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Most of you already know what to do if your child gets sick, but I have a few ideas that might make you and your child feel better.
1) Run the shower with only hot water until the bathroom gets very steamy.(the steamier the better... even if you can't see your hand in front of your face hehe)
~~~~a hint~~~~
Put the stopper in the tub when running the shower. Add Peppermint oil to the water in the tub while running the shower. you can get this at the grocery store in the baking department. This will aid in clearing stuffy heads and help to open breathing passages in the lungs. And since it is all natural you don't have to worry about any side effects. (works as a great air freshener too)
2) Use a vaporizer. (warm mist is best) Keep it running constantly. Clean with White vinegar.
~~~~a hint~~~~
Put Peppermint or Vicks Vaporub in the little dish by the spout.
3) Boil Large White Onions and bring the child into the kitchen while you are doing this. Bring the child close enough so that the aroma from the onions can be smelled by you. Do not put the child too close to the steam. Steam burns are very dangerous.
~~~~a hint~~~~
The stronger the onion the better. If it makes you tear when you cut them, they will work just fine. :o)
4) Brew a cup of Celestial Seasonings Peppermint tea. Let the child breathe in the steam from the cup. And when it cools, let him/her drink it. This will clear up the sinuses, and help to loosen the phlegm so they may cough it up easier. Works great for upset tummies and sore throats too.
5) If your child is having trouble breathing due to severe congestion, try letting them sleep in their car seat. (This works especially well for infants). This will help to keep the phlegm from collecting in their throats and will ease their breathing. They can also get more of the vapor from the vaporizer in this position. If your child is too old for a car seat, let them sleep in the recliner, or prop them up with as many pillows as you can get. (the pillows will only work if he or she doesn't squirm, and I don't know of any kid who doesn't worm and squirm all night. :o)
6) I have yet to find any over the counter medication that really does anything except empty you wallet in one heck of a hurry. And I have tried almost everyone out there, and have not had any luck with any of them.
1) A cool bath in Baking soda. (Don't rub with a wash cloth... just dab)
2) Tylenol. NEVER give a child aspirin or Pepto Bismol. Giving a child these medications during a fever can cause Reyes Syndrome. The best policy is don't even have it in the house. That way you won't have to worry about giving it to them.
3) A cool bath in Oatmeal. (not the kind ya eat silly hehehe the stores sell it next to the calamine lotion and stuff).
4) Put small dabs of Peppermint oil on the spots. (yup you heard me right... peppermint oil) This will help to numb the spots so they don't itch. And again, it is all natural so you don't have to worry about reactions, or using it too much.
1) Apply small amounts of Peppermint oil to the gums. (I know what you are probably thinking by this point... Peppermint? AGAIN? hehehe, but trust me. It does work! And they won't be so quick to get upset about it. It tastes like a candy cane)
2) Either Tylenol or Childrens Motrin. (I prefer the Childrens Motrin above the Tylenol, because it works faster, better and longer than Tylenol)
3) Popsicles, or Fla-vor-ice (the ones in the plastic that you have to cut open). The ones in the plastic work especially well for toddlers. There isn't any mess and when that one melts, just put it back in the freezer.
4) Zwieback cookies. (the ones that look like toast) These are great for chewing on. They are hard, and have a rough texture to them which allows for the teeth to break through more easily.
1) Let air to their bottom. Put a blanket under them and let them lay without a diaper. Air is the best thing for a diaper rash.
2) Apply cornstarch to the area when you change the diaper. This will absorb the moisture, and it is easier to clean up than the ointments. (Although Desitin does work VERY well and is my brand of choice)
3) Apply lots of baby lotion or cocoa butter. This will help to keep the skin moisturized.
4) Apply Neosporin to the area. This will keep it from getting infected and also speeds the healing process tremendously.
1) Rapid or shallow breathing. (Fast breaths... sounds like you do after running. Also sounds like he can't catch his breath)
2) Increased wheezing or rattling noises when he/she breathes. (It sounds like they have swallowed a small whistle. Can be noticed when breathing in.)
3) Lips or fingernails turning slightly blue or purple in color. (This is a definate "Call the doctor Immediatly" deal.)
4) Fever Higher than 102 degrees.
5) Dark circles under the eyes. Also can look like they have "sunk in" to the sockets.
6) Severe diarrhea, or vomiting. Especially when accompanied by a high fever.
7) If a cut will not stop bleeding, no matter how little it looks to you. Just cause it is small in length doesn't mean it isn't deep enough to need a stitch.
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I hope that these ideas have helped you out. If you have any ideas to add, or just want to say hello, you can either sign my guestbook, or e-mail me. I would love to hear from you!
© 1997 cougars_rebel@hotmail.com
