The Official Sick Kid Kit {from a Mom of Three}

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The back-to-school blues can get even worse with sick kids! Be prepared for germs and viruses with this Official Sick Kid Kit, perfect for preschoolers during the fall season!

The back-to-school season is kinda like getting smacked across the head with a 2×4. Sure, I see all of the ecstatic parent memes on Facebook, but for the life of me I’m finding it hard to relate. This getting up early business is exhausting.

Same to the rushed evenings of homework activities, early bedtimes, the “there’s a kid in your class that has lice” notes, and the germs. UGH. It’s September and I’m asking if it’s summer yet. Momma’s in for a rough ride.

But, at least I’m setting out prepared. With three kids, you can bet I’ve sent a truck load of tissues, hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes to various schools across the city with my fingers crossed. But, just in case (hah… I’m planning on it), I’m also armed with my own supplies and best practices to ensure my little guys aren’t down for long when viruses strike.

I can see it in the boys’ eyes. Right off the bat. They get all droopy and weepy. That’s when I know… a virus has struck. From that moment on, it’s quarantine time in the Harding Household. Time to separate the ill from the healthy and bust out the Official Sick Kid Kit.

The Official Sick Kid Kit

Enfamil® Enfalyte®

Number one on my list is always Enfalyte Oral Electrolyte Solution. We stop all those food items which I’ve noticed always leads to tummy troubles when my kids have fevers. They drink Enfalyte, an oral electrolyte solution designed to quickly replace electrolytes and water that may be lost due vomiting and diarrhea due to illness.

Always consult with your pediatrician if you are concerned about dehydration.

My kids eagerly drink it down, and I store a few bottles in the fridge for easy access all day (and night) long. I especially appreciate that it’s a clear liquid – with no artificial colors or sweeteners. It means spills (or worse…) won’t cause me even more strife.

Straws

Getting as much fluids as possible is key, but when you’re sick, sometimes it takes a little coaxing. Using a straw helps, especially if they don’t have the energy to sit up. I keep a few bendy straws on hand just for this use.

Temporal Thermometer

This gadget has been lifesaver. With a quick swipe of the forehead, I get an accurate temperature. No need to jab a thermometer in any body cavities or wake a sleeping baby up. Seriously, what an awesome product.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

I’m definitely more of a hand-washer, but when there are sick kids in the house, we bust out the hand sanitizer too. Every little bit helps, and my kids are more likely to make the effort to squirt a little in their hands periodically than they are to wash their hands after every contact with the sick member of the family.

The Giant Couch Blanket

The sick kid -or kids– get quarantined on the couch, which I cover with a huge sick-kid-only blanket. They don’t sit on the couch without it and no one else uses it. The blanket not only ensures that my patient stays snug as a bug, but also that their snot (etc.) stays off of my couch.

Over the counter medications

I have a supply of all of the general children’s medications in regular and travel sizes that I keep on hand for when illness strikes. In the same container as the medicine, I also keep a dosage chart, as each child gets a different dose based on weight and age. And, even if I know the amount, it’s handy to have in the medicine box for any care-givers to reference.

Tissues with lotion

I don’t always buy the tissues with aloe or lotion in them, because I think they’re kind of greasy. But you can bet that I keep some with our sick-kit. There’s nothing worse than irritated skin around your nose when you’re feeling down and out.

Boogie suckers

My littlest is almost past needing one, thank God, because he was NOT a fan. But, they are a life saver for stuffy nosed little ones. I grabbed mine from the hospital after each baby, but you can also get them in baby safety kits.

B.R.A.T. diet

When my kids run fevers, it’s really a challenge to get them to eat. But, when they do, it’s bananas, rice, applesauce or toast. It’s a classic for a reason.

Diaper Rash Cream

For those not potty-trained, I’ve always found that they tend to get diaper rashes when they run fevers. I’ve found that the heavy duty diaper rash cream helps temper the inflammation.

Large White Burp Cloths

I use these to clean up if my kids miss the bucket, I use them to cover their pillows when they have a stomach bug or runny nose, and I wet them down for a forehead compress when they’re running fevers. Because they are white, I can toss them in the laundry with bleach to get out germs and stains.

Diaper Disposal Bags

If I have to be out and about with a sick kid, I always throw a few of these in my bag. Even for non-diaper wearing kids. If anyone gets sick on clothing or I need to clean up a mess in the car, I can put soiled clothes or paper towels in these easy-to-tie bags. Plus they are scented with baby powder to help mask whatever it was that I cleaned up.

Once they’re starting to feel a little better, here are a few great recipes to help introduce regular foods again. My boys love this easy noodle soup recipe and this chocolate “nice” cream that feels great on sore throats. Did I miss any of your sick day must-haves for kids?