Tip Tuesday: Surviving Sick Kids!

Tis the season for sick kids. We have already experienced two weeks of illness in our house this month, one week of sinus infections and the following week of Roseola. It seemed like a long winter last year when Judah had four months of ear infections, especially all the sleepless nights. Thankfully the tubes worked well the last few weeks but we were still sick.

At least him being sick was a wake up call for a prevention and a preparedness check list. I had to make several trips to the store to buy the following. Perhaps I can save you some headache for your own infants/toddlers.

1. Working Vaporizer
2. Kleenex
3. Children's Tylenol or related product
4. Children's Ibuprofen or related product
5. Adult Ibuprofen for headaches related to extreme fussiness
6. Pedialyte, Pedialyte Freezer Pops, or clear juice
7. Crackers, apple sauce, or yogurt
8. Wipes or a form of antibacterial cleanser
9. Laundry detergent to clean sheets and clothes
10. Working and accurate thermometer
11. Liquid Benadryl for rash (doctor approved)
12. Anti-itch creme for rash (doctor approved)
13. Night light
14. Phone number for local doctor office
15. Phone number for local hospital nurse
16. Local Pharmacy phone number

Here are some other tips that might lessen the stress of sick toddlers (as I have learned in my short mommy experience), especially at 3:00 in the morning.

• Putting down several layers of wet pads and sheets on the bed will save you time of changing sheets during the night. You can pull one layer off when needed after use.
• Have a notebook and pen handy to write down and keep track of symptoms.
• Call your pediatrician if you have given Tylenol or equivalent for several days and your child is still waking up during the night several times. More than likely your child has an ear infection (if it is teeth then the medicine will help them sleep all night).
• Trust your instincts! Trust your instincts even if it deviates a little from the doctor. Trust your instincts that your child is sick and something seems wrong.
• Do not be afraid to call the doctor's office or hospital nurse for consultation.
• Have some kid friendly videos on hand.
• Ask for help if you need it, especially if you have been up several nights in a row. Taking shifts is the best way to cope and continue a normal day routine.
  
• Check out my favorite web sites for more information on symptoms and advice to treat your child: Mayo Clinic and WebMD. If you are like me, you have no clue what to do otherwise.
• Pick up the toys before bed so that you are not tripping on them during the night due to lack of sleep.
• "Sleep when child sleeps" stills applies.
  

I could probably stand to hear about your own tips for treating sick kids to prevent another long winter. In the meantime, hope you all feel better soon.