How To Make a Cold and Flu Survival Kit for Kids

Cold and flu season is nothing to take lightly. Instead of scrambling around after sickness strikes your home, I've partnered with the Boogie Wipes® brand to share a few items that you should pick up to make a cold and flu survival kit for kids.

There's nothing worse than watching your kid come down with a bad cold or the flu. They're so miserable and you feel helpless since there isn't much you can do to help them magically feel better. Over the past 6 years, I've dealt with quite a few illnesses, and I've found a few products that I always have on hand in case sickness comes our way. I like to call this my cold and flu survival kit for kids and here's what I include.

Cold and Flu Survival Kit for Kids

Boogie Wipes® saline nose wipes - When I first heard of the Boogie Wipes® brand, I thought, "Why not just use a tissue?" Let me tell you, use them just once and you'll realize why you NEED Boogie Wipes® saline nose wipes in your life.

If you've ever had a severe cold, you know how tender your nose can get when you repeatedly use dry tissues. Boogie Wipes® saline nose wipes are infused with natural saline which makes it so much easier to wipe away mucus from little noses. They're super soft and since saline is natural and hypoallergenic, these wipes can soothe even the most delicate skin and help to reduce irritation.

My daughter loves the Fresh Scent Boogie Wipes® saline nose wipes. They're alcohol-free and made with aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E so they're super soothing. Ever since we switched to Boogie Wipes® saline nose wipes, my daughter happily lets me wipe her nose when it's runny.

I even send these to school with her so she's always got a gentle alternative to dry tissues. I've found that the 30-count packages are a perfect size for on-the-go use, but they also come in a 90-count pack too. I love that I can get them right at Walmart (and SCORE for being able to add these right on to my grocery pick-up order!).

Boogie Mist® Saline Mist or Boogie Drops® Saline Nose Drops - These items were recommended to us by our pediatrician when our daughter was an infant and I've been using them ever since. The Drops are perfect for cleansing and clearing the nasal passages and you can completely control the drip. If your child is a little older, they might really enjoy Boogie Mist® saline mist. It's like the drops, but with a twist! My son thinks it's pretty fun to use.

Hand sanitizer - I always have hand sanitizer on hand, but I break out extra when I see a cold coming on. I bought these little kid-friendly bottles of sanitizer at our local Walmart and attached them to my kids' backpacks. They're a fun reminder to keep those hands clean. When we're at home, I leave a few extra travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer around the house and encourage them to use it any time they cough or rub their noses.

Honey lollipops - Listening to your child struggle with a sore throat and cough is just awful. Since most over-the-counter cold and cough medicine isn't recommended for children under 4, you've got to employ other methods of comfort. Honey lollipops are great for soothing sore throats and helping to quiet that cough for kids that are age 1 or older (don't forget, honey should never be given to infants). You can buy them, or better yet, you can easily make your own honey lollipops.

Thermometer - Knowing your child's body temperature is important and can guide your therapy. There are multiple types of thermometers available, like infrared ear, temporal, or oral, so just be sure to find one that your child won't mind you using.

Pain and fever relief - I always have a few different varieties of pain and fever reducer at home. Having ibuprofen and acetaminophen available is a good idea in case you need to cycle the medications for stubborn fevers.

Hydration supplies - When dealing with a cold or flu, it's imperative to keep your kids hydrated. I try to keep fun, new cups in our survival kit to encourage them to drink more fluids. You might also want to have sports drinks or pediatric electrolyte drinks too.

Humidifier - A humidifier is another item that can really help ease cough and cold symptoms. Humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness that can causes irritation.

What else would you put in your cold and flu survival kit for kids?
I'd love to hear your suggestions!