How Do You Comfort Your Sick Child?
We just finished dealing with our first stomach virus ever. I thought I'd start a thread for ideas about things that can help soothe a sick child.
I mixed apple juice and water for him...He is usually restricted to water and milk, so this was a treat--and it made sure he stayed hydrated.
We watched lots of videos and cuddled on the couch.
Served him toast until he'd gone about 12 hours without getting sick.
That's really all I had up my sleeve, which is why I wanted to start this thread...I felt a bit useless when he was getting sick.
Also, he was up from 1:30am on (so was I)...and he didn't even take a nap (even though I put him in his room for 2 hours for "rest"). Is that normal? I was exhausted and he was sick and still wide awake--I was shocked.
I look forward to hearing what you all do for your little ones when they're sick.
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sorry that was a bit confusing, no you don't make popsicles out of the tea. Give him warm herbal tea to drink because it helps to sooth an upset stomach and helps to keep him hydrated as well. And for future bugs, the tea is great for soothing sore throats and stuffy noses too. Of course it isn't medicine so it won't last all night but it sure feels good for a bit while drinking it and afterward
Mikki Hogan
Publisher of UniqueParenting.com
So you make popsicles with tea? Or am I getting confused? I have a popsicle mold so that would be possible--he's doing much better these days, but between preschool and Bible study each week it's only a matter of time before he has another bug.
I don't know how I missed this one before! Yes the warm cloth does wanders. You could also place a hot water bottle on top to help sooth. Many old remedies involve drinking warm milk for its soothing but when they are vomiting this doesn't stay down, and the hot water bottle has similar affect. Make sure you place a cloth between bottle and tummy to avoid burn.
Also natural, caffeine free teas, like chamomile really comforts upset tummies if he will drink. Popsicles are great to keep hydrated but don't offer soothing tummies so you can add the tea to this if he likes it (my kids love the flavor, no sugar added)
Mikki Hogan
Publisher of UniqueParenting.com
A warm rag on the tummy? There's an idea. I'll try it...At least I'll feel like I'm doing something instead of just sitting there rubbing his back...
I have always heard to place a warm rag on their tummies when they are throwing up. You could try that next time too.
"better out than in" That's hilarious!
Popsicles...have to add that to my repertoire too. He LOVES popsicles
Oh, there's nothing that will make a mom feel more helpless than a sick child! But now you've been initiated--welcome to the club! I'm certainly not an expert, but with a 6 and 8 year old, I can say, "been there, done that" a few times over!
Sounds like you did just fine! Of course, the most important thing is keeping them hydrated, which can be really difficult. But actually, it doesn't take a ton of fluids to keep a little one going. My doctors always suggested just getting them to take a few sips every few minutes. They don't need to drink a whole cup of water or juice. But if you can get them to take a teaspoon or so every 5-10 minutes, you'll be doing well. Popsicles are great, too! They kids really think they're getting a huge treat and you're still giving them fluids. These can be made with your own juice, too, to avoid all the sugar.
If the problem is at the other end, you might try the BRAT diet for diarrhea. Bananas, rice, apples (or apple juice), and toast.
Definitely lots of cuddle and quiet time! I know what you mean about them not sleeping, but as long as he's not running around like crazy, you're fine. Movies are a wonderful thing during these times, aren't they?
Make sure to watch his temp and call the doctor if it's not breaking or getting too high.
Remember, too, how scary the whole ordeal is for the kids. My boys both really hate and fight actually getting sick. I try to sit with them, rub their backs, and tell them how much better they'll feel once they get all that "bad stuff" out of them. I keep telling them, "better out than in".
We also have "the bucket"! For us, it's actually a hard plastic box-type thing that used to fit inside an old soft cooler. But we don't use it for anything but this! It may not be pretty, but it will save you a ton on laundry in the middle of the night! The boys still have trouble making it all the way to the bathroom, especially if they're sleeping, but keeping the bucket handy has saved us many times!
And be really, really careful about washing hands and wiping surfaces. You don't want to spread it to anyone else in the house if you can help it. I think maybe the only thing more difficult than dealing with a sick child is dealing with a really healthy, active, young child when you're sick yourself!
Good luck!