Seven Items in our Cold and Flu Tool Kit

Written by: Caroline Ludwig

Sometimes as a parent you can’t smell the roses. Sometimes it’s because you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off trying to make sure the kids stay happy and healthy. Other times it’s because the children gave you a cold and you literally can’t smell anything. We recently had to get out our “cold and flu tool kit” for the kids.

The other night Elliot was very fussy. He woke up every 1-2 hours and would fall asleep in our arms. It was adorable until he would wake back up as soon as we put him in his crib. We thought it was because he was getting a tooth, but as the night went on he got more and more congested. Our household was officially infested with the sickness.

We’re not sure where Elliot picked up the bug, but the next morning Lilly started getting congested too. Based on our lack of sleep and our constant proximity to the children we figure we’re next in line. We’re doing what we can to prevent getting sick ourselves, but there’s only so much you can do when the toddler uses you as a tissue and the infant sneezes into your face.

Our Cold and Flu Tool Kit

The cold and flu season is just beginning so I’m sure we will be sick many times before old man winter goes back to sleep in the Spring. Until then, we will make sure to keep these seven items from our cold and flu tool kit handy.

#1: The NoseFrida

At first, I was hesitant to use it. Why am I going to suck out my kids’ boogers when I have a bulb suction? Then Lilly had to stay overnight at Children’s Hospital with bronchiolitis and I got over it. The bulb suction barely gets anything out of their nose, let alone their sinuses. Only use the NoseFrida when they sound terrible or their nose is very runny, and stop when you are no longer pulling out boogers. As your kids get older they will thank you.

#2: Tissues

I prefer them with lotion. I’m not a huge fan of the tissues with lotion in them, but our kids’ noses are sensitive and get red quickly.

#3: Vicks Baby Rub

Their children’s formula helps break up the gunk in their nose and chest. Apply liberally and you’ll hear them get better.

#4: Humidifier (cool mist)

The humidifier helps break up mucus and keeps their nasal passages moist.

#5: Saline Drops and Spray

Use the saline drops when the kids are little (not able to stand up on their own) and as they get older you can switch to a spray. Use this before you suck out their nose to help break up the gunk before you pull it out.

#6: Movies

Young kids don’t like resting. Normally we’re all for minimal T.V. time, but when the kids are sick I’ll play movies all day to help slow them down. And if they get a nap or two in, it’s a win for everyone.

#7: Bathroom Sauna

Close the bathroom door, put the shower on full blast hot, and steam up the room. We only do this when the kids are super unwell and we need immediate results. After they sit for 10 or so minutes in the bathroom we’ll get out, saline their nose, and then NoseFrida it clean.

Using the Tool-Kit

Elliot has only had to deal with the items in our cold and flu tool kit once before, and it was for a very short spell, so he gets very grumpy when the NoseFrida and saline come out. Joe has to hold Elliot against his chest facing out so he can help control his arms and head while I work on clearing out his nose. Lilly isn’t a huge fan but knows that they help so she stands mostly still while I work on her nose. She’s slowly learning how to blow her nose, but she can’t get a whole lot out.

Between cleaning out their nose, putting on baby rub, and turning on humidifiers the kids slept better through the night. Lilly did sleep on Joe’s chest for a while, but after he woke back up he was able to put her into her big girl bed. The morning was filled with whatever movie Lilly seemed interested in to try to keep her chill to recover quicker. They both are unwell but they’re pretty happy and slowly getting better. We’re abating symptoms where we can and trying to get them to rest as much as possible.

We’re still in the early stages of the sickness, but so far we’re getting through it. My throat is getting scratchy though so we’ll see if Joe and myself come out unscathed. Our family has said they don’t mind the kids coming around so if the kids seem up to it they’ll get turkey for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving Day and lots and lots of rest the next.

Note: Remember, this article is not medical advice. If your small child is sick, please consult a pediatrician.

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