Having a sick child can be upsetting.While your child is dealing with pain, you may be wondering if it's time to go to the doctor.If you have a sick child at home, there are a number of things you can do to make sure they are comfortable and moving towards recovery.
Step 1: Provide emotional support to those in need.
Your child may be worried or upset if he or she is sick.Giving your child more attention may help.You can sit with your child.You should read a book to your child.Sing with your child.Hold your child's hand.Your baby is in your arms.
Step 2: Your child or baby have their head elevated.
A cough can get worse if your child is lying down.If you want to keep your child's head elevated, put a book or towel under the mattress of the crib or bed.A wedge pillow can be used to help your child stay upright.
Step 3: It's time to turn on a Humidifier.
Dry air can make a sore throat worse.It is possible to keep the air in your child's room moist.It can help to reduce coughing and congestion.The water in your humidifier needs to be changed frequently.The manufacturer's instructions say to wash the humidifier.
Step 4: Provide a quiet place.
Make it easier for your child to rest by keeping your home quiet.Your child needs as much rest as possible because of the stimulation from television or computers, so you may consider removing devices from your child's bedroom or at least limiting their use of devices.
Step 5: It is a good idea to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Adjusting the temperature in your home may help your child feel more comfortable when they are sick.If your child is too hot or too cold, you can adjust the temperature in your home.Turn up the heat if your child complains that he or she is too cold.If your child complains that he or she is hot, turn on the air conditioner or fan.
Step 6: Give your child lots of liquids.
Dehydration can make your child sick.Make sure your child drinks fluids frequently.Provide your child with water ice pops.
Step 7: There are foods that are easy to digest.
Provide your child with healthy foods that won't upset their stomach.Your child's symptoms might affect the choice of food.Bananas Applesauce Toast is a good option.
Step 8: Give your child some food.
Warm chicken soup can help relieve cold and flu symptoms by making mucus thinner and acting as an anti-Inflammatory.There are a number of recipes for making your own chicken soup.
Step 9: Give your child a lot of rest.
Encourage your child to sleep.If your child listens to an audio book, it will make it easier to fall asleep.Your child needs as much rest as they can get.
Step 10: Caution is advised when using over-the-counter medications.
If you decide to give medicine, try to stick to one product, rather than alternating medications or giving combinations of medications.Do you know which medicines are appropriate for your child?Ibuprofen should not be given to a child under 6 months old.Do not give cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 4 years old.These medicines have the potential to cause life-threatening side effects and have not been shown to be very effective.A rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome can be caused by giving infants, children, or teenagers acetylsalicylic acid.
Step 11: gargling with warm salt water is encouraged by your child.
Add regular table salt to 8 ounces of water.When finished, gargle and spit out the salty water.Gargling with salt water can relieve throat pain.For younger children, you can use salt water.You can buy the spray at the pharmacy.After using the drops, you can use a bulb syringe to get the nose to open.
Step 12: It's a good idea to keep your home free of irritants.
Wear strong perfumes and avoid smoking around your child.Postpone painting or cleaning activities.The fumes can make your child sick.
Step 13: Take your child out of the room.
Keep the air fresh by opening the windows in your child's room.When the child is in the bathroom, do this.Extra blankets should be given to your child.
Step 14: If your child has the flu, you should know.
Symptoms of the flu are serious and should be taken seriously.It can be a dangerous illness that develops suddenly.If your child has a medical problem such as asthma or is under 2 years old, contact their doctor.The symptoms of the flu include a high temperature, a sore throat, headaches, weakness, and/or vomiting.
Step 15: Take the child's temperature.
If you don't have a thermometer, you should check to see if your child feels warm to the touch, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating.
Step 16: Ask your child if he or she is feeling pain.
Ask your child how much pain he or she is in.You may want to apply gentle pressure to the spot where your child is complaining to get an idea of how bad it is.
Step 17: There are signs of a serious illness.
There are signs that your child needs to be seen by a medical professional.There are some things that can happen to a child, such as a stiff neck, headaches, breathing problems, and even vomiting.
Step 18: Go to your local drugstore.
If you don't know if your child needs to be seen by a doctor, talk to your local pharmacy.If your child's symptoms require medical attention, she or he can help determine if they need to take medication.You can call your doctor's office if you need help deciding what to do and how to care for yourself.