5 Things NOT to do When Your Toddler is Sick

Toddlers are tiny humans with tough personalities. That is why I compiled this list of 5 things not to do when your toddler is sick.

Their tough personalities can be an even bigger challenge to navigate when they are sick, and toddlers are sick FREQUENTLY.

Sometimes sharing the illness around a household feels like a bad ride on a merry -go- round… especially during the winter months.

This is normal for frequent illnesses during the Fall and Winter seasons when germs are spreading like wildfire. As a nurse practitioner in an urgent care, I see a lot of toddlers during flu season.

Let me share with you 5 things NOT to do when your toddler is sick, that can help ease the experience for the whole family.

We hear about viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and the Flu yearly. The reality is that all of these illnesses are viruses and MOST of the time treatment is supportive.

Taking on supportive treatment with a sick toddler is a whole new kind of parenting, one that sometimes involves bribery, negotiations, worry, watchful waiting, and maybe even some emotional eating after they go to bed.

Remember as the parent to take care of yourself too! Check out my post here talking about 5 ways to reduce postpartum irritability and anxiety, some of these tips useful when busy and stressed to help reduce the pressure.

Let’s get down to talking about 5 things NOT to do when your toddler is sick to help relieve some of the stress.

1. Limit the dairy

If other kids out there are like mine, we should probably have our own cows from the amount of dairy they consume. Young toddlers between the ages of 1-2 years are typically drinking milk regularly.

I would limit this when they are sick for a couple of days, especially if your child has a lot of nasal congestion or moist cough.

Dairy, although not scientifically proven to increase mucous production, can coat the mouth and throat and create that temporary sensation. A day or two without milk or yogurt is not going to stunt their growth, don’t worry!

2. Do not give children’s Tylenol and Motrin together

If you think your child is uncomfortable or has a fever, children’s Tylenol (acetaminophen) and children’s Motrin (Ibuprofen) can be first line of defense, but I want you to alternate their use, do NOT give at the same time.

If you do give the medicines at the same time, this will not cause harm, however alternating the two medicines can be the ticket to success.

Alternating the medicines gives you the advantage to provide fever or discomfort relief at more frequent intervals. I will provide you an example, as this is a question I am regularly asked…

9am-Tylenol

12pm-Motrin

3pm-Tylenol

6pm-Motrin

9pm-Tylenol

And then continue this every this schedule in the same pattern…

This is a simple tactic that can be easily implemented at home and gives you more fighting power against fever and discomfort.

3. Don’t wake them up for medicine

I wanted to add this advice in as a follow up to the Tylenol and Motrin information. I have many parents ask me if they should wake their children up while sick for medication.

Everyone’s situation is unique, however, typically my recommendation is NOT to wake children up. They need to rest during this time.

If the child is uncomfortable or has a high fever, they will most likely wake up on their own.

4. Don’t force food

Toddlers can be picky eaters at baseline. Whether they are going through a food aversion phase or just being themselves, being sick can certainly contribute to limited food intake.

What I typically tell parents is don’t push the food issue, just be sure that your child is drinking fluids.

A day or two without full meals during illness can be normal.

Fluids, preferably water or something like Pedialyte should be the priority.

Popsicles and ice chips can also sometimes be beneficial and exciting for toddlers, however, don’t just rely on items with sugar, water is still the best!

5. Don’t overdress

As parents, we are tempted to bundle up our kids, especially during Fall and Winter.

Due to toddlers being unable to communicate regarding topics like, I am hot, I am cold, etc, dressing as necessary for the weather is appropriate, however DO NOT OVERDRESS.

If your child has a fever, they do not also need a sweater, blanket, etc, you get the idea.

This is one of the easiest ways to initially help with fever, especially if your child has multiple layers on during the cold weather months.