Has your little one come down with one of the myriad of bugs doing the rounds this winter?

If so, you’re not alone, and you may be wondering how best to help your little one once you’ve sought medical advice. It’s not nice seeing your children suffering, that goes without saying, but if you’re new to the world of parenthood or can’t remember any tried and tested methods, the parents over in our parenting community have some excellent suggestions!

Real Tips From Real Parents

We asked the parents in our online community how they comfort their sick children, and we’re really impressed by all the responses! Here are the top tried and tested methods from real parents (after seeking medical advice from professionals, of course).

If they’re breastfed, boob, boob and more boob!

Breastmilk is full of antibodies – your boobs will respond to your poorly child and make milk tailored for their needs to help them feel better faster. It also boosts your child’s oxytocin (the feel good hormone) which will help to comfort your poorly little angel. Read more about this here!

Cuddles

Cuddles, like breastfeeding, provide a fabulous oxytocin release and also make your child feel secure at a time where they’re probably feeling very confused and unhappy! Read our blog on the benefits of cuddling here.

Favourite films

Distract them from how they’re feeling with a movie marathon on the sofa or in bed, to wait out the bug whilst your child fights it off. It’s a great opportunity for you to put your feet up and spend some more time with your kids, too!

Ice lollies and yoghurts for sore throats

Sore throat? Our mummies have suggested ice lollies and cool yoghurts to soothe a nasty inflamed throat. Of course, it is always best to seek a medical opinion first just in case your child has tonsillitis or something that needs medication too.

Hot chocolate and warm soup

If your little one is full of a cold and is feeling the chills, hot chocolate and delicious, comforting warm soup could help them to feel warmer – just make sure it isn’t too hot as you don’t want to raise their body temperature if they also have a fever. Our favourite is tomato soup with bread soldiers to dip!

Snuggly blankets & squishy pillows

Snuggly blankets are an absolute must! Get your poorly child as comfortable as possible so that they can rest and heal from their bug.

Capol plugin, saline nasal spray and Olbas products for congestion

The top 3 products our online parenting community have recommended to us for congested kids are the calpol plugin*, saline nasal spray* and Olbas products*! Congestion can make it difficult for your child to get a restful nights sleep, and we all know how important sleep is for recovery, so treating congestion is a must for us.

Calpol for a fever and Nurofen for any inflammation

The old favourites, Calpol* and Nurofen*, have come out on top once more as they’re reliable and effective. Remember to alternate them and only overlap doses if a medical professional or pharmacist says it is ok to do so! Read the instructions and follow the correct dosage.