gravity. If the vestibular system detects movement, but the child is looking at a stationary object inside the cabin, the visual input suggests they are not moving, confusing the brain.
Because the brain and sensory organs are still developing, infants under two years old are highly resistant to motion sickness. Their sensory processing systems are not yet developed enough to register the specific type of conflict that triggers the reaction. Susceptibility increases after the age of two, once the vestibular and visual systems begin working more in tandem. The highest likelihood of experiencing motion sickness occurs in children between the ages of four and twelve.
Identifying Symptoms in Non-Verbal Babies
Since a baby cannot verbalize feelings of nausea or dizziness, parents must watch for observable physical and behavioral cues. A primary sign of motion distress is pallor, or a noticeable paling of the skin, often accompanied by cold sweats. This is an autonomic nervous system response to the sensory conflict.
Another clear indicator is a sudden change in disposition, such as unusual lethargy, increased crying, or general distress during travel. Vomiting is a common, though usually late-stage, symptom of motion sickness, which may follow initial signs of dizziness or unease. If a child is usually happy in transit but becomes irritable and refuses to eat or drink, this can signal the onset of discomfort.
Practical Strategies for Prevention and Relief
Actionable steps can be taken to minimize the sensory conflict that triggers motion sickness. Positioning is important; for older babies and toddlers, encouraging them to look out the window at the distant horizon helps synchronize visual and vestibular input. For children who are still rear-facing in a car, distraction techniques like singing or talking can help reduce their focus on the stationary interior.
Meal timing is also a factor, as a large, heavy, or greasy meal before a trip can worsen nausea. Offering small, bland snacks, such as dry crackers, or a light drink before and during travel is preferable to an empty or overly full stomach. Ensuring the travel space has adequate ventilation by cracking a window or directing an air vent toward the child can also provide relief. If symptoms start to appear, a quick stop to allow the child to walk around for a few minutes can sometimes help the senses resynchronize.