Cold season stinks!

There’s nothing worse than a sick baby. I know colds are an unavoidable part of growing up.  But that just doesn’t make it any easier to watch your kids suffer.

This winter has been a really terrible one for colds.  Our families have been sick non-stop since December. Rotten all around, but truly miserable for little ones.

Most over-the-counter cold remedies are dangerous for infants. Babies can’t spend their colds zoned out on Nyquil, watching re-runs of Northern Exposure like some adults I know. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make colds a little less distressing.  Here are a few very simple, safe & natural ways to help your baby feel better.  (But nothing can replace the advice of a pro, so consult your doctor!)

Good luck & stay healthy!

-m & a

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Fluids

When a baby is sick, getting enough fluids into them is extremely important. If you are breastfeeding, just increase the frequency. Breast milk is the perfect food for a baby, sick or healthy. Otherwise, offer fluids every 10 or 20 minutes. Water & natural juices that are high in vitamin C are the best. These will hydrate while thinning out mucous.  If your baby is drinking milk, cut back while they are sick.  Dairy can cause mucous to thicken, making it more difficult to clear airways.

Having trouble getting a sick toddler to take enough liquids?  Try a homemade popsicle.  Just pour natural juice into an ice tray.  Use a toothpick, or a popsicle stick cut in half, for the handle. Freeze & serve up smiles.  Laughter is the best medicine after all.

Chest Rub

I’m going to try not to sound like a fanatic here, but I can’t rave enough about Sniffles Baby Chest Balm.  Erbaviva’s organic formula relieves cough & cold symptoms naturally. Most chest balms are not recommended for children under 2, but Sniffles Chest Balm is gentle enough for all ages. And unlike most conventional balms, it’s petroleum-free.

Just apply the balm to your baby’s chest and back, & use the palm of your hand to rub with a gentle, circular, massaging motion. Organic essential oils of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and Myrrh warm the chest & open breathing passages.  The calming massage, along with organic Calendula, Lavender & Chamomile, help your baby to relax. (And you and your baby will enjoy the incredible scent.)

When Andrea first started using Erbaviva’s Chest Balm, she was surprised to find her toddler loved the stuff.  Whenever he is sick, he runs to her with the jar & says, “Want nice cream, Mommy.” Her glowing review lead me to try it on my son. I was shocked to get the same reaction. When something brings that much comfort to your sick kid, you fall in love.

Steam & Warm Baths

Steam & warm baths are tried & true sickie remedies that work great on babies & adults. Steam loosens congestion, allowing your baby to breathe easier. To create a steam room, close the bathroom door & run hot water in the shower for several minutes.  Switch to cold water for a minute to create lots of steam.  Sit with your baby in the steam room for several minutes.  Repeat three or four times a day, as needed.

Warm baths work much like a steam room to clear nasal passages and soothe lungs.  Baths are great because they relax overwrought little nerves while they do their magic. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus, thyme or sage essential oil in the bath water too.  The vapors will help to clear the sinuses.

Moms aren’t the only ones who enjoy a little spa treatment.  We love Erbabviva Baby Cream for after-bath massages.  Colds come with achy muscles & baby massage can ease the pain. Baby Cream is made from the highest quality, natural ingredients. It’s very light & soaks in easily.  And the Organic Lavender & Chamomile essential oils are specially formulated to help your baby relax.

Sleep!

Nothing cures a cold faster than lots of sleep.  So throw out the schedule. Let your baby go to bed early & nap as long & often as they like.

*This article is provided for information purposes only. Please consult your baby’s health care provider before trying home remedies.

Nothing like a snow storm to make you feel like a kid.

There was a huge snow storm in Chicago today.  The kids bundled up & went out to build snowmen with friends. I found myself gazing at the storm wistfully, wishing we were out romping in the snow too.  So we took a lunch break & headed out.  We walked over to Grant Park & cross country skied right in downtown Chicago.

After all that fresh air & exercise, the whole family was wiped out.  The kids went to bed early & we got to eat a peaceful dinner & watch Battlestar Galactica re-runs.  These days, that passes for a pretty perfect night in.

If every day were like today, I could really get behind this winter thing.

-m