How to Relieve Nausea in Kids: Tips and Tricks to Try

The feeling of being nauseous is probably one of the least pleasant feelings available to us as humans. It can be really brutal. The lowest of the low. The worst. And in kids, they often lack the vocabulary to help us understand what the problem is (hello surprise puker!), so they're miserable and it takes a while to figure out what's going on. But now you know - they're feeling nauseous. Whether it is being caused by a sickness or motion, what are some ways to relieve nausea in kids? Let's look at some options and hopefully one of these will work for you and yours.

Natural Remedies for Nausea Relief

If your child is feeling queasy, you can try these gentle, natural approaches first:

1. Ginger

Ginger has long been used to combat nausea and is safe for children in small amounts. You can offer ginger tea, ginger ale (look for real ginger), or ginger snaps. I used to love being offered a nice slightly flat cup of ginger ale when I was little and sick (and it's one of my go-to's as an adult when I've been... overserved.. the night prior and need a little pick me up). 

2. Peppermint

Peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach. Peppermint tea or even the scent of peppermint oil can help ease nausea. Peppermint candies may also work. It's a simple option so worth a try if you've got anything on-hand and candy can be an easy sell.

3. Acupressure

Applying gentle pressure to the P6 acupressure point (located on the inside of the wrist, three finger-widths down from the crease) can help reduce nausea. Special wristbands designed for motion sickness use this technique and are a great drug-free option. We have some experience with these and they've done the trick. 

4. Aromatherapy

Certain scents, like lemon and lavender, may help ease nausea. You can diffuse essential oils or simply let your child inhale the scent from a tissue or cotton ball. Again, low risk and worth a try if you've got what you need on hand. Here are 6 oils you could try.

Pharmaceutical Options for Nausea Relief

If natural remedies aren’t getting it done or your child’s nausea is severe, you may want to consider medication. Please always check with your pediatrician before giving your child any medication (though some of these would require their input anyway). 

1. Ondansetron (Zofran)

This prescription medication is often given to children with severe nausea and vomiting. It is commonly used for stomach viruses, chemotherapy-related nausea, and post-surgical sickness. You'll have to request this from your doctor but it is very effective. 

2. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine for Kids)

This over-the-counter medication is mainly used for motion sickness but can help with general nausea. Be sure to use the children’s formula and follow dosage instructions carefully.

3. Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol Kids)

Pepto Kids is a chewable tablet specifically designed for children that contains calcium carbonate, an antacid. Antacids help neutralize stomach acid, which can cause nausea, so depending on the source of your child's nausea, this option may help. 

Final Thoughts

It's so hard to see your kids feeling unwell but knowing of some options that may help relieve their symptoms can feel like little glimmers of hope. I hope that some of these options work for you and that your little is feeling better soon! 

Featured image by Julia Vivcharyk on Unsplash.