It is so hard seeing our babies sick! As parents, we want to take away their pain, but most sicknesses require us to just let it run its course.
However, there are some things that we can do to ease the symptoms while we wait for it to be over. If you're feeling helpless, try using these tips to help your sick baby.
In case you're new here, hi! I am very passionate about using clean, natural products in my home and for my family. This especially applies to what we put into our bodies- like medicine! All of the products I recommend are things that I truly love and believe in.
Note: Always consult your pediatrician and stay in contact with them! These are recommendations from what I've experienced as a mom and advice from our pediatrician, but I am certainly no expert. Every baby has their own unique needs, so do what's best for your baby.
Find all my discount codes at the bottom of this post!
Disclaimer: I make a percentage of money off the affiliate links provided in this post at no additional cost to you; thank you for your support!
1. Keep a close eye on your baby
It's important to monitor your baby often for changes in behavior, a fever developing or rising, and the number of dirty diapers they are producing a day. Something that starts as a runny nose can develop into bronchitis or an ear infection pretty quickly. While it's not necessary to take your baby to the doctor for a runny nose, monitoring them can help you gauge if they're not getting better and may need to go in for a visit. Communicating with your pediatrician throughout your baby's sickness can also give you some reassurance.
It's always a good idea to have acetaminophen on hand in case they spike a fever. Ideally, we try not to give acetaminophen to Addy unless she's noticeably uncomfortable or has a fever above a certain number. Fevers are our body's way of fighting off the bacteria inside, so it's best to let them do their job unless the fever becomes too high. This is the acetaminophen that we have on hand for emergencies. It's free of dyes, artificial preservatives, and fillers and is as effective as Tylenol. I also like Dr. Green Mom's Temperature Tamer, an all-natural way to treat a high fever!
2. Nourish their bodies
Keeping your baby hydrated (and you, too, if you're a breastfeeding mom) will help the mucus to thin and drain from their sinuses. Note: Dehydration is the number one reason babies end up in the hospital when sick. If you're breastfeeding, continue to offer breastmilk as often as you can. Breastmilk is packed with nutrients and antibodies to help your little one fight their illness. You can also add extra vitamins into your diet to pass to your baby through your breast milk. When Addy is sick, I consistently take my prenatal, vitamin D3/K2, Vitamin C, Zinc, Elderberry, and Earthley wellness "feel better serum." For babies 1 year+, these supplements can be given directly to them instead of mom. (Find links to these products and discount codes at the bottom of this post!)
If your little one has a stuffy nose, they may not want to nurse much. You may have to get creative in finding ways to give them your milk. Try pumping some milk and offering it in a straw cup, open-mouthed cup, or even creating a milk popsicle.
For babies that are eating solids, make sure you're offering nutrient-packed foods to help their immune system too. You will want to avoid sugars and empty calories so that their bodies are not wasting any precious energy while they are sick. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, Cod Liver Oil, berries, eggs, fish, & greens.
Make sure they get plenty of sunshine and fresh air!
3. Help get rid of the mucus
Our sweet little babies are too young to know how to blow their noses, so we have to do that for them!
Start by using Saline Spray to loosen the mucus in their nose. Let it sit for a minute, or you'll be sucking the saline mist right out before it has a chance to really work. I recommend using a saline mist instead of the drops. It's much easier to administer, and it can reach farther up into their nose. The mist can also be used to flush out mucus by tilting baby's head to the side and continuously spraying the saline until it starts to run out clear from the other nostril.
After the saline has sat for a minute, I use this electric nasal aspirator to suck out the mucus. I like that this one has lights and can play a song to distract Addy plus it's super quick and efficient.
I like to add some of Young Living's diluted Lemon essential oil behind the ears to break apart the congestion.
Another great option for helping move the congestion through their body is baby massage or seeing a pediatric chiropractor.
Let your baby sleep upright or propped up as much as possible. This will help the mucus to drain down rather than sitting on their throat/sinuses. It will also help them breathe a little easier. During the day, try to offer contact naps where baby is upright. This is also a great time to increase skin-to-skin. At night you can slightly prop up their mattress by folding or rolling a towel underneath.
4. Take care of the symptoms
Snot is inevitable, which is why I love Hello Bello's boogie wipes. I use them to gently wipe off snot and boogies from Addy's nose. They are so gentle and have aloe to keep your little one's nose from getting raw.
Even with the gentler method of using boogie wipes, constant wiping will still leave the nose irritated. Try applying Earth Mama's diaper balm as a non-toxic and efficient way to relieve redness.
Use a humidifier to moisten the air in their room while they're sleeping at night. You can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender and SniffleEase to the humidifier or a diffuser. We use Young Living essential oils because of their high-quality standards and rigorous testing. They have a full line of baby-safe oils too!
Shop Young Living Oils Here! Save 24% and get $20 back from me personally if you buy a starter kit as a loyalty order. Any questions? Email me! jessicamaehaizman@gmail.com
Create your own steam room in the bathroom. Turn on a HOT shower and close the door while you sit with your baby and breathe in the moist air. You can also add some essential oils to the tub to really open up the airways, like lavender and SniffleEase. We use Young Living essential oils because of their high-quality standards and rigorous testing. They have a full line of baby-safe oils too!
For sore throats, be sure to offer liquids often. After they reach the 1-year mark, babies are allowed to have honey. Try mixing warm water and honey to soothe their sore throat. You can also make homemade honey lollipops! Honey and ginger water are a great option too.
5. Medicines
Lastly, here are some non-toxic, homeopathic supplements that I use:
Hylands Naturals Cold Tablets (for ages 6M+)
Dr Green Mom's Immunity Boost (Use Code JESSICAHAIZMAN10)
Boiron Cold Calm (6M+)
Note: Methol rubs are not safe for babies
Acetaminophen/Tylenol: It's always a good idea to have acetaminophen on hand in case they spike a fever. Ideally, we try not to give acetaminophen to Addy unless she's noticeably uncomfortable or has a fever above a certain number. Fevers are our body's way of fighting off the bacteria inside, so it's best to let them do their job unless the fever becomes too high. This is the acetaminophen that we have on hand for emergencies. It's free of dyes, artificial preservatives, and fillers and is as effective as Tylenol.
6. Snuggles
It's easy to panic because your baby is no longer sleeping through the night, skipping naps, fussy when awake, etc. But this is SO normal for a sick baby, and it won't last forever. Take a few deep breaths, rearrange your schedule, and soak up the extra time you have with your little one.
They need you more than ever right now. Embrace the snuggles, the contact naps, and the extra time to read your favorite book, binge-watch Netflix, or listen to your favorite podcast while rocking them in the dark.
It won't be like this forever.
Discounts for YOU
I'm so excited to have the opportunity to share these special discount codes with you!
Young Living: Purchase any starter bundle as a loyalty order and get a free diffuser or $20 back from me. If you are a new customer use code SHAREYL on a purchase of 100pv+ and save 10%.
Hello Bello: Use code JESSICAH to save at Hello Bello and grab their boogie wipes!
Dr. Green Mom: Use code JESSICAHAIZMAN10 to save 10% off baby supplements and immune support!
Earthley Wellness Use Code JESSICA for 10% off your first purchase
Mary Ruth's: Use code MROJESSICA for 15% off Mary Ruth's Products
Always, Jess
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
