AN unusual parenting hack is going viral online ahead of the summer holidays.
However, experts have broken down whether or not this unique step works.
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Parents have been placing plasters in a criss-cross shape on their children’s belly buttons before travelling this summer.
According to them, this DIY trick can help to ward off motion sickness.
TikTok mum Victoria (@smart.move.family) called the technique the “first thing” she does on a cruise.
And another mom-fluencer Ttsagana (@tsagana24) placed plasters on her children’s belly buttons before boarding their camper van.
“Here’s what I do to prevent motion sickness,” she informed her TikTok followers.
Instagram user Jasmin (@rainbow.construction) revealed that her family’s “travel life has completely changed” since learning the hack.
“I know, it sounds super crazy, but it totally works for both my children,” she said.
“They used to be so poorly during longer car rides.”
However, there is no science to back up this step as a method of curbing motion sickness.
Pediatrician Mona (@pedsdoctalk) shared her take on the technique in a TikTok video.
First, she explained that motion sickness happens when the brain gets conflicting messages.
The inner ear senses movement when travelling on a vehicle so when your child is focused on something still like a book or tablet, their brain gets confused.
This causes a mismatch which can result in nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting.
“So unless this band-aid hack can magically rewire the entire sensory system, it’s just another myth,” Dr. Mona said.
However, she added that if it seems to have a placebo effect on your child, then you should continue using it.
More parenting hacks
IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here’s nine hacks you won’t want to miss.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It’s effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in.
7. Command Centre
Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It’s a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools.
And if your child continues to feel sick while travelling, the health professional recommended other ways to tackle motion sickness.
She advised parents to consider the seat position of their child if aged two or older.
According to her, you should also keep your car cool and crack a window if possible.
Distracting your child by playing I Spy or encouraging them to look out the window can also help nausea.
And finally, hold off on heavy meals before travelling and focus on light snacks to settle your child’s stomach.
Meanwhile, one mum was slammed for her DIY alternative to sand pits.
One parenting pro shared the hack she swears by for getting toddlers to sleep in minutes.
Plus, a budget-friendly trick will keep your child’s bedroom spick and span.
And an Alexa hack that is helping parents convert picky eaters and it also aids with bed time.
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