What To Do When They Have A Cold
Our kids will always get sick. No matter how hard we try to keep anything from happening to them they will always come down with that yearly cold or some other sickness. That is why we need to be prepared.
Supplies:
- Children’s Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
- Antiseptics and antibiotic ointments
- Bandages
- Hot and cold water pack or bottle
- Medicine measure (a dropper, syringe or calibrated spoon)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Thermometer
- Saline nose drops
- Tissues
- Juice
- Petroleum jelly
What To Do:
- Clean out and restock your medicine cabinet at the start of each cold season. Discard outdated medications.
- Check the FDA’s latest information (see Resources below)regarding cold medicine for children. Several over-the-counter medications have been recalled and there are special advisories for children under 2. Check for the latest information before administering cold medication to your child.
- Keep a list of important phone numbers posted in a prominent location. List the phone number of your pediatrician, dentist, poison control center (see Resources below), local pharmacy, emergency babysitter and anyone else you may need to contact if your child falls ill.
- Know how much your child weighs. Several children’s medications are dosed based on a child’s weight or age. Also keep the names of any medications she may be taking and any allergies she may have posted along with the important phone numbers.
- Post your own name, street address and phone number on the list for babysitters and yourself in case you panic in an emergency. Maintain the list near the phone or in a convenient place. Add the numbers to your cellphone.