By: Nicole A. Published on October 26, 2023
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase something through one of my links, with no cost to you.
I know many moms can agree, that seeing our babies sick is one of the worst and hardest things especially when they are so small and can’t tell us what is wrong or what they need.
With flu season right around the corner, we have RSV, colds, COVID, and so much more to worry about. For our family, sick season hit us early in September, and I realized I had not stocked up on a lot of our sick day essentials.
I figured I’d share some of our favorite products we always try to keep on hand. I know many moms have different preferences, but these are products that have worked best for our family and for our toddler. (I’m pretty sure it is obvious but this is not medical advice and you should consult with your doctor on the best choices for your family)
1. Cool-Mist Humidifier
This is honestly one of my favorite items I got from our registry. I bring it out every time my son gets a cold or cough. He has gotten croup a couple times now and it is so scary for us, having this has helped him recover both times! Now, I even turn it on when I get sick.
2. Thermometer
Pretty straight to the point, but there are different types of thermometers. There’s the regular underarm, oral, or rectal thermometer and there’s other “fancier” ones like the no-touch one I linked above. We have a version of both on hand!
3. Saline spray
We use this one but I know there are a lot of different options! There’s even a mist saline inhaler for little ones who may not do well with being all up by their nose.
4. Chest Rub
When babies and toddlers are congested it can be so hard to get all those boogies out. Hearing them trying to breathe, especially when they’re sleeping, makes us parents feel so bad for them. Chest rub on the chest and bottoms of feet have been our go-to. The stick versions like this one are great for the diaper bag too, plus easy application!
5. Nasal Aspirator
This one was especially helpful when our son was really small, but we often turn to the classic style that are usually given in the hospital because I personally feel like it is quicker to use, especially with a little one who wants to move alot. I recently found this fan favorite that is clear and easier to clean… why did I not know about this sooner?!
6. Boogie Cleaner
This has come in handy many times! I love this one because it’s multi-use and comes with the little travel case so it’s easy to throw in your diaper bag without being unsanitary.
7. Nose Saline Wipes
Sometimes I just use a wet cloth to keep in gentle on my toddler’s already irritated nose, but these unscented saline wipes are great to have in your bag and to use every once in a while throughout the day while they get over their sickness.
8. Anti-bacterial Hand Wipes
Kids touch anything and everything. I think hand wipes are needed all year-round.
9. Children’s Acetaminophen
I like to always have some children’s medicine on hand for emergencies but I know everyone has different preferences when it comes to children’s medicine. We like this one because it is cleaner than other options and has worked well. I feel like it tastes much better too!
10. Baby Medicine Pacifier Dispenser
To be honest, I never bought this but I thought I would include it because I recently found out about it and think it is a great idea for little ones who tend to gag or have a difficult time taking medicine.
11. Vapor Bath Drops
When my son has gotten croup, we steam up the bathroom and just sit in there with the doors closed (not with him in the steaming hot water! just outside the shower). Sometimes I add a few of these drops in there to help him get cleared up… it’s relaxing for me too. They also have little baby bath bombs which I haven’t tried yet but are so cute and I’m sure work similarly.
Sick Day Gifts/Kits
A get-better basket for baby when they get sick or even to gift for a baby shower is a great idea! You can buy some already put-together such as this one that comes with wipes, balm, and drops, which I recieved and loved! There’s also this Ultimate Kit that comes with some fan favorite health & wellness products for baby!
I hope you are able to find some products you love from this list and that help your babies feel better. Seeing our babies, toddlers, and older children sick is so hard and all we want is for them to recover and feel better.
