Few things feel worse than seeing our little ones sick. A stuffy nose, a congested chest, or another health problem can be stressful and even scary. So, what’s a mom to do?
There are simple ways to make your child more comfortable while you decide what to do next. If your child has a serious or urgent health problem, always seek professional medical care.
When sickness comes out of nowhere, a trusted pharmacy or medical provider can be a big help. You can also use the KidFriendlyVenues app to find pharmacies and pediatric care in your area. In the meantime, these three tips can help you care for your little one.
1. Stay Calm
One of the most important things you can do when your child is sick is stay calm. I speak from experience. Two of my children have had long-term critical illnesses, so we had to learn how to stay calm during stressful times.
Keeping a clear head can help you decide what to do next. First, check whether your child needs immediate medical attention. Is a bone broken? Is your child having trouble breathing? Is the condition getting worse over several hours or days? If so, contact a doctor or seek emergency care right away.
If there are no signs of an emergency, take a moment to assess the situation. Think about what may help your child feel better. For example, a lukewarm bath may help with a fever. Saline spray and a nasal aspirator can help ease a stuffy nose. An age-appropriate medicine may also help with certain symptoms.
Always follow the medicine label and ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure what is safe for your child.
2. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Trying to find important information during an emergency can add even more stress. That is why it helps to keep important phone numbers in an easy-to-find place.
Write down your pediatrician’s phone number and your local poison control center number. If your child sees a specialist, add those numbers to your list as well.
Keep the list somewhere that everyone in the home can find it. This is especially helpful when a babysitter or another caregiver is looking after your child.
Having these numbers ready can save valuable time when you need help quickly.
3. Be Prepared
A small, well-stocked medical kit can make sick days and minor injuries easier to handle. At our house, we keep items such as allergy medicine, fever reducers, ice packs, bandages, antibiotic ointment, saline spray, Epsom salt, and a humidifier.
We also have a thermometer, stethoscope, and pulse oximeter. These tools can help us check basic symptoms and decide whether we need to seek medical care.
Here are some common items you may want to keep available:
- Bandages and antibiotic ointment can help with small cuts and scrapes.
- Ice packs can help with minor bumps and bruises.
- Allergy medicine may help with certain allergic reactions. Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist which products are right for your child.
- Epsom salt can be used for warm baths when appropriate.
- Saline spray, a nasal aspirator, and a humidifier can help with a stuffy nose.
Your child’s needs may vary depending on the illness. It also helps to know where your local pharmacy is so you can quickly get supplies when needed.
Know Where to Get Help
Last fall, our little boy caught hand-foot-and-mouth disease while we were out of town. Since we were in an unfamiliar area, we had to find a local pharmacy quickly.
We found a nearby CVS, which was a lifesaver. We gave him warm oatmeal baths to help with the itching and used calamine lotion spray for relief. We also gave him a children’s pain reliever to help with the discomfort from the sores in his mouth and throat.
The KFV app can also help you find pharmacies and pediatric care when you need them. For example, a quick search in Chicago can show pediatric clinics in the downtown area. You can adjust the distance in the app to find options closer to your location.
Found a place you love? Give it a 5-star rating in the app and help other parents find it, too.
Make Sick Days Less Stressful
Being prepared for childhood sickness is part of life for many busy working moms. Keeping basic supplies at home and knowing where to find medical help can make stressful moments easier.
It can be scary when your kids are sick. Still, staying calm, keeping emergency numbers handy, and having basic supplies ready can help you feel more prepared.
We working moms have to stick together, after all! With a little preparation and the right resources, you can focus on helping your child feel comfortable and get the care they need.
