One of the hardest things as a parent is knowing how to help our babies when they get sick. It’s easy to worry when we see our kids suffering. I have always hated getting sick, but I always think how much more awful it would feel for a sweet baby; they don’t understand why they feel so miserable and cannot always communicate their needs. Although it's inevitable that our kids will catch a few colds per year, there are some ways to help ease their discomfort. Coming out of 3 weeks worth of colds in our own home, here are some of my favorite things that seemed to help my kiddos relax and feel better:
Baths
A warm bath does wonders for miserable babies. The warm water can help ease any pain they are experiencing, while also distracting them from being sick. My kiddos always love being in the water because it is soothing yet fun at the same time. I like to use lavender soap and bathe them right before bed. This helps them relax and sleep more peacefully.
Chest Rub, Lotion, & Baby Massage
Chest rub is one of my favorite baby products when my babies are sick because it seems to help them sleep better. The Wink Naturals chest rub is lavender scented, which can help them relax and feel calm. It also has eucalyptus oil which can help open the airways. In addition, I love to use a lavender scented lotion and rub it on my babies arms and legs. Giving your baby a quick massage has countless benefits, including reduced stress and fussiness while also encouraging relaxation.
Popsicles or Smoothies
Giving your kids something cold is a great way to help soothe a sore throat. For babies, you can freeze breastmilk or formula, thaw slightly, then blend or mash to make a milk smoothie. You can then feed this to your baby with a spoon. This is a great way to provide some relief while also providing the nutrients that come from the milk. For toddlers, let them pick their favorite popsicle flavors and arrange for curbside pickup at your favorite store. You can also blend up your favorite fruit juice, yogurt, and frozen fruit to make a delicious smoothie for them to enjoy.
Humidifier
Humidifiers can help prevent dryness in the air. Adding moisture to the air can help ease congestion and coughing, which can help your child breathe better. When using a humidifier, only use it for short periods of time. Extended use can cause too much moisture in the room, which could potentially cause mildew growth. You may also want to use a cold mist humidifier to avoid the potential for burns, and fill with distilled water. Minerals found in tap water can be released into the air which can actually make breathing more difficult (and makes cleaning your humidifier more difficult).
Nasal Wipes & the Frida Snot Sucker
Instead of using tissues that dry out the nose and leave redness, use moist saline wipes to clear away snot. As your child’s nose starts to get crusted over, the wipes help soften the crusties and clear them away. Using regular tissues can cause pain when used on dried snot. I also love to use the NoseFrida Snotsucker with saline drops to help loosen mucus that may be tough to remove. Using it before bedtime can help them breathe better as they sleep.
Fresh Air
Sometimes after being cooped up inside, some fresh air can be nice. In the evening, wrap your baby or toddler in a warm blanket and take them outside for a few minutes to breathe the cool air. If your child has croup, letting them breathe the cool air can actually help clear their lungs and help them breathe better. You can also take your kids for a quick walk in the sunshine during the day. Vitamin D can help boost your child’s mood but is also shown to help prevent respiratory infections.
Snuggle Time
Lots of snuggles can help your baby feel safe and protected when they don’t understand why they are feeling the way they feel. Allowing kids time to relax and nap often when sick can encourage their bodies to fight off the cold. During snuggle time, we love to turn on our favorite movies. Watching movies together can help distract them from their discomfort.
Although dealing with sick kiddos can be rough, giving them all the snuggles and attention they need reminds them that you are there for them. We may not be able to take their sickness away, but we can help them feel safe as their bodies fight off their nasty colds.
For more tips, visit babycubby.com