8 Ways to Soothe a Sick Kid

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No mom wants her child to feel miserable — and the common cold can really wipe a kid out! Fortunately, combining a few simple moves with time-tested remedies can help ease your little one%u2019s symptoms. So the next time she starts coughing and sneezing, try these savvy tricks to soothe your sick kid in no time.

No mom wants her child to feel miserable — and the common cold can
really wipe a kid out! Fortunately, combining a few simple moves with
time-tested remedies can help ease your little one’s symptoms. So the
next time she starts coughing and sneezing, try these savvy tricks to
soothe your sick kid in no time.

1. Push an ice pop. “This frozen treat can help
soothe a sore throat, plus provide extra fluid to prevent dehydration,”
says Dr. Susan Besser, a family physician in Memphis, Tenn., and a
mother of six. Giving your child plenty of liquids will also help thin
out mucus, making it easier to cough it up.

2. Choose the right remedy. An over-the-counter
medication is one of the best ways to relieve cough and cold; just make
sure to check the label for age restrictions. A multi-symptom drug is
useful in many cases, but don’t assume that it’s a one-size-fits-all
treatment. “If your child isn’t experiencing each of the ailments listed
on the box, you’re giving her unnecessary meds,” says Besser. “That may
cause uncomfortable side effects, like insomnia or nausea.” She advises
matching up your child’s specific symptoms with the medicine you give
her.

3. Use an extra pillow. “Elevating a child’s head
will keep those nasal secretions flowing forward and out of the nose,”
says Dr. Peter I. Liber, a pediatrician in Wheaton, Ill., and a father
of four. That can prevent postnasal drip from turning into a cough —
and help her sleep more soundly.

4. Have a cooldown. While waiting for that
acetaminophen or ibuprofen to kick in, a cold washcloth or icy drink can
provide relief for a feverish child. Skip the cool bath, though: Liber
explains that may raise his core temperature — and actually worsen
fever.

5. Soothe with steam. “Adding moisture to the air
can help loosen up congestion,” says Besser. Keep a vaporizer or
humidifier in your child’s room, and remember to change the water daily
to prevent bacteria growth. Or run a hot shower and let her sit in the
fogged-up bathroom for up to 15 minutes.

6. Teach good hankie habits. “Clamping your nose
with a tissue and blowing forcefully can lead to nosebleeds or even a
ruptured eardrum,” cautions Besser. Instruct your child to clear her
nose gently. While you’re at it, remind her to toss the tissue in the
trash afterwards and wash her hands to avoid spreading germs.

7. Calm with creams. Turns out those mentholated
topical ointments and creams your own mom gave you really do work.
According to a recent study, sick kids whose parents applied a vapor rub
to their chest 30 minutes before bedtime slept better, breathed easier
and coughed less throughout the night than those who didn’t. Just make
sure to follow the directions on the package, and avoid using in and
around the nose.

8. Protect his nose. You can’t always help whether
your little guy uses a tissue or his sleeve to wipe his nose. “But you
can keep his nostrils from getting red,” says Liber. He suggests
applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly beneath his nose and on the
outside of his nostrils to keep the skin from becoming chapped.

Richard JaramilloRichard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com,
a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children.
RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents
“Make Life Happen…Again!”

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Richard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com, a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children. RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents “Make Life Happen…Again!”