As pediatricians who care for Twin Falls families every day, we at Frontier Pediatric Partners know that being prepared for sick season isn’t just about having the right supplies – it’s about peace of mind. When your little one wakes up in the middle of the night with a fever or congestion, having the essential items already on hand can make a world of difference in helping them feel better faster.
We’ve created this comprehensive checklist to help you prepare your home for the inevitable seasonal illnesses that affect children. While we’re always here to provide care when you need us, being prepared at home can help you manage those first uncomfortable hours and minor illnesses effectively.
01. Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
The foundation of any sick-season preparation is a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Here are the essential items we recommend having on hand:
□ Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
These over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers are crucial for managing fevers and discomfort. Remember to:
- Keep both infant and children’s formulations if you have children of different ages
- Check expiration dates regularly
- Always follow age-appropriate dosing guidelines
- Store medicines safely out of children’s reach
□ Saline Spray
A gentle saline spray can be incredibly helpful for:
- Clearing stuffy noses naturally
- Moisturizing dry nasal passages
- Making it easier for young children to breathe, especially during sleep
- Supporting the body’s natural clearing of infections
□ Oral Rehydration Solutions
Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when children are sick. Keep oral rehydration solutions ready because:
- They help replace both fluids and essential electrolytes
- They’re specifically formulated for children
- They’re more effective than water alone during illness
- They can prevent the need for more serious medical intervention
□ A Reliable Thermometer
Accurate temperature readings are essential for making informed healthcare decisions. We recommend:
- Having a digital thermometer with fresh batteries
- Keeping a backup thermometer just in case
- Understanding how to use it properly for different age groups
- Recording temperatures to track illness progression
02. Hydration Essentials
Keeping your child hydrated during illness is crucial for recovery. Stock these items:
□ Ice Chips
Ice chips can be particularly helpful because they:
- Provide hydration in small, manageable amounts
- Soothe sore throats
- Can be more appealing to sick children than drinking water
- Help maintain oral hygiene when eating is difficult
□ Diluted Juice
While we typically recommend limiting juice intake, during illness it can:
- Encourage fluid intake when appetite is low
- Provide some calories and nutrients
- Be more appealing than plain water
- Help maintain blood sugar levels
□ Electrolyte Drinks
Keep age-appropriate electrolyte solutions ready because they:
- Replace essential minerals lost during illness
- Come in child-friendly flavors
- Can prevent dehydration
- Support faster recovery
03. Hygiene Supplies
Preventing the spread of illness within your household is just as important as treating it. Essential supplies include:
□ Hand Soap
Proper hand washing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illness spread. Ensure you:
- Have multiple soap dispensers placed at every sink
- Choose gentle formulations that won’t irritate frequent washing
- Make hand washing accessible to children
- Model good hand washing habits
□ Hand Sanitizer
For times when soap and water aren’t available, have hand sanitizer:
- Placed in convenient locations throughout your home
- Packed in diaper bags and backpacks
- With at least 60% alcohol content
- In child-safe dispensers
□ Tissues
Stock up on facial tissues and:
- Place boxes in multiple rooms
- Teach proper tissue use and disposal
- Consider soft varieties for sensitive noses
- Keep extras stored for quick replacement
04. Humidifier: Your Night-Time Ally
□ Humidifier
A good humidifier can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort during illness. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Adds moisture to dry winter air
- Helps ease congestion and coughing
- Supports better sleep during illness
- Can reduce the risk of nosebleeds from dry air
Remember to:
- Clean your humidifier regularly according to manufacturer instructions
- Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup
- Monitor room humidity levels
- Position it safely away from children’s reach
When to Contact Frontier Pediatric Partners
While being prepared at home is important, know that our team is always here to help. Contact us if your child:
- Has a fever that persists or is particularly high
- Shows signs of dehydration
- Has difficulty breathing
- Isn’t improving with home care
Our morning walk-in hours and same-day sick visits ensure your child can get professional care when needed. Call us at 208-595-5095 to schedule an appointment or discuss your concerns with our caring team.
This checklist is a starting point for home care, but it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every child is unique, and we’re here to partner with you in keeping your little ones healthy through every season.
