Strategies for Surviving With Sick Kids

One of the (many) parenting lessons I’ve learned since having Avalon & becoming a family of four, is that when you double the amount of kids you have, you are just about tripling the chance of someone being sick.  At the least.  Last year was by far the sickest our house has ever been, it pretty much felt like one of us was sick at all times and then as soon as that person got better, they passed it on to someone else.  So with school starting back in just a couple of weeks, I am preparing myself for the worst, and hoping for the best!  Through googling, a little bit of trial & error, and polling some of my IG expert mamas, I have learned some tips for surviving (and keeping your sanity) with sick little ones, and I thought I would share some of those today.

1 – Fruit juice popsicles.  My girls are popsicles addicts, and when they are sick and pretty much refusing to drink or eat anything, this usually does the trick to keep them hydrated.

2 – Cuddles and snuggles and their favorite DVDs.  Unless it was directed by our pediatrician, I learned long ago that there is no reason to separate them if they are sick, they just pass it to each other one way or another anyways.  They both love DVDs and a little rest and relaxation is usually all they need.  Bonus points if you get to jump in, too!

3 – The BRAT diet.  Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.  My grandmother used to always tell me this and now I remember it for my own kids!  We also make this recipe (that I shared here), that our girls love even when they are not sick.

4 – Blankets in the dryer.  Waverly loves to put a warm blanket on, even when she is feeling just fine, so it’s nice to be able to give her something a little extra special when she’s not.

5 – A pillow under the mattress.  We did this for Avalon when she was really little and had reflux, and also rely on it when either of the girls are congested.

6 – Painting nails, coloring, I Spy (one of our favorites!) or other laid-back activities.  Waverly can be as sick as I’ve seen her, and she never ever says no to painting nails.  Pull out some of these activities!

7 – Gentle massage.  We love this anytime, but especially for some extra love for our babies when they are sick.

8 – For teething or sick babes, baby Tylenol and Motrin, or even switching it off.  And frozen washcloths or baby feeders for them to much on!

9 – Puffs Plus Lotion.  We rely on this year round, but especially when our girls are sick and during cold/flu or allergy season.  Puffs Puff Lotion is America’s #1 lotion tissue and is dermatologist tested to be gentle on sensitive skin, which we LOVE, because us redheads have some sensitive skin.  You can buy Puff’s Plus Lotion at Sam’s Club in a huge pack that will last you all winter long, and can enter at the bottom this post to win $500 to Sam’s Club, $250 for yourself and $250 to give to someone else.  How fun is that?!!!  Good luck! #soothingsorenoses

10 – And when all else fails, drink all the wine!  And just remember that like every other part of parenting, this shall pass, too.  It always does. 🙂

Do you have any other secrets to survival with kids who aren’t feeling well?!  I would love to hear!
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway, best of luck friends!

Puffs Plus Lotion

I was compensated for this post, but all thoughts & opinions are my own.  #stockuponsoothingsoftness