How to Be Prepared for Kid's Winter Colds and Illnesses

Kids get sick. That's just the way it is. It's rarely convenient and often distressing as a child's sickness is likely to interfere with the best laid plans. To reduce everyone's stress and help your child get better quickly, you should be prepared.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Children's Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
• Antiseptics and antibiotic ointments
• Bandages
• Hot and cold water pack or bottle
• Medicine measure (a dropper, syringe or calibrated spoon)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Thermometer
• Saline nose drops
• Tissues
• Juice
• Petroleum jelly

1. Clean out and restock your medicine cabinet at the start of each cold season. Discard outdated medications.
2. Check the FDA's latest information (see Resources below)regarding cold medicine for children. Several over-the-counter medications have been recalled and there are special advisories for children under 2. Check for the latest information before administering cold medication to your child.
3. Keep a list of important phone numbers posted in a prominent location. List the phone number of your pediatrician, dentist, poison control center (see Resources below), local pharmacy, emergency babysitter and anyone else you may need to contact if your child falls ill.
4. Know how much your child weighs. Several children's medications are dosed based on a child's weight or age. Also keep the names of any medications she may be taking and any allergies she may have posted along with the important phone numbers.
5. Post your own name, street address and phone number on the list for babysitters and yourself in case you panic in an emergency. Maintain the list near the phone or in a convenient place. Add the numbers to your cellphone.

Tips & Warnings

• The poison control hot line number in the United States is [phone]. Calls are routed to local poison control centers.
• Do not give aspirin to children without your pediatrician's approval.
• Parents are no longer advised to stock syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting.
• Avoid mercury thermometers. If you have one, it must be disposed of properly in a household hazardous waste collection. Do not throw it in the trash.