It seems there's something being passed around our family. First it was the oldest, our 6 year old, who woke one morning completely stuffed up and barely able to talk. He was whiny and pretty boring to be around since he just wanted to watch TV and color. Then my husband got it. Coughing, sneezing... and whining and complaining. The "man cold" is always worse. Cough drops were everywhere, tissues filled the garbage, and antibacterial gel became my closest friend. I hoped the baby, only 7 months old, wouldn't catch it. He would be the most miserable. Turns out, he got it. And me? I feel the tickle. The tickle in my throat of something brewing. It feels slightly tight, and there's a sting when I swallow. Sick and pregnant, and dealing with a sick baby? Not my idea of fun.
The oldest was easy to care for - if he was thirsty, he told me. He can wipe his own nose and throw his tissues away. He kept himself occupied with coloring books and action figures under a blanket on the sofa.
But the baby? The baby can't do anything but look extremely pitiful, which makes me want to just snuggle him and hold him close until he's all better and climbing out of my arms.
And me? I don't get a sick day. I don't get to lay around and rest. I still have to take care of the laundry, the cooking, getting the oldest ready for and off to school. I have to make the bottles, and pick up the toys that are left behind. I still have to work too (luckily there's no commute or annoying coworkers)
But I want your tips (and I'm sure others will appreciate this) -
how do you comfort your sick babies? How do you comfort yourself when sick?
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Comments (8)
I nursed my babies when they were sick. One, to give them my antibodies as much as possible, but two to give them the best comfort I know of. Also always put them to sleep nice and cozy. As for myself, when sick (which I am right now actually) I take extra showers and don't sweat the mess. I don't clean like usual. I don't cook like usual. And my husband even does the laundry (usually) when I am sick.
My 3 month old just got over his first cold and I nurse him so he didn't seem too sick at all. As for myself, I just give myself a break when I'm sick. Dishes, vacuuming, cleaning, etc can wait until I'm feeling better :) I napped with my son and just hung out in bed with him all day
Oh and with my 5 year old, I let her have whatever she wants to eat. Popsicles, lollipops, yogurt, mac and cheese, whatever. I remember that was the best part of being sick when I was a kid. All the popsicles I could eat! Also? Netflix. Sick one gets to pick what to stream. All. Day.
Lots of fluids, his blankie, and snuggles. Maybe throw in some baby Vicks/Tylenol/Pepto, depending on what's wrong. As for me ~ hot showers with a menthol tablet in the tub. Two, if I can find the time.
I try to make sure she gets plenty to drink. I also give her a spoonful of honey, a couple times a day. She also stays in her PJ's and gets to watch tv all day, if that's what she wants and, of course, extra cuddling as long as she wants. My daughter usually still plays with her toys and is kind of rowdy, when she's sick. It amazes me. I know I have no energy when I'm sick, so It amazes me how much energy she has! lol When I'm sick, I try to just find things to make me feel better. Aleve D helps me to sleep and breathe and is a life saver, since I have things to do, though I do take it easy and rest, too.
Campbells chicken soup and orange juice! (<was this too obvious for everyone else? I don't care, I love chicken soup & OJ when sick.) Also I sometimes like to clean my surroundings with some bleach water when sick (1 capful per bucket). The smell of bleach just makes me feel healthy plus it disinfects.
@maybmaybnot@xanga - Wow the smell of bleach causes a lot of people (like me) to have serious respiratory problems. It prob makes you feel better cuz you're high from the fumes.
Yikes!
snuggles, snuggles and moooree snuggles. Snacks, TV, and more snuggles, lol.
Then my husband comes home, the kids go to bed, and I become the baby and make my husband take care of me!
If we're all sick....absolutely nothing gets done lol