Last Updated on May 27, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Wondering what to do when your child is not feeling well? There are few things harder on a parent than when your child is sick. Here are some tips.
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All you want to do is make them better but sometimes no matter how hard you try it only makes it worse. Here are a few tips you can follow if your little one isn’t feeling well.
What to Do When Your Child is Sick?
If you’re wondering what to do when your child is sick, the first thing to ask yourself is whether or not you need to speak to a doctor. It’s best to err on the side of caution.
If you’re not sure, it takes only a few minutes to call the on-call nurse and ask. They can give you advice that is specific to your situation. You might want to consider an online doctor consultation.
How do I help my sick child?
After you’ve spoken to your child’s pediatrician and followed their advice, the best thing you can do is keep them comfortable. This can mean something as simple as giving them their special stuffed animal. Or, it can mean letting them watch their favorite television show.
Be sure that you keep them hydrated. This is good advice whether they have a stuffy nose or a stomach bug. A good old-fashioned home remedy has always been a cup of chicken soup.
They may also want to have an ice pop to soothe a sore throat or settle a stomach.
Should you let your child sleep when sick?
Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, it’s always best to let a sick child sleep. Their body needs to fight off whatever illness they have.
And a few extra hours of sleep will help them get stronger and feel better. A warm bath before bedtime may help relax them. And, if they are stuffy, a humidifier may help them breathe easier.
How do you calm a sick toddler?
One of the most important things to do is keep your toddler calm and happy. Younger children don’t always understand why they don’t feel well.
They will probably want more attention from you so extra cuddles and special one-on-one time may help. We always use an aromatherapy bear when the kids are sick.
You can use lavender for calming or peppermint for congestion.
How to care for a sick child at home
For most minor illnesses, you will be caring for your child at home. If you’re wondering what to do when your child is sick at home with a long-term illness, you might want to consider speaking to your doctor or nurse for their recommendations.
Try making their room extra cheerful with their favorite toys or balloons. Bring a small television or laptop in their room to watch TV. Using a bed tray will allow them to eat in bed, use their coloring books, or play with playdough.
How to entertain your sick child
If your child is sick, they need to stay in bed and be calm. This is hard enough to do when your child feels well. Getting a cranky child to be calm in bed can be a challenge.
But, it helps to keep them entertained. Why not bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal to them and let them pretend to take care of it. You can give them a little box of bandages, a thermometer, a little baby-sized blanket, and a play doctor bag.
This plush animal hospital is adorable and would be a wonderful way to entertain your little one.
Or, you might want to try this get well soon teddy bear. Or, keep them busy with this Sick at Home coloring book and a box of crayons.
You may want to learn more about how to keep track of medications. And learn more about supporting your immune system, so you don’t get sick every time your children do.
Here’s what we keep on hand
- Elderberry gummies for kids
- Cool pads for fever discomfort
- Colorful face masks
- Little Remedies sore throat pops (I’ve used these myself)
- A forehead thermometer (so much easier than other types)
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
You can collect 5 bears.
I learned that Thermal-Aid has been tested on patients and animals with many different pain ailments including arthritis,
I learned that the bear can be used for either hot or cold therapy and that it is washable.
cjnedrow at gmail dot com
I learned they are 100% natural & they are washable 🙂
They have thermal aid for pets too!
made from “special” corn- can be used hot or cold for whatever your need is.. love this idea. thanks
It is washable
They have other animals like Happy the Hippo and Tiny the Elephant. Happy is adorable.
Natural cotton is whata theu use-love that!
listen to Away In a Manger – Casting Crowns while cuddled up with Honey Bea , very soothing for me the babby can waite his turn lol
http://thermal-aid.com/heating-pack-products-for-pets/
a sweet way to pamper the fur babies
It can be used for hot and cold!
They have a green bear named Hunter who is so cute!
I like Hunter the green bear.
you can get the bears in all sorts of colors.
Learned that the ingredients are: natural Cotton and a heating/cooling element composed of a specially engineered corn
I learned that they relieve pain and fever and are 19.95
They relieve pain and they’re washable!
You can collect the bears! I love Honey Bear!
…not just Bears (Although I love the bears) but several different ZOO Animals. So VERY Cute and Usefull! I love em’!
I learned that 100% Natural Heating and Cooling Pack +Reduces Fever +Relieves Pain + Washable
Learned they are 100% natural!
I learned they come in zoo animals too. How fun and such a great product
It comes in all different colors
I love that they are great for fever and pain, and great hot or cold, thank you so much for chance to win, my daughter would just love, so appreciate!
I like honey bear of all the 5 of them but they are so cute.
Good for: Arthritis, back pain, muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, neck pain, carpal tunnel, headaches, and migraines, sprains/strains, sunburn, fever, stomach aches and flu symptoms, bug bites, lactation, babies with colic (under adult supervision), multiple sclerosis and growing pains
Thanks for the contest.
I learned that there are lots of color options and that they are washable
i learned it heps reduce fever
I like all the fun colors.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I’ve learned that Thermal-Aid is University Tested and Doctor Recommended!
Thank You for the giveaway
Ingredients: Natural Cotton and a heating/cooling element composed of a specially engineered corn.
Do not use by individuals with corn allergies.
These can be used for hot or cold.
Thermal Aid makes lots of products for people of all ages.
I learned the the heating element is cotton and corn..all natural.
can be used hot or cold
I learned that they can be used as either a cooling or hearing pack!
I have never heard of these bears and the are so cool!So many colors..I love Bella(the pink one)I also like the fact they are %100 natural.Thanks for the chance.
They also offer adult products as well.
I learned they are made with natural cotton and corn.
We have the thermal aid bear and my kids use it all the time when they are sick!
It can be used as a heating pad, an ice pack and is machine washable.
I learned that it uses specialized corn to hold temperatures for long periods of time.
I love the fact that the heating / cooling element is made from corn. And I think Bella the little pink one is adorable!
I learned that my daughter wants Bella Bear!
The bear looks adorable! I hope I win! 🙂
I have never heard of these bears but they are adorable! I would love to win one.
I learned and like that there are a variety of colours to choose and LOVE that it is washable
They have a green bear named Hunter who is so cute!
I learned that 100% Natural Heating and Cooling Pack +Reduces Fever +Relieves Pain + Washable
The color options are great!! My son has something similar and it helped with growing pains! Fantastic review of the item.
I loved all the color options for the bears!
I learned they are made with natural cotton and corn.
The lavender tumble bear is only 1.6 lbs!
The Tumble bear is adorable…and this would certainly beat the tube sock filled with rice we use now… ( although, we do have a lot of different sizes!)
I learned they have 5 different bears. I wish I had one tonight, my little one is sick with a fever and would love to cuddle with it instead of his cold washcloth on forehead.
The bear comes in lots of cool colors. It can be used for hot or cold therapy.
I would love to win this bear! I have twins that are forever trading their illnesses back and forth!