How to Care for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers When They Are Sick (and You Are Too)

This picture is also available as a downloadable pdf guide

Parenting is never easy, but having sick kids can feel like an impossible mission. Add being sick yourself to the mix, and it’s survival mode.

My firstborn was a COVID baby, so she was rarely sick in her first year. But when my second was born, his older sister had just started school—bringing home every bug imaginable. As a result, he was sick all the time in that first year! Now that they are two and four years old, illness is still a regular visitor in our home.

Here is what we do to keep everyone (relatively) sane and ensure a speedy recovery—with a special focus on living in a hot and humid climate like Singapore, but also applicable to families worldwide.

Hydration Is Key: Frequent feedings, Hydralyte, 'Tea Time' at Bath

When little ones have a fever, staying hydrated is crucial—especially in hot, humid places like Singapore, where kids can sweat a lot even while resting. Unfortunately, sick children often refuse plain water or don’t drink enough fluids.

Frequent Feedings for Babies

Get ready for more frequent feeds! When my firstborn was a toddler, she nursed more often when sick. At 18 months old, she caught COVID—she barely ate, but breastfed constantly around the clock. It became her main source of hydration and comfort.

For babies who are still nursing, breastfeeding can be a powerful tool during illness. Breastmilk even changes when babies are sick, increasing antibodies and immune-boosting properties to support their recovery. If your baby wants to nurse more often, know that it’s not just for comfort—it’s actively helping their little body fight off illness.

That said, not every baby reacts the same way. My second-born, when he was a baby, sometimes refused to nurse when unwell—possibly due to a sore throat or stuffy nose. In those moments, I had to pump to keep up my supply and offer small, frequent bottle feeds instead.

Electrolyte Drinks

When my kids don't drink enough water, I give them oral rehydration solutions like Hydralyte. We started using Hydralyte after our pediatrician recommended it when our daughter J was just a toddler. Hydralyte quickly replenishes lost fluids and electrolytes, making it essential for fevers, diarrhea, or vomiting. It comes in several forms: liquids, freezable ice pops, tablets, and powdered sticks

Since that first recommendation, Hydralyte has become a household staple. We always keep a stash of Hydralyte Ice Blocks ready—some liquid versions in storage and a few pops in the freezer. The popsicles are a hit with our kids; they’re not only soothing but feel like a special treat, which makes it much easier to get them to drink up without a fuss.

Making Hydration Fun: 'Tea Time' at Bath

Another fun trick to encourage drinking is playing 'tea time' during bath time. We bring their toy tea cups and pretend to run a tea shop. It never fails—my kids eagerly sip ‘tea’ (plain water) during the game, turning hydration into playtime instead of a struggle.

Managing Fever and Body Aches

Fever is a natural response to infection, helping the body fight off viruses and bacteria. But while it's a common symptom, it can make kids miserable—causing body aches, chills, and overall discomfort. When my kids have a fever and body aches, I focus on keeping them comfortable and don’t hesitate to give them paracetamol if needed.

Good to know: For babies under three months, a fever above 38°C (100.4°F) requires immediate medical attention. For older babies, our pediatrician always advisesd keeping them cool but comfortable—avoiding overdressing or heavy blankets. He also recommended lukewarm sponge baths (never cold) to help bring down a fever. To do this, use a soft washcloth dipped in lukewarm water and gently dab or wipe their forehead, neck, armpits, and limbs. Let the water evaporate from their skin to help cool them down, and avoid covering them with heavy towels or clothing immediately after.

Dealing with Blocked Noses at Night

One of the toughest parts of caring for a sick child is when a stuffy nose disrupts their sleep. Initially, I was hesitant to use nasal decongestants for babies and toddlers because much of the advice and information I found online—particularly from the US—recommended against using them for children under the age of two. Instead, the common recommendations included using an aspirator or bulb syringe, saline rinses, and keeping the baby's head elevated.

Despite following these steps, my little one would still wake up frequently, struggling to breathe, leading to sleepless nights for both of us. The worst moments were when my babies couldn't nurse comfortably at night due to congestion, which also means that they couldn't go back to sleep easily.

Nasal Decongestant Drops

After consulting our pediatrician, we were introduced to Iliadin, which they recommended for short-term use. The difference was immediate and remarkable—I no longer hesitate to use it when necessary. It provides relief, allowing my child to breathe easily and sleep soundly, which means better rest for me as well.

Iliadin, which contains oxymetazoline, comes in two different bottles: one for infants up to 1 year old and another for children aged 1 to 6 years. It should not be used for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days to avoid the risk of rebound congestion. When my kids were sick as babies, I would give them a drop before nursing to help them breathe easier and nurse comfortably. During their toddler years, there was a phase when they would refuse it, so I began waiting until they were sound asleep to administer the drop gently. Nowadays, with my 4-year-old, she sometimes accepts the nasal drop right away, but if she doesn't want it, I simply wait until she's asleep before giving her a dose.

Aspirators

I also find a nasal aspirator to be super helpful. When my kids were infants, we used the Lollababy batterie operated nasal aspirator. It comes with 3 different sizes of silicon tips, is gentle and it didn't bother my babies. But I had to change the batteries frequently; otherwise, it would get too weak. Even with new batteries, I found that the suction wasn't very strong when my kids were toddlers. It was still useful, especially because my younger one really didn't mind it. When he was old enough, he would even hold it himself and suction his nose, making the process much easier for both of us. However, given the price of it, I am not sure I would buy it again.

Instead, what works best for us is the NeilMed NasaBulb aspirator for babies and children. My younger one thinks its fun to suction his nose with it. With my older one, the easiest time for me to suction was after she fell asleep (at the risk of waking her up, but she would easily fall back asleep). We also tried the Haakaa Easy-Squeezy Silicone Bulb Syringe and two different no-name brand suction bulbs, but none of them were even remotely as efficient as the NeilMed bulb syringe.

Nasal irrigation/Sinus rinse: Satisfying and Essential

We can’t live without our sinus nasal rinse and use it at the first sign of a runny nose. When my younger one was a baby, my friend Meli in Switzerland told me she used a small syringe to flush her baby's nose. That advice was gold! I would make a saline solution using Neilmed premixed saline sachets in my medela bottles and then used a soft-tip syringe for gentle saline rinses. It’s amazing how much snot can be trapped in those tiny noses! The syringe was gentle enough that they didn’t even mind.

After they got a little older, we started using the NeilMed squeeze bottles for kids, which has become a household favorite. For my daughter J, I had to use distractions to get through the process when she was a toddler. But my younger child, surprisingly, loves the whole process. From tearing open the saline packets and mixing the solution to leaning over the sink and flushing his nose, it’s almost like a game to him. He actually even prefers the adult squeeze bottle over the kids bottle. And let me tell you, it’s incredibly satisfying (and a little gross) to see just how much mucus comes out—especially in the morning. After flushing his nose, he typically drinks a little bit or spits it out, along with some fun sprays around the bathroom.

Sometimes I flush my nose first, and when the kids see it, they want to do it too. Other times when they are not in the mood, I take a stuffy toy and pretend they are sick and want to flush their nose. Soon enough, my kids want to participate in the play and end up flushing their noses. We typically flush before bed and first thing in the morning, and if their noses are very congested, also during the day. 

Soft-Nozzle Saline Sprays and Humidifiers

When our daughter J was a newborn, our pediatrician recommended using a saline spray to alleviate nasal congestion. We found that a soft-nozzle spray by Sterimar was more comfortable than a regular nozzle. My older one didn’t love it as a toddler, so I usually sprayed her nose after she was already asleep. Meanwhile, my younger one thinks it’s the funniest thing on earth and loves spraying his own nose.

Our pediatrician also advised using a humidifier at night. Since then, we’ve made it a nightly habit, especially with air conditioning, which reduces humidity and can worsen congestion. Dry air can cause mucus to thicken and block airflow, making it harder to breathe. It can also irritate nasal passages and increase discomfort. We even switched to a large-volume smart humidifier, which can ensure that the relative humidity stays within an ideal comfort range of 40-60%. . 

Keeping nasal passages moist thins mucus, improves airflow, and soothes inflammation, supporting the body’s natural defenses. Humidifiers and saline sprays help maintain hydration, promoting easier breathing and better sleep.

Cough and Vomiting in Babies and Children

Coughing is a common symptom in sick children and serves as a natural defense mechanism. It can help clear irritants, mucus, and germs from the airways, preventing infections from worsening. In young children, post-nasal drip is a frequent culprit—excess mucus from the nose drains down the throat, irritating the airways and causing persistent coughing. This irritation can lead to coughing fits, which may trigger the gag reflex and result in vomiting.

Younger babies, in particular, vomit more easily when sick. Their gag reflex is more sensitive, meaning even mild irritation from mucus or coughing can trigger vomiting. Additionally, their esophageal sphincter (the muscle between the stomach and esophagus) is still immature, making it easier for stomach contents to come back up.

While coughing can happen at any time, it often worsens at night. When children lie down, mucus can pool in the throat, increasing irritation and making them cough more frequently. Dry air can further exacerbate nighttime coughing, making it harder for them to settle and rest.

Most parents have likely dealt with cough-induced vomiting at night. We have had countless nights where we scrambled to change pajamas and sheets after an episode. Over time, we became a little more skilled at recognising the signs and acting fast—grabbing our kids just in time so they vomit onto the floor instead of the bed (since, let’s be honest, we rarely make it to the bathroom in time). We also keep towels within reach to catch vomit in bed and minimize the mess. At this point, it’s just part of our sick-night routine.

Effective Cough Treatments: Ventolin and Fluimucil

One of the most effective treatments we have received from our pediatrician is an inhaler with Ventolin. Ventolin (salbutamol) is a bronchodilator that helps open the airways, making it easier for children to breathe when they have a persistent cough. It’s commonly prescribed for wheezing and respiratory infections. Our pediatrician suggested it to us to manage cough.

Our kids sometimes don’t mind using the inhaler, but they also go through phases where they refuse it. In those cases—mainly during the day when their coughs are particularly harsh—we switch to the liquid version of salbutamol. At night, however, we love the inhaler because we can use it while they are asleep. Often, we don’t realize how bad their cough is until it starts disrupting their sleep. With the inhaler, we can gently place the mask over their nose and mouth, and over time, their coughing eases, helping them rest more comfortably.

Another helpful medication recommended by our pediatrician is Fluimucil, a mucolytic medication containing N-acetylcysteine (NAC) that helps thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to clear. It comes in small sachets that dissolve into any drink. When my younger child was a baby, he actually liked it, but as a toddler, he started refusing it—just like my older child, who has never been a fan. To make it more palatable, I mix it with Hydralyte or 100+, though they still aren’t thrilled about it.

Aside from Ventolin and Mucolyte, I also give my kids Sambucol Cough Liquid. It contains elderberry extract for an added vitamin boost and helps soothe their throats. Honestly, it’s always a coin toss—sometimes they like it, and sometimes they don’t, but that’s not a battle I want to pick.

Why Managing Cough Matters

From our experience, managing a persistent cough with the right treatments and remedies helps children recover faster and more comfortably. Constant coughing can wear them out, especially when it's a dry cough, making it harder for their bodies to rest and heal. Keeping their cough under control allows them to get the sleep they need to recover.

Additionally, I have found that tackling a dry cough early with a cough suppressant can prevent it from lingering for weeks. If left unmanaged, a dry cough can create a cycle of irritation, where continuous coughing further inflames the throat, prolonging recovery. In children, this prolonged coughing can be exhausting and disruptive to daily activities and sleep. That’s why controlling a persistent cough isn’t just about comfort—it actually supports faster healing.

Sore Throat Relief

Sore throats can be especially tough for young children, especially when they are too little to explain what’s wrong. Sometimes, the only signs are excessive drooling, refusing to eat, or being unusually fussy. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see them uncomfortable, especially when eating and drinking becomes a struggle.

Sore throats in children can be caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu, but they can also result from bacterial infections such as strep throat. Other factors, like dry air or excessive coughing, can also contribute to throat irritation. Additionally, post-nasal drip—where mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat—can lead to irritation and soreness. This often occurs with sinus infections or allergies, causing a tickling sensation and prompting frequent throat clearing or coughing.

When we suspect that our kids have a sore throat, we don't hesitate to use ibuprofen or paracetamol—ibuprofen is particularly effective since it not only relieves pain but also reduces inflammation. At night, we always run a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent further dryness, which can make throat pain worse. Our pediatrician also gave us Leftose to help reduce inflammation and irritation.

Antihistamine Drops for Rashes

Our younger one has experienced several body rashes—one time it was roseola, but other times we weren’t sure of the cause, likely allergic reactions. He also used to have intense reactions to mosquito bites, with large, swollen welts that would itch terribly, especially at night. To ease the discomfort, we keep Zyrtec drops for on hand, which we got from our pediatrician. For kids two years old and up, you can buy Zyrtec-R Solution from the Guardian.

The drops provide quick relief from itching and swelling but can make them tired, so we usually give them before bedtime. If the itching is severe during the day, we administer another dose to keep them comfortable. Having these antihistamine drops on standby has been essential for managing rashes, making a huge difference in their comfort during recovery.

Comfort Food: Chicken Macaroni Soup 

When my kids are sick, nothing beats the comfort of warm, nutritious soup. We either order soup and rice from nearby hawkers or, if possible, make a big pot at home packed with veggies for extra nutrition. We add macaroni to the chicken soup, which the kids love. It's soothing, hydrating, and loaded with nutrients to support recovery.

This is especially helpful for my older child, who’s a very picky eater and at times displays behaviour typical of ARFID. She doesn’t eat vegetables, fruits, or meat (except for fried chicken skin and nuggets) but enjoys clear soup and plain pasta. The macaroni absorbs the flavours and nutrients from the chicken broth, making it a simple yet effective way to ensure she gets something nourishing.

Sometimes, I keep a batch of clear soup in the freezer for emergencies. If you can manage it, making one large batch can save you from having to cook multiple meals on those exhausting days when the whole family is under the weather.

Rest, Relaxation, and Screens 

When survival mode kicks in, we take it easy—lots of rest on the bed or couch. I remind myself that it’s only temporary. Rest is critical for recovery, and I’ve learned to go with the flow, accept the extra wake-ups, the contact naps, and the round-the-clock care, knowing that this phase will pass—just like the newborn days.

When my babies were sick, I had to let go of any expectations of normal sleep or routine (whatever that meant). There were more contact naps, more wake-ups at night, and a lot more soothing and holding. If they could only sleep in my arms, I let them. If they needed to nurse constantly for comfort or refused nursing, I just went with it. It felt like a return to the newborn days, where all that mattered was meeting their needs and resting whenever possible.

Now that my kids are older, the same mindset applies, except that we have more tools to keep them entertained. To break up boredom, I sometimes surprise the kids with a new toy wrapped as a gift, like a new play-doh set, slime, or a sand painting kit I keep in storage. It always lifts their spirits and keeps them entertained. My older one, who loves play-doh and arts and crafts, can stay engaged for up to an hour!

If they’re too tired for active play, we turn on the TV, snuggle up, and just let everyone relax. I don’t stress over screen time limits. We also enjoy playing a little bit of toddler/preschool games on the iPad, such as Balloon Pop, Bimi Boo, Lingo Kids, and the Paw Patrol game. These games are engaging, interactive, and help keep the kids entertained when they’re too tired for physical play.

When they have a fever, I let them nap whenever they want. All schedules go out the window—we just go with the flow. Their bodies need the extra rest to recover, and sticking to a rigid routine only creates more stress for everyone in our house.

When to See a Doctor

Never hesitate to see a doctor if you’re concerned. High fever, difficulty breathing, severe lethargy, or any symptoms that worsen instead of improve are all reasons to seek medical help.

For us, seeing our pediatrician has always been a priority when our kids are sick. All the treatments and medications we use—whether for fevers, congestion, coughs, or rashes—have come from consulting our pediatrician first. It’s important to get the right diagnosis and proper medication instead of relying only on home remedies. Even when symptoms seem minor, I always feel more at ease knowing we have medical guidance.

In our case, my son K had Kawasaki disease when he was only 14 months old. He had a high fever and an itchy rash all over his body, but strangely wasn’t congested. We brought him to a 24h family clinic on a evening when our pediatrician was unavailable. They prescribed antibiotics, but his condition worsened over the next two days.

We didn't hesitate and brought him in again, this time to our pediatrician. He immediately suspected Kawasaki, ran tests, and advised us to admit K to the hospital on the same day. It was a scary and really tough experience, as my son was really miserable. But it was an experience that reinforced my trust in my instincts, reassuring me to never hesitate in bringing my kids to our pediatrician, even just for peace of mind. (I’ll share more about our experience with Kawasaki in another post—stay tuned.)

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace

There’s no perfect way to manage sick kids—especially when you’re not feeling your best or don’t have a lot of support. I had to learn to give myself grace, recognizing that doing my best is enough. I now focus on the basics: keeping everyone hydrated, easing congestion, ensuring rest, and offering whatever comforts we can.

I am incredibly fortunate to have access to resources—store-bought remedies, efficient healthcare and insurance, and those little comforts—that help me care for my kids when they're sick. I'm also lucky to have 6 days of childcare leave on top of my annual leave, which lets me stay home when the kids are unwell. I know not everyone is privileged with these benefits, and my experience is just one way of doing things; care can look very different from one household to another.

The one thing we have in common though is that these challenging moments won’t last forever. Until then, hang in there—one saline spray, popsicle, or snuggle at a time.

Do you have any tried-and-true tips for getting through sick days? Share your advice in the comments below! Let’s help each other through it.

Shopping List for Sick Days with babies, toddlers and young kids

• Hydration:  Hydralyte ice pops on Shopee (SG) | Pedialyte freezer pops on (Amazon US)

• Congestion Relief:  Iliadin nasal decongestant for infants on Shopee (SG) |  Iliadin nasal decongestant for children 1-6 yrs on Shopee (SG)

• Nasal irrigation/Sinus rinse: Neilmed saline premix sachets , soft-tip syringes for babies and NeilMed squeeze bottles for kids on Shopee (SG) | soft-tip syringes for babies and NeilMed Saline Nasal Rinse Kit for kids on Amazon (US)

• Nasal Aspirator: Lollababy batterie operated nasal aspirator for infants and NeilMed NasaBulb aspirator on Shopee (SG) | NeilMed battery operated nasal aspirator and Frida Baby nasal aspirator on Amazon (US)

• Saline Spray: soft-nozzle saline spray by Sterimar on Amazon (SG) | Boogie Baby Saline Nasal Spray Mist on Amazon (US)

• Humidifier: large-volume smart humidifier (9l) on Shopee (SG)

• Rash Relief: For babies up to 2 years old: Consult Pediatrician. For kids from 2 years old: Shop Zyrtec-R Solution on Shopee (SG) 

• Entertainment: Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Drizzy Ice Cream set, slime, or a sand painting kit on Shopee (SG) | Shop Play-Doh Drill'n Fill Dentist Toy on Amazon (US)

Click below to download the printable guide: 'Sick Day Survival. How to care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers when they are sick (and you are too)'

Sick Day Survival.pdf

Download PDF • 681KB

Please note that this article is based on my personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, as I am not a healthcare professional. Additionally, this article contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.