**Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog post should be considered medical advice. We are NOT medical professionals, just moms who have been there. Please seek medical attention if necessary.
It’s that time of year when all the germs and bugs and viruses are going around, spreading faster than you can say hand sanitizer! Aside from keeping your kids under lock and key, chances are they’re going to get exposed to something, somewhere, even with all your best efforts! As a mom of 3, I’ve had my fair share of sick kiddos from colds to flu to a hospital admission when my middle son was sick with RSV at 18 months old. I may not be an “expert”, but I’ve been around the block a few times.
So what do you when your child inevitably gets sick? Here are the best tips and tricks to help your kids feel better while they’re under the weather and get back to themselves fast!
- The BEST way to help you child fast is to have a few “essentials” on hand in your medicine cabinet BEFORE your child ever starts showing symptoms. If you don’t already have these items readily available, it may be worth it to pick some up next time you’re at the store so you’re ready. Make sure you have:
a reliable thermometer
something to reduce your child's fever (essential oils, apple cider vinegar, or OTC medicines - whatever suits your fancy)
saline nasal spray and a nasal aspirator
a humidifier and/or air purifier (I like THIS air purifier for bedrooms and THIS air purifier for larger rooms)
some sort of cough remedy, elderberry syrup, honey (local, if possible)
Benadryl or antihistamine of your choice
something to help their immune system fight faster (This Feel Better Fast is great!)
THESE homeopathic cold and flu remedies are great to combat a aches and pains that come with most viruses.
I find that keeping these items on hand at all times helps me to combat whatever sickness comes our way quickly as well as helps to my child begin to feel better faster! Besides, having to run out to the store with a sick little one, especially if it’s late at night, is never fun!
You can also fine some of our team’s favorite all natural medicine cabinet go-to’s on Amazon.
- STAY HOME! Do your best to give your child some extra snuggles and let them get as much rest as possible. Try to keep activities to more calm ones (easier said than done, I know!) and maybe give a little on the screen time while your child is recovering. Their little bodies can do a lot of healing when they get that extra rest! Here are some activity ideas you can do with your sick kiddo.
- Sometimes the most seemingly simple things can make all the difference! Using a saline nasal spray/drops and having your child blow their nose or suction with a nasal aspirator frequently can really help your child feel better and possibly prevent something worse. Putting a puzzle together in a steamy bathroom while the hot water runs can also really help open up your child’s sinus & clear their lungs. If your child is old enough (the current guidelines are 1 year and over, but these often change), you can give them 1-2 tsp. of honey 3-4 times a day. This can be done in hot tea, on a slice of bread, mixed with some yogurt, or taken directly from the spoon - however your child will take it! Honey has great health benefits, especially if your child has a cold!
Image by ExplorerBob from Pixabay
- My “go-to” quick and easy meal for when my kids (or anyone in the house) are sick is this quick and easy chicken noodle soup! My kids love it and it’s pretty easy to make. The ingredients are simple enough that I usually have them on hand already, which helps. My kids love this with homemade sourdough bread (I usually make a loaf a week), but it’s good enough that you don’t need anything else to go with it. The warm broth helps to soothe sore throats and the different herbs and spices are known to have immune boosting benefits.
- FLUIDS, FLUIDS, FLUIDS! I can’t say enough how important it is to keep our kids well hydrated when they’re sick. Staying well hydrated can help keep a fever from spiking. This can often be difficult, especially if they have a sore throat. A trick I’ve found that works for my little ones is to keep a cup with a straw close to them at all times. I offer it to them regularly or encourage my older ones to drink frequently throughout the day. I’m not sure why, but my kids drink more when I give them a straw. I also try to keep on hand something to help keep them hydrated when they don’t tend to drink as much. Whether it’s Gatorade, Powerade, Body Armor, LMNT, or Liquid IV. I try to always have a few in the pantry all the time.
- Keep your child comfortable. I put them in sweat pants and a tee shirt, offer a soft blanket to cozy up in if they get cold and give them the best seat on the couch. Them staying comfortable helps to promote rest! I also keep kid friendly bath bombs and bath salts on hands and let them sit in a warm (or cool if their fever gets high) bath and relax.
- Also, I’m a firm believer in letting a fever do its job, even if it means my child might be a little uncomfortable. However, there are times, bedtime being one of them, when I might take action to help reduce my child’s fever so they can get a better rest. Please do your own research and discuss with your child’s doctor when intervening might be necessary, get practical advice from a trusted mom who’s been there, and most importantly, listen to your gut!
- Wash EVERYTHING! If my kids are just a little under the weather, I may not do this, but if they are really down and out, I make it a point to wash things that get overlooked frequently. This is things like jackets, coats, backpacks, comforters, pillows, blankets/throws, stuffed animals, etc. I try to tackle the bedding type items when they are on the upswing, but I know they won’t be using their jacket or backpack while they’re home resting.
- If you’re still breastfeeding or have some breastmilk stored in the freezer, check out Alaina’s blog:
Germs are out there, and we do our best to keep their little bodies protected against them. But with these simple tips and tricks you can let your kids run and play, all while knowing you’re prepared for whatever they bring home!
Check out our “Taking Care Of Sick Kids” board on Pinterest for more tips and ideas on how to help and take care of kids when they’re sick!
Terri - General Manager at Milk + Honey Jewelry
If you have been busy taking care of sick kids, you may also benefit from some of our "Quick + Easy Dinner” blogs. Check them out below!. Most of the ingredients are simple and you may already have the on hand!
**Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog post should be considered medical advice. We are NOT medical professionals, just moms who have been there. Please seek medical attention if necessary.