Roots & Routines

People tell you that you will be sick a lot when your child starts school, but no one tells you how sick, and how stressful that time period can be as a parent. If your child just started daycare, buckle up you are about to find yourself very familiar with runny noses, stomach bugs, and fevers.

1. Accept That It’s Going to Happen

Your child will get sick. You will get sick. Your partner will probably get sick too.

The first year of daycare is notoriously full of colds, ear infections, stomach bugs, and random viruses. While it feels like a never-ending cycle, remind yourself: this is how their immune system builds strength.

During our daughter’s first year of daycare she had an ear infection from March through the end of April. We were constantly juggling a sick baby at home while trying to maintain full time work schedules, very high fevers, lots of doctors trips, and antibiotics that just weren’t working. If this is you right now.. hang in there it gets better. We eventually landed on tube surgery, but it was a long road getting to that point.

2. Prepare for the Midday Call

If you are a full time working parent you know the struggle and panic of getting a call or message from daycare. It’s always the same “your child has a fever, please come pick them up and keep them home until they are fever free for 24 hours”.

Here are some tips that help:

• Have a backup plan – my husband and I both work full time and it can be challenging to balance our schedules when our daughter is sick. Have trusted friends, babysitters or grandparents that can help out. This makes things a little less hectic when you get a call about a sick kiddo.
• Communicate with work early – let them know you have a little one at home that’s in daycare. Most employers will know what this means and will likely work with you on this. Have plans in place to work remotely when things with your baby come up.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car – stock it with tissues, wet wipes, puke bags, Tylenol, etc. This can be a lifesaver.

3. Schedule Doctor Appointments Strategically

Daycare = lots of trips to the pediatrician. Some days it feels like you should get a punch card — five visits and the sixth one free! While that’s (sadly) not a thing, there are ways to make frequent doctor visits easier and less stressful for everyone.

• Book appointments strategically – try to book appointments first thing in the mornings before work or during your lunch break if you work remotely. This can save lots of time.
• Use the time wisely – keep a running list in your phone of concerns or questions you may have. Bring those up at these appointments to get the most out of your visit.
• After hours options – I can’t even tell you how many times we have called the after hours nurse line. Especially when those pesky fevers get really high. Have the 24/7 care phone number available, and know which urgent cares around you offer pediatric services.

4. Take Care of Yourself Too

It’s not just your kid who catches everything. Parents are often hit with the same germs (but with fewer naps).

• Stay hydrated
• Take your vitamins
• Wash your hands – a lot
• Take a sick day if you need to, you can only care for your little one if you are healthy too

When my daughter first started daycare my husband and I caught everything. Norovirus, several sinus infections, head colds etc. stock up on medicine, tissues and other wellness products when they are on sale, future you will thank you.

5. Tips for Managing Sick Days

Having a sick kid at home can throw your whole schedule into chaos. Here’s what makes it easier:

• Create a “sick zone” – a place to set your child up so you can hopefully get a little work done. We would set up the pack n play with the boppy pillow, a blanket and all of her favorite toys right next to us. Or simply let her sleep on us while we tried to work a little bit.
• Simplify meals – when your child is sick it’s really just about getting them to eat. Think comfort foods you want when you are sick: toast, smoothies, and fruit.
• Embrace the chaos – sick days are hard, cut yourself some slack if the laundry is piling up and the house is a mess, just try to make it through.

6. Stay Positive — This Stage Won’t Last Forever

It can feel overwhelming when it seems like your child is sick every other week. But over time, the frequency usually drops. Your kid’s immune system gets stronger, and so does your ability to roll with the chaos.

Winter brings lots of germs, as the weather gets warmer and your child is able to spend more time outside, they will get sick less often.

Your Turn!

What are some of your sick day hacks? Share your survival tips in the comments