Real Parents' Best Advice for Surviving Sick Days with Young Children
They're not doctors. But they've endured the flu, colds, Covid and norovirus, with babies and older kids and have tips to share.
By Babylist Team
At the height of cold, flu, Covid and norovirus season, we asked millions of real parents, "Have you learned any lessons from illnesses this year that are worth sharing?" And boy, had they ever.
We assembled their top tips into a Google document that we lovingly dubbed The Babylist Sick Day Playbook. It was so popular that we created this easier-to-access article with the same advice. We'll continue to update it with other genius ideas we stumble upon, so bookmark this page to come back any time—and then pass the link on to other parents, because in this case (and very unlike all the germs we've ingested this year), sharing is caring.
If your child gets ill, expect that they will eventually feel healthier than you. It's a good idea to have new toys you can pull out and indoor activities on hand to keep your little one entertained so you don't have to exert yourself too much.
Lock and load syringes for middle-of-the-night fever checks! (Also set out the thermometer, a water and a box of tissues—just in case.)
Treat an upper respiratory issue diligently at the beginning (saline, suctioning, etc.), and it will be over quicker (studies have shown that saline shortens the length of colds)! Extra credit: begin using saline drops with the baby early. Then hopefully it won't be like wrestling an alligator when it's time to help clear boogers out of their nose.
Dr. Noze Best nasal aspirator provides hospital-grade suction.
Vicks or Zarbee’s balm on the soles of kiddo feet really does help, according to several families.
Teaching toddlers how to blow their nose could prevent ear infections.
Humidifiers are a common go-to for getting over a cold and keeping a child's nose from gunking up.
Older kids love taking Emergen-C Kidz Crystals (before a trip, to reduce illness).
Order emesis bags before illness strikes, and keep them on hand at home and in the car. There's nothing worse than puke in a car seat.
Keep a bag (or a bowl) next to the toilet—along with a hair clip—the moment you sense a stomach flu coming. There's nothing like being caught unprepared when it's coming out of both ends at the same time!
Many parents highly recommend investing in an easy-to-clean crib mattress or bed pads.
If you take your child to the hospital, don't forget a change of clothes for yourself! (In case you end up staying overnight.)
Keep toddlers hydrated with “mocktails.” Mix one-third electrolyte beverage with two-thirds water in a sippy cup, throw in some ice, close it and shake it up. (Also, Pedialyte freezer pops are a hit.)
Ice, ice, baby! Can’t keep anything down? Chew on ice slowly.
Keep the house stocked with Gatorade, soup, tea and orange juice during cold-and-flu season.
Breastfeeding? Have formula or an alternative on backup so you can get some rest if you're wiped out! Nursing can be so hard to do when you are sick. (It's possible, but having an alternative plus someone to help is key when you need time to rest.)
Ask for friends and relatives to drop off food. It's so helpful.
And accept any and all help that is offered!
