9 Tips for Looking After a Sick Child

When you are a parent, you naturally want to do everything in your power to keep your child feeling as healthy and happy as possible. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, it is inevitable that your child will become sick at some points in their life, whether it’s with a cold or an ailment like a stomach bug or virus. Whatever the case, while there might not be any magic cure that you can administer to make them well again, there are things which you can do to help them through it until they are back to feeling like their normal selves. Below are nine tips to help you look after your child when they are feeling sick.

Don’t panic

No parent likes to see their child feeling unwell, but unfortunately, it is a natural part of life and getting sick as children at least gives your little one the benefit of developing a stronger immune system. The important thing to do is not to panic if your child does get unwell. If it seems like a normal cold or bug, then just be there to comfort them until it passes, and possibly acquire some child-safe medications to reduce their discomfort if necessary.

Monitor their condition

While it is important not to panic, you should keep a check on their condition while they are ill to make sure their health isn’t deteriorating significantly. It will be worth learning how to bring down baby fever in case their temperature is slightly high as, while a fever can sometimes be a cause for concern, it often isn’t a reason to take the child to a doctor unless it is significantly high for their age.

Let them relax

When your child is feeling under the weather, it can often make it difficult for them to focus on high energy activities, so letting them watch television, read a book or doing certain tasks will keep them occupied without wearing them out too much.

Make sure, they rest

Sleep is important for more than just energy levels. When you sleep, this is the time when the body gets most of its repair work done, as energy doesn’t have to be diverted elsewhere. Therefore, don’t panic if your child is feeling drowsy or takes a few naps during the day, their body is doing what it needs to get better.

Keep their diet bland

If your child has a stomach bug, then any foods which are too rich may make them feel worse, or even cause them to be physically sick. As getting enough to eat is important for fuelling their recovery, it is important to avoid this by giving them bland foods. Fruits which have low acidity such as apples and bananas, as well as carbohydrates like rice and bread should all be fine.

Plan for mess

Fighting a stomach bug means that mess is a real possibility, so it is important to be prepared just in case your child is sick. Keep a bucket or bowl nearby, as well as wet wipes, and let your little one know to tell you if they think they might be sick. Although there is nothing you can do if they are sick, just sitting with them will help, as they will be comforted by your presence.

Keep them comfortable

Have lots of blankets and soft toys at the ready because dealing with being ill can sometimes be upsetting for children, so it is nice for them to have things around which will soothe them. It is likely that your child will be clingier to you while they are unwell too, so be prepared to set aside some time to hold them or just make the time to be able to sit with them.

Make sure they stay hydrated

Fluids need to be replaced regularly when kids are ill, especially if they have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea, so it is important to make sure your child stays hydrated. Ideally, this will mean drinking lots of water, although a little bit of fruit juice or squash won’t hurt them. If you can get them to stomach it, then drinking fluid replacement medicines (child-friendly ones) would be beneficial to replace the natural salts and minerals in their body.

Keep the area sterile

If you have other children, or even just for your own benefit, it is important to make sure you keep the house as sterile as possible. Get everyone to wash their hands regularly, and wipe down surfaces to stop any germs from spreading.