travel sickness for 2 year old

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What causes car sickness in children and how can I prevent it?

Car sickness is a type of motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the inner ears, eyes, and nerves in the joints and muscles.

Imagine a young child sitting low in the back seat of a car without being able to see out the window — or an older child reading a book in the car. The child's inner ear will sense motion, but his or her eyes and body won't. The result might be an upset stomach, cold sweat, fatigue, loss of appetite or vomiting.

It's not clear why car sickness affects some children more than others. While the problem doesn't seem to affect most infants and toddlers, children ages 2 to 12 are particularly susceptible.

To prevent car sickness in children, you might try the following strategies:

• Reduce sensory input. Encourage your child to look at things outside the car rather than focusing on books, games or screens. If your child naps, traveling during nap time might help.
• Carefully plan pre-trip meals. Don't give your child a large meal immediately before or during car travel. If the trip will be long or your child needs to eat, give him or her a small, bland snack — such as dry crackers and a small drink — before it's time to go.
• Provide air ventilation. Adequate air ventilation might help prevent car sickness.
• Offer distractions. If your child is prone to car sickness, try distracting him or her during car trips by talking, listening to music or singing songs.
• Use medication. If you're planning a car trip, ask your child's doctor about using an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to prevent car sickness. Both medications work best if taken about an hour before traveling. Read the product label carefully to determine the correct dose and be prepared for possible side effects, such as drowsiness. Nondrowsy antihistamines don't appear to be effective at treating motion sickness.

If your child starts to develop car sickness, stop the car as soon as possible and let your child get out and walk around or lie on his or her back for a few minutes with closed eyes. Placing a cool cloth on your child's forehead also might help.

If these tips don't help or if your child's car sickness makes travel difficult, talk to your child's doctor about other options.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Concussion in children
• Brunette GW, et al., eds. Motion sickness. In: CDC Yellow Book 2020: Health Information for International Travel. Oxford University Press; 2019. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-by-air-land-sea/motion-sickness. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Motion sickness. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/motion-sickness/motion-sickness#. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Altmann T, et al., eds. Head, neck, and nervous system. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 7th ed. Bantam; 2019.

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• Second Opinion

Why Children Get Carsick—And What to Do

Motion sickness is common, especially in children. But what causes it is only partly understood. Experts don't know why some children have it and others don’t.

The most common form of motion sickness for many children is carsickness. But getting carsick isn’t really about the car. It’s about the brain’s ability to understand a message based on what it senses. Normally, the eyes, ears, and joints all send signals to the brain. And these signals are all alike. If you’re traveling in a car, most body parts tell the brain: “We’re moving forward.”

But a child's brain gets different messages if the child is sitting too low to see through the window to the horizon. Or if the child is looking down and reading at the same time. The part of the ear that controls balance and motion says, “We’re moving.” But the message from the eyes says, “We’re sitting still and looking at a book!”

This leads to a sensory mismatch that overloads and confuses the brain. The result is upset stomach (nausea). This can be a problem when children are not looking out the windshield.

If your children are too young to express themselves, they may be carsick if they:

Become bad-tempered

Yawn frequently

Are sweaty and pale

Get restless

Here are some tips to prevent carsickness:

Stop often and at the first sign of symptoms. Before leaving home, give children some crackers or other light snack. Don't smoke or carry any strong-smelling food in the car.

Have your kids sit higher up. Elevate your children with approved child safety seats or booster seats so that they can see the horizon through the windshield. But remember, that children younger than age 2 need to be in rear-facing car seats unless they have reached the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat maker. 

Entertain young children. Keep kids busy with activities that stop them from looking down. Instead of using books, try playing music for them to listen to.

If your children get carsick, stop as soon as possible. Have them lie down on their back until the dizziness stops. Put a cool cloth on their forehead. If they have vomited, offer them cold water and a light snack when the nausea passes.

If carsickness is a regular problem, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may suggest an over-the-counter travel sickness medicine for children older than age 2. Use the correct amount based on your children’s age. Some of these medicines cause sleepiness or even agitation. Always get advice from your healthcare provider and be careful when using them. Don't use a motion sickness patch. It has too high a dosage for children.

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• Section 8 - Cruise Ship Travel
• Section 8 - Airplanes & Cruise Ships: Illness & Death Reporting & Public Health Interventions

Motion Sickness

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Ashley Brown

Motion sickness describes the physiologic responses to travel by air, car, sea, train, and virtual reality immersion. Given sufficient stimulus, all people with functional vestibular systems can develop motion sickness. People vary in their susceptibility, however.

Risk For Travelers

Risk factors for motion sickness include age, sex, preexisting medical conditions, and concurrent medications. Children aged 2–12 years are especially susceptible, but infants and toddlers are generally immune. Adults >50 years are less susceptible to motion sickness. Pregnancy, menstruation, and taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives have also been identified as potential risk factors. People with a history of migraines, vertigo, and vestibular disorders are more prone to motion sickness. Some prescriptions can worsen motion sickness–associated nausea.

Clinical Presentation

Motion sickness typically occurs after a triggering motion or event. People with motion sickness commonly experience dizziness; headache; nausea, vomiting, or retching; sweating. For a complete list of motion sickness–associated signs and symptoms, see Box 8-06 .

Box 8-06 Motion sickness symptoms

Anorexia Apathy Cold sweats Drowsiness Generalized discomfort Headache Hyperventilation Increased sensitivity to odors Loss of appetite Nausea Salivation, excessive Sweating Vomiting or retching Warm sensation

Neurophysiology

When sensory input does not align with expected patterns (neural mismatch), patients suffer dizziness and nausea. Sensory conflict theory (the most widely accepted explanation for motion sickness) proposes that the condition is caused by conflict between the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, and involves complex neurophysiologic signaling between multiple nuclear regions, neurotransmitters, and receptors. Medications used to prevent and treat motion sickness are thought to work by suppressing the signals that contribute to neural mismatch.

Nonpharmacologic Prevention & Interventions

Travelers can use nonpharmacologic interventions to prevent or treat motion sickness (see  Box 8-07 ). Awareness and avoidance of situations that tend to trigger symptoms are the primary defenses against motion sickness.

Box 8-07 Non-pharmacologic prevention & interventions for motion sickness: a checklist for travelers

☐ Be aware. Try to avoid situations that tend to trigger your symptoms. ☐ Optimize your position to reduce motion or motion perception (e.g., drive a vehicle instead of riding in it; sit in the front seat of a car or bus; sit over the wing of an aircraft; hold your head firmly against the back of the seat; choose a window seat on flights and trains). ☐ Reduce sensory input. Lie face down, shut your eyes, try sleeping, look at the horizon. ☐ Maintain hydration by drinking water, eating small meals frequently, and limiting alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. ☐ Get plenty of sleep or rest. Being sleep-deprived can worsen motion sickness symptoms. ☐ Avoid smoking. Quitting (even short-term) reduces susceptibility to motion sickness. ☐ Try using distractions. Controlled breathing, listening to music, or using aromatherapy scents like mint, lavender, or ginger. Flavored lozenges also might help. ☐ Some people recommend using acupressure or magnets to prevent or treat nausea, although scientific data are lacking on how effective these interventions are for preventing motion sickness. ☐ Gradually expose yourself to continuous or repeated motion sickness triggers. Most people, in time, notice a reduction in motion sickness symptoms.

Medications used to treat motion sickness can vary in effectiveness and side effects; suggest travelers take a trial dose of medication at home before departure to find what works best for them. The most frequently used antihistamines to treat motion sickness include cyclizine, dimenhydrinate, meclizine, and promethazine (oral and suppository); nonsedating antihistamines appear to be less effective. Other commonly used motion sickness medications include anticholinergics (e.g., scopolamine [hyoscine, oral and transdermal]); benzodiazepines; dopamine receptor antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide, prochlorperazine); and sympathomimetics (often used in combination with antihistamines).

Complementary approaches with anecdotal evidence of effectiveness for preventing or treating motion sickness (e.g., acupressure and magnets, ginger, homeopathic remedies, pyridoxine [vitamin B6]) might be effective for individual travelers but cannot generally be recommended (see Sec. 2, Ch. 14, Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches to Travel Wellness ). Clinical trials have shown that ondansetron, a commonly used antiemetic, is ineffective in preventing nausea associated with motion sickness.

Children & Motion Sickness

For children aged 2–12 years, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), 1–1.5 mg/kg per dose, or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), 0.5–1 mg/kg per dose up to 25 mg, can be given 1 hour before travel and every 6 hours during the trip. Because some children have paradoxical agitation with these medications, encourage parents to try a test dose before departure. Oversedating young children with antihistamines can be life-threatening. Scopolamine can cause dangerous adverse effects in children and should not be used.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Stefanie K. Erskine

Bibliography

Golding JF, Gresty MA. Pathophysiology and treatment of motion sickness. Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28(1):83–8. 

Leung AK, Hon KL. Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs Context. 2019;8:2019-9-4. 

Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. Deschler DG, editor. Waltham (MA): UpToDate; 2021. Available from:  www.uptodate.com/contents/motion-sickness . 

Schmäl F. Neuronal mechanisms and the treatment of motion sickness. Pharmacology. 2013;91(3-4):229–41. 

Zhang L, Wang J, Qi R, Pan L, Li M, Cai Y. Motion sickness: current knowledge and recent advance. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016;22(1):15–24.

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About motion sickness

Motion sickness or travel sickness happens when your inner ear ‘tells’ your brain you’re moving but your eyes ‘say’ that your body is still . Or it can happen the other way around – your inner ear says you’re still, and your eyes say you’re moving. This clash of information in your brain can make you feel dizzy or nauseous or make you vomit.

Motion sickness often happens when children and teenagers travel in cars, buses, planes or ships. Children and teenagers might also get motion sickness when they use certain play equipment or go on amusement park rides. Some children and teenagers get motion sickness when they play video games.

Motion sickness is common in children. Almost 1 in 2 children get motion sickness at some stage. Children aged 10-12 years are most likely to get motion sickness. Teenagers are less likely to get it. It’s also unusual for children under 12 months to get motion sickness.

Children with a family or personal history of migraines or motion sickness, inner ear conditions like vertigo , or a fear of heights are more likely to get motion sickness.

Symptoms of motion sickness

If your child has motion sickness, they might:

• have nausea
• have a headache
• feel that something bad or unusual is about to happen
• seem uncoordinated.

Young children might not be able to tell you how they’re feeling. So if your younger child loses colour in their face or seems afraid, distressed or lethargic during travel, they might have motion sickness. Or you might notice that your child doesn’t want to get in your car or go on the bus. Or there might be play equipment that your child doesn’t like. These could be signs that your child gets motion sickness but can’t tell you about it.

Medical help: when to get it for children with motion sickness

Motion sickness usually goes away by itself after the movement stops or your child gets out of the moving vehicle.

But if your child vomits a lot when they travel, take your child to see your GP .

Your GP will ask about your child’s symptoms. If the GP thinks your child has motion sickness, they might suggest strategies and medicines to help.

How to handle or avoid motion sickness

Your child might be able to avoid motion sickness by:

• looking at the road ahead or the horizon
• trying to keep their head still
• not reading or using devices while travelling
• getting fresh air by opening a window or turning on a fan
• eating and drinking small amounts regularly, rather than having large meals
• singing songs or playing games to take their mind off feeling sick
• taking breaks from travel, if possible.

Where your child sits in a train, bus, plane or car can affect whether they get motion sickness. Your child might be able to avoid motion sickness by sitting:

• in a forward-facing seat on a train or bus
• in a seat near the wings of a plane
• in a front car seat, if they can do so legally and safely
• on the lower deck and middle of a ship.

These locations can reduce your child’s sensation of movement, which can help your child avoid motion sickness.

If you know your child gets motion sickness a lot, it can be a good idea to have a container, disposable bags, wipes and a spare change of clothes handy, in case your child vomits.

Medicines and other treatment for motion sickness

If the strategies above don’t help with your child’s motion sickness, you might want to talk to your GP about motion sickness medicine.

Your doctor might suggest over-the-counter medicines or prescribe medicines like antihistamines or anticholinergics to prevent motion sickness. It’s important to follow carefully your doctor’s instructions for giving your child their medicine.

Note that only antihistamines that cause drowsiness are effective. And both antihistamines and anticholinergics can have side effects, like drowsiness and dry mouth. These medicines shouldn’t be used in children under 2 years of age.

Motion sickness medicines usually work best when they’re combined with the strategies above.

Some people find that sucking on a ginger lolly or wearing an acupressure wrist band help with symptoms. But there’s no strong evidence to suggest that these approaches prevent motion sickness.

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Motion sickness

Travel sickness.

Peer reviewed by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP Last updated by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated 16 Mar 2023

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In this series: Health advice for travel abroad Travelling to remote locations Ears and flying Jet lag Altitude sickness

Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

In this article :

What causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness, what should i do if i'm actually sick, what is mal de debarquement syndrome.

Continue reading below

Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).

Sweating and cold sweats.

Increase in saliva.

Headaches .

Feeling cold and going pale.

Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.

On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.

On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.

Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.

Don't try to read.

Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.

Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.

Do not read or watch a film.

It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.

If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.

Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.

Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.

Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.

Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.

After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.

Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Further reading and references

• Spinks A, Wasiak J ; Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jun 15;(6):CD002851.
• Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug;232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.
• Leung AK, Hon KL ; Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs Context. 2019 Dec 13;8:2019-9-4. doi: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-4. eCollection 2019.
• Zhang LL, Wang JQ, Qi RR, et al ; Motion Sickness: Current Knowledge and Recent Advance. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Jan;22(1):15-24. doi: 10.1111/cns.12468. Epub 2015 Oct 9.
• Van Ombergen A, Van Rompaey V, Maes LK, et al ; Mal de debarquement syndrome: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2016 May;263(5):843-854. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7962-6. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

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The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 14 Mar 2028

16 mar 2023 | latest version.

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How to Prevent and Treat Car Sickness in Kids

January 30, 2023

Car sickness is a common problem in young children—but don’t blame it on the car. It’s actually a form of motion sickness, a broader condition in which movement brings on symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. This problem may occur not only in cars, but also on boats, planes, trains and amusement park rides.

Why do some little ones feel sick more easily than others? Douglas Hackenberg, MD at University Hospitals Rainbow Children’s Medical Group, explains that the issue may be due to increased sensitivity in part of the inner ear that plays a key role in balance, as well as the brain receiving signals from eye, ears and other sensations.

Taking Preventive Steps

“Young children ages 2 to 12 are especially prone to motion sickness,” says Dr. Hackenberg. “If it isn’t managed, it can make traveling stressful for everyone. But by planning ahead, you can usually keep it in check”. He suggests trying these tips:

• Use anti-motion sickness medicine. Dimenhydrinate (such as Dramamine) is sold in chewable tablets for kids ages 2 and older. It’s available without a prescription. This medicine should be given an hour before traveling, and one dose helps prevent symptoms for about six hours.
• Consider child-sized acupressure wristband s (such as Sea-Bands) for additional help. Putting a band around each of your child’s wrists before beginning your trip may help relieve nausea by stimulating pressure points.
• Bring the right entertainment along. Looking at a book or device screen may trigger symptoms. Listening to music or an audio story is a better option.
• Focusing on objects outside of the car. Sometimes fresh air and focusing attention outside of the vehicle can provide enough additional information to the brain to ease the cycle of motion sickness.

Caring for Motion Sickness

Many people associate motion sickness with throwing up. But in children younger than age 6, the main symptoms are dizziness and wanting to lie down. Other potential symptoms include unsteady walking, nausea and vomiting.

If symptoms of motion sickness have already begun, offer only sips of water until your child’s tummy settles down. Keep a vomit pan or bag handy, just in case. Encourage rest – your little one may even doze off.

“The good news is that motion sickness usually goes away within four hours after the motion stops,” says Dr. Hackenberg. “If the symptoms last for more than eight hours however, you should call your child’s pediatrician for advice.”

If your child feels dizzy or unsteady, and it doesn’t seem linked to movement, talk with your child’s pediatrician. This may be a sign of something else, such as vertigo (an abnormal spinning sensation) or other issues with the body’s balance system.

Related Links

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s has the region’s largest coordinated network of pediatric primary care providers, committed to delivering the very best care to children of all ages, including routine immunizations. Find a UH Rainbow pediatric practice near you.

Tags: Donald Hackenberg MD FAAP , Motion sickness

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Health Encyclopedia

Why children get carsick—and what to do.

Motion sickness is common, especially in children. But what causes it is only partly understood. Experts don't know why some children have it and others don’t.

The most common form of motion sickness for many children is car sickness. But getting carsick isn’t really about the car. It’s about the brain’s ability to understand a message based on what it senses. Normally, the eyes, ears, and joints all send signals to the brain. And these signals are all alike. If you’re traveling in a car, most body parts tell the brain: “We’re moving forward.”

But a child's brain gets different messages if the child is sitting too low to see through the window to the horizon. Or if the child is looking down and reading at the same time. The part of the ear that controls balance and motion says, “We’re moving.” But the message from the eyes says, “We’re sitting still and looking at a book!”

This leads to a sensory mismatch that overloads and confuses the brain. The result is upset stomach (nausea). This can be a problem when children are not looking out the windshield.

If your children are too young to express themselves, they may be carsick if they:

Yawn frequently

Are sweaty and pale

Get restless

Here are some tips to prevent car sickness:

Stop often and at the first sign of symptoms. Before leaving home, give children some crackers or other light snack. Don't smoke or carry any strong-smelling food in the car.

Have your kids sit higher up. Elevate your children with approved child safety seats or booster seats so that they can see the horizon through the windshield. But remember that children younger than age 2 need to be in rear-facing car seats unless they have reached the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat maker. 

Entertain young children. Keep kids busy with activities that stop them from looking down. Instead of using books, try playing music for them to listen to.

If your children get carsick, stop as soon as possible. Have them lie down on their back until the dizziness stops. Put a cool cloth on their forehead. If they have vomited, offer them cold water and a light snack when the nausea passes.

If car sickness is a regular problem, talk with your child's healthcare provider. They may suggest an over-the-counter travel sickness medicine for children older than age 2. Use the correct amount. Some of these medicines cause sleepiness or even agitation. Always get advice from your healthcare provider and be careful when using them. Don't use a motion sickness patch. It has too high a dosage for children.

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Best motion sickness treatments for kids in 2019

The first time your kid pukes in the car, you might be totally caught off guard. What just happened? All you were trying to do was take a little ride to see grandma and grandpa and now here you are, pulled over at a random gas station, desperately hoping that you have enough wipes, brought a change of clothes and can get the smell out.

Yes, I've experienced it.

As a mom whose kid has gotten both car and plane sick (yes, fellow passengers, your worst nightmare come true), motion sickness is nothing new. Yet every time it happens, it’s the worst.

Kids are prone to car sickness starting around two years of age, says Dr. Kevin Dahlman, a pediatrician and medical director of Aurora Children’s Health in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Nausea, dizziness and vomiting can happen when the brain receives conflicting messages: “Your inner ear, which manages balance, and eyes, which perceive motion, don’t match with how you’re feeling,” he said.

When your kid is sitting in a car seat , they’re often not focused on what’s going on outside. That disconnect triggers the symptoms.

Of course, many lucky kids never experience car sickness. But, if yours do, here’s what you need to prevent car sickness, manage symptoms, and (unfortunately), clean up if it happens, according to a pediatrician.

Top motion sickness treatments

• 1. Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief for Kids, $4, Amazon

Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief for Kids

Starting at age 2, your kid can take dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine that prevents nausea and vomiting. You probably know it best as Dramamine. While you can give them the adult version (read the label; they may take a half tablet if they’re young), the benefit to the kid’s formula is that it’s a chewable, grape-flavored tablet, which can make them more likely to take it without fuss. Plus, the handy travel case makes it easy to pop in your purse.

• 2. Children’s Benadryl, $5, Amazon

Children's Benadryl Allergy Chewables

You probably think of this antihistamine as suitable for allergies, but diphenhydramine is another option and safe for kids over the age of 2, said Dahlman. Meds are best used when you’re going to be in the car for an hour or two, he said. Have them take the medication an hour before travel. Warning: It will likely make them sleepy, which can be an added benefit — if they’re snoozing they’re not throwing up — but you also don’t want them to arrive at the destination drowsy.

• 3. The Ginger People Gin Gins Original Chewy Ginger Candy, $2, Thrive Market

The Ginger People Gin Gins Original Chewy Ginger Candy

Ginger is a natural remedy to settle an upset stomach . This ginger comes in the form of a candy, which can be a benefit when you’re trying to give it to your kid. These chews are also individually packaged, so they’re easy to grab on the go.

• 4. The Ginger People Ginger Rescue Chewable Ginger in Mighty Mango, $4, Thrive Market

The Ginger People Ginger Rescue Chewable Ginger, Mighty Mango

Another option when your kid's tummy feels off, the mango-flavored chewable doesn't taste as much of ginger.

• 5. Sea-Band Wristband, Child, $6, Amazon

Sea-Band Wristband, Child, Colors May Vary, 1 Pair, Anti-Nausea Acupressure Motion or Morning Sickness

“Some studies show acupressure bands can decrease symptoms of motion sickness, while others say there is no difference,” said Dahlman. That said, there’s no risk in trying them, and you may get good results, he added.

• 6. Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game, $7, Amazon

Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game

If your kid is prone to puking, Dahlman recommends that they look out the window. “When you focus on the outside, you’re better at perceiving motion, and it’s distracting, too,” he said. So, encourage a scavenger hunt game. Make it up yourself by having them pick out things they see that are “red” or “begin with the letter C,” or use a card game to help build excitement.

• 7. Regal Games Original Travel Bingo, $8, Amazon

Regal Games Original Travel Bingo 4 Pack

Getting the whole family involved can also be the distraction your kid needs to avoid nausea. (Just know where yours falls; some get sick by looking at words, while others need something to do.) This throwback game gets the whole family in on the action.

• 8. Bumkins Kids Long Sleeve Smock, $15, Amazon

Bumkins Kids Long Sleeve Smock

If you have a perennial puker on your hands, a long-sleeved “bib” is a must. (Yes, it’s horrifying that you need one, but here we are.) This art smock fits kids three to five, has a pocket at the bottom to catch anything, and is easy to remove and clean.

• 9. Disposable Barf Bags, $16, Amazon

50 Pack Disposable Barf Bags

When your kid is a bit older, they can tell you when they’re not feeling great. Or, they'll show signs like cold sweats or paleness, said Dahlman. At that point, you can help them out by passing one of these back. If you’re going to carry a barf bag, might as well make it a cute and funny one.

And, before you go: one word on vomit cleanup. The post-puke smell is almost impossible to get out, and it’s tempting to try to use whatever you can to clean a car seat. However, harsh cleansers can compromise car seat material. Always read your car manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning; often, they suggest a mild soap on the cover and recommend skipping using soap on the straps at all.

Want more parenting tips? Check out:

• The best toy to keep kids entertained on planes and in restaurants
• 10 tricks to get your baby to sleep
• The leakproof water bottle every kid needs

Hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells and Joy-Rides) - Other brand names: Kwells Kids, Travel Calm, Scopoderm

Find out how hyoscine hydrobromide treats travel sickness and how to take it.

• About hyoscine hydrobromide
• Who can and cannot take it
• How and when to take it
• Side effects
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
• Taking it with other medicines and herbal supplements
• Common questions

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Does my baby have travel sickness?

Children younger than two years old are rarely travel sick, but if your baby is often unhappy when travelling, he may have motion sickness.

• Travel sickness usually starts with a tummy ache, so if your baby suddenly seems upset and uncomfortable, this could be the reason.
• Nausea can cause more saliva to be produced, so your baby may start to dribble more than usual.
• Your baby may feel hot but look pale, and then actually be sick .

Strong smells or bendy roads can cause travel sickness symptoms too. Your baby may feel worse if he’s moving his head a lot, or looking at a nearby object such as his car seat or mobile .

• Plan your journey for times your baby may fall asleep. Travel sickness is less likely to happen when he’s sleeping.
• You could put your baby to bed before you depart, and then transfer him into his car seat without (hopefully) waking him up. Once the journey has started and your baby begins to feel ill, he is less likely to go to sleep.
• Try not to give your baby a full feed just before travelling.
• If your little one vomits , give him sips of breastmilk or formula milk, or cooled boiled water. This will prevent him becoming dehydrated . If he vomits a lot, you may want to give him an oral rehydration solution, which you can buy from your pharmacy.
• Keep the car cool and don’t overdress your baby . A little battery fan can be useful to keep him cool, but don’t let him get cold.
• Don’t try to distract your baby with toys or books as these can make travel sickness symptoms worse.
• Put a sun shade on the car window to protect him from the sun and to help him look forward.
• Keep the car well ventilated and free of any strong smells from food or perfume. Your little one may find fresh air from an open window more refreshing than air conditioning.
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke in the car with your baby. It's against the law, even if you have the windows open, and may make him feel even more queasy.
• Make sure that your baby’s head is well-supported in his car seat .
• Playing familiar music or singing nursery rhymes may distract him from feeling ill.
• Put a towel over your baby’s front if you think he may be sick. It’s easier to remove than clothing.
• If you think that your baby is going to be sick on the journey then it’s also a good idea to cover the car seat with a towel before putting your baby into it. This will protect the seat and ensure that your little one won’t have to sit in a soiled seat if you can’t clean it up during the journey.

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How To Help Toddlers With Car Sickness

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Looking for a cure to toddlers with car sickness ? We feel your pain!

And we’ve cleaned the seats to prove it… 🤢

Motion sickness symptoms vary from person to person, but when your child is unable to communicate their symptoms, dealing with it can become a nightmare. Whether your planned car trip takes twenty minutes or four hours, no parent wants their toddler to start feeling ill on the journey. 

A few roadblocks commonly stand between parents and treating their toddlers with carsickness; in this guide, we’ll explore how to recognise the symptoms, treat, and prevent motion sickness. 

Non-prescription medication

How long does motion sickness last in toddlers, final thoughts, common causes of motion sickness.

When you’re sitting in a car, your body is stationary. You’re not doing any of the work to move, but your eyes are receiving entirely different signals — according to your eyes and inner ear, you’re moving quickly. Motion sickness occurs because of the confusion that happens in your brain and the mixed signals it is trying to interpret. 

The most important body part involved in all of this is the inner ear. When your inner ear is trying to understand how to balance you, the movement you are experiencing without actually moving causes the wires to get crossed in your brain and can lead to that queasy feeling. 

What Are The Signs of Toddlers With Car Sickness?

If you’ve taken your young child on a plane ride or a long car journey , they might have experienced motion sickness.

Common symptoms include:

• Upset stomach and queasiness

Your toddler might not be able to explain how they are feeling. They’re likely to show it by crying, becoming restless, and they might turn pale. They could also start to yawn if they’re feeling fatigued.

And, of course, stay alert for any vomiting in the back seat.

How to Prevent Car Sickness in Toddlers

If your toddler suffers from motion sickness during car trips, be prepared by following these top tips.

Be aware of what they eat

If your child ever vomits or has an upset stomach when travelling, take care with what you feed them before and during the journey.

A small, light snack such as plain crackers and a sip of water is perfect. Avoid anything too heavy or greasy.

We’ve all been tempted to stuff our toddlers with sweet treats to keep them amused on a long journey, but all that sugar can easily trigger a vomiting episode if they’re suddenly accosted with motion sicknesses.

Check the temperature & provide air ventilation

One of the easiest ways to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness is to provide fresh air. Open the windows or use the air blowers in the car as soon as your toddler starts to display signs of motion sickness.

Alternatively, use a cool cloth to bring their temperature down if they’re feeling hot. Dress your child for the weather too — layers of light clothing are best for travelling.

Reduce sensory input

Looking at a fixed point outside the vehicle can often help. Encourage your youngster to look out of the window rather than playing with toys or looking at a book.

It’s quite common for children to start to feel sick when they are watching a video or reading during travel, and the symptoms are often eased when they stop.

Seat placement

Related to the above, if possible, it’s a good idea to let travel sick toddlers sit in the middle seat, so they have a clear view out of the window ahead.

If your toddler is sitting in a rear-facing seat, it might be time to consider turning their seat around if they’re badly afflicted with car sickness. Facing against the direction of travel can sometimes make motion sickness symptoms worse.

Remember, toddlers should always travel in the back of the car for safety.

Offer distractions

If your child starts feeling sick, distracting them by offering to play games like I-Spy or playing music might be enough to help. It will take their mind off their feelings of queasiness (and make the journey more fun, too!).

Stop regularly

Break up a long car trip with frequent breaks to allow your toddler the chance to get some fresh air and stretch their legs. This will help reduce boredom too — a win-win!

Travel bands

Acupressure bands are popular among many parents, although it’s important to note that they have not been proven to work. However, there’s no harm in trying them if you have a youngster who is frequently affected by motion sickness. Sometimes the placebo effect is enough to take the edge off!

Hyoscine is available to toddlers aged 2 years and above, and is thought to be highly effective. Consult with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure about the suitability of certain medications.

It’s worth trying the above options first, and consider medication as a last resort.

Toddler Car Sickness FAQs

What can you give a 2-year-old for motion sickness.

There are medications suitable for 2-year-olds suffering from travel sickness – hyoscine and dramamine are popular medicated options, whereas acupressure bands and ginger are great non-medicinal alternatives to try.

What can I give my 1-year-old for car sickness?

There aren’t any medications suitable for this age group, but plenty of the suggestions above can help. Try to avoid giving your baby a big feed shortly before car or plane rides. Instead, give them a few sips to prevent dehydration and plan bigger feeds for earlier or later in the day.

Is it normal for toddlers to get car sick?

It’s more common for slightly older children to suffer from travel sickness — it’s especially common in those aged 6-12. However, it can and does affect toddlers and even babies.

Thankfully, motion sickness symptoms ease off quickly once the journey has ended. Expect your child to be back to their usual happy self within a couple of hours.

Motion sickness can be stressful for both parents and toddlers and can spoil a holiday before you even arrive.

Thankfully, it’s quite easy to prevent with or without medication. Something as simple as opening the windows and taking away toys and games can often be enough to ease the symptoms of car sickness and ensure the family has an enjoyable journey!

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7 Tips to Prevent Children’s Car Sickness During Road Trips

Road trips with the kids are a chance to make memories your children will never forget. No one wants their memories to include getting sick in the car, so here are some tips to get your road trip off to a great start.

First, some things you should know about carsickness:

Carsickness tends to happen in children more than adults, which is no surprise given that young kids can’t see past the seats in front of them. A child’s inner ears may sense the motion of the car, but their eyes, focused on a book or digital screen in front of them, may not. Their body is sitting still, but their inner ears are telling the brain there’s movement, sending conflicting information to the brain that can cause motion sickness—nausea, vomiting, cold sweats and more.

What’s not easy to explain is why some kids—even in the same family and under the same conditions—may get motion sickness and some may not. The good news is, regardless of whether you know for sure if you’re kids will become car sick, you can take steps to prevent this motion sickness.

Look up and out

If you know for sure which child is more prone to motion sickness, have them sit in the middle seat so he or she can have a clear view out the front windshield if needed. While books, games and movies are terrific ways of keeping kids occupied during long car trips, they can also contribute to carsickness. If your child gets car sick, play games that require looking out of the car instead of giving them activities that require them to look down.

Travel during sleep times

If your road trip is more about getting to a destination than looking at sights along the way, start your trip late at night, very early in the morning or at your kids’ usual nap times so that they are asleep for a good portion of the trip.

Choose bland foods over spicy food

If you need to eat before you hit the road or will be eating along the way, have your kids eat bland, easy-to-digest foods that won’t upset their stomach. Non-spicy crackers, dry cereal and plain snack bars tend to be safer choices. Stay away from heavily sugared snacks and drinks, as they can be harder on the stomach.

Open the windows

Fresh air often can stave off carsickness if someone starts to feel ill. Even just opening a window or sunroof a small bit can get enough air in to settle queasiness. You may also want to take any air fresheners out of the car before your trip. Scents and odors can cause sensitivity that leads to feeling ill as well.

Use Dramamine®

Dramamine® For Kids chewable tablets are made specifically for situations like this—road trips, train and plane rides and more. The tablets come in a great-tasting grape flavor and are formulated in a precise dose to be effective and safe. If you know one of your kids usually has motion sickness, give them a dose ahead of time and as needed during the ride. Dimenhydrinate, the main ingredient in Dramamine, is approved for kids age 2 and older. Check with your doctor to make sure no other medications your child takes will conflict.

Hear how Dramamine® products have helped families get through road trips without getting car sick:

“ Dramamine® for Kids has been the only thing that has worked for our trips from OH to VA to visit family. I have a 2 and 3 year old who finally had a sickness-free trip this December. Thank you!! We have gone as drastic as no food before the trip. Now we don’t have to worry about that. They can have light snacks. ” (@mrslip4d)

“ 10 year old had chocolate milkshake, pizza, and cheese before a car trip. Ended up getting carsick and throwing it all back up - all over himself and the backseat. The worst smell ever.” When we asked what they used to combat his carsickness since, they said: “Dramamine®, essential oils, and a bucket in the car just in case! ”(@skrrt_insta)

What to do if your child gets sick in the car

Even when taking preventive steps, your child could still get sick. So, yes, , make sure you have a bucket or durable, easy-to-open bag for throwing up in. Having disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer on your trip is a good idea too.

If your child gets sick during the trip, stop the car as soon as possible at a rest stop, park or other safe area, get out and walk around with your child. If she is feeling too sick to walk right away, have her lie down on her back and relax with eyes shut—make sure that if she’s lying in the car that ample fresh air is coming in. If you’re near a store or restaurant, see if you can get some ginger ale or another drink that will help settle her stomach. If it’s time for another dose of Dramamine, give her that as well. It’s important to try and take your child’s mind off of being sick, while someone else cleans out the car and tries to get rid of any vomit smell.

Follow all the tips above and, hopefully, you’ll have a fun and carsick-free trip. Happy travels!

Dramamine Products

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40-year-old felon arrested with 21 firearms in travel trailer

A 40-year-old man from Cass County was arrested after 21 firearms and ammunition were found after a search warrant in a travel trailer.

On Monday, July 15th, the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team received information of a man, who is a known felon, was in possession of several firearms and possibly selling narcotics.

They were told the firearms were being stashed in a travel trailer in Howard Twp., which detectives were able to find.

Police stopped the vehicle and travel trailer in Niles, Michigan.

The detectives saw through the bedroom window that there were several firearms lying on the bed.

A search warrant was issued where the detectives found 21 firearms and a large amount of ammunition.

The 40-year-old man was arrested for felon in possession of firearms.

Police said two of the firearms were stolen.

Police ask if anyone with information regarding this case or any other criminal activity call the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 1-800-462-9328 or contact the Sheriff’s Office through the Anonymous Web Tip Line at www.ccso.info

Who is JD Vance? What to know about Donald Trump's VP pick

Former President Donald Trump  tapped JD Vance  to be his running mate at the Republican National Convention , catapulting the Ohio GOP senator even more into the national spotlight.

Here’s what you need to know about Vance.

More: Trump made MAGA happen. JD Vance represents those who will inherit it

Where is JD Vance from?

Vance grew up in Jackson, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. He described a childhood consumed by poverty and abuse in his best-selling 2016 memoir , "Hillbilly Elegy." Vance's mother struggled with drug addiction, so he spent many of his formative years with his grandmother – known to him as Mamaw.

How old is JD Vance?

Vance is 39. If elected, he would be the youngest vice president since Richard Nixon. His birthday is Aug. 2, 1984.

Did JD Vance serve in the military?

Vance joined the Marines Corps after high school and served as a public affairs marine in Iraq.

Is JD Vance married?

Vance had been working as a litigator Munger, Tolles & Olson, but a spokesperson said she chose to leave the firm in the wake of her husband’s vice presidential nomination.

The couple has three young children: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

Where does JD Vance live?

Vance and his family live in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. The senator also bought a $1.5 million home in Alexandria, Virginia, last year, Politico reported .

How long has JD Vance been in politics?

Vance was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 after defeating former Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan for an open seat in Ohio.

What’s the history between Vance and Trump?

Vance openly criticized Trump in 2016 as pundits used his memoir to explain the former president's popularity with white, rural voters. He previously suggested Trump could be "America’s Hitler," called him noxious and compared him to an opioid.

But Vance changed his tune as he geared up for his 2022 Senate run, deleting controversial tweets and crediting Trump for the work he did in office. He secured Trump's endorsement in a chaotic Republican Senate primary and is now one of the former president's most loyal allies.

JD Vance didn't vote for Donald Trump in 2016

In one NPR interview , he joked that he would rather write his dog on the ballot than vote for Trump or Hillary Clinton.

"I think that I'm going to vote third party because I can't stomach Trump," the "Hillbilly Elegy" author said at the time. "I think that he's noxious and is leading the white working class to a very dark place."

What are Vance's policy positions?

Vance personifies what's known as the New Right , a populist conservatism that rejects many traditional Republican views. He supports tariffs on trade and opposes U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts, particularly the war between Russia and Ukraine. He's also spoken out against potential cuts to Social Security.

Some of Vance's work in the Senate has been bipartisan. He introduced a rail safety bill with Sen. Sherrod Brown after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. He also worked with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on legislation to hold executives accountable for failed banks.

At the same time, many of his other bills reflect conservative views. For example, Vance introduced legislation to ban gender-affirming care for minors and a bill to eliminate diversity programs in the federal government.

Where does JD Vance stand on abortion?

Vance opposes abortion and often says the government should find ways to encourage people to have children.

Like other Republicans, however, Vance changed how he discusses the issue after Ohio and other states voted in favor of abortion access last year. In a December CNN interview , he said Republicans must "accept that people do not want blanket abortion bans."

More recently, he told Meet the Press that he supports access to the abortion drug mifepristone.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.