It is that time of the year where everyone is getting sicks and the germs are spreading. Two of my three kids have been sick already with colds and coughs. I, myself, got really sick for almost 3 weeks. It was just horrible! As a parent with small kids it is always difficult to try to be at work when you have a sick kid. Schools or daycares call to tell you you need to come pick your child up because they are running a fever. You get that letter that states you have to be out for 24 hrs until the fever is gone.
It is hard because a lot of the times when you do take your sick child to the doctor, they just tell you that your child has a viral cold and that there isn’t an antibiotic to take. Just lots of rests and fluids. If your child isn’t showing any other signs or aren’t having a hard time breathing, just save your money. I will list a few tips that I have used to help my kids get better.
- Motrin or Tylenol for fevers and pain: Just get over the counter pain reliever medicine. It is usually given every 4-6 hours. You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 2 hrs. Money saving tip: Don’t buy name brand, buy store brand. They all work the same.
- Vicks Baby Rub: Get that Vicks baby rub (or Zarbees if you would like all natural) and rub it from head to toe! I would rub it on their back, neck, bottom of their feet, under their nose. It just helps open their airways and helps with coughing.
- Cough Syrup: Zarbees is a safe brand for infants (always consult your pediatrician) Mucinex children’s, etc. Any cough syrup that says Children’s on it (store brand works too).
- Humidifier: I keep a humidifier running all night in my kid’s room when they are sleeping. It helps them not cough all night. Just make sure to keep it clean. Sometimes if you don’t get all the water out after using it, it will sit and form mold.
- Saline Nose Drops: These works wonders and help get the mucus to come out and it is also easier to suck your child’s nose out too.
- Drink lots of fluids
- Elevate their head: It will also help out if you were to put an extra pillow under your child’s head to help keep their airways open.
- Put sliced potatoes in your child’s socks at bedtime. This helps bring all the antioxidants out of their bodies.
- Lots of cuddles!