We’re back in the land of the living! Over the last two weeks we contracted everything you could possibly get by licking a Walmart shopping cart handle and it wasn’t pretty. We ALL had an ugly stomach bug and turned right around and had a cold / fever virus. With most viruses, there isn’t a lot you can do to shorten your sentence, but we all have our tips and tricks to make it more bearable.
As an adult, my medicinal fall back is a hot tottie, (whiskey, lemon and honey) but the “How To Throw Back A Shot” lesson hasn’t come up in parenting yet for me. So what do you use when your little ones are sick?
Coughs – Aren’t sweet baby coughs the worst? You feel so helpless when they can’t get to sleep because their little body just won’t stay still and you can’t give cough suppressants until they are four years old.
R.C essential oil from Young Living is an oil blend that has eucalyptus, lavender, pine, myrtle, spruce and peppermint that helps relieve coughs and respiratory congestion. You can diffuse it in the room, or rub it on the chest and neck. This has really helped my kids with that deep chest cough.
Maty’s All Natural Chest Rub – I’ve been using this since they were tiny babies and find it works really well. It’s a lot like Vick’s Vapor Rub but a little gentler. It has all natural ingredients of sunflower oil, coconut oil, eucalyptus, lavender and chamomile. I like using this for the constant dry cough.
Sore Throats – I like using these sore throat pops. One time when I was trying to be a really “natural” mom, I tried to get my two year old to eat a spoon of honey to help with his sore throat and the honey got everywhere BUT his throat. If you have a sweet kid that lives to please you, try the natural way…I’ll stick with trickery.
Congestion – New moms, I promise you one of the most frustrating things you’ll encounter as a parent is teaching another human being how to BLOW THEIR NOSE! It’s not a natural conversation, so start working it out now.
I LOVE peppermint essential oil! Just put a drop in your hand and let them inhale it and BAM – clear sinuses. You may not want to try this on little bitties, because it may burn the nose. I also use peppermint oil for fevers, tummy aches and headaches instead of Tylenol by rubbing it (diluted) on their back, belly or head. It’s amazing.
You also must buy the Little Remedies Nasal Spray. It’s like water boarding for babies, but makes a HUGE difference.
Boogie Wipes – I held off buying these for years because I couldn’t justify $4.00 for tissues, but now my kids don’t run away in fear when they see me coming with a tissue.
Hydration – Kids lose large amounts of water and salts through fever, vomiting and diarrhea and if your kid refuses to drink lots of liquids it can get serious really quick.
I always have Pedialyte Freezer Pops in my freezer. It replenishes liquids, helps with sore throats and feels like a treat for your sick little ones. I’ve also heard of using jello and gelatin shapes as a creative way to re-hydrate sick kiddos.
I found out about ALL of these from other moms. When your babies are sick you’ll do anything to make them feel better. What are your medicine cabinet “must haves?”
I remember liking gripe water for fussiness as a baby, Zarbee’s honey stuff for her throat when she was a toddler, Culturelle probiotic powder for tummy issues, but OTC stuff like Tylenol, Motrin, or Robitussin really have come in handy at times too!
Great advice, thank you!
Where is a good place to get the essential oil?
Jackie – you can buy them at Green Bambino or you can find a distributor and get them for a little less. I order from Laura Lathrop – [email protected]
We are in the midst of the nasty junk around here. I need to grab some of that R.C. oil to help my littles have a respite from their coughing. Great advice!