Tis’ the season for sickness – it is just inevitable. After dealing with two kiddos under the weather for the past week, I thought now would be the perfect time to share some things I do when the kids are sick to make them feel better, make it easier for myself and get them back at it as soon as possible!

Emotionally, I am never prepared for this, I hate when the kids are sick! Vomiting, yea, no thank you – not good with that at all, but nevertheless as Moms we find ourselves stepping up to the plate to handle the sickies! Over the past couple years – experiencing all sorts of interesting illness – I have made it an effort to ALWAYS have these items stocked and ready to go in case the kiddos are under the weather.

My Go-to Sick “Kit”

Okay, no joke, I HAVE to have these items on hand at all times. I remember multiple occasions where it was like my body sensed sickness was upon us and I picked these items up at the store and BOOM, a kid was sick, but I was READY! From those times forward I told myself I will always keep these items at the house no matter what.

Children’s/Infant’s Acetaminophen

In other words – Tylenol. I feel like I have a “back up” to my back up making sure to take inventory right after we are done using it and make note for my next grocery trip. The last thing you want to be doing is run out to the store in the middle of the night!

If you can do the dye-free version for infants, go for that, so many occasions where my kids would spit up the meds as babies and it would stain blankies, carpeting and clothes!

I do purchase “in house” or generic versions of Tylenol from our local grocery/pharmacy – after all they are the same thing!

Children’s/Infant’s Ibuprofen

Ditto, everything above!

My pediatrician, as I’m sure everyone’s may suggest, alternating between Tylenol and Motrin. Both are safe to use together and may be more effective in helping reduce your child’s fever. Tylenol is given every four hours and Motrin is every six-eight hours so at least your child is getting some sort of relief around the clock.

I would also like to note, I am a huge proponent at times of letting the kiddos fight things on their own at first. Obviously if they are struggling hard core and they are SO uncomfortable and ask for it, I will definitely provide the relief needed. I am not sure if it is a mental thing, but I like to think it is good at times for the body to do its own natural thing in fighting the illness! Again, just a personal preference, no proven evidence or anything just a weird habit…

Popsicles

These.are.a.must! At times, these are the only things my kids will have if their throats are sore, they are running a fever and I rely on these to at least serve as a “fluid” they will consume.

If they don’t want popsicles, try offering ice – my Mom always gave us crushed ice especially when we had the stomach bug. The gradual “drinking” was better than chugging water and paying for it shortly after.

It is so important to keep you kids hydrated when they are sick and I do recall times where my kids refused to drink water so having options is key – which leads to our next MUST HAVE

Gatorade or Powerade

I like to keep some of these in our pantry – again, the kids might not be digging water, but offering up these yummy/sugary drinks will help re-hydrate and restore electrolytes

Crackers

My kids actually love oyster crackers as a snack, so I do have these on hand on a regular basis. I like the size of the oyster crackers, but saltine crackers also work! Nice bland, filling (when sick) snack they won’t upset much!

BRAT

Tried and true B.R.A.T diet when sick:
B – Bananas
R – Rice
A – Apples/plain Applesauce
T – Toast (avoid buttering if possible)

I always have all these items on hand. We love bananas and toast to those items I never have to worry about. Keep their food simple.

I remember my Mom taking care of me when I was sick as a kid – she really followed this religiously, sometimes to the point where I felt I was being deprived food, ha – but I always remembered being happy I didn’t go too crazy when I was feeling hungry. Ease your kiddos back into things and AVOID dairy stuff. I know feel like my Mom – telling my husband to keep things bland as he attempts to hand my daughter a cheese stick and milk…*shake my head*

Tissues

Another thing from my Mom – tissues with lotion in them – helps keep the kiddos nose moisturized when blowing it all the time.

My Go-to Sick “Aids”

Old towels

These are HUUUUGEEE! I keep some old towels to pull out when the kids are sick. I use them to line our couches, their beds or wherever they decide to rest their little bodies. I don’t want any yucky’s getting all over the place. These towels serve as an extra barrier and sometimes I find them more comfortable than regular sheets when running a fever.

Cool Mist Humidifier

This makes things so bearable when the kids have a stuffy nose. It moistens the air and has helped my kids get less uninterrupted sleep. I have also been interested in investing in a warm mist humidifier for winter months.

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Pretty self explanatory: I like to add this to any “sick” laundry being done – kills any extra germs hanging around!

Vicks Vapo Rub or Oilogic Stuffy Nose Essential Oil

I waited until Audrey was 3 to put this on her chest – I knew I could trust her to not fiddle with it, but when the kids are smaller I like to use the Oilogic Stuffy Nose Essential Oil Roll-on. You just roll it on their feet slip on their onesie or socks and I feel it really gave relief to them. I mostly use these products before bed time. Anyone else like the smell of Vick’s?!

Temporal Scanner Thermometer/Rectal thermometer for babies

These are essentials to have on hand to track temps

Warm baths

You might think a cold bath would help with a fever – but that is not the case. I like to give my kids a warm bath if possible – 1) to get rid of the yucky germs and 2) I feel like you just feel better after a nice clean bath!

Lots of Screen Time

Okay, so I don’t know about you, but when I’m sick snuggling up on the couch, nap/rest and TV is what I need. I may be breaking all sorts of parenting rules, but I turn on the cartoons all day and let them watch unlimited! I feel like it serves as a good distraction and when they get tired, they will just fall asleep right there on the couch.

I have found it so much easier to have my essential “sick” items on hand at all times. I am always prepared and it saves us from the run around! If you have a spare basket hanging around, make sure to stock the basket at night to keep it bedside for those middle of the night wake-ups. Hoping this list can help you as much as it has helped our family!

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