Learn a few tips to help little ones get a little more comfortable and from being so miserable when sick.

Preparing a Place to Rest

· Rest is so important for healing- prepare a place so they can be near you.

· Place a disposable tablecloth or shower curtain or layer several towels on the floor.

· Cover the pillow with a towel.

If your child throws up on the bedding or pillow it is now easy to just remove the towel and replace with a fresh one.

Preparing for Stomach Flu

· Use an empty milk gallon container and cut the opening larger. It is great because it has a handle they can hang on too. This will be used as the bucket they will throw up in. Just dump and rinse when necessary and it’s disposable when you no longer need it.

· The plastic/towel precaution is for when your child misses the bucket. All that is needed is to wipe off the plastic sheet and replace with a clean towel. I do not recommend using blankets because they are more difficult to wash up.

Creating a Mood for Rest

· Keep room dark and quiet.

· The use of a cool mist humidifier helps keep their lungs moist and perhaps prevent them from getting a dry scratchy cough.

· Avoid TV and bright lights.

· Soft music in the background is also comforting.

· A few picture books or toys like Duplo are a great diversion without exhausting them.

· Snuggle together and read or just let them fall asleep in your arms and savor the glory of your child being still for more that 2 minutes while holding on to you.

Comfort Foods

· Something cool and refreshing like a smoothie homemade or Odwalla.

· Yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit in it.

· Ask them, they have their own unique cravings.

· Steer clear of sugar. Sugar suppresses the immunity and your body will have to fight harder to get well, so stay away from “Sweets” like candy, cookies, sugar cereal, Popsicles (unless it is all fruit).

Homemade Chicken Soup

Easy 30 minute recipe.

Traveling

· Place towels in the car and carseats.

· Bring your buckets, ziploc bags (pour it in and zip to keep smell out of car), water-to rinse out buckets.

· Plastic garbage bags to place soiled linens in.

· The good news, they will probably sleep most of the time.

IF you have other tips, please share what you do to help your sick little ones.

Please remember these are just helpful tips and not to be intended to replace your doctor’s medical advice.