Staying well when your baby is sick
The person most at risk of infection from a sick baby is often mom – and keeping well is vital when your child is unwell, as you’ll need to be fit and healthy to take care of her. So take steps to boost your immunity and take the simple precautions that will help keep those germs at bay…
Think clean
Wash your hands frequently and get your child to wash his too, to avoid spreading the viruses that cause
colds and
flu, and
stomach bugs, to hard surfaces and from there to your mucus membranes if you rub your eyes or touch your mouth. You don’t need to use antibacterial soap – ordinary is fine as long as you rubs your hands for long enough (two verses of Happy Birthday should do it).
Not sharing works when kids are sick!
This is the one time when you need to tell your child is isn’t OK to share. If he’s sick, he can pass germs on if he shares cups, eating utensils, drinks or snacks, toys and towels.
Keep your distance
You just can’t resist nuzzling your gorgeous baby and snuggling up with your toddler or preschooler to read a bedtime story– but it brings you up close and personal with the germs your sick child is nursing. As difficult as it may be, try not to get too close. If you have a severe cold or flu, consider wearing a surgical mask when feeding your baby or changing her diaper. Explain to your older child that if he hugs you he might make you feel as miserable as he does – maintaining a distance of around three feet should be sufficient to protect you from any germs he sneezes or coughs out.
Sanitize
Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hand for illnesses that might be particularly in factious, such as nasty stomach bugs or
diarrhea bugs. Use anti-bacterial wipes or spray to clean toys and your baby’s diaper-changing able if she has been vomiting or has had diarrhea.
Boost your immunity
Try to get plenty of sleep – tiredness lowers your immunity. If you’re having disturbed nights make a point of catching up on sleep when your baby naps. Eat vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables and consider taking a garlic supplement – it’s known for boosting immunity. If you feel something coming on, indulge in a bowl of hot chicken soup – it really does work! It’s best to make your own, as canned soup is often high in sodium. Your sick child can also gain comfort from sodium-free warm chicken soup.
Consider vaccines
These can work if, for example, your child develops
chickenpox and you haven’t had it yourself. Keep in mind that if you’re pregnant and your older child has chickenpox it’s vital you keep well away from him if you haven’t had the illness (you can’t be vaccinated against it if you’re pregnant as it’s a live vaccine). If caught in pregnancy, it can cause serious complications. And schedule yourself and your child for an annual flu shot – while it’s not a 100% guarantee, it will offer some protection.
Make sure your child finishes his antibiotics
If your child is prescribed antibiotics, make sure he completes the course. Don’t be tempted to leave the last few just because he is feeling better, as the illness could recur more seriously.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 04/09/2008
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