What to Have on Hand During Cold and Flu Season for Kids

A nasty virus was passed around to each of my kids this weekend, and I realized cold and flu season is right around the corner. Children are especially vulnerable and are very likely to get sick at least once this coming season. Caring for sick children is draining and stressful. Make things easier on yourself by having all the necessities on hand. This will save you trips to the store at an inconvenient time.

Having a supply of basic over the counter medications is a must. Tylenol and Motrin should be kept on hand for fevers, and you should have a basic decongestant as well. Know the proper dosage of medicine needed for your children. Your pediatrician can provide you with a detailed dosage chart based on weight. This will be better than what is available on the back of the bottle. Keep syringes, cups, or spoons in a plastic baggie with medications so that they are easy to find when needed. Now is a good time to make sure your basic first aid kit is stocked and that you can find your thermometer. Try a musical thermometer to make temperature taking more fun for kids. If you have infants a bulb syringe is useful for nasal congestion, along with saline nose drops. You should have a box of Kleenex in your stock of supplies. Boxes with kid friendly prints are available.

The flu often brings vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration is a great risk for children. with these symptoms. Keep Pedialyte on hand to keep your kids hydrated. Pedialyte and generic versions are available in drink form or as Popsicles. Try a fun straws to coax reluctant little ones to drink. Children who have had vomiting or diarrhea will not be able to resume a normal diet immediately. After having clear liquids, such as Pedialyte, move to bland foods. Non-perishable items such as crackers, canned chicken soup, and applesauce can be kept stocked in your kitchen for when your child has a cold or the flu.

Even if mom is lucky enough to not catch the cold or flu from their child, it is still a tiring time. Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Have some good coffee on hand for pick me up for those nights you'll be up and those early mornings. A nutritious frozen meal, like one from Kashi, is great to have on hand to make sure your getting a well balanced meal in the middle of the chaos. A vitamin C supplement will give your immune system a boast. Having a special DVD or toy hid away for you child will help you keep them distracted. You'll be using a lot of hand sanitizer. Why not get some in a scent you love?

Try to keep most of your Cold and Flu season supplies together. A plastic tub is great for this. Remember to have you child's pediatrician's phone number some where easily accessible if you need to call. Being prepared will make coping with your child's cold or fly more manageable.