Recently my little one was hit with a cold and fever combo that pretty much lasted for 2.5 weeks. It was the hardest thing ever as a mom to see him not feeling well and acting so unlike his usual self! I legitimately wished and prayed that I could take his sickness from him (and I did, in fact, get sick as he got better). As a first time momma whose focus is on the more natural and holistic side of health and wellness, these are some of the things I had on hand just in case we got hit this year during sick season – and I’m so glad I (mostly) planned ahead.
1. Elderberry Syrup: This is something I started giving my son once cold and flu season was upon us. My husband got hit with a terrible cold really hard at Christmas time this year but I was still trying my best to keep all of us as healthy as possible. Elderberry is known for its immune boosting functions and is a natural way to aid the body through sickness as well. The two shown here are the ones I used before, during, and still after my son was sick – and he actually seems to like the taste! Both baby brands are organic.
Mommy’s Bliss: For infants, under 1 year old
Wellements: For 1 year old +
*We take elderberry syrup ourselves as well; This one is also organic.*
2. Mommy’s Bliss Cough & Mucus Syrup: I like this brand because it is organic and easy to find; Plus there is a daytime and nighttime version that go together. It really seemed to help with my son’s cough and with thinning the mucus in his throat, making it easier for him to get it out. He also didn’t mind taking it so the flavor must be okay!
3. Genexa Infant Fever & Pain Reducer: I am a big proponent of the idea that a fever is the body’s natural defense against an infection, and we should try our best to let the fever go and fizzle out on its own. HOWEVER, it is imperative to know the signs and be cautious of a fever being too high and getting out of hand. There can be catastrophic side effects from a fever that is too high for too long. My son’s fever got up to 101.3 at one point and that was when I could tell he was in pain and very uncomfortable. Genexa is basically a more natural version of Tylenol (same active ingredients), and it works just as good.
4. Nose Frida & 5. Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator: The Nose Frida works wonders and is truly all you need to help your baby get snot out! It is fairly easy to use and does the job. But, my son absolutely hated it. Trying to use one hand to keep his head in the right position and the other hand to hold the device while he thrashed around and screamed was just not pleasant for either of us. I looked into nasal aspirators after a day or two of using the Nose Frida and decided on the Grownsy brand. It works really well, and although my son still hates it, it is faster and easier to use.
6. Levoit Air Purifier: I should note that this is something I did not have on hand when he first got sick! (Mom fail.) My husband and I have one for ourselves, but I didn’t have a baby friendly one until we were knee deep with a sick baby. I did a lot of comparing and back and forth contemplating on which one to get, and settled on this one for a few reasons. We already trust this brand because we have two of their air purifiers. Plus, it fills and empties from the top, is super easy to clean, has an optional colored light display, and has the option to add essential oils for extra soothing possibilities. The quality is great and the cost isn’t too bad.
*Here’s the link to the organic lavender essential oil I found at Target as well.*
7. Wellements Organic Chest & Foot Rub: How many of us grew up having Vicks VapoRub smeared across our chest when we couldn’t breathe at night? Imagine that, but a cleaner, organic version for little ones. This stuff smells so relaxing and actually absorbs into the skin without leaving any greasy residue behind. I can honestly say it seemed to help my son relax at night when his stuffy/runny nose was at its worst.
8. Nasal Spray/Drops: These are the two brands I used and they both work great. Personally I thought the Little Remedies saline spray was better for use before the Nose Frida or Nasal Aspirator, and the Kids Xlear was best for using throughout the day to help clear and drain the sinuses. You don’t need both, but it might be a good idea to try them out and see which one works better for your little one.
*My husband and I use and LOVE the Xlear nasal spray for adults also. Total game changer!*
Please note: I am not a doctor, and none of this is medical advice. It is simply a list of at home remedies that helped and worked for us, that may be worth trying. If your little one(s) get sick this season, remember that rest, cuddles, skin to skin, and hydration are JUST as important as what you have in your medicine cabinet. It can be so hard to try and help them when you feel like nothing is working, but just know that you are their safe place and their ultimate source of comfort. You’ve got this <3