Anyone who is a parent knows how sad it is for everyone when your kids get sick. They feel crappy and you feel so helpless listening to their little cough (or seemingly out-of-character loud barking cough) and difficulty breathing through their tiny stuffy nose. Unfortunately, since most colds are viral, there are no quick fix medicines to instantly cure them, but here are 3 ways to naturally help your kids feel better:
- Steam. Run the shower on hot and close the door. Let the bathroom steam up for about 10 min or so before you go in. Have your little one sit on your lap on top of the closed toilet. Bring some toys & books to read. Plan to sit for about 10-15 minutes, or until your little one gets fussy. Try to do this a few times a day. Wrap your little one in a towel or blanket when you leave the bathroom to avoid them getting cold coming out of the steam. Also, keep a cool-mist humidifier running in their bedroom to help loosen any chest congestion and help them breathe.
- Hydrate. Offer your little one plenty of fluids when they have a cold. This doesn’t have to be just water, however; mix it up. Try adding a drop of your kids’ favorite juice to their water for flavor, or add in some slices of orange or strawberry for added vitamin C. Coconut water is also a great option for hydration, and it comes in all sorts of flavors. Tea with honey is another great choice. Make sure to always choose a decaf tea; chamomile is a good option. Seep for just a few minutes, and let it cool a bit before your child drinks. Also recommended: Honey & Eucalyptus + Vitamin C Pops
- Rest. Make sure your child is getting plenty of shut-eye when they are sick. I’m not a huge fan of a lot of screen time, but this is one of my exceptions for cuddles & cartoons. So plan to snuggle in and kick back with your little one and a Mickey Marathon. You also may want to prop up your child with an extra pillow or place a flat pillow or blanket underneath one side of their crib mattress. This will help them breathe easier while they sleep.
