How to Help a Sick Child Feel Better

When a child is sick, there are natural ways to relieve some of the discomfort. This article addresses relief for a stuffy nose or a fever. It also addresses how to avoid dehydration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Saline drops
• Nasal suction bulb
• Cool mist humidifier
• Thermometer
• Clear liquids

1. To relieve a stuffy nose saline drops or spray can be used to thin the mucous. Saline drops should be available over the counter. For infants: Clear the child’s nose with a suction bulb. Squeeze the bulb first, then gently put the rubber tip into one nostril and slowly release the bulb. This suction will draw the clogged mucus out of the nose. For toddlers and older children: Use of the saline drops should thin the mucous enough for the child to blow his nose. Use a cool-mist humidifier in the child's room to moisten the air. Moist air will help clear the nasal passages. The water should be changed daily in the humidifier.
2. To relieve a fever give the child a bath in lukewarm water, or use lukewarm compresses. Do not use cold water as this may cause the fever to get worse as the core temperature of the body may rise if the skin is cooled too rapidly
3. To prevent dehydration, make sure the child drinks plenty of fluids. Clear liquids may be accepted better than other types.

Tips & Warnings

• If the child's sickness seems to get worse, call a pediatrician.