by Linda Foss | Apr 9, 2017 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Using essential oils to help sick children or adults have been around for many years. We will address causes of sickness and methods of treating viruses with essential oils.
Virus is the major cause of cold and flu. The most notable form of this infection is the common cold, which is typically a chest cold and head cold. A cold usually presents itself with symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and cough. In the case of the flu, it comes with fever, headache and muscle soreness in addition to the symptoms of a common cold. All these symptoms could range from mild to severe. In some cases, the symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The only difference is that a cough may last for two weeks or longer.
The key to beating this virus is treating the systems and getting away from it before it gets into full swing. There is a need to combat it with antibiotics and an antiviral drug or natural composition. Some essential oils have been found to contain antibiotics and antiviral elements which are potent enough to treat cold and flu. The advantage of using a natural element, such as an oil, is that a patient can rest easy regarding the source of the drug. Most essential oils are safe for use and many have no side effects.
Some of the essential oils being used to treat cold and flu symptoms are lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme – which are considered immune stimulants. Other oils such as eucalyptus, garlic, sandalwood, cinnamon, lavender, German Chamomile, peppermint and even orange have also been found to be helpful in the treatment of viruses and colds. These oils are concentrated extracts that have been distilled from aromatic trees, herbs, and grasses. They are located in leaves, stems, fruits, roots, flowers, and even the bark of several plants. Studies have shown that one of the reasons these oils are so important for the human body is they can help build up human immune systems against bacteria, fungi, and infections. Some of them are usually applied directly to the skin of the patient; others are diffused into the air. It has been noted that such oils that are strong enough to kill a virus should be handled with a great care. Typically oils such as oregano and thyme have caustic properties and are very strong and can burn the skin if not applied with a transfer oil (usually coconut oil). The volatile aromatic properties of an essential oil make it quickly interact with olfactory and limbic sensors in the nose whenever it moves through the air.
Peppermint Oil
The scientific name also called botanical name is Mentha piperita. This is a potent oil that contains essential anti-viral nutrients to treat the attack of cold and flu in the body. It can reduce coughs, sinusitis, and throat infections. Peppermint oil can be used in a steam inhaler, but not where babies or young children are present. Peppermint also has other capabilities to build the body against diseases like tumors and allergic reactions to seasonal allergies as it contains anti-allergy, anti-tumor and anti-fungi properties. Menthol is one of the essential compounds of peppermint. Peppermint menthol has a stimulating effect against flu and cold. Muscle pains or spasms, which are found to be an effect of flu, can be helped by the application of peppermint oil. Peppermint also contains a number of volatile organic oils, and it works as a calcium blocker. Studies have shown that the smooth muscle in the blood vessels needs calcium to contract; by blocking calcium, the muscle relaxes.
The winter season is when the majority of people are susceptible to cold. The menthol in peppermint oil helps to reduce the cold when inhaled or applied to the skin and applying it on the forehead can help relieve headaches for people suffering from the flu as well as those suffering from migraines. Furthermore, inhaling the menthol in peppermint oil helps people with stuffy noses to breath more easily. According to Raising Natural Kids, peppermint oil should be avoided on children under the age of 6. For little children, it is advisable to use a snot sucker to remove mucus from a stuffy nose.
Uses of Snot sucker
Both adults and children are prone to the flu or cold attack. One of the most common and less severe symptoms of the flu is nasal congestion. While trying to relieve the pressure on the nose, a snot sucker is used to remove mucus. A snot sucker is one of the safest ways of removing mucus from a child’s stuffed nose. Most snot suckers are not cleanable, but BoogieBulb provides bulbs that can be disassembled and cleaned out after each use. This prevents reinfection and dissemination of the virus that causes the infection.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange is another natural element to beat cold and flu. Oranges are a good source of Vitamin C and have been found to contain vitamins that actively fight against cold and influenza. Vitamins and minerals are an active part of building immune systems in the body. An orange contains the following essential vitamins which help in the fight for flu and cold.
• Vitamin D – A hormone precursor, it is important to build up the Vitamin D level in the body to support the general health and immune system. It helps in the cellular development and also the development and protection of many organs. This vitamin is finally getting recognition as a necessary nutrient for health. Optimizing Vitamin D levels can help prevent illness in the first place, and taking foods rich in this vitamin daily while sick can help speed recovery. An orange supplies a certain level of Vitamin D which is good for flu and cold.
• Vitamin C – Perhaps the best vitamin for cold and flu, vitamin C in large amounts can greatly speed recovery. Vitamin C has long been known to be effective in the treatment of a cough, sore throat and runny nose which are all indications of cold and flu. The effect of building an immune system is only the source of its power to act against a cold. For instance, if the cold weather or stress has impaired your immune systems, the Vitamin C in an orange can be of help by supporting your white blood cells – the backbone of the immune system.
Distributors of Essential Oils
doTerra Oil
doTerra is a Latin word that is derived from “gift of the earth.” doTerra essential oils are composed of a complex blend of chemical constituents. doTerra is an international organization that produces and distributes exceptionally high quality Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG ) essential oils through more than three million independent distributors around the world. doTerra oil has an aromatic quality similar to what is found in other essential oils. While the company seeks to improve life all around the world, many of the essential oils that they produce are sought for in the developing countries where growers and distillers are at the mercy of the users. Many people have benefited from the company through the coalition between the growers and the doTerra oil company. Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils represent the safest and most beneficial oils available in the world today. There are very specific standards the company uses before an essential oil is certified for use. It must be a pure, natural and aromatic compound from the appropriate plant. It is certified after it has been rigorously tested to be free from contaminating substances using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography.
Young Living Oil
This is another distributor of an essential oil. They also distribute their oils all over the world. The invigorating aroma of most of their products is calming and relaxing and is a wonderful addition to baths or massage oils. Young Living oil comes in several forms based on their mode of application. They have the dietary type, which can be used as a diet supplement to attack the strength of the flu. Young Living oil also has a roll on type, the message type to restore muscle pain effect of flu and many others.
by Linda Foss | Dec 5, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Nobody wants a cold, that is a fact. In the office we actually call it the plague when viruses begin to make the rounds and co-workers drop like flies. It is rough when adults get stricken with this malady (maybe a little dramatic but true), but it is even worse when our littles get sick. Colds are a common viral infection that affect the respiratory system – all of it. As if to add insult to injury we get really frustrated and annoyed when we are cursed with a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, headaches and body aches. As a mom it is tough to see your toddlers suffering from colds with their weepy eyes and runny noses.
The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when we look at our health and the health of our children. One of the topics we have found that focuses on this preventative type of medicine is Homeopathic treatment. These medicines are typically made from natural substances so they’re absolutely safe and usually have no side effects. According to professional homeopaths, when you’ve experienced colds more than twice in a year it is better to seek help to fortify your immune system. We say that our family members’ health is our wealth. We have complied 7 Homeopathic Remedies which can help keep you well all year long (no trip to the doc needed). Some may view these methods as antiquated, they have been proven to work time and again. As a matter of fact, I have not used my inhaler for several years because I have an essential oil blend that actually works better (this is not recommended for everyone, I just know it works for me – consult your doctor before you change up your meds). We have detailed several homeopathic remedies and the symptoms they have been used to successfully treat. Hope you are able to use some of these to ease your pain and suffering this cold and flu season.
ACONITE NAPELLUS
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Dry painful cough, high body temperature and sensitivity to light, watery mucous, thirsty most of the time, bright red nose bleed, hot red cheeks, perspiration on uncovered parts of the body, runny nose, restlessness, anxiety.
Aconite is a very handy remedy that every family needs close by. This is suitable mainly during the first 24 hours after the onset of a cold. After being exposed to dry cold weather folks that are sniffling and sneezing or kiddos have increased odds of getting colds or a cough. Aconite napellus is of great help when your child has a stuffy nose and is sneezing a lot.
BELLADONNA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Dry with high fever, red face, throbbing headache/pain, patient radiates heat, dry cough, eyes dilated, cold extremities.
Belladonna should be considered when there’s a rapid stopping of nasal discharge accompanied by throbbing, headache, and a high fever. When your infants have pain in their throat caused by the cold, this medicine can help soothe their pain. Usually when you touch their skin, it is dry and they don’t want to drink water. Their larynx is dry and it aches when they swallow food or drink a small amount of water. Belladonna can also help children who have uncontrollable convulsions because of its calming effect on the nervous system. It is a great medication for treating flu symptoms and alleviates fever quickly. The herb is essentially used for tonsillitis, extreme headaches and sore throats.
EUPHRASIA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: large amounts of fluid from nose, can feel little pain all over the body during the night, heat descends the body, violent cough, chills, pressing pain under sternum, sweats only on the front of the body, coughing typically during the daytime.
Your child needs euphrasia if you’ve seen the symptoms given above. The white of their eyes gets reddened and it gets worse in the open air. Their cough lightens when they just lay down so you have to give your children a rest. Euphrasia has antioxidant properties and it is also effective for various kinds of eye problems. It relieves whatever allergic reactions your child has and infections in their eyes. It is also able to stiffen the mucous membrane encircling the eyes.
PULSATILLA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: The nose is bleeding and your kiddo has a runny nose during the day, and their nose is blocked at night, loss of smell, headache is above the eyes, they have teary eyes and want to be comforted, they have a dry mouth but they are not thirsty and it gets worse at twilight.
Most toddlers end up being super clingy and in need of a constant cuddle simply because they don’t feel well. Sometimes, you will notice they’re breathing through their mouth as they are sleeping because of the nasal congestion. Colds result in the loss of smell, a clogged nose and offensive breath. Keep in mind that single symptoms are common here. Pulsatilla is a common cure for newborn infants specifically if their nasal discharge is yellow or green. You may have a hard time getting them to take it orally, but if you can get them to take it, it will help to ease their symptoms.
ALLIUM CEPA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Extreme sneezing, tickle in the larynx, raspy voice, difficulty breathing, short dry frequent cough, excessive watery discharge from eyes.
The use of allium cepa brings relief when hot watery nasal discharge turns your child’s upper lip raw. Cold air aggravates the situation but at the same time people who need this remedy hate a warm room because their symptoms are exasperated in both environments. Allium Cepa is principally used for colds.
NATRUM MURIATICUM
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: The cold starts with fits of sneezing, the nose is blocked and can develop cold sores, runny eyes get worse in open air or wind, irritated with sun and lights, cold sores on lips, cracked lips.
This remedy is known to be one of the more successful ones because it is a multipurpose cure used for many types of conditions. Specifically, this cure can help with your infant when they develop the cold. Consult with your local homeopath for the best advice on how to apply this treatment.
BRYONIA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Cold moves into the chest, painful and dry cough, headache can be present across the entire head or on just one half, erratic cough, child may hold chest when they cough, very thirsty, can be in an especially aggravated mood.
When your tots have coughed and it goes down to their chest, this remedy can ease the pain they feel inside. Even if they move a little bit or cough slightly, children frequently hold their chest in order to limit the motion and will not be hurt. You can give this your tots so their breathing will get back to normal.
In conjunction with all of the advice above remember the best way to prevent or cure colds is to drink lots of fluid, eat well, and rest. While the above remedies can provide simple, effective, non-invasive relief for your little one please remember – if they have an illness that lingers, if there is ANY trouble breathing, or if they become dehydrated – you need to get them in to see their doctor as quickly as possible. Homeopathy is a great, natural way to treat some of our illnesses in a way that is designed to work with our bodies and our immune system. The more frequently you can use natural solutions, the stronger and more resilient your little ones will become.
by Linda Foss | Nov 18, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Cold weather is on its way, coffee shops are offering pumpkin spice lattes and that means holiday season is fast approaching. This time of year can be especially exciting if you are a new parent. Holiday season can be very difficult to navigate with having to focus on who to buy for, what type of gifts to get and trying to stay within your budget. Not easy at all. One of the perks of this time of year is that you get to bless the special people in your life with gifts that show you are thinking about them. Parents of newborns could really use a little bit of encouragement all year long and we have some great ideas.
Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for friends that are new parents or yourself? Some of the presents we’ve picked offer to give new parents a break in the midst of this crazy season.
Parents who are travel lovers will love this item because it makes your trip trouble free – at least when it comes to feeding the kiddo. This chair fits any dining chair, regardless of its size and shape. The lightweight and easily foldable design makes this chair perfect for on-the-go travel. Now, you can say goodbye to the hassle of looking for chairs for your tots to sit in while you dine.
Tired of carrying your baby using your arms? Is your back aching when you breastfeed your infant? This Nursing Pillow is not just for breastfeeding moms but also for those who feed formula to their babies. It’s a feeding pillow, which provides relief for your back, neck, spine and most particularly your arms. If you breastfeed your child this pillow is a good investment. If you have a congested sick baby another benefit of this type of pillow is that it can help ease congestion for your little one as you feed them. Put the pillow around your waist and fasten its belt or Velcro tightly and you are ready to start using it.
Everyone loves being able to rest during Holiday season but what if your baby’s cry makes it hard to get that elusive rest? This device can keep your tots calm during the night and at naptime. The “shushing” sound the device produces helps give your baby a peaceful and restful sleep and so you too can enjoy the rest of the night. This device operates best when it is two feet away from the hearing radius of your toddler that way the sound waves will be pointing toward baby’s ears and not away.
Do you want to add a personal touch to your first Holiday with your baby? You can have a mold made of your child’s actual handprint or footprint, have it engraved, and actually add it to your pendant or keychain. Aside from being a super unique gift, it is also very personal and is a great memory to give. It’s a keepsake and your little one can cherish it as they grow older. Your child can enjoy this token forever and as they look at it, they will be reminded how you treasure them and how precious they are in your life.
This cozy pouch can be part of your wardrobe so you will not be out of style even during the cold season. Your baby is safe because this soothe shirt is expandable and baby tucks right inside. Another benefit of this shirt is that it promotes mommy and baby bonding time. It has a nursing bra as a part of its setup so it helps make feeding time less awkward when you are on the go. The soothe shirt is ideal for babies between 7 lbs and 15 lbs.
We are pretty sure you want to offer your babies a healthy and delicious diet. This is a great gift for parents with young children that are just learning how to eat solids. Having a baby food maker on hand allows you to prepare the food along with the rest of your meal and then turn it into a meal for your little one – as opposed to having to buy a bunch of pre-made baby food. Using your own baby food maker you can always be sure that you’ll have safe food for your tots and will not be subjecting them to any unknown preservatives in the pre-packaged food. You can steam vegetables, blend fruits and use it to warm and defrost food. It saves you time by allowing you to prepare fresh and healthy meals for your infant ahead of time. Then the meals are ready to serve when you are ready to feed. The kit comes with a list of recipes for you to try, or you can always use your secret family recipes instead.
Bath time can be one of the most challenging times of the week for new-parents. The Bathtime Easy Kneeler is a gift that seeks to ease that stress a little by helping keep you safe and comfortable while you are bathing the little one. Babies are fragile and so we have to use extra care every time we give them a bath and that is a whole lot easier if your knees aren’t pressed into the hard, cold ceramic tile on the floor. This product is a user-friendly tub kneeler that uses polyfoam pads with nonslip synthetic rubber so your knees won’t get hurt and numb. The cushioning aspect of the product also helps reduce stress on your lower back. The extra-padding is designed to provide an easy feeling and cushioning on your knees. It has a pocket where you can put the soap, washcloth, shampoo, or the other stuff needed when bathing your babies. It’s also foldable and washable and can fit any standard tub.
As winter rolls in, the chill of the air starts to freeze us when we are outside. We love to go out on a leisurely stroll with our infants to take in all of the sights and sounds of the season. That means we need to break out the baby stroller (unless you are wearing them – and that is an entirely different post). With it being cold outside, we don’t want our hands to freeze while pushing the stroller. The Stroller Hand Warmer is attached to the handle so you can still keep your hands warm. It’s very convenient in the event you have to pick up your phone, you can instantly answer it unlike the thick gloves that are hard to work with and typically will not operate the touch screen interface on your phone. The hand warmer is very easy to install and remove.
Whether we like it or not, our little angels will reach that stage where they want to gnaw on their bed – while it is a little weird, it is completely normal. As parents we are a little concerned that all of this gnawing on hard wood, metal, or plastic may damage their little chompers. This product is a dual purpose gift, it protects your tots teeth and it also protects the crib. Teething is just normal and so we have to be prepared as new parents for this behavior (kind of like when you bring that adorable German Sheppard puppy home not realizing they are going to chew through your entire house). The guard comes in both fabric crib rail covers and plastic crib rail covers.
A Spa Treatment
Ok, admittedly this one has nothing to do with the baby, but it is a great idea for the parents of the newborn. A trip to the spa gives the new parents an opportunity to relax and to be stress free – at least for a little while. Similar to the old “Calgon take me away” commercials, parents (especially new moms) can be run ragged with the demands of a new baby. A little bit of time away to refuel will pay big dividends for everyone at home. Trust us, new parents will love this special treat.
The gifts we have detailed above are just the tip of the iceberg. If none of these seems just right for you, all you have to do is go visit Pinterest or go to Google and type in “Gifts for new parents”. There are a ton of great ideas out there. Whether you present is simple (like a snot sucker) or mind-numbingly extravagant the new parents will be wildly appreciative of the fact that you have thought of them during this time of year and taken pity on them as they adjust to life with their new bundle of joy!
by Linda Foss | Oct 27, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Our baby’s life is a gift—a gift that can’t be measured. Words can’t define the pleasure we felt inside while carrying that little bundle of joy. Nine months we carried our little angles in our womb and then they were here. That moment was full of expectation, hope and happiness. Not too long after the new baby makes their first appearance reality sets in for new parents and many ask “Now what do I do?” Parenting is not easy, or for the weak of heart, but it is absolutely worth it.
Modern technology has been evolving and many applications focused on the safety, entertainment and well-being of our children have been introduced into the marketplace. As parents we will do anything for the well-being of our babies to ensure they enjoy every stage of their life. But what if you are busy with your job and businesses? How can you enhance your abilities to keep your tots in good condition and safeguarded? Sometimes, we can feel like we are super-parents, but the reality is our super powers have limitations.
Babies can get into all sorts of trouble – they wander away, get into cabinets, figure out how to open doors, and the list goes on. It only takes these little people seconds to get into a world of trouble. Additionally, even small things like an infant stuffy nose can play havoc with our schedules and throw our day for a loop. Even the most experienced parents are not able to monitor their kiddos all of the time. Fortunately for new-parents, advances in technology make it much easier to monitor our toddlers even if we are not around. The protection, welfare and satisfaction of our babies is of the utmost significant because they are precious to us.
Listed below are 8 Awesome & Cool Baby Apps that will absolutely support you and your baby’s journey in growing.
Stork Drop—Baby Names
The baby journey starts with choosing a great name for your little angel. Sometimes this can be a challenge (we have 13 kiddos so names get scarce sometimes), not because you can’t think of a name but because you have many choices in your mind. Now, the Stork will be the one to pick a name for you – they have 7,000 plus names in their database that you may ponder and chew on. The app gives you the ability to save names you like. The name that you’ve selected will show its origin, meaning and popularity. For all of our kids we get little placards made up that show the meaning and origin of their name. It is fun to talk about as they get older.
Baby Sleep: Lullabies and Teddys
Our little ones deserve to experience a smooth and comfortable rest. As parents it is really easy to get tired of singing lullabies to the kiddos. This app is your savior because it lets you play 21 wonderful lullabies which will soothe the ears of your babies. It also comes in handy if you are out of your house and you are self-conscious about singing lullabies in public. This app is the answer to your shyness. You can put the songs on queue to play for three to thirty minutes and you can create your own playlist. The list of lullabies covers Au Claire de la lune, Edelweiss, Hickory Dickery Dock, and Rock a Bye Baby. The app accompanies the songs with attractive images of animals. I’m pretty sure that you’ll admire this application; it’s simple yet awesome.
Baby Shusher
Having a hard time sleeping because your baby keeps crying aloud at night? According to the developer of this app, because of its rhythmic shush sound it can harmlessly stop your baby from crying and calm them because it reminds the baby of being in the womb of their mother. The shush sound will automatically adapt based on the volume of your baby’s cry; when the cry is loud the app will also play louder and when the cry subsides the volume of the app lowers. The application has built-in sound sensor which lets you play it for 15 or 30 minutes. An added bonus of the Baby Shusher is that you may also record your own version of the shush.
Baby Pack & Go
Are you always forgetting something for your baby when you leave your house especially when you’re rushing? No more trouble for the new parent because this app assures that you pack the items needed for your baby before travelling. It has a packing line-up and travel lists for your tots so you won’t forget all of the items you need to take along. You may also customize and personalize the app by adding images, colors and even sounds. It contains a Task Reminder Alert, which is sent so you can bring all the items you identified as needing. It makes it easier to prepare for your travel because you can instantly use this app when you’re busy and thinking of other things. Less hassle, less stress and you’ll have peace of mind all throughout the day because finally you didn’t forget anything for your infant.
Baby Connect
This application tracks everything about your baby. Baby Connect is an application to log the daily activities of your tot. It documents and graphs the feedings of your baby by tracking the pump schedule (if you are pumping), solid foods, diapers, medicines, sleep patterns, mood and even the temperature of your little one. With the data captured, you can check to see if there’s progress from the previous data capture. You can also track measurements such as the weight, height and head size of your toddlers. The nice thing about this app is that data can be automatically delivered to your family members or nanny. This type of an app is especially nice when you have a baby stuffy nose or cold. As an added bonus you can even communicate with caregivers in real time. This app is accessible on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, and as an application on the web. The app is completely secure. It uses password protection for all aspects of data capture and reporting.
Parenting Ages And Stages
This app will be a favorite with the new parent. You are able to receive information concerning the development of your toddler and the app provides parenting ideas and tips, which can help you figure things out as you start into the parenthood journey. The app contains 5 stages: pregnancy, first year, second year, the early years, and the school years. It provides useful information to help guide you as you train and discipline your baby as they grow. Similar to other apps we reviewed in this article; this app helps you compile information about your baby’s progress. It also provides advice and instruction that a new parent will absolutely need.
Angel Sense
Angel Sense is a one-of-a-kind, easy to wear tracker that is created with oodles of features for toddlers and children in general. It is a friendly wearable GPS device that can be magnetically attached to the clothing of your babies. The app provides an update and shows your child’s location every 30 seconds and stores that information in logs. Not only can you see where your child has been / is going, but you can also hear what is going on around them. Every 10 seconds, a live update is automatically sent to your app. When your baby is off crawling around the house and you’re unaware that they have disappeared (it only takes a second for those pesky little buggers to slip away), this app will show you where they are. The best feature is that you can set up your own designated safety zone that your babies are allowed to traverse and will get a warning if he/she strays outside of that zone. The app has far-reaching cellular coverage so it is not limited by the availability of a local wireless network.
My Kid’s Health
Our baby’s health is one of our primary concerns as parents. When our infant is sick, we become a frazzled parent and it impacts our effectiveness at home and in the workplace. My Kid’s Health seeks to lessen that stress by providing us with a high-tech solution to making sure our kids are in optimum health. The basic information provided by this app incorporates date of birth, growth records, appointments they have had with their doctor and dentist, allergies and illnesses, and height and weight. All of this information is synced with the app and kept in a single place so you can access it quickly in an emergency. The nice thing about having all of this information in one place is also that you are able to see the health of your child evolve over time by reviewing check-ups, medical procedures and medicines they have taken over time.
We hope you found a couple of these apps useful. Technology has opened new doors in many areas of our lives, and we think it is great that this tech can be used to make the job of parenting easier.
What are your favorite baby apps? Please share with us. We would love to know.
by Linda Foss | Oct 18, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Every year when September rolls around seasons begin to change, days become shorter, and nights become cooler. The hot humid warmth of summer gives way to a cool rainy season that can bring with it plenty of sickness and sniffles. As moms everywhere know, these sniffles and coughs are not reserved for just big people, but also affect the newborns, infants and toddlers in our lives. This is also the time of year when flu season begins to kick into high gear. Typically flu strikes our little ones because their immune system is still feeble and not equipped to fight the virus. While we can’t bend the weather and change the seasons, we are able to protect our babies from flu.
Exactly what does “FLU” mean? Flu as defined in the dictionary, is a shorter version of the word “influenza” which specifically references the influenza virus. It is an infectious disease which is commonly spread through the air from coughs or sneezes. Flu can be passed on to others around us if they touch a surface infected by the virus and then touch their eyes or mouth.
When it comes to our infants, we get easily rattled trying to figure out how to cure the pain they feel inside and outside. Listed below are the common symptoms that are associated with the flu in infants and toddlers (courtesy of http://www.babycenter.com/0_flu-in-babies_10877.bc). Keep in mind that from zero to six months, infants are especially susceptible to viruses.
SYMPTOMS
Your infant has a high fever.
What it looks like – Temperatures that define high fevers are typically associated with the following ranges. For three months or younger, they have 38ºC (100.4F) or higher. For 3 to 6 months, they have 38.39ºC (101.1F) or higher. And for toddlers older than 6 months, they have 39.44ºC (102.9F) or higher.
Your baby is experiencing a dry cough, sore throat and runny or congested nose.
What it looks like – When your tots have coughs that last longer than one week and if the infant stuffy nose lasts longer than ten to fourteen days, you should make an appointment and have the baby seen by their general practice doctor.
Vomiting and Nausea
What it looks like – If your little one continues to vomit for a period of time greater than 24 hours or if they repeatedly throw-up everything that they eat they may have the flu. There may also be instances where your baby vomits with blood then their lips or nails turn blue.
Extreme Tiredness
What it looks like – Your baby does not have its typical energy levels, they are very cranky, they may be lethargic and having trouble breathing. They may also experience muscle or body aches that contribute to their irritability and unhappiness.
Diarrhea
What it looks like – Your baby might have flu if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or there’s a red body fluid in it and your tot indicates signs of dehydration wherein sunken eyes and decreased urination is evident.
The flu in and of itself can be very worrisome for parents and with good reason. Left unchecked and untreated there is the possibility that the virus can become increasingly difficult to treat and may even turn into pneumonia—that being one of the worst-case scenarios that might occur.
What To Do If Your Newborn Infant Has The Flu
FLU VACCINATION
A flu shot during pregnancy can help to safeguard your little baby before they are able to receive their own vaccine at six months of age. Take note that the flu vaccine is not recommended for newborn infants. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), babies as young as 6 months old all the way up to 18 years old can take the flu vaccine and it is recommended to have it annually. Flu shots are recommended for patients every year because the flu virus can evolve and mutate into a new virus that can be marginally dissimilar from the one you were vaccinated against – when that happens, you are not protected from the new flu strain. It should be noted that nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women but it is allowed for healthy people aged 2 through 49. The CDC recommends pregnant women get the vaccine in injection form.
Does the vaccine have possible side effects? Yes it does. The vaccine can cause unwanted side effects such as soreness or redness, headache, fever, muscle aches, fatigue and swelling from the shot. Side effects typically occur after the shot and will last for one to two days. Please note – if your baby has an allergic reaction to the vaccine you should a call a doctor immediately.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Many folks think personal hygiene is a rudimentary life skill, but lots of people still fail to do it. Keeping yourself and your baby in good health and clean decreases the chance of contracting the flu. Simply washing the hands of your baby with soap and warm water makes a big difference and can help keep the influenza from spreading. It sounds corny but singing two rounds of “Happy Birthday” is a good way to get your hands sudsy and scour away the germs. When you cough and sneeze, cover your mouth with tissue in your hands then throw it away as soon as possible or cough into the inner part of your elbow joint to keep the germs from going everywhere. After coughing and sneezing, never touch your eyes, nose and mouth. You should also be very careful to not touch your infant with potentially contaminated hands. Wash your hands and put some alcohol based sanitation gel on them to sterilize them. Additionally, if there are others in the home that are sick, it is a good idea to ask them to steer clear of the baby while they are coughing and sneezing.
Diet and Rest
Aside from hygiene and vaccinations, eating healthy food is a fundamental habit to boost the immune system of your baby. Our diet is where we obtain vitamins that our bodies require to stay healthy and fight off illness. Ensuring your baby is getting adequate sleep will also help their bodies fend off any infection or virus. Toddlers need approximately 13 hours of sleep nightly.
In the event your little one ends up coming down with the flu (even after you have been diligent with precautionary measures) here are some remedies to help treat the flu in your newborn infant or child.
PROPER HYDRATION
Small amounts of warm water, apple juice, and pedialite are some of the best ways to soothe the throats of your tots for 3 months and older to keep them hydrated (popsicles can work well also). For those babies who are accustomed to solid foods, broth is a good way to get fluids in to them – especially if it is homemade. Obviously, if you are a nursing mother that is the best way to keep baby hydrated and nourished. An added bonus for nursing moms is that antibodies from the mom are passed to baby through the breast milk.
RECOVERING STRENGTH
Rest will bring healing to your infant and getting that rest is absolutely essential when your babies have the flu. Provide a serene place so that your child can experience a peaceful rest and sleep. Use a towel or pillows to elevate your little angel’s head so they can breathe easily (assuming the child is old enough to sleep with a pillow).
MEDICATION
Over the counter pain relievers and cold medicines can help ease your baby’s suffering during their flu exposure. My experience has been that infants benefit the most from Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen when 
they are wrestling with flu like symptoms. Acetaminophen works very well to suppress fevers and the ibuprofen helps to ease aches and pains. Be sure to read the packages for these over the counter drugs to get accurate dosing guidelines. How much medicine your baby can have and how frequently they can have is typically determined by age and weight. Medicine boxes include a dosing chart that provides dosage guidelines. I have also found over the counter decongestants to work very well to relieve the congestion brought on by the flu in toddlers and older kids (decongestants are not typically recommended for a newborn or infants blocked nose. While infant are not able to take medicine to help with the congestion, you can use a medical grade baby nasal aspirator to get the mucus out of their head. If your child is diagnosed with an actual strain of the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine like Tamiflu to shorten the life of the virus.
Fortunately the flu is survivable and treatable in this day and age. There are plenty of homeopathic remedies and if those fail a visit to the doctor’s office can help get the babies health back on track. The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with your babies flu is to remain vigilant, watch the health of your baby, and don’t hesitate to get the little one into the doctor or urgent care if it looks like the effects of the virus are worsening instead of getting better.
by Linda Foss | Sep 2, 2016 | Inspiration |
Your “circle of influence” is a key factor to your success. One of my favorite Proverbs says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another .” Think about what happens when two iron blades are rubbed together. It causes the knives to become sharper making them more efficient to slice and cut and do its tasks. In the same way, Hebrews 4:12 says “God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double edged sword…” This is how we sharpen one another with God’s spoken Word so that we push each other to succeed at whatever is in front of us.
I don’t know what I would do without my circle of influencers. They are my biggest cheerleaders, mentors, encouragers, prayer warriors and best friends. (Yes, you know who you are and this includes my amazing husband!) And just as much as they influence me, I influence them. We sharpen one another. Jim Rohn once said, “Success isn’t to be pursued, it is to be attracted by the person you become.” I keep a tight inner circle because I know the kind of person I desire to be. The same goes for you — you will attract what you become. If you are anything like me, then I want to keep flying with the eagles. I want to keep challenging myself to come up higher which means I’ve got to continue surrounding myself with positive influencers. I have big dreams and goals and I can only afford to surround myself with those influencers who believe I will get there.
Our spoken words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”. Know this, “power” is an “energy” and every word you speak to another or a word spoken to you produces of its own kind whether good or bad. This is why it is vital that we guard our minds and hearts against the wiles of the enemy. We have the choice to surround ourselves with positive influencers or negative ones. The end result will be a life well lived or not. Hopefully, you choose the better of the two. You were already born with a spirit of success, keep surrounding yourself with “positive influencers” and you will succeed.
Remember this: Iron Sharpens Iron.
