Sometimes, driving with a baby can be, well, stressful (to put it lightly). You’ve got to get out of the house for grocery runs and doctor’s appointments. And then there are the sanity-saving outings like breakfast with a friend, a drive to the park, a quick trip to the beach for some fresh air, or a drive-thru moment for an emotional support Starbucks drink.
But if your baby is fussy or outright miserable every time you get in the car, it can make even the shortest drives feel like they’re going to be the thing that breaks you. Sure, maybe they’re too hot, their seat isn’t quite comfy, or they’re just over it. But there’s also a chance they could be experiencing car sickness.
If you've ever wondered, ‘Do babies get car sick'? The answer is yes, they can. And there are a few typical symptoms to spot and some causes and remedies that can help car sickness in babies, so you can get back to enjoying (or at least surviving) drives with a bit more ease.
How do I know if my baby gets car sick?
So, you may be thinking, how can I tell if my baby is car sick and not just fussy? It’s a good question. Especially since babies can’t exactly tell us what’s wrong (if only). Sometimes all you can do is pick up on subtle signs or connect the dots between their behavior and the motion of the vehicle. Let’s break it down: what causes car sickness and what clues should you look for to see if it’s affecting your little one?
What causes infant motion sickness?
Infant motion sickness happens when the motion your baby feels doesn’t match what they see, and their inner balance system gets a little confused. This disconnect is often referred to as a sensory mismatch, when your baby’s eyes, inner ears, and body are sending different signals to the brain. If you’ve ever been car sick yourself, you know this is an awful feeling. Here are some common factors that can trigger it:
- Immature inner ear development: Babies’ inner ears, which help with balance, are still developing, so they’re more likely to feel off when the vehicle moves.
- Limited visibility: Rear-facing car seats are great for safety, but they block the view outside, which can make it harder for your baby to process the motion they’re feeling.
- Sudden stops and starts: Those sudden brakes or quick starts? They can throw off your baby’s sense of stability and leave them feeling queasy.
- Warm temperatures: A stuffy or overheated car can intensify feelings of nausea.
- Full stomachs: Feeding your baby right before a car ride might contribute to discomfort during motion.
- Strong odors: Scents like air fresheners, food, or even a messy diaper can add to the queasiness.
- Genetics: Your genetics might also play a role, since motion sensitivity can sometimes run in families.
Understanding these causes can help you pinpoint what might be affecting your baby and so you can start addressing it.
Signs your baby might be getting car sick
Most (all?!) babies go through a phase of just not liking the car. But if you notice your baby is consistently upset during car rides or showing signs like these, they might be showing motion sickness symptoms.
- Fussiness or crying during car rides, especially after stops and starts
- Pale or flushed skin
- Excessive drooling or spitting up more than usual
- Seeming unusually tired or drowsy
- Turning their head away or seeming uncomfortable
- Vomiting mid-ride or shortly after a drive
If these signs happen consistently during car trips, car sickness might be to blame. But the good news is there are ways to make the ride easier for both of you.
Preventative measures for car sickness
I find it so common among my mom friends and me to often just white-knuckle through something, assuming it’s a phase we have to endure as part of a motherhood rite of passage. And sometimes that’s true… like the newborn witching hour, teething pain, and your toddler only wanting to wear rain boots. But with things like car sickness, it’s worth taking a closer look to see if there’s a root cause and some simple ways to support your little one (and yourself). A few adjustments can go a long way in making drives smoother and more comfortable for everyone.
Proper seat placement and orientation
Where and how your baby’s car seat is set up can make a big difference in preventing car sickness. Here are a few things to check:
Rear-facing placement: Stick with rear-facing as long as possible for safety, but know it can contribute to car sickness since your baby can’t see much.
Window view: Adjust the seat to give your baby a better view of the window (if possible). A little visual focus on the horizon can help their balance.
Upright angle: Check to make sure the seat isn’t overly reclined since it can make queasiness worse. A slightly upright position helps keep their head steady.
Ventilation: Position air vents to keep the car cool and fresh without blowing directly on your baby.
Avoid clutter: Keep dangling toys or busy patterns away from their direct line of sight so they aren’t overstimulated.
Keeping the ride smooth and steady
It’s unlikely you’re driving like a Formula One racer, but even regular driving can feel like a lot for a baby, especially one prone to infant motion sickness. I remember taking a bumpy back road once and realizing halfway through when I looked at my baby in the mirror that he looked downright miserable. Try to make it a point to keep the ride as smooth and steady as possible. Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, or anything that might jostle your baby too much. Slowing down, even just a little, can go a long way in keeping everyone more comfortable.
Home remedies for baby car sickness
Sometimes, all it takes is a few tricks up your sleeve to help your little one feel better in the car. And when it comes to a baby motion sickness treatment, starting with natural remedies and simple strategies might be just what your baby needs. It might take some trial and error to figure out what works best, but these tips can make car rides a lot more manageable.
Natural options and remedies to help with symptoms
If you suspect your bay is getting car sick, there are a few natural options that might help ease their discomfort. As always, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying something new. Here are some simple options to consider:
- Fresh air: Crack a window or adjust the vents to help with airflow in the car.
- Ginger: Ginger products (like baby-safe ginger drops or ginger teas for toddlers and older kids) are known for helping with nausea.
- Essential oils: A drop of baby-safe lavender or peppermint oil on a car seat cover (far from baby’s reach) might help soothe their senses.
- Adjust feeding times: Avoid feeding your baby immediately before a car ride to prevent a full stomach in case that is contributing to nausea.
- Cool compress: If your baby seems flushed, a cool cloth on their forehead or neck can help calm them.
Activities to distract and comfort
You don’t want to overdo it with overstimulating toys or sounds. In fact, they might just make things worse. But a few simple comforts can help your baby feel more at ease during car rides. Here are some distractions to try:
- A favorite lovey or small stuffed animal to hold
- Soft, soothing music or white noise to create a calming atmosphere
- Talking or singing to keep them engaged
- A simple, lightweight teether or rattle for quiet play
- Hanging a soft, visually interesting mobile from the car seat
Sometimes, keeping things low-key and familiar can be all your baby needs to feel more secure on the road.
When to talk with your pediatrician
If your baby’s car sickness symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, seem severe or happen consistently, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician. They can help rule out other causes, like reflux or an underlying issue, and recommend safe baby and toddler car sick remedies.
Trust your gut (or your little one’s!), and don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for advice. It’s always better to feel reassured and supported.
Identifying severe cases of car sickness
Severe car sickness in babies can show up as persistent vomiting, extreme fussiness, pale or clammy skin, or difficulty recovering even after the ride. Watch for these signs:
- Frequent or intense vomiting during or after rides
- Unusually prolonged drowsiness or lethargy
- Weight loss or dehydration if the vomiting continues over multiple trips
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to reach out to your pediatrician to be sure that there isn’t something more serious going on and to discuss next steps for treatment.
Professional treatments and recommendations
For more severe cases, your pediatrician might recommend:
- Testing for underlying conditions like reflux or inner ear issues
- Adjusting feeding routines before rides to reduce nausea
- Exploring safe medications, like Benadryl, if it’s suitable for your baby’s age and dosage
- Using over-the-counter motion sickness bands for older children
Tips for long car rides
Traveling has always been a big part of my family’s life. By the time my son Caden was three months old, he’d already been on three road trips. We started small with two-hour drives to nearby spots and slowly worked our way up to longer trips that meant spending more hours in the car. Honestly, none of it would have been possible if he wasn’t comfortable during those rides.
We took measures early on to make short drives as smooth as possible, which built our confidence for longer adventures. If you’re ready to hit the road with your baby, and there aren’t any major discomforts, it’s totally doable. A little prep goes a long way toward making family road trips with a baby manageable and even enjoyable.
Planning your stops and breaks
Timing and flexibility are your friends when it comes to going on longer rides with your baby. Here’s how to plan stops and breaks to keep everyone comfortable and happy:
- Feed and go: This option worked for my kids, but it’s important to figure out what works for your baby. If they tolerate a full stomach while the car is in motion, then feeding your baby right before hitting the road can help them feel full and content for the first leg of the trip.
- Strategic stops: Plan breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch, feed, and change your baby.
- Coordinate with naps: Try to time your drive during nap windows so your baby sleeps through a nice chunky part of the ride.
- Pack for easy stops: Keep essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, and bottles all easily accessible to avoid rummaging through bags during breaks.
- Stay flexible: Babies are babies and they’ll be unpredictable, so don’t stress if you need to do things like adjust your schedule, make more frequent stops, or sit in the back seat with them.
Essential items to bring along
I’m all about planning and preparing so that adventuring with my young family is doable and exciting for us all. For drives, especially longer ones, that means having the right essentials on hand to keep things as smooth as possible.
And if your little one is prone to motion sickness, it’s worth taking small steps to test what works. Start with shorter drives, try out remedies, and see how they respond. If the steps you’re taking help, then you can feel more confident about venturing out on longer road trips. Just be sure to stash go-to items that work in your diaper bag or keep them stocked in your car. This way, you can help manage symptoms and have any essentials to handle sickness-related issues that might pop up.
Of course, if your baby gets severely sick, that’s a different story, and it can be really tough. Do what you can to work with your pediatrician to take next steps, so you can feel prepared and you’re able to enjoy longer time on the road with your baby.
Here’s a list of items to pack for longer car trips, specifically for motion sickness support and to help make your baby feel comfortable on the road:
- Diapers, wipes, changing pad, hand sanitizer
- Extra sets of clothes for baby (and you, just in case!)
- Bottles, sippy cups, or formula
- Bland snacks for older children (like crackers)
- Cooler with milk, snacks, or electrolyte drinks
- Favorite lovey, pacifier, or comfort item
- Window shades
- Sound machine or white noise app for soothing naps
- Small trash bags for messy clothes or diapers
- Blankets
- Small towels or bibs for drooling or spit-ups
- Ginger drops (for older toddlers, if approved by your pediatrician)
- Lavender or peppermint oil (dab on car seat cover)
- Motion sickness bands (check with your pediatrician)
I know how hard it can be to want to get out in the world when you have a baby but feeling overwhelmed by making it happen. Adding an upset baby to the car ride can make things incredibly difficult. I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about car rides with your little one. Whether it’s figuring out if they’re dealing with car sickness, trying some remedies, or prepping for longer trips.
Every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Give yourself grace as you figure out the best approach, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you need extra support.
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