Prevention

Always travel so your eyes will see the same motion that your body and inner ears feel. Look out of the window as much as possible.

Place children in a high car seat so that they can look out.

Sit by the window in a plane and go up on deck on a ship.

Don't read, but look at distant scenery. Avoid facing backward.

Make sure your car is well ventilated. Don't travel on an empty stomach. A high carbohydrate snack, such as a bowl of cereal, is recommended. Avoid food with strong odours and anything greasy.

Get the sick bag ready when... Your children look sleepy or apathetic. Look out for signs of pallor, headache, sweating and drooling. Older children will be able to complain that they feel nauseous.

Treatment

Drugs

Over-the-counter treatments contain hyocine and antihistamines, and offer good protection. They can, however, make you drowsy and aren't usually suitable for children under three. Best taken 20 minutes before travel.

Acupressure wrist bands

A popular non-drug alternative thought to work by stimulating acupuncture points in the wrists. Anecdotal evidence as to their effectiveness abounds, but there's little scientific proof. In one Italian study in 1990, a doctor in Milan distributed wristbands to the parents of children aged 2-15 known to suffer travel sickness. In 55 cases (88.7%) the results were excellent. In the remaining cases there were moderate improvements. At around £7.50 a pair they are a costly try-it-and-see. Sea Bands make them in child sizes. They need to be positioned accurately, which is bad news if your child is likely to fiddle with them.

Homeopathic remedies

Nelson Travella is a formulated remedy with ingredients including theridion, tabacum, petroleum, cocculus and nux vomica. Can be safely used for children of all ages. Little scientific evidence to support claims. Start to take two hours before travelling and then hourly. Available from Boots, £4.20.

Herbal treatments

Good evidence that ginger might work. Chew on pieces of crystallised ginger, or if your child does not like the taste give them ginger tablets to swallow. Available from health food stores.

Aromatherapy

Peppermint oil has been thought to settle the stomach. Sprinkle some on a hankie and sniff. Only for children over one.

Travelwell

A new audio tape which is meant to desensitise the vestibular system in the inner ear. Special frequencies and pulses are apparently concealed within the music, but it has received no firm scientific backing so far. Must be played on a personal stereo. Can be used for children. Available from Boots, £9.99. For details go to www.travelwell.co.uk.