Need a Car Sickness Solution? It's in the Bag
2/8/08
Ziploc Bags a Sick Kid’s Best Friend
My friend Mandy lives about a four-hour drive away from her parents. Once, when her husband was out of town, she decided to pack up her two kids to go see them. After planning, strategizing and packing for three days, her daughter got sick. She was literally putting the kids in the car when her little girl threw up. Can you imagine? Or do you not have to imagine because you’ve been there?
I don’t know what you’d do in this circumstance, but let me tell you what Mandy did: She called her mom to say they wouldn’t be coming. Undaunted in her love for her grandchildren — combined with her experience as a kindergarten teacher for 25 years — Mandy’s mom, Wendy, guided her through a road trip with a pukey kid. Can you believe it?
How did Mandy get from Point A to Point B with a sick child? Well, it was by way of Ziploc, my friends. Wendy had Mandy stock the car with gallon-sized Ziploc bags — “huge ones they can stick their whole face in when throwing up.” After the puking episode, just zip up the bag and dispose of it at the next rest stop. Mandy marveled at how un-stinky it all worked out to be. I don’t know about you all, but I’m now planning to stock my glove box with zippable plastic bags.
In addition to the bags, Wendy had Mandy wet a bunch of washcloths with warm water and throw them in a disposable Tupperware-type container. After each round of throwing up into the bag, hand the kiddo a warm washcloth to clean up. Keep a spare Ziploc for the used washcloths, then toss them in the wash as soon as you can. Mandy was so proud of her 5-year-old daughter for hitting the bag every time. Of course, a 2-year-old would have problems with this task, but for older kids it’s pretty simple. You also need to know Mandy lined her car’s seats and floors with towels, just in case.
But Mandy did it. She got over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house. Thanks for the wisdom, Wendy, and to Mandy for encouraging us to pass it on.
Comments
I would not have thought of that but the ER has bags for that so should we.We have to get them to the Dr. office and I don't want a mess all over my car
Posted by: christina | Feb 15, 2008 8:50:25 AM
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Okay, I didn't think I'd need to say this, but after some emails, apparently I should. We do not advocate leaving your small children unattended with plastic bags. The exercise outlined above is for kids who understand that plastic bags are not playthings, that they are a tool in this instance.
If you have any doubt whether your child is capable of handling this task, don't do it. Do your best to pull over before they throw up and assist them with the bag. Or maybe some resourceful mama out there can describe a safer, better way of road-tripping with a sickie.
Let us know your tactics here in the comments section!
Posted by: Sara Lacey | Feb 10, 2008 3:50:38 PM