12 Things to Help Moms & Dads Stay Healthy When Kids Are Sick

Or stay right at home in your bedroom. This humidifier can be charged and then used wirelessly for up to eight hours, anywhere you need it. It’ll keep your skin, nose, and throat hydrated, helping fight allergies or congestion anytime they’re threatening your precious, likely already interrupted sleep. ($59.95, Amazon)

Baking soda, purified water, and salt are the only ingredients in this saline mist. Since it’s drug free, you can use it as often as you need to for clearing out congestion, whether it’s from allergies or a cold. Grab a few since you won’t want to share with other people in the house. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

If Gatorade’s not your thing, but better hydration is still something you’re working on, consider these electrolyte mixes, which have 1000mg sodium, 200mg potassium, and 60mg magnesium each—and zero sugar. Start with a sample pack that has eight different flavors, ranging from mango chili to chocolate salt, and then stock up on whichever ones you like best. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Honey can help calm sore throats and coughs in kids and adults alike, and while you don’t need a super fancy variation, this manuka honey is a sweet upgrade pick. With almost 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s a crowd favorite, made in New Zealand from bees who feed on manuka blossoms’ nectar. Try it in tea or on its own, by the spoonful. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

You used to have to live in NYC to get Brodo’s high-quality bone broths—but now they’ll ship them straight to you, no freezer space or refrigeration necessary. Whether you use them as an ingredient in recipes, or just drink them straight from a mug, these tasty broths, made with high-quality ingredients and without concentrates or preservatives, will help soothe colds and just generally keep you warm and cozy. Choose from eight flavors, like chicken and beef broths or a Tom Yum broth with coconut, curry, and lime. ($52.80+, Brodo)

Tea? For a sore throat? Groundbreaking. Just like the Brodo broths above, Harney & Sons’ comforting blends, like honey chamomile and organic ginger lemon, will help keep you comfortable through whatever viruses your kids’ schools throw your way. They’re also perfect additions to any sick season care packages. ($16.95, Harney & Sons)($9.45, Harney & Sons)

It’s not just your kids who need to stay hydrated—whether or not you’re actively sick at the moment, hydration will help keep you feeling good enough to tackle your likely frighteningly long to-do list. You don’t need to buy a fancy cup to drink more water, but hey, if it helps, it helps. (Plus, you won’t have any need for disposable bottles.) ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

We know the last thing you need is a lecture about how exercise can help you stay healthy—chances are you’re already doing the best you can. That’s one reason the Fitbit feels like an achievable addition to whatever routine you already have going on. It can help you track workouts, but also keep you aware of how much you’re walking on a day-to-day basis, and inspire you to get a little more movement where possible. Plus, it has plenty of other features like period tracking, sleep tracking, calls/texts, and even an alarm clock. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Hydration, nutrition, and good sleep…you probably won’t find a doctor who doesn’t recommend these things. And upgrading your pillow might just help with number three. This pillow is made of mostly memory foam with a 100% cotton cover, and you can use the zippers on each side to adjust the firmness to your own taste. ($49+, Marlow)

It’s always good to have some disinfecting wipes at the ready for all appropriate kitchen, bathroom, and other surfaces in case a nasty bug strikes. If it’s a particularly nasty one like norovirus, go for the big (aka hospital-grade) guns. ($14.29, Target)

If you remind your kids to wash their hands so often that you’re starting to feel like a robot, chances are you also go through a lot of hand soap. Consider it a health win. Keep a few extras (or refills) in the closet so you never run out. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Because especially with little kids around, you can really never have too much. We like these disposable wipes that have a 62% ethyl alcohol formula and can easily be stowed just about everywhere—diaper bags, handbags, backpacks, sports bags—without fear of leaking. We especially appreciate that they physically wipe grime off hands, too. If you prefer a liquid sanitizer, Touchland’s sweet-smelling sprays are both good-looking and effective. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)