Oh, it's that time of year!
Colds, stomach bugs, and sore throats!
Hopefully this list of 10 top tricks all moms should know and do will help!
Are you ready for this??????????
1) Line the bucket!
Yes, this tip came from a friend and I will totally be implementing this one ASAP. The throw up bucket is not "new" to me but putting a trash liner in it is just something I didn't think of at 2:00 am. Usually I just grab the hose. But... now I'm ready. I just lined my empty 5 gallon ice cream bucket and put a few extra's under there on the bottom, for a quick change.2) Speaking of throw-up...
Peppermint hard candies, and even a strong flavored cough drop can help get that yucky taste out of a little ones mouth. You could even use a lollipop. Sometimes candy is ok.3) The sick prep bag
I'm a bag person. I really like having bag for every occasion. During sick season I prep a bag for each of one of my kids. It's great to have ready for a back pack, or a diaper bag, or my purse. Heading out the door with a less than well child, just grab and be prepared.
Things to include
- purse size Kleenex
- chap stick (for chapped lips or even chapped noses works on both)
- a small tube of Aquaphor (for the hands after sanitation or again, the chapped nose)
- hand sanitizer
- empty Ziploc - for the used Kleenex
- RX - based on the kid
- nose spray
- Benadryl rapid melts
- Pepto or tums chew-ables
- chew-able Motrin or Tylenol
- (obviously only if the kids are old enough to manage have access to meds)
- Cough drop or Vitamin C drops
- a fun band-aid - because when you don't feel good a paper cut can end your world.
4) Used Kleenex piles... oh gross!
A great idea is to get the boxes that are cubes, use an empty one as a trash for the used ones. Either tape, glue, or rubber band them together.
Don't have a empty box.... grab a gallon sized Ziploc. Fill, zip, and toss all those germs away!
5) Get some rest - but "I'm too achy to sleep".
If keeping their eyes open to watch a movie keeps them awake when they should be resting. Try a CD or audio book. Swing by the library, buy one and keep it on hand or download the free app from your library and just download one. Close your eyes and listen, and rest!
6) Body aches, detox bath time!
Might I suggest keeping some Epson Salt on hand. It's really cheap, and helps a ton. There are so many "recipes" for the perfect detox bath. But, I find Epson salt and sleepy time tea bag thrown in a tub helps a ton.
7) Medicine baskets, get 'em prepped now!
You need to have 3 major baskets in your medicine cabinet - your 3:00 am self with thank you.
- wound care
- cold / allergies / respiratory
- stomach / flu / digestive
If you want to get fancy and OCD... and a smaller basket for each of your family members. When the crud starts to take hold, put the correct meds in the correct person's basket on your counter with a list of times etc for doses. It's helpful when adults play tag-team on care knowing when the last dose of meds were given and how much. And you won't mix up small children's with older children's meds.
8) Germ barriers, sick beds
Ok, so you should know I am a germ-a-phob. I mean like really, really bad. Sick kids on a surface that I can't throw into the washing machine creeps me out. So, I make a sick bed on the couch. A king sized fitted sheet over the whole thing, keeps my couch clean and washable.9) Never run out
This might be obvious, but go out and get what ever medicine, creams, oils, refills, and Epson salt you need. And get some back ups. My main tip is have everything on hand at all times. Here are must list of things to never run out of EVER!- Benadryl (never know when you have an allergy reaction and need a quick dose)
- Mucinex
- Motrin
- Epson salt
- thermometer (have extra batteries on hand)
10) I'm bored, and sick, and whinny...Mommy!!!!!!!!!!
So.... I got nothing (other than audio books). We all struggle with this. My biggest advise on this one is to remember to get out that hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes out and wipe down that IPad, cell phone, remote control, light switches, door knobs and start on that laundry you have sheets, towels, and pillow cases to wash. At least YOU won't be bored!
Get Busy Mama, there is no time for you to get sick!
