We've been hunkered down for the past few weeks battling snot, coughing and fevers. No matter how hard we try to wash hands and sanitize, it seems there is no escaping the dreaded cold and flu season. And I am guessing there is a good chance you are in the same boat, so I am sharing our favorite cold and flu medicines for babies and toddlers!
The following is basically a survival kit that every mom needs to combat any type of sickness — no more and no less. I have easily bought over fifty different products since Luke was born and I have finally weeded out all the unnecessary stuff down to these nine things.
Zarbee's Naturals Baby Cough Syrup + Mucus Reducer. Kids under the age of four are absolutely not supposed to have the regular OTC cold and cough medicine, and if you have dealt with a baby hacking and coughing all night long, you know the heartbreak of not being able to give them anything. I started using this stuff in the last month and it is a lifesaver. Both Luke and Wes haven't had any coughing attacks in the middle of the night since taking it, and it is safe and natural. Totally recommend it for your babies and toddlers.
Children's Tylenol Meltaways. We are big fans of Tylenol (acetaminophen). Yes, we will do the whole alternating between Motrin and Tylenol every four hours when fevers strike, but I have found Tylenol to work best at decreasing fevers in my boys. These meltaways are fantastic for toddlers. Luke thinks taking medicine is as great as getting a "treat" because they are yummy and easy to get down.
Infants Liquid Tylenol Drops. Since we are devoted Tylenol users, we love the infant liquid drops and always get the grape flavor. Like Luke, Wes gulps this stuff down, and it keeps him happy and comfortable.
Warm Steam Vaporizer. This is an absolute essential for congested little ones. We prefer the warm steam to keep the mucus loose and airways clear while they sleep. Yes, it can begin to feel like a sauna, but we make sure everything stays ventilated and comfortable. The barking cough from being in a dry room when babies are sick is always terrifying to me, and this keeps that from happening! You can also add in a couple drops of your favorite calming or healing essential oils for an extra boost.
Pedialyte Powder Packs. The only thing I can get my boys to keep down when they are really ill is juice of some sort. Since they often get diarrhea along with colds and all that junk, it is incredibly important to keep them hydrated and replenish their electrolytes. I hate buying that gigantic thing of Pedialyte and seeing it go to waste since it is supposed to be used within 48 hours or something ridiculous like that. These powder packs are good for pouring into a sippy cup, and you can stock up on them when the next sickness strikes.
Little Remedies Saline Nose Spray. This stuff is a miracle worker for clearing stuffy, little noses. I know how miserable it is to be all plugged up as an adult who knows how to cope with it, so I can't even begin how miserable a helpless baby or toddler feels! You simply spray it up their nose and suction it out with the bulb listed below. (Word of caution: they will cry and scream at you, but it is worth it to keep their sinuses clear.)
Suction Bulb. Important to have on hand with sick babies to clear out the snot and gunk. I LOVE the ones they send home with you from the hospital, and have found they are the ones that work best.
Digital Thermometer. I prefer this specific type of digital thermometer. It works for taking your little one's temperature under their armpit, in their mouth, or rectally. We pretty much always do it rectally with babies since it is the most accurate. If you opt to do it this way, make sure it has been cleaned and disinfected and apply petroleum jelly to lubricate the end. You only need to insert the thermometer about three-quarters of an inch or an inch into the rectum. I like to sing a song to distract Wes so he doesn't even notice. Make sure you wash and disinfect it thoroughly after using it. Luke is now old enough to have his temperature taken in his mouth under his tongue, and always feels like he is one of the stuffies on Doc McStuffins. :)
Maty's All Natural Baby Chest Rub. This chest rub is absolutely wonderful. I have been using it on Luke since he was one and we now use it on both of them when they are coughing and congested. I rub it onto their chests and their feet (covered in socks) right before bed. It contains natural oils, which helps them relax and sleep more peacefully. It's a wonderful remedy for coughs, along with the natural syrup listed above!
I hope you and your little ones don't get too sick this winter, but in the off-chance you do (because little kids are walking germ pools), I hope this list is helpful. Wishing you a healthy cold and flu season!