Motion Sickness Tips & Guidance for Kids
What Is Motion Sickness (And Why Kids Get It More)?
Motion sickness happens when the brain receives mixed signals. Your child’s eyes see one thing (the inside of the car), but their inner ear feels another (movement and bumps). This mismatch creates nausea — and in many children it can strike quickly.
Is Motion Sickness Hereditary?
Yes — motion sickness often runs in families. If one parent suffers from travel sickness there’s a higher chance your child will too. Kids are also more sensitive because their balance system is still developing, they sit lower in car seats and feel bumps, smells and motion more strongly.
How Common Is Motion Sickness?
Research from Direct Line Group found that more than a third of UK drivers with children say their kids experience car sickness and over a quarter avoid long journeys altogether. Forty‑one percent of parents dread long trips with their children, so you are far from alone.
Practical Tips to Reduce Motion Sickness
Before You Travel
- Plan meal times carefully: stick to light snacks rather than heavy or greasy meals.
- Choose a route with planned breaks to give kids a chance to reset.
- Seat position matters: avoid the very back row in seven‑seaters; if possible use the middle row, and opt for a bigger car with smoother suspension.
- Pack a “just‑in‑case” kit: spare clothes, wipes, tissues, water, sick bags and your YOBIB bib.
During the Journey
- Avoid screens and devices; looking down is a major trigger.
- Let fresh air in: open a window slightly or turn on the fan.
- Distract with car games and conversation — I spy, counting trucks and sing‑alongs keep eyes focused outside.
- Drive smoothly: avoid harsh braking, sharp turns and bumpy roads.
- Pressure wristbands and motion‑sickness glasses can help some children, but don’t work for everyone.
- Stop as soon as early signs appear — a few minutes outside can calm nausea.
If Sickness Still Happens…
Sometimes, even with the best preparation, sickness happens. This is where YOBIB helps. The deep catch‑area contains the mess before it reaches clothes, car seats or the floor, making cleanup quick and easy. Many parents say it “saved the trip”.
Aftercare Tips
- Offer water and keep fresh air flowing.
- Give your child time to recover and reassure them — motion‑sensitive kids often feel anxious.
- Rinse and reset your YOBIB bib for next time.
Final Thoughts
Motion sickness is common, but with planning and the right tools you can make travel more enjoyable. Combining prevention with the YOBIB bib provides the best chance of a clean, calm journey.
If all else fails and sickness persists, rely on YOBIB to contain the mess and keep your journey stress-free.
p catch pocket makes clean‑up easier so you can get back on the road quickly.When to seek medical advice
Seek medical care if your child vomits persistently despite treatment or if symptoms last more than three days. Motion sickness when your child is not moving—along with headaches, vision or hearing problems, or unusual behaviour—may indicate another condition and warrants a call to the paediatrician.
Final thoughts
Motion sickness is common in children and often runs in families. By planning ahead, choosing the right seat, using behavioural strategies and, if necessary, appropriate medication, you can make journeys more enjoyable. A YOBIB bib won’t stop motion sickness, but it will contain any mess and reduce stress for parents. With these tips and a little preparation, you can help your child feel better on the road.

