11 must-have products for babies and toddlers during cold & flu season

We know that fevers (especially baby’s first fever) can be incredibly scary for everyone, but let’s take a deep breath and remember: fever is the body’s natural response to infection. It’s definitely not fun, but generally no cause for worry. That said, always reach out to your child’s pediatrician with questions or if something feels off to you. (Here’s a helpful guide to fevers from the Cleveland Clinic for a quick and easy reference.)

Now that that’s out of the way… you’re going to need an accurate way to take baby’s temperature.

We’re fans of this digital in-ear option—it’s accurate and easy to use with super quick results and features Braun’s ExactTemp Positioning System which confirms you’ve got it positioned correctly each time you use it. It’s a little on the pricier side, but after testing one too many lower priced models that either weren’t accurate or didn’t last, we think the added investment is worth it.

When high temps hit our little ones, a soothing rub down is always a go-to. One of our top picks for a post-bath routine is Earth Mama’s calming lavender baby lotion to put them at ease. Made of a pure essential oil blend of organic vanilla and lavender, this lotion not only moisturizes babies of all ages, but it also aids in lulling them to sleep.

If getting them to take medicine feels a little like trying to dress a cat, you’ve got to think creatively. This clever pacifier style dispenses liquid medicine at a safe flow rate for baby that minimizes choking and coughing. The design bypasses taste buds so the chances of spitting are lessened for medicine that goes down easily. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find something that pleases your picky toddler.

A humidifier can be invaluable when your little one is sick. By adding moisture to the air, it helps alleviate nasal congestion and throat irritation, making breathing easier. Also, a moist environment soothes dry, irritated skin, which is common in the winter months whether they’re battling a sickness or not.

One of our favorite models is the CarePod Mini. The compact design which looks more like a Brita pitcher than a humidifier is hands-down the easiest model to clean of any we’ve ever tested. It’s made up of only three simple parts that completely disassemble which means there’s no sneaky places for mold to hide out, and since it’s clear you know exactly when it’s time for a refill. But our favorite part? It’s filter-free! No need to spend extra money replacing them every few months.

Need more options? Check out our best baby humidifiers round-up!

This chest balm by erbaviva is an excellent choice for babies with sensitive skin. Other chest balms and rubs often include lavender, which might smell nice, but could also be  skin irritant. Sniffles Chest Balm, however, is made with essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree, and myrrh, which are known to be immune boosting, lend powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties, and are gentle to baby’s soft skin.

When your little one isn’t feeling well, they usually want all the snuggles. Munchkin’s Colic + Fever Rescue Kit makes snuggling even more therapeutic with hot and cold therapy burp cloths. Each kit comes with two cozy double-layer cotton burp cloths, two hot and cold gel packs, two essential oil sprays and two aroma pads. Just slip the gel packs and aroma pads inside, toss over your shoulder and hold your little one close. When they’re feverish and congested, the chilly pack and sniffle-relieving wellness blend can offer a bit of loving relief. (And bonus! They’re also great for nursing mamas as they can help ease clogged milk ducts or engorgement!)

Pediatricians and parents know the value of saline to clear out baby’s gunky nasal passages. The Boogie Micro-Mist Saline Inhaler’s continuous gentle mist distributes natural, sterile saline along the upper respiratory tract to gently moisturize, soothe and provide relief to babies suffering from colds and allergies.

Why choose this option for saline relief? Boogie’s micro-mist inhaler sends optimized saline particles into the entire respiratory tract, as opposed to standard saline sprays, which may only offer localized nasal coverage. And, this spray comes with a face mask that makes administering the saline spray much easier on a cranky, squirmy baby.

We’d love it if every infant came equipped with the ability to blow their own nose, but alas, that duty is still left up to us. When your little one has the sniffles, ditch the outdated bulb syringe and opt for the award-winning NoseFrida, proudly referred to as The Snotsucker. The mechanics seem a little gross at first (yes, you are actually sucking the snot out of that little nose!), but trust us, it’s worth it.

A warm bath is already one of the best ways to soothe a fussy, sick kid, but Boggie Vapor Bath steps up the nurturing a notch by infusing their bubbles with safe dilutions of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils. A little goes a long way, but also be mindful with extra splashy bathers as it can be irritating if it gets in their eyes.

You’re going to be wiping a lot of runny noses over the coming years, mama. I know what you’re thinking… “Can’t I just use regular baby wipes for this?” And, yes, sure, you can. But these wipes are just better for runny noses.

Boogie Wipes contain saline, which naturally helps to clean and dissolve boogers. They’re extra soft, moisturized with aloe and other natural ingredients to soothe skin, and come in a cute little resealable pouch that’s easy to throw into your diaper bag or purse. Watch out, boogers, here we come…

The last must-have on our list is better suited for older babies and toddlers, and can be a lifesaver when your little one is too sick to feel like eating or drinking very much. (Or in the case of the equally dreadful stomach flu.)

These freezer pops are formulated with the optimal balance of sugar and electrolytes needed to help the body replenish fluids and minerals lost through dehydration. They’re way better than giving your kiddo juice or sports drinks, which are usually too high in sugar and too low in sodium. And best of all—your toddler will think they’re a treat! (And yes, you could also just freeze regular Pedialyte into popsicle molds yourself, but this way you can stash a few and always have them ready to go!)