It’s FALL! Which also means we are entering the dreaded cold/flu season for our little ones! Having a sick baby or toddler is never fun so being prepared with all of our favorite essentials will make things much easier for you when that cold hits!
Favorite products for sick babies and toddlers:
Cool mist humidifier
Cool mist humidifiers are a great (and safe!) way to provide relief for a child’s cough or cold. Warm mist humidifiers are discouraged for use in infant/children’s bedrooms due to the risk of them being burned by the steam or hot water produced by the humidifier.
Be sure to adequately clean your humidifier at least weekly to prevent germs and bacteria from being spread into the air which your baby/child is breathing. This is our favorite cool mist humidifier which also acts as an essential oil diffuser and nightlight all in one. These little fish are great in helping keep your humidifier clean and germ free! 
Gentle vapor wipes
I love these wipes and use them constantly whenever my kids have runny noses so I always make sure to have them on hand! They are very gentle and soothing on your baby/toddlers runny nose and can help prevent any redness or breakdown from occurring from all of the constant wiping. 
Soothing chest rub
This chest rub can be used on infants 2 months+ and helps soothe your baby’s cough/cold with natural ingredients such as eucalyptus and lavender. I love how safe and gentle the ingredients are for your baby’s sensitive skin! I use this whenever my kids have a stuffy nose or cough and apply it to their chest, neck and bottoms of their feet.
Snot sucker
We LOVE this Nozebot nasal aspirator (use code BUMBLEBABY for discount) because it’s a hospital grade portable suction machine that was designed by a pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT). This unique design allows you to hold your child’s head while suctioning. The power of the hospital grade suction means less attempts at suctioning and more output – better for both you and the kids. Plus, it’s cordless, portable, and rechargeable. The pieces of the Nozebot are dishwasher safe (always a plus for me) with disposable filters. Another perk – the Nozebot is HSA/FSA eligible.
PRO TIP: We recommend swaddling your infant or using our special “snot sucking hold” (see it here on IG) for your larger toddler/child to make the process go a little bit smoother.
Adding a saline spray breaks up thick mucous and makes it easier to suck out! Budget friendly options: using a bulb syringe or this electric nasal aspirator are also great options in helping clear those boogers! 
Saline mist spray
Before using your snot sucker we highly suggest using a saline spray to help break up those secretions and make it easier to get them out. I love to use saline mist for my kids because it is a little bit more gentle and they seem to tolerate it better than a saline spray. The mist is also a great way to help keep your baby’s nose moisturized and provide a little bit of relief.
Quick read thermometer
Having a digital thermometer at home is very important for when your baby is sick so you can adequately monitor their temperature and give them medication if appropriate. A rectal thermometer (in the anus) is most accurate in providing your baby’s temperature especially for infants under the age of 3 months.
Temperatures taken under the armpit (axillary) can also be used for small children but should be rechecked with a rectal temperature if you are consistently getting a higher reading (fever). Oral (mouth) temperatures are less accurate for babies and toddlers so it is not recommended until your child is the age of 4 or older.
A forehead (temporal) thermometer can be used on children of any age and measures your child’s temperature by reading heat waves from a blood vessel that runs across your child’s forehead.
Call your pediatrician right away if your child is 2 months old or younger with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or if fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly at any age.
Soothing throat or tummy suckers
We love to use these suckers for sore throats because what kid doesn’t like to have a little treat to help cheer them up when they’re sick! **best used for children ages 3+.
Tylenol + motrin
When appropriate, medication is a great way to help keep your child comfortable and reduce fevers. Motrin (ibuprofen) can only be used for infants greater than 6 months of age. Tylenol (acetaminophen) should be used for babies under the age of 6 months.
Once your baby reaches the age of 6 months you are able to use both Tylenol and Motrin. These medications can be given in combination with one another, but it is important to keep in mind the times at which they are administered so you aren’t giving them earlier than what is considered safe.
Alternating these medications is a great option if you are having a hard time keeping your child’s fever down or keeping them comfortable while they are sick. See our helpful guide on how to safely rotate these medications and maximize pain and fever control.
**Always check with your child’s provider before starting any new medications**.
Ideas for extra comfort:
- When your child isn’t feeling well it can be hard to get them to eat but keeping them hydrated is very important.
- Make sure to offer them fluids frequently which can include smoothies, popsicles (or these Pedialyte popsicles!), Pedialyte, water, juice, etc. If your baby is under 6 months, they may only need breastmilk or formula for hydration, always check with your provider.
- Give your child a relaxing bath with these bath bombs to help provide relief and comfort from cold and flu symptoms.
- My girls love these lavender scented microwavable cuddle buddies all the time but especially when they are sick. They provide your child with a little extra comfort and are great to use as a pain reliever for ear infections!
- Extra snuggles! As much as I hate it when my kids are sick, I must admit that being able to snuggle and provide them some extra comfort is definitely a perk.
For more of our favorite sick baby and child essentials:
Other helpful blog posts:
- 10 common illnesses in babies and children and remedies
- Medicine kit essentials
- Bumblebaby’s first aid kit
**Bumblebaby makes a commission on some items listed. This post is educational in nature and should not replace the advice of your provider.
