Sick Kid Survival Kit

I remember the first time Madison got sick. We didn't know what to do, didn't have anything on hand that the doctor suggested. There really isn't much that can be done for a baby, but there are some things that will make them more comfortable is what the doctor said. We bought everything we needed came home and it really did help matters. Since that first time we always have this stuff on hand. On number 3 we are like well oiled machines when it comes to the kids getting sick and this is because of our survival kit.

Our Kit includes:

Thermometer - The reality is that if you call the doctor they will ask you what their tempature is. While on babies a rectal tempature is more accurate there is no way that I was going to do that. I always take the tempature under their arm. Just remember to add a degree to the end result. The doctor has also told us in the past that the stick on head thermometers and pacifier thermometers can be less than accurate.

Baby tylenol - the back of the box says that for use under 2 needs to be under doctor supervision. The doctor will give you correct dosing information for under 2 with weights, etc. I have these new dosing instructions written down and placed in the box with the tylenol. You would be surprised how forgetful things get at 3 in the morning.

OCEAN Saline drops - These are located by the nose sprays in the pharmacy area. It will say Ocean on the box. These are basically salt water drops that are appropriate for baby use. You put a couple drops in each nostril and suction them out. Speaking of suctioners -

Suctioner - While the traditional bulb syringe is great it can also be practically impossible to use on a screaming baby. Matt and I found an amazing suctioner that is battery operated. It will allow you to hold the baby, control the hands and put it in their nose. Press the button and presto it will start suctioning all the disgusting stuff out. It will also play music, not that you will hear it over the screams of your kid. Calming? I think not. It also has a clear container that all the goop goes into so you can be equally disgusted by everything that has come out of your child's nose, but well informed when the doctor asks what it looks like. It comes apart and santizes easily. (The suctioner is called Bebesounds NasalClear Nasal Aspirator)

Cool Mist Humidifier - These are amazing. Fill it up and plug it in. It will definitely help with the sick baby. We also always keep extra filters. You never know where you will need to change a disgusting filter.

Vapor Bath - This is also another excellent item. It isn't suggested for kids under 4 or 6 months I can't remember right now. Fill a warm bath put the soap in and let your child sit in the tub. Your child will come out being less congested and you will be able to breathe better than you ever have.

A Big Book - I know this sounds ridiculous, but our doctor suggested placing a book under one end of the mattress. It elevates that end and allows your baby to sleep better. Granted they will fall asleep elevated and by morning they will be all cuddled up in the bottom end. I knew those law books would come in handy for something.

Vicks Vapor Plug. This is another one of those things that have come a long way. I specificially remember being a kid and having that greasy, nasty, smelly stuff all over me. The vapor plug is a night light with a Vicks smell insert. It slides into the night light and within minutes the whole room smells like vicks. This comes without fighting your child covered in grease and explaining 400 times why you can't eat or lick the vicks.

Pedialyte. This stuff has a pretty long expiration date and will keep in the pantry for a long time. We usually always have some on stock. After having 3 kids we have learned that kids tend to puke and have diarrhea at the strangest times and without any warning.

And that concludes our survival kit. I hope you have enjoyed our tutorial. :)