When your child is sick, your top priority is to nurse them back to health. It can be awful to watch on and feel helpless as a parent when you have a sick kid at home. Thankfully, there are many ways in which you can help relieve the symptoms and get them back on their feet in good health sooner rather than later. Here are 5 effective ways to soothe your child’s cold or flu:
#1: Lots of rest
This applies to children (and people in general, actually) of all ages. Think of it this way: Animals in the wild get sick and what do they do? They sleep. Sleep is nature’s medicine and helps to restore and re-energize the body. While the child sleeps, the body uses its energy to heal. Make sure that your child has a comfortable place to rest and encourage him or her to lay down whenever he or she likes. A good way to set up prime conditions for extra rest is to have your child hang out in a place that would be easy to sleep in and give him an activity to do. Giving him crayons to play with or some kind of game to play can work well. You can also turn on a TV show or a movie that would be easy for him to fall to sleep watching. This is a great opportunity to read to your child as well.
#2: Steam
During most colds, there is an excess of mucus in the nasal passage. Steamy air can help loosen this and relieve discomfort caused by build-up. This can be helpful for children of all ages. You can do this using a cool-mist vaporizer, a humidifier, or a steamy bathroom (with the door closed to keep the steam in). If you use a humidifier, make sure you clean it often to prevent mold growth. If your child is a baby, you can use a bulb syringe to remove the mucus as it breaks down. The common way to generate steamy air is to use the bathtub or shower. If your child is an infant, you can sit in the bath with her and hold her. Starting the shower with hot water a few minutes before you start the bath will help to begin creating steam. If it’s not a good time to take a bath, you can simply sit near the bath tub or shower with your child. Whenever you are trying to use steamy air to treat a cold in your bathroom, make sure to put a towel along the bottom of the door so that no air escapes. Staying in the steam for about 15 minutes should be effective. You might want to bring something to keep you occupied while you’re in there, like a book or a magazine. Also, a tip for an extra soothing bath (for children older than 2 years): you can add a couple drops of menthol oil to the bath.
#3: Elderberry syrup
Consuming elderberry syrup helps stimulate the immune system. You can make it at home or purchase it pre-made in a jar. Kids love the taste and it’s easy to get them to consume it.
#4: Warm liquids
Liquids are very important to heal the body, and warm liquids help soothe. Warm liquids should only be given to children who are at least six months old. They can help to relieve congestion. Chicken soup has been shown in studies to relieve symptoms like fever, aches, and fatigue as well. You can also find yummy vegetarian “chikin” recipes online using popular meat substitutions. For warm liquid, young children who are at least six months old might enjoy tepid chamomile tea. If you have an infant, don’t worry about giving her extra water. Babies that young don’t need it, and having too much can be harmful.
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