Keeping Kids Feeling Their Best
And it begins. We all got hit hard by a bad cold last week and Annabelle came down with a double ear infection. It barely feels like fall, but here we are! This seems like a good time to stock up on our sick supplies and share my list of tried and true natural favorites for kids and babies who are under the weather.
If you have little kids or school aged kids, you know how quickly they pick up germs and then promptly spread them to the rest of the family. So let’s talk prevention first. We all know a diet rich in vitamin C and Zinc can help boost the immune system to fend off viruses, but do your kids take a probiotic? This may be a good time to start. Not only does it boost the immune system, it also helps get little tummies back on track after a stomach flu or a round of antibiotics. A study from 2010 suggests that probiotics may lower the risk of common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, strep throat, and colds. Whole Foods carries a great selection for infants, children and adults.
Of course, you probably already have a humidifier and nose syringe. There’s nothing like spraying saline up your little one’s nose and then suctioning everything out ;), but anything to help them breathe is always welcome. Honest Co.’s Organic Breathe Easy Rub is completely free of the nasty petro-chemicals in Vick’s Vapor Rub. Instead of synthetic fragrance and menthol, it uses real essential oils that have a proven therapeutic value. My kids make it through the night so much easier when I use this during their sniffles and trust me- Annabelle is not shy about waking us up in the middle of the night if she’s not happy.
Where to buy: honest.com Cost: $9.95 (cheaper if you bundle)
Cold weather seems to bring out the worst in both my kid’s skin. Annabelle struggled with eczema most of last winter and our saving grace was Badger’s Baby Balm with calendula.
Where to buy: natural grocery stores or Badgerbalm.com Cost: $5.99 or $9.99 depending on size
Both kids had dry patches or chapped skin last winter and Honest Co. Healing Balm came to the rescue. This has a cult following from kids and adults as a do-everything product. It can be used as diaper cream, moisturizer or treatment for any skin ailment.
Where to buy: Honest.com Cost: $12.95 (cheaper if you bundle)
Our first horrible experience with stomach flu happened this past spring. It occurred in conjunction with a long planned vacation which was awesome. There’s not much you can do for your little ones beside keep them hydrated, but I’ve found one thing that helps: Zoe Refresh Oil. This roller bottle of aromatic oils will settle a queasy stomach in a flash. We even use it for headaches sometimes. Pregnant? It can settle morning sickness as well. It’s made with 100% organic ingredients.
Where to buy: Beauteabar.com Cost: $12
I will leave you with this fun fact: Did you know using bubbles keeps a bath warm longer? Wishing your family good health all season long!
