11 Kids’ Products to Stock Up on for Sick Season

While Children’s and Infants’ Tylenol are the same product, the dosing devices included in each package are different—so consider whether you want to use a baby syringe or a children’s dosing cup. We (and our washing machines) prefer the dye-free version. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)($9.07, Amazon)

It’s not a bad idea to have both Tylenol and Motrin on hand, since they last different amounts of time, and pediatricians may recommend alternating the two in some situations. (Of course, always consult your doctor for medical advice.) In this case, the infants’ and children’s versions actually do have a different concentration, so make sure you’re buying the right one. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)($11.47, Amazon)

At least in our houses, these tend to break and/or mysteriously disappear from time to time, so make sure you have one and know where it is before your previously healthy child is suddenly burning up. Get a rectal thermometer for babies and an ear thermometer for bigger kids. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)($13.97, Amazon)

A great, unmedicated tool you can use to offer congested kids relief. This saline solution can be used either as drops or as a spray, so it works for newborns as well as older kids (and even adults). We like to grab a few at a time so each family member can have their own, or we can start fresh between colds. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Disposable, one-time-use filters make this ingenious little device a sanitary way to help clear your little one’s plugged-up nose…helping him or her sleep better and stay more comfortable. Can’t get your head around the idea of sucking someone else’s snot? Opt for the electric version. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Sore throats tend to leave your kids feeling uncomfortable, and you feeling helpless. But honey is one natural way to help a cough or sore throat feel better in children older than 1 (for younger babies, honey should be avoided due to the risk of botulism), so it’s a great thing to have around. ($4.29, Target)

Never a bad idea to have these in the freezer—whether it’s a playdate scrape, sports injury, or imaginary boo-boo, these friendly, reusable cold (and hot) packs are sure to inspire a smile. Choose from a few themes, like dinos, bears, and fruit. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Fluids are important whether your kid’s battling a cold or at risk of dehydration from fever or vomiting—but that doesn’t mean they’ll willingly drink them. So you may have to pull out all the stops, including switching things up with some new cups to pique their interest. These 15-ounce tumblers come in a ton of different designs and are dishwasher-safe. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

As mentioned above, it can be tricky to get your sick kid to take in all the fluids they need. Juice or Pedialyte can help—and we like Honest’s juices in particular since they have no added sugar and less total sugar than many other juice brands. Pedialyte is higher in added sugars, but also has electrolytes to help with hydration. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)($5.49, Target)

Some experts recommend changing toothbrushes after sickness has run through your house, and it certainly can’t hurt. We like to keep a set of extras around and switch out the old ones after particularly nasty bugs.({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

If it feels like your family has a standing order of amoxicillin at the pharmacy, you might want to consider adding a probiotic to your kids’ routine, at least in the short term. This one has no flavor of its own and can be mixed into food for kids over 1. Again, always consult your doctor before using any medication or supplement. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)