Being a parent to a sick little one is no joke. Whether it’s a mild cold, teething tantrum, or a feverish flu day, comfort becomes priority #1. But navigating the aisles (or Amazon) for the right remedies can be just as exhausting as the 3 a.m. wake-ups.
Here’s a tried-and-true list of soothing products and calming tactics to get your baby or toddler through those tough, sniffly days—with (hopefully) a little more sleep and a lot more snuggles.
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Must-Have Products to Keep on Hand for Sick Days
- Humidifier for Congestion
We use this Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Humidifier when our little one is sick. A lot of brands are nice for extras but you don’t have to use one that is “for babies”. Look for one that is the right size for your room based on square footage and one that has a wide opening for cleaning. These things can get slimy and gross quick. You want to be able to get your hand in there to scrub it out.
Check out these alternative options if you’re looking for more bells and whistles: Frida Baby 3-in-1 XL Top Fill Humidifier and LEVOIT Humidifier for Bedroom with Night Light. - Nasal Aspirator
These work. The bulb things from when we were little can harbor bacteria and can go too far up the nose. You can get the Frida Baby NoseFrida SnotSucker manual version or if the entire idea makes you gag (my husband dry heaves every time he thinks about this) then get the Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator. Full disclosure, I’ve used this on myself to be able to get some sleep when I had a cold. And then washed it and sanitized it before using on the kiddo, of course.
Check out these alternative options: Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Pro Nasal Aspirator and GROWNSY Electric Nasal Aspirator. - Pacifier to Administer Medicine
This is one of my favorite things to gift at baby showers: the Frida Baby Medicine Syringe & Accu-Dose Pacifier. It was a sanity-saver to help administer medicine to my little one when she was tiny. The syringe is clearly marked with the standard dosages for the common medicines. It shoots the medicine out into the side of their mouth so it doesn’t go straight to the back of the throat and upset your already fussy kiddo.
Honorable mention to these syringes: Ryan & Rose Cutie Dose – Baby Medicine Dispenser Syringe. Save these (or add to your registry so you have them on hand) for when your little one is a bit older and the dosages get higher. There’s nothing worse than only having one pharmacy-provided syringe that is large enough and having to wash it last minute while holding a screaming child. I know this from that exact experience. - Pedialyte Popsicles
These Pedialyte Popsicles are a favorite in our house and we often offer these instead of the sugary alternative versions. These help a lot to combat dehydration – especially when it’s hard to explain to your little that small and slow sips are better to avoid vomiting. My daughter loves these and calls them “papasicles”. We’ll give her half at a time since she’s sure to ask for another one as soon as she’s finished the first. We love these washable neoprene holders to keep her tiny hands from getting too cold.
Check out these options for teething babies that can’t do popsicles yet: Teetherpop Fillable Silicone Teether and Haakaa Silicone Teether Combo. - Cookie Cutters
Using cookie cutters to cut buttered toast into fun shapes is my go-to move to get my toddler to eat something – even if it’s just a little bit – when she has no appetite and refuses everything else. I’ll switch it up depending on the season or whatever theme she’s into at the time. Look for basic, easily recognizable shapes that don’t need explanation or imagination. Flowers, dinosaurs, hearts and stars are our go-tos.
Check out these sets for a good variety: Wilton 4-Piece Comfort Grip Cookie Cutter Set, Dinosaur Cookie Cutters Set, Cookie Cutters for Every Season
What NOT to do:
❌ – Force solids if they aren’t hungry. Keep up the fluids and monitor their diaper changes.
❌ – Freak out over schedule changes. This is to be expected and their nap schedules are likely going to be off.
❌ – Worry about too much screen time. Give yourself a break! My little wants me to hold her non-stop when she’s sick. But if I let her hold the iPad with some Ms. Rachel, Bluey, or Super Simple videos on, I can switch the laundry or go to the bathroom by myself.
❌ – Talk yourself out of consulting a doctor. If you want to, do it. Even if it just gives you peace of mind.
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If this helped you, it’ll help another tired parent too.
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