The cooler temperatures are upon us and with this change in weather comes the cold and flu season. It is a good idea to go through the medicine and “sick day essentials” you have on hand now, so you are prepared when that first virus makes its way through the family. Of course nobody wants to be sick or care for a sick child, but unfortunately it is inevitable. Coughs and sniffles will find their way into your home and you want to be ready!

I have compiled a list of products to have on hand, to help combat the following symptoms:

Pain & Fever

Of course you want to have some children’s medicine on hand to help combat that fever when it starts to creep up. You can decide what is best for your child and family, as there are a few different brands available, but either way be sure you have some basic pain and fever relief medicine in your child’s medicine cabinet. There are other products on the market, like these cooling patches that help cool your child down when they are hot and uncomfortable.

Finally, while not directly medicine, having a trusted thermometer (with batteries) easily accessible is very important when your little one begins to feel symptoms. It is good to periodically monitor your child’s fever, so you are able to know when to treat it if necessary.

Congestion & Runny Nose

This particular symptom can often be treated with medicine that attacks multiple symptoms at once. There are, however, some products to have on hand specifically to help with that congested and runny nose. Using some type of vapor chest rub, or patch, can help your little one clear their nasal passageway, which also will make it easier for them to blow their nose.

If your little one struggles with blowing their nose, or maybe the mucus isn’t moist enough to get out, consider using a nasal aspirator of some sort (a way to suck those boogies out!). Pair either a manual aspirator, like the Nose Frida, or an electric version with some saline spray/drops to really be successful in clearing out that congestion.

Cough

Hearing your little one have a coughing fit, is one of the tougher things we have to endure during the sick season. Knowing how unpredictable and uncomfortable those coughing fits can be, it is a good idea to have cough medicine on hand so you can help ease some discomfort for your little one. Depending on your child’s age, and what they can handle, it is also smart to have some throat soothing lozenges or lollipops accessible for the inevitable sore throat that will follow.

As you prepare to tackle a certain set of symptoms or you are looking to completely stock up on the essentials, it is important to give some thought into that medicine cabinet now, before the sickness hits. Have some general cold and flu medicine ready, in addition to some of the aforementioned essentials. The sicknesses may feel as though they are lasting for months on end (in some cases they do) you are in your survival mama mode, helping your little one, one symptom at a time. 

Take those vitamins, put some extra vitamin C into your diet, and wash those hands! Do what you can to help reduce the spread of any germs in your household. Good luck!