Baby and Kids
Must-Have Kids Cold and Flu Season Essentials
Cold and flu season hits all of us eventually. The winter months can be brutal for young children, and I can imagine that frantically looking for a working thermometer at 2AM is something no parent wants to do. As a mom of three, I’ve managed everything from mild sniffles and flu symptoms to RSV and Strep. And after almost 8 years of parenting, and 2 of those years spent parenting an immunocompromised child, I am ready for illnesses. It’s always nice to have a backup thermometer in case one doesn’t work. I became meticulous about prevention and symptom management when my daughter was immunocompromised and learned a lot about how to be ready for anything. I may not have a medical degree, but I hope this post might be helpful. Here are my kids cold essentials.
Kids Cold and Flu Essentials
Over the years, I’ve refined my small collection of kids’ cold essentials. From my trusty saline spray and electric nasal aspirator to my cool-mist and the one item that’s a must-have for high fevers, I’ve tried it all. These items help me feel prepared and ready to support my kids through illness as comfortably as safely and comfortably as possible. As always, this post is not medical advice—it’s what has worked for our family. If you are worried about your child, do not let a blog post keep you from seeking appropriate medical attention. Please take your child to see a healthcare professional. And trust your instincts! If you think your child needs medical attention, it’s always better to get them looked at if you are able.
My Approach to Cold & Flu Season as a Mom of Three
Cold and flu season hits differently when you have kids. You know it’s going to come for you, and that the sickness is likely to circulate throughout your home. And you want your kids to feel better, plus, you want everyone to get some sleep. Not every sniffle is an emergency, but I like information, so when my daughter recently threw up and had a sore throat, I took her in to get tested for strep and shocker—she had it. I kept her isolated from her younger siblings who managed to avoid getting sick. I know that isn’t always easy, but it can work.
What I Always Keep Stocked at Home
My oldest went through cancer treatment and spent over two years immunocompromised. Back then, a fever meant a trip to the ER, but I learned how important a reliable thermometer is. I would recommend having two different types of thermometers on hand in case one fails you, and this might seem obvious but keep them in the same place. I wish I could apply that logic to our kids’ nail clippers. There are items I’ve restocked every cold and flu season since she finished treatment. Consider this list the basics that you don’t want to run out of at 2AM.
I’ve taken a lot of temperatures over the years. A rectal thermometer is best for babies under 6 months. Once your child is 6 months old, an ear thermometer or hospital grade thermometer is best. The hospital grade can be used orally, and prefer a hospital grade thermometer for accuracy for ages 6 months and up. They are expensive but are definitely a nice-to-have. If you’re looking for something more affordable, I prefer an ear thermometer to a forehead.
I prefer motrin to tylenol, but will alternate them every 3 hours if needed.
Carepod
Cool-Mist Humidifier
Keeping Kids Comfortable
When one of my kids is sick, comfort matters as much as medicine. These are the items we reach for again and again because they make sick days and nights easier. Once my kids are old enough to sleep in a bed, they know that they get to sleep with mom when they’re sick. This makes them feel safe, and it makes middle-of-the night wake-ups a lot more manageable.
I make sure they have all their cozy essentials, from their favorite pajamas and a blanket, to my bed serving tray, and favorite icy treats. Fever patches get switched out to help cool their bodies down. I usually place them on their foreheads and the back of their neck if needed.
This might be controversial, but I have next to no rules for screen time when my kids are sick. They normally have next to no iPad access, and we avoid screens during the week. But when they’re sick it’s shows and movies all day if that’s what they want. And as important as a healthy diet is, never underestimate the power of a milkshake.
Medicines & Remedies
I vaccinate my kids, am very comfortable using Tylenol and Motrin for pain and fevers, and of course, antibiotics when needed. Cold medicines never work the way I hope they will. Keeping nasal passages hydrated with saline spray and warm baths are some of the best remedies for nasal congestion. I tend to use natural over the counter cough medicine and cold remedies, and a teaspoon of honey (for ages 1+), when my kids have a sore throat. Our pediatrician who is pro vaccines and science suggested that we use natural remedies
When to Call the Pediatrician
One of the hardest parts of cold and flu season is knowing when to wait it out and when to make the call. Most childhood illnesses are uncomfortable but harmless, and it’s normal to second-guess yourself. My advice is to always call your child’s doctor when you’re worried.
When Your Child’s Symptoms Might Not Require a Call
Low-grade fever that responds to medication
If your child has a common cold symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing.
Occasional coughing, especially at night
Low energy for a day or two
Decreased appetite if they’re getting plenty of fluids
These symptoms are often part of a typical viral illness and tend to improve with rest, fluids, and time. But you know your child best and should call your pediatrician if you’re concerned.
Symptoms that Require a Call
Fever in infants
Pale skin and bruising
A fever that won’t go down with Motrin or Tylenol
A fever that keeps coming back
High fevers (100.4°F in infants and 102°F in babies and children 3+ months of age)
Call your doctor if your child has a fever of 104°F
Any breathing issues (like trouble breathing or wheezing)
Signs of dehydration
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down (this ended up being intussusception for one of my kids)
If symptoms get worse
Anything that feels noticeably “off” from your child’s usual behavior
Pediatricians expect these questions, and reassurance is part of their job. You’re not overreacting by advocating for your child; you’re doing exactly what a good parent does.
