Our sick day essentials: the natural remedies and little comforts we reach for when the sniffles start.

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There’s a very specific look my kids get right before they’re about to get sick.

The glassy eyes. The extra cuddles. That sudden desire to be held when they’re normally running circles around the house.

And every single time, I think…

Please tell me we’re stocked. 😂

After three kids, I’ve learned that having our sick day essentials ready before we need them makes ALL the difference.

I’m a crunchy mama at heart, and I love finding simple, natural ways to support my kids through those inevitable childhood illnesses. We’ve found a rhythm that helps us keep everyone comfortable and hopefully move through those sick days a little faster.

So here’s a peek inside our family’s wellness cabinet!

SHOP OUR SICK DAY ESSENTIALS →

1. Our Nebulizer (My #1!)

If there’s one thing I’m grateful to have stocked, it’s our nebulizer.

Our functional medicine doctor encouraged us to incorporate nebulizing with sterile saline into our family’s care, and it’s become our number-one go-to when it’s appropriate for our kids’ respiratory symptoms.

I love having it available when congestion hits, especially during those long nights when everyone just wants some sleep.

We use sterile saline made specifically for nebulizers and follow our doctor’s instructions for when and how to use it.

2. Kids Saline Nasal Spray

Simple, affordable, and something I never want to run out of.

Saline helps loosen mucus and makes those stuffy little noses more comfortable. We reach for it early when congestion starts, especially before bedtime.

Because a toddler who can’t breathe comfortably through their nose? Nobody’s sleeping. 😂

3. Vitamin D3 + K2 Drops

One of our everyday wellness staples!

Vitamin D supports normal immune function and healthy development, while K2 works alongside it in calcium metabolism.

I love liquid drops because they’re easy to incorporate into our morning routine, using the amounts recommended for each child.

Nothing fancy. Just one of those little habits we’ve become intentional about.

4. Liquid Vitamin C

We eat a LOT of fruit in our house, but I also love keeping liquid vitamin C on hand.

Vitamin C supports normal immune function, and it’s one of the things we’re mindful of when the first sniffles start.

5. Magnesium Bath Flakes

Ohhhh, this one. 🤍

There is just something about a warm magnesium bath, fresh pajamas, and an early bedtime when one of my babies isn’t feeling their best.

We love adding magnesium flakes to a warm bath as part of our wind-down routine. The warm soak is wonderful for relaxing and settling everyone down.

Sometimes those simple, cozy rituals are exactly what we need.

6. Our Favorite Cold & Congestion Products

I’m pretty particular about ingredients, especially when it comes to my kids.

I look for thoughtfully formulated, age-appropriate products without unnecessary dyes or additives. We also discuss options like zinc and elderberry with our healthcare providers.

I keep our favorite products stocked so I’m not running to the store when somebody wakes up miserable.

What Sick Days Look Like in Our House

Beyond what’s in our cabinet, we keep things pretty simple.

Lots of hydration. Water, electrolytes when appropriate, and whatever fun cup gets them drinking. For vomiting or diarrhea, we use a children’s oral rehydration solution when needed.

Nourishing foods. Bone broth, homemade soup, frozen smoothies, and plenty of organic fruit. I don’t force big meals when their appetites disappear.

Warm baths and early bedtimes. Magnesium flakes, cozy pajamas, and absolutely nowhere we need to be.

REST. We cancel plans, watch movies, pile up on the couch, and let the laundry wait.

And you know what? I love that my kids are learning it’s okay to slow down and take care of themselves.

A Little Reminder, Mama

You can buy the organic berries, keep your wellness cabinet stocked, prioritize sleep, and do all the things…

And your toddler will still lick something questionable at the playground. 😂

That’s motherhood!

I love our crunchy little lifestyle, but I also believe in making thoughtful choices without living in fear or feeling like everything has to be perfect.

These are simply the things that have earned their spot in our home after three kids and plenty of cold seasons.

Take what works for your family and leave the rest. 🤍

Shop Our Sick Day Essentials

I rounded up our family’s favorites in one place so you can stock your cabinet before the next round of sniffles arrives.

🤍 SHOP OUR SICK DAY ESSENTIALS ON LTK →

And if you’re new here, hi! I’m Dr. Abby — a pediatric and prenatal chiropractor, wife, and mama of three sharing pregnancy, motherhood, low-tox living, and the things we actually use and love.

So glad you’re here!

xo,
Dr. Abby

This is a peek into our family’s personal routine, not medical advice. Check with your child’s healthcare provider about appropriate supplements, remedies, and nebulizer use.

P.S. Shopping for your littles? Check out my Montessori-Style Toddler Toy Gift Guide!