We’re smack dab in the middle of flu season. Which means that regardless of all the sanitizing and handwashing you’re doing, there’s a good chance your kiddo may still get sick. So if your little one comes home with that runny nose, fever, and sad, watery eyes, just remember:

1) You’re doing a great job! But sometimes, these pesky viruses still show up uninvited. 

2) It’s time to play defense. Your little one may be down for the count, but we know you’re in their corner. 

So, let’s jump into what we can do to help your kiddo recover and get back in the game!

Drink Fluids

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when it comes to catching the flu or cold. For one, it can reduce symptoms and help our little ones feel better. But also because the Big, Bad Fever can cause dehydration. Keep an eye out for these signs of dehydration:

• Few or no tears when crying
• Dry or sticky mouth
• Eyes that look sunken
• Going #1 less
• Crankiness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

Our kiddos may not feel thirsty, but it’s important to encourage them to keep drinking fluids. Water is, and always should be, number one. But if your kiddo isn’t feeling H20, a few alternatives you can try are:

• Pedialyte (with an okay from your pediatrician)
• Broth
• Fruit
• Frozen Fruit Popsicles (alternative to store-bought popsicles)
• Kid-Friendly Healthy Smoothies

Rest, Rest, and more Rest

Our kiddo’s body's working overtime to fight off the pesky invaders. Which means they need all the energy they can get! So help your little one get plenty of rest by:

• Giving them a warm bubble bath before bedtime
• Humidifier
• Low lighting
• Bedtime stories
• Soothing massage

Keep a Germ-Free Area

With all the runny noses and achoooooos, icky germs can run wild. This means they’re spreading their germs, keeping our kiddos sick longer, and even infecting other members of the household. So while your little one is sick, remember to:

• Sanitize door knobs, and other high-touch areas
• Review hand washing & sanitizing procedures
• Never reuse tissues
• Wash sheets & blankets
• Keep a trash can nearby (you know, just in case)

Eat the Rainbow 

Getting a variety of antioxidants and nutrients is always a good idea. And when we’re sick, our body needs all the help it can get! Here are a few soothing recipes to help your kiddo recover:

1) Chicken Soup

Although chicken soup isn’t the magic cure we wish it was, the warm broth can help soothe sore throats. And all those veggies may be just the ticket to beating the flu! 

If your little one doesn’t want anything to do with veggies, try these famous mom hacks for sneaking ‘em in. Shhh, we won’t tell!

2) Easy Wonton Soup

There’s a huge chance your kiddos won’t eat wontons. We get it! However, you can take out the wontons and still have the warm, garlic-ginger broth to soothe sore throats and achy bellies. 

3) Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

With all the noodles and tomato-based sauce, this recipe will remind your kiddo of their favorite Chef Boyardee — only you’ll know it’s actually healthy & good for them! ;)

Take Immune-Boosting Vitamins

Boosting the immune system is another way we can help our little one’s recover. One easy way is supplementing with the immunity superstars (which have shown to decrease symptoms of cold and flu viruses):

• Vitamin D3 for Children
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

However, research also shows that a probiotic supplement for kids can lower the effects of cold or influenza. That means taking probiotics in the winter (flu’s favorite season) can help all season long. And if your little one is anemic, they could have lower immunity and benefit from an iron supplement for kids. 

Medicate

And of course, medication (with your pediatrician’s recommendation) helps relieve symptoms, lower fever, and get our kiddos back in the game! 

Alright Super Parent, you’re rockin’ this parenting thing. Keep being awesome and we hope your little one's back at it in no time. 

And if you’re looking for a zero-sugar, immune boost for your kiddo this flu season, check out Renzo’s Vitamins Immunity Builder Bundle. It includes:

• Invincible Vitamin C (made with Elderberry and Zinc for extra antioxidant power)
• Dynamite D3 (the sunshine vitamin made with D3 for children)
• Picky Eater Multi (18 essential vitamins and minerals — perfect for picky eaters!)