We're in the heart of "sick season" for kids. If your children aren't sick right now, make sure to stay diligent about washing hands regularly. That really does make a big difference. If your child is already sick, here's a few non-medicinal ways to help him or her feel better quicker...
Spacebabies Baby Bed Blocks can be used on cribs and beds to slightly incline the beds of children. This helps children with colds, stuffed noses and earaches. The incline helps kids get much needed rest and is much safer than using pillows and other objects in a crib or young child's bed. These can also help little ones that have reflux.
Vapor-eze Waterless Vaporizers don't have the maintenance of regular vaporizers and they don't grow mold, but they deliver the same benefits that help little ones breathe easier. This one just uses premoistened aromatherapy pads. Each one can last 10 hours. The Eucalyptus pads help with decongestion and the lavender ones help with sleep.
Nature's Baby Ah-Choo Chest Rub is for babies six months and up and helps relieve congestion. Its main ingredient is organic eucalyptus menthol, which relieves congestion and helps with better sleeping. I find putting a gob of this on little feet, then putting on a pair of socks underneath footed pajamas really helps kids feel better and sleep better. Plus it's organic.
One Step Ahead sells all of these products and has a free online guide with tips to help with colds without medicine. Some of those tips include:
- Use a nasal aspirator
- Use saline drops (with your pediatrician's approval)
- Elevate baby's mattress
- Make chicken soup (it's hydrating and can act as an anti-inflammatory)
- Go on a walk and get some fresh air if the weather's nice and not too cold. Don't make it too long though.
- If baby's older than one year old, try honey to soothe a cough. Ask your doctor how much is appropriate for your child.
As with any time your child is sick, it's best to put a call in to their doctor and follow your gut instincts. If you feel your child's illness isn't getting better and something else is wrong talk with your doctor and if you're not satisfied with his or her advice, seek other opinions.
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Comments
My wife and I have had good luck bringing baby into the bathroom (on a bouncy seat) while taking a shower. The hot moist air loosens up baby's congestion pretty well.
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