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Today, I am sharing ideas on how to help your toddler when they have a stuffy nose and can’t sleep.
“Mom? I’m So cold!” our daughter said to me, as she was bundled up in a blanket that we just happened to have in the car. There we were, sitting on the cold bleachers at the football stadium, watching her older brother play football. Two days later… she was sniffling and crying about her sore nose. I know that being cold doesn’t CAUSE a cold… but these seasons bring about a lot of stuffy noses and with that… a lot of sleepless nights.
This is a sponsored post written for Vicks Humidifiers. I was compensated and provided complimentary products for this post. All opinions are my own.
As the seasons changed, our weekends shifted from bike rides and BBQs to s’mores, pumpkin carving, and football games. We don our favorite sweaters and flannels to sip on warm cider while we combat the brisk weather and seasonal illnesses. I’m excited to say that I have partnered with Vicks to share my favorite tips to keep our kids healthy. (It helps that we use their Winter Wellness Care Package!) Vicks Humidifiers and the other items from the Winter Wellness Care Package are available at Walmart.
(Side note: I get just about everything at Walmart- they have the best prices.)
I usually don’t take the kids into the doctors for stuffy noses or colds anymore (I did when they were babies and it made it hard for them to eat), because now I know what I need to do.
First off, I try to prevent our kids from getting sick with good handwashing, avoiding germ-infested areas and using the products inside of the Vicks Winter Wellness Care Package.
Here is how we help our kids sleep when they have a stuffy nose (and what we do to prevent colds!)
Use a Humidifier to Avoid a Stuffy Nose
Ideal relative humidity level for wellness is between 40% and 60%, so we use Vicks cool and warm mist humidifiers to reach those levels. This can reduce the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air. It can also increase your wellness all year round. Humidifiers are great for temporary relief of cough and congestion, so I use one in the kids’ rooms.
Add VapoPads to the Humidifier
The VapoPads are a great way to keep your family safe and comfortable. We use them with warm or cool mist humidifiers, depending on the time of year so that you can sleep better at night! You’ll love the Sleepytime Rosemary & Lavender scented vaporizers that last for up 8 hours. They really helps us rest easier too (I know my son does). One more thing: don’t forget about the classic Vick’s VaporRub. The rub always seem like such an afterthought but don’t leave yourself under any circumstances without some!
Clean your humidifier often! The Protec Cleaning Fish reduces up to 99% of odor causing bacteria, unsightly mold and algae growth versus untreated humidifier surfaces for up to 30 days – just drop in your humidifier tank!
Elevate your child’s head when they have a stuffy nose
I give our kids an extra pillow if they have a stuffy nose, to help their head stay propped up just a bit more than normal. It helps to keep them from getting so stuffy. If your child doesn’t use a pillow, put a pillow or a few towels under the side of the mattress where you child’s head goes. This will put the mattress on a slight angle, accomplishing the same goal.
Keep Track of their temperatures. I find that when the kids spike a fever, it usually happens in the evening, so I am always ready before they go to bed. You can use the Vicks® SmartTemp™ Wireless Thermometer: The Vicks® SmartTemp® Thermometer and free downloadable app makes it easy to take and track temperature readings for the entire family.
Suction out nasal secretions with a bulb syringe designed for toddlers and young children.
Keep tissues by their bed.
When our kids have a stuffy nose, they use more tissues than I probably use in a lifetime. haha!! I give them each their own little package of Puffs Plus® Lotion (extra soft for their sore nose) and they keep it by their bed.
Do you want to win this care package?
Now is your chance! Just leave a comment at the bottom with your favorite tip to keep your kids healthy. It can be one of the ones in this post or a new one. 🙂 Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as a part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central and must reside in the United States. This giveaway will end in 7 days (November 7th will be the last day to apply).
Last cold season we found a Vicks plugin thing that uses scent pads filled with eucalyptuses and lavender. It’s meant for kids up one year, but we all used it and it helped so much. My oldest, now three and half, loved it and benifited the most from it.
Vit C and D!
Right now hand washing and probiotics but I really need to start using humidifiers.
I try to keep my kids well hydrated and good hand washing. my 5 youngest also have asthma issues so we usually get the flu shot for them.
When I’m on top of things, I make elderberry syrup and make the kids take it if they seem to be coming down with sniffles.
My tip: get plenty of rest! Both more sleep at night and more down time during the day.//-
I love zarbees! And I diffuse essential oils to help combat getting sick/spreading germs in our house. I use Plant Therapy’s germ destroyer blend. They have one that is kid safe and that makes me feel good about it.
I really like the tip for stuffy noses, keeping your child’s head elevated, that’s a great one.
Have used Vaporub since I was a child and love the Puffs with Vicks tissues.
Washing your hands. I have an in home preschool and that’s the biggest thing for me. And making sure they cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze cough. We still are practicing to get that at 100% 😉
I try hard to teach my kids good hand washing and to not share with others things like pencils and drinks or snacks !
I have my sick child take steamy baths/ showers and then blow her nose right after. The steam loosens up the stuffiness and it’s easier to blow out then.
During the changing of the seasons my little ones always get congested. I use the cherry Vapor rub on their chest and under their noses to help them breathe better. I also use the essential oil called R.C. to help that helps them breathe better.
A warm bath with Lavender scented baby oil before bed. The scent helps with sleep and the oil keeps dry skin mist. Dry skin causes cracks which causes germs to enter the body easier. Also, if it is necessary to use hand sanitizer or antibacterial soap then use lotion afterwards. Both products are harsh on your skin and will cause dryness and cracks in your skin. Healthy skin helps with Healthy bodies.
Thank you everyone for all the other handy tips.
I would love to win the Vicks care package.
We get our kids flu shots, avoid crowds and practice frequent hand washing.