Must Haves for Cold & Flu Season

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Being prepared for cold and flu season can make your life a lot easier when sickness hits your family. It is never fun to realize a family member is sick, and then need to sprint out to the store to get what you need. This is a list of must haves for cold and flu season that we keep in the medicine cabinet all season long (and if I’m being honest, we keep it year round, because you never really know when a virus will hit).

  1. Fridababy Products– This is the first section of my list, because I swear by their products! Fridababy has gotten us through many tough situations.
    1. NoseFrida, The Snotsucker– This is the most amazing nasal aspirator you will find! You use your mouth to suck out baby’s snot. While it sounds gross, there is a filter so nothing gets in your mouth. It really gets the snot out, and it does it quickly and effectively. You can take everything apart to wash and sterilize it, and you can see all parts to be sure nothing gross is trapped or growing.)
    2. NoseFrida Filters– Be sure you have the replacement filters for the NoseFrida to keep it clean. Replace these often to avoid germs or bacteria hanging around.
    3. NoseFrida Snot Spray– Using a spray before sucking baby’s nose will help the congestion come out easier.
    4. MediFrida Medicine Dispenser– If you still have a little one that takes a pacifier, this is a great way to actually get their medicine down without it getting spit back at you.
    5. FeverFrida, The Thermonitor– If you are one of those momma’s that can’t sleep when your child is sick because you are terrified something might go wrong, this is a great way to ease your nerves. With a patch under the arm, this thermometer tracks baby’s temperature and alerts you through your smart device if the fever is going up.
    6. FeverFrida Patches– Don’t forget to buy replacement patches if you are using the FeverFrida.
    7. BreatheFrida, The Boogerwiper Nose Wipes– We are obsessed with these amazing wipes! Having to wipe your child’s nose over and over when they are sick causes red, chapped, sore skin. The Boogerwipers have chamomile, aloe, and vitamin B to soothe sore skin. They contain menthol and eucalyptus which helps your little one breathe easier, and it can double up as a chest rub or foot rub to loosen congestion. I repeat, OBSESSED!
  2. A Good Thermometer– I have struggled through the years to find one that I really love. But a tip I have learned is to check with your pediatrician to see how they prefer your child’s temperature be taken. Our pediatrician’s office prefers a rectal temp be taken for babies. I have loved having thermometers with interchangeable tips for different age children. I just find that I have to replace them annually as they don’t last much longer than that. I also finally bought the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer and love it. It is quick and easy. When I first bought it, it broke within a month. But, the company replaced it with no issues, and it has been working great ever since. The reason I ended up buying one is because it was the one recommended to me most by my mommy friends. I do love the FeverFrida, but it is nice to also have a thermometer for the quick check rather than the longer watch.
  3. Zarbee’s– Finding cough and cold medicine for your child under the age of 6 can be tough. We love this brand because they provide options for babies and up. These are some of our favorites that we keep stocked.
    1. Naturals Baby Cough Syrup + Mucus (Good for 2 months and up)
    2. Naturals Children’s Cough Syrup + Mucus with Dark Honey (Good for 12 months and up)
    3. Naturals Children’s Nighttime Cough Syrup + Mucus (Good for 2 years and up, and it helps your child sleep)
  4. Honest Organic Breathe Easy Rub– Even the hubby and I prefer this over Vick’s Rub. We don’t need to buy a baby option and an adult option because the whole family (3 months old and up) can use this. It provides a lot of relief when we are sick. Put it on the chest, back, neck, or feet. We love to put it on the bottom of our feet before bed and cover with socks. Good stuff!
  5. Pedialyte Oral Electrolyte Powder Packs– I swear by these things when your little one has diarrhea or vomiting. The large bottles are only good for a short amount of time after being opened. Being able to use a packet when needed is perfect! Just mix with water and drink to help prevent dehydration. I also love the Freezer Pops.
  6. Children’s Advil or Motrin (Some pediatrician’s prefer the infant’s option. Make sure you are giving the correct dose.)
  7. Children’s Tylenol (Same as above. Specifiy to your doctor if you are using infant’s or children’s.)
    1. It is a good idea to keep Tylenol (acetaminophen) & Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) because when your little one is really sick or in a lot of pain, you can use these on a rotation to keep your babe comfortable. Check with your pediatrician for timing limits.
    2. I prefer to buy pain medicine in the dye-free option. If and when it gets spit back out, it won’t stain clothing or sheets. Plus, my organic side doesn’t understand why medicine needs added coloring.
  8. Children’s Benadryl– If itchiness or a rash occurs with any of these nasty viruses, it is great to have Benadryl around. I feel better having this on hand in case anyone has a weird reaction to anything.
  9. PureGuardian Humidifier– I love the 100 Hour Ultrasonic Cool/ Warm Mist option. It is great because I don’t feel like I am constantly refilling the tank. I love being able to use cool or warm mist depending on the circumstances. This humidfier has Silver Clean Technology that keeps the tank cleaner. And, my favorite thing is that we have had the same one for a few years and it is holding up well with a ton of use. I also found this option with an essential oil tray, PureGuardian Humidifier.
  10. Hand Sanitizer– We love the Honest Free & Clear Hand Sanitizer Spray. If you are one of my fragrance free families, this is a great option! We sanitize more in cold and flu season after trips in Target, play dates, and coming home from school. And then if someone in the house gets sick, it is around for extra precautions to prevent spreading germs.
  11. Disinfectant Wipes/ Spray– With little ones around, I typically clean with organic or plant based options. However, when a nasty virus or the flu shows up in our house, I wipe down door knobs, lightswitches, faucets, and bathrooms with Lysol disinfecting wipes. Sharing our bacteria and germs is the last thing I want to do. I keep a container or two of these around during cold and flu season.
  12. Warmies– These sweet little animals go in the microwave to multi-function as a heating pad and comfort tool. They have a calming scent that is great for settling big emotions during sickness. Mr. Hippo Warmie is used often in our home and is a great addition to everything we keep in the medicine cabinet.

I hope this list helps! And I am also sending good luck that you will skip all the yucky sickness this year and not even need these products. We all know mom and dad don’t get sick days, and everyone hates seeing their child sick. So I’m sending all the healthy, germ free vibes your way!

♥, Megan

*This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the links. I will only link products I love and trust. Thank you for all your love and support!

*Image taken by: Brandi & Barrel

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