We need 20CC of cuddles STAT!
No one warns you how stressful it is the first time your baby gets sick. The constantly running nose, the sad little cough, the extra clinginess, and not to mention Googling symptoms at 2 a.m. and spiralling into fear and anxiety.
While you can’t stop every cold, having a few trusted sick day essentials ready can make those tough days feel a lot more manageable.
Here are the baby sick day essentials we always keep on hand, especially during cold and flu season.
Boogie Wipes
I literally became enemy number one when my son was sick, he HATED when I wiped his nose. And he was so snotty that I was wiping his nose constantly just trying to prevent everything in his play area from being covered in snot.
Regular wipes can be so harsh on sensitive little noses, especially when you’re wiping over and over during a cold. Boogie Wipes are gentle, saline based wipes designed specifically for runny and stuffy noses. They help clean without drying or irritating baby’s skin, which is a win during long sick days.
Snot Sucker by Haakaa
Not glamorous, but absolutely essential.
A good snot sucker can make a huge difference when your baby is congested and struggling to breathe comfortably. There is nothing worse than hearing your little pl struggle to breath (wahh.) The Haakaa snot sucker is easy to use, effective, and far less intimidating than some of the bulkier options out there. And it's handheld as opposed to the ones you suck through a tube with your mouth, which is just my preference.
Clearing congestion can help babies sleep better, eat more comfortably, and just feel a little more like themselves. I usually use it right before bed to clear them out before a long rest, or any other time the snot is preventing them from breathing through their nose.
Saline Spray or Drops
Saline spray is one of the simplest and most helpful tools for baby colds. It seems intimidating but it's very gentle.
Saline spray helps loosen mucus, making it easier to remove with a snot sucker, and can be used safely multiple times a day. Saline is especially helpful before feeds, naps, and bedtime.
Soothing Chest Rub
A baby safe chest rub can be comforting during coughs and colds.
Look for one made specifically for babies, with gentle ingredients and no strong menthol. Applied before sleep, it can become part of a calming bedtime routine when your little one is feeling under the weather.
Star Pasta for Homemade Soup
This is a tradition I started when my son was just 9 months old. Every time he gets sick, I make star pasta soup to comfort and nourish him.
Star pasta is perfect for simple homemade soups and broths. It’s easy for babies to eat, comforting, and a great way to get fluids in when appetites are low. Plus, it's fun!
Sometimes I simply simmer some star pasta in broth, and other times I add grated carrots or frozen peas.
A Reliable Thermometer
When your baby is sick, knowing their temperature can give you peace of mind and help you decide what to do next.
A reliable thermometer makes it easy to quickly check for a fever without added stress. Look for one that is fast, easy to clean, and accurate. Having one you trust on hand means fewer late night guesses and less panic when your baby feels warm.
Soft Bibs for Drool and Runny Noses
Colds often come with extra drool, runny noses, and the occasional spit up.
Soft, absorbent bibs are great because sometimes it's easier to do a quick snot wipe with a bib than it is to grab the Boogie Wipes and chase them down before they wipe it all over the place. They also save you from constant outfit changes, which is a small but very appreciated win on sick days.
Remember! Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice when your baby is sick, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always okay to check in with a professional.
Sick days with a baby are tough, but having the right essentials ready can help you focus on comfort, cuddles, and getting through it together.