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.
Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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)
Related Reading
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.
58 thoughts on “What to Do When Your Child is Not Feeling Well”