Hello, you little cold bugs! 🐛 Ready or not, here you come with all the snot 🤧, coughs 😷, and let's be honest, the occasional melodrama 🎭 that makes us parents wonder if we're running a household or starring in a daytime soap opera.
Watching your kids battle coughs and runny noses is never easy, and the mood swings and sleepless nights that follow are incredibly draining. As a pediatrician and a parent right in the thick of it, I’ve picked up a few helpful tips to make this season of parenting easier for both our kids and us. I’m eager to share some proven preventative tactics and, should a cold hit, strategies to handle it with the least amount of fuss. But let’s be real—there’s always going to be a little bit of fuss; kids never miss a chance to spice things up!
Now, as a busy parent, I know it’s not always possible to stay on top of everything all the time. Despite our best intentions, there are weeks when gaps appear and we can't quite manage to do it all—and that's perfectly okay! Keep the bigger picture in mind rather than stressing over a single day or week when it comes to the factors mentioned above.
First off, let’s talk about fever—something that’s always top of mind for parents. A fever itself isn’t something to worry about unless it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms (which we’ll cover later in the “When to Call Your Pediatrician” section). Remember, a fever is a sign that the body is fighting off those bugs, which is a good thing. I like to remind parents not to stress over the exact number on the thermometer but to focus on how their child is feeling overall. If your child is happy and unbothered by the fever, there’s no need to medicate. However, if the fever is making your child miserable, it can make everything else feel ten times worse. In those cases, giving Tylenol or Motrin can help. For children over 6 months, I often recommend Motrin over tylenol, as I find it tends to be more effective.
Now that we’ve got a handle on fevers, let’s shift our focus to comfort. If you want to keep things manageable, stick to these three essentials—on repeat!
For a fun twist on hydration, try adding an electrolyte mix like a CURE hydration packet. While pre-mixed options like Pedialyte are available, I’ve found that my kids are much more eager to drink the hydration packets without any fuss—a definite parenting win! So, go with whatever your kid is happy to drink!
Flush with a saline spray, sinus rinse, or a netty pot for the bigger kiddos.
For suction, I will forever love our Dr.NozeBest.
Sometimes, we could use a little extra support with additional measures to strengthen our efforts, especially during peak illness seasons like fall and winter. Certain supplements have shown potential benefits in cold prevention and/or relief during illness, with some being backed by evidence based practices. When it's suitable for the patient and their specific concerns, a few of my top recommendations include:
Before giving your child any supplements or using any of the products mentioned above, please consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for your child.
We hope these tips help keep you a little more sane during these colds and give you hope that these days will soon pass. Parenting through a child’s illness is tough, but remember, you’re not alone. With some practical strategies, our support and a bit of patience, you can help your little one feel better soon. Hang in there—brighter, healthier days are just around the corner. And through it all, take comfort in knowing you’re doing a great job caring for your child.
