Hey, y’all. Is there anything worse than when your kid gets a cold or virus? That’s not a rhetorical question. The answer is: YES! The thing that’s worse than your child getting a cold is when they spread it to your other kids, your partner, and you! In my house, it feels like I hear one sneeze from my toddler and suddenly the whole house is tucked in bed, blowing snot, and feeling miserable. Check out these tips on how to stay healthy when your child is sick.
Wash Your Hands All the Time
While every parent knows they’re supposed to wash their hands every time they handle an object or item touched by a sick kid, it’s not easy to implement. Get into a routine of walking right to the sink after leaving your sick child’s bedroom—did I mention (if possible) you should do your best to quarantine your child in their bedroom to prevent the spread of germs throughout the house?
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in warm water. Be sure to scrub between your fingers and on your wrists. The fingers and wrists are the most commonly neglected areas during hand washing. With flu season officially upon us, it’s crucial that parents stay on top of germs!
Disinfect Everything Your Sick Child Touches
Every toy, bowl, bottle, and surface your sick child touches should be disinfected after they touch it. Hold off on washing your baby’s favorite stuffy until they’re all better, as, during an illness, the stuffy will need to be present to provide tons of snuggles. Wash their favorite stuffed animals and bedding in hot water after your child makes a full recovery. Everything else should be disinfected after playtime or after the child is done touching it.
Pro Parent Tip: Disinfect doorknobs and light switches if your child is able to touch them!
Get Enough Sleep and Nutrients To Keep Your Body Healthy
One of the most important things to do for yourself to stay healthy when your child is sick is to get enough sleep and eat healthily. Getting enough sleep when your child is sick may seem like a pipe dream since your child will most likely be up all night. Try to find ways to help your sick child sleep more so they get better quicker, and you get more rest, too. Additionally, make every effort to eat healthily and take vitamins. These keep your body working right and fighting off any germs you are coming into contact with while caring for your sick baby.
Be sure to pay close attention to how to stay healthy when your child is sick. Your wellbeing is also important—especially when you need to care for your children!
