I feel like I am actually prepared for the winter flu and cold season and finally figured out a way to keep it to a minimum.
My daughter doesn’t get sick too often because she’s not in a daycare or preschool yet, but since her cousins are school age, they always seem to be sick, which in turn gets Arya sick about 70% of the time we come into contact.
She actually just caught the flu bug a few days ago from the cousins, so I’ve been dealing with trying to keep the sickness at bay. Luckily, I was already prepared since I stocked up on Kleenex essentials at Walmart.com.
The ordering process was simple, just head on over to Walmart, add the kleenex to your cart and select in-store pickup or 2-day shipping to home.
7 Must-Have Essentials for Toddler Sick Days
Kleenex
I always, always have Kleenex on hand. It doesn’t matter what time of year. It’s just one of those must-haves at home or for your car, purse or diaper bag when you need to run out and about and have to blow or wipe your nose quickly. I usually just get the normal ultra soft one and lotion variety because nothing is worse than a raw nose. They’re super soft and don’t irritate even after wiping and blowing all day.
Children’s Multi-Vitamins
I give my daughter children’s multi-vitamins every day, but in order to conquer colds, you need more vitamin c than anything. I am planning on making some elderberry syrup soon hopefully, which is a great immune system booster!
NoseFrida: The Snot Sucker
I know the NoseFrida looks like one of those things that are too gross to own but trust me, it works, and it works well! No snot or mucus comes into contact with your mouth. I don’t think I’ve had any make it that far down the nose tube to even be concerned. Plus there’s a filter plug at the end. Your kids won’t like the suction, but they’ll be happy you’ve helped them breathe.
I actually posted about the NoseFrida, you can check that out here.
Kid-Approved Essential Oil Rollers from EdensGarden
I have the Sniffles and Sneezes and Germ Ease essential oil rollers which both work wonders. I swear they both help end the illness within a couple of days. The sniffles and sneezes roller stopped my daughter’s runny nose the very next day and Germ Ease helps the immune system so you’re not getting as sick as often.
Thermometer (any kind is fine)
The thing with thermometers is that everyone recommends one over the other, but the basic mouth thermometer is just fine, especially if you don’t have $50 to shell out for a decent ear or forehead one.
If you’re using the normal thermometer for mouth and your little one can’t hold still long enough to get an accurate measurement, put underneath armpit and just add 1 degree when it beeps. If over 103, it’s recommended to head to urgent care for medical attention.
We actually put a cold rag on her head to get her temp down and she enjoyed it. It’s a quick way to get the temp to drop. And if you’re desperate for some relief for your child, don’t be afraid to give some children’s ibuprofen. My daughter was miserable with the fever and about an hour after we gave it to her, she was feeling so much better and her fever actually broke and never returned. She was not sleeping well through the night because she was burning up, so we felt it was best to give it to her the next night.
Liquids and Soft Foods
While sick with the flu, my daughter didn’t want to eat. Her temp was 102 and she was overall miserable. She was able to drink some fluids, so I gave her some water, 100% apple juice, and 100% orange juice. She didn’t want anything to do with food besides crackers, a little bit of a banana and yogurt, which was okay. We all know that tummies don’t feel well when sick, so as long as the little ones and you are staying hydrated, that’s all that matters.
Tablet or Coloring Books/Activity Sheets
My daughter was couch bound and didn’t really want to do anything but maybe watch some shows on her tablet for 20 min at a time. Being sick isn’t fun and can be quite boring, but rest is also essential to getting better so provide some fun things they can do while laying on the couch or in bed if interested.
She was back to her usual quirky self after a few days implementing these things, but she still doesn’t fully have her appetite back which is to be expected.
Do you have any extra tips for those sick days at home with the kiddos?
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These are great. If you can keep them comfy, feeling soothed, and entertained, you’re set! I love it.
There is nothing worse then a sick child! I’d rather be sick then have my kids sick! You have nailed it on the head of the must have items for sick toddlers. I love the boogie sucker (as we call it in our house). It is the best invention!!
That’s really important. It’s good to have all the things that you need so that you won’t have to leave your baby’s side! I think this list is going to help a lot of parents out.
These are really important! I really need these to my sick kit for my kids.
Thanks for sharing. We just got the flu while traveling in Orlando. Disney World to be exact. My lil girls were out for like 5 days. Time for me to get these essentials coz’ with Winter, I know they will be sick again. I’m gonna check out that Snot sucker and we definitely need more Kleenex over here.
This is certainly a great list. It’s never fun when children get sick. Our home seems to have gotten hit with sickness lately. We always keep kleenex on hand as well.
Oh man, it’s soooo sad when little ones are sick. This is a great list-I’ll have to keep it in mind.
oh boy I am not looking forward to having kids! I can’t handle myself when sick so I don’t see how i’ll manage if i need to handle someone sick ahah! but i guess all these essentials help!
I can’t imagine how sad it must be when the little ones are sick. I think you have compiled a great list here. Very helpful.
It’s always so hard with a sick little one but these items definitely help in getting them to feel better… we just had sickness in our house a few weeks ago but thankfully all better now.
Great suggestions. I’ve heard really good things about Nose Frida. For my grandson, we also keep his nasal passages hydrated with saline. It really seems to help AND loosens things up in there before using something like the Nose Frida.
What a great suggestion. I think my cousin needs to read this post about essentials for toddler sick days. Her daughter has a cold and cough and I am pretty sure it really helps her.
Anything to keep them comfortable and make them feel better right? 🙂 I am sure parents will find your post helpful.
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I don’t have kids but this sounds like an amazing guide for anyone having a sick toddler! It is important for parents to be prepared for these circumstances in an advance!
Toddler sick days are definitely no fun. Thank goodness for things like vitamins and Kleenex!
I am not a mom so I can’t really relate but I think you are doing it amazingly good!
Being a parent, I know how difficult it is to see a little one getting sick. This is such a great list of things to make them comfortable when they are not well.
I don’t have children but I’m sure this is useful to a lot of people. I’m not too sure about the nose frida haha.
Those are some great essential lists for sick babies. Your post is so helpful for every mom other. I will share this too!
I’ve heard really good things about Nose Frida. For my grandson, we also keep his nasal passages hydrated with saline. It really seems to help AND loosens things up in there before using something like the Nose Frida.