Parents Must-Have Items for Babies and Kids During Cold and Flu Season

Parents Must-Have Items for Babies and Kids During Cold and Flu Season

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If you feel like your little ones just can’t catch a break from catching colds and viruses, I feel you.
Ever since my oldest one went to school, she’s brought home almost everything, glitter and sand included. Me and my husband don’t usually get sick often but the germs the kids are exposed to at school are on another level. My older daughter has gotten my younger one sick every single time. Symptoms showing always 1-2 days behind her sick sister. As we currently bear through the second child’s cold/virus, we know it’s not long before the next one arrives.

This is my must have list of cold remedies and tools to help get through these rough times.

  1. Humidifier 

With both girls, I used the Crane Droplet Ultrasonic Small Air Humidifier so easy to use, reliable and helpful to use when your little ones are stuffy, have dry noses or are congested.

  1. Children’s Tylenol

I stock up on Children’s Tylenol since we go through so much of it every year.  You might see the Infant’s Tylenol and Children’s Tylenol and wonder what the difference is, but they are really about the same.  I blame marketing on the Infant Tylenol for it costing more.  Infants Tylenol usually comes in a smaller bottle (2oz) and it comes with a plastic syringe.  Children’s Tylenol can be purchased as 4 or 8oz bottles and comes with a plastic cup to measure out the dosage.  I have been guilty of purchasing both even though I know the Infant’s Tylenol is more expensive for less medication.  The Infant Tylenol is convenient to carry in a diaper bag in case either girl just suddenly isn’t feeling well.  We give this to the girls to temporarily relieve their cold and flu symptoms.  Children’s Tylenol is intended for children ages 2-11, if they are under 2 years old, I would consult a doctor first.  

  1. Children’s Motrin

We usually alternate between Children’s Motrin and Children’s Tylenol to help temporarily reduce fever and pain due to cold and flu, sore throat, headache and toothache.  This Children’s Motrin is dye-free and contains 100mg per 5mL of ibuprofen.  Keep in mind that Children’s Motrin is intended for children ages 2-11.    

  1. Nasal Spray/Mist 

Although a little scary for the little ones, this Little Remedies Sterile Saline Mist has been so helpful flushing out mucus from their little noses, keeping them more clear and moisturized.  Whenever my daughter would have a runny, crusty or stuffy nose, a couple uses of this nasal spray would really work wonders.  A children’s saline spray paired with the Nose Frida would help provide relief in the nose area.  

  1. Nose Frida

The Nose Frida has been helpful to get snot out from the little ones that can’t quite effectively blow their own nose.  Even though both my girls didn’t really like it, it’s really helpful getting out stubborn snot so they can breathe more comfortably.  

  1. Thermometer   

Having a thermometer handy is helpful when checking whether or not your child is experiencing a fever.  It also helps measure the severity of their fever (a common question that the doctor will likely ask as to how high their fever got).  I like using a digital thermometer that also has an in-ear mode for more precise measurements.  This thermometer in particular, has frontal temperature and ear capability providing quick and accurate readings.  

Be prepared for every Fall season for what’s to come during the school year.  You know your own child best, know when to schedule them a doctor’s appointment and seek care.  This list is my bare minimum and of course there are other things that can also be helpful getting the kids through their sicknesses.  I like to be minimal and this is what has worked for my family.  It’s so hard to see our little ones sick, but I always keep in mind that it’s helping them strengthen their immune system and all a part of growing up.  Good luck!