Many of you have seen that Roux had another Croup attack this “winter”. It was scary, but we were so much more prepared this time around.
Last year, we ended up in the hospital TWICE! I’m a retired nurse & determined to set ourselves up to be prepared to treat at home if at all possible [and safe], so I got our medicine cabinet ready with all the goods so I could treat it at home. [this goes without saying, but you know – just in case, it is ALWAYS better to seek medical attention + stay on the safest side of “risk” if you are unfamiliar.]
I finally got around to detailing exactly what we use in order to try our best to avoid going to the hospital while keeping him safe and comfortable at home! Check out my tips below.
Keep Their Immune System Strong
I have Roux on a daily vitamin routine to help boost his immune system. I have found this daily routine has definitely helped cut down on Roux’s typical colds. The liquid immune boost I sneak into juice when he starts showing any signs of sickness. Below are the four supplements Roux takes each morning:
- Goli ACV Gummies
- Zarbee’s Elderberry Gummies
- RenewLife Kids Probiotic Gummies
- Whole Foods Chewable Vitamin C
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet With The Basics
Once Roux started showing Croup symptoms – classic barking cough, runny nose, trouble breathing – I pulled out the standard homeopathic remedies PLUS basic kid cold gear!
- Sleep Sitting Up: This is easier said than done, I know! But it can help relieve pressure on their chest and get some much-needed rest. Stack a few pillows (obviously if they’re 2+) and get them as comfortable as possible!
- Diffuse Oils: I generally use eucalyptus oils because they’re known to help with nasal congestion. Peppermint oil is also known to clear the respiratory tract, but it’s not recommended for kids under two because it can have adverse effects. If I use peppermint, I generally do it in a larger room, not his smaller bedroom.
- Humidifier + Vicks: Right when Roux started getting the sniffles, I added the humidifier to his room. You can also add Vicks VapoPads to help provide some additional relief. [ps: keep room fan off]
- Boogie Wipes: This always seemed like a silly ‘must-have’ for me but they really are lifesavers and help keep his little nose safe from drying out.
- Nose Frida: There’s no shame in my mom game. Even though these are generally used for babies, I still use it on Roux when he has a bad cold. I’m willing to do anything to help relieve congestion!
- Wellements Children’s Cough & Mucus Syrup: This is great for general coughs. The ingredients are clean and it’s really soothing! I love the chest rub too.
My Go-To Croup Items
Now that you have the basics, these are the items I use once I see symptoms start to worsen – barking cough, fever, more difficulty breathing.
- FridaBaby Vapor Drops: These are great to calm Roux down. They are also supposed to help facilitate breathing. They’re made from organic eucalyptus and Lavender Oils and you can add them to the bath or a diffuser.
- FridaBaby Vapor Bath Bombs: I also get these bath bombs for the bath. They’re the same ingredients as the vapor drops.
- Pulse Oximeter: I use this to keep track of Roux blood oxygen levels. It helps us keep an eye on how much oxygen he is getting & gives me a better idea of when he needs to go to the hospital & when he can stay home.
- Wellements Chest and Foot Rub: I LOVE this rub. It’s made of eucalyptus and lavender and absorbs fast for immediate relief!
- Nebulizer: Last year he was in the ER twice, so I advocated for him & got a nebulizer machine at home [prescription from pediatrician]. If you have had the same experience, it’s worth having a conversation with your pediatrician so you can be prepared if it happens again next season. I know that’s what saved us from going to the ER last time!
- Cold Air: Grandmas may say steam showers and rooms are the only thing that can help, but cold air is actually best for Croup attacks, so if you live in a place that’s cold, bundle them up + go outside and let them breathe in the cold air to help them relax the inflammation – or open the freezer door to let them breathe in the cold air.
You can shop all my sick day favorite in my Amazon store!
Things to Keep in Mind
Keep your stock up! We always get hit with germs when it’s least expected or least convenient
Staying calm is important! He’s a little older now so it’s easier to communicate. We have to help them stay calm and not panic so they can take deep slow breaths when they breathe. This can be very difficult if the barking cough is in full effect.
All my love to you if you have a baby that battles Croup because it can be stressful on all ends so I will be praying for you this season! Keeping calm, staying hydrated and rested if possible.
Like I said in the beginning : if your child has croup and is showing ANY signs that they are having difficulty breathing : BRING. THEM. TO. THE. HOSPITAL. IMMEDIATELY. Do not try and treat at home unless you are very comfortable with this terrible bug + know what works for your child. We have had MANY scares with croup – and some of these croup attacks just are not safe to stay at home. Things can change quickly – and you want to be prepared. No fear. Smart choices.
I am a retired nurse, so I have experience in medicine and treating patients, but I am not endorsing any specific product or giving medical advice. Just sharing what works for our family!
