How to Nurse a Sick Child

Having children means having to deal with frequent colds, earaches, the flu and other childhood ailments. Because they are less able to communicate what hurts and how they feel, tending to a sick child requires diligence and intuition. A sick child doesn't know what she needs to feel better, so as the person responsible for nursing her back to good health it is essential that you know at least the basics of caring for sick children. Fortunately there are a number of simple things you can do to help your child.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's phone number
• Oral or rectal thermometer
• Pedialyte or other children's electrolyte drink
• Comforting toys and blankets
• Easy to swallow foods and drinks
• Infant or children's medicine (optional)

Show More

Instructions

How to Nurse a Sick Child

• 1

  Keep the child hydrated. A sick child probably won't feel like eating or drinking much, so encourage hydration by keeping water available at all times. A couple ounces of 100 percent juice mixed with water can entice the child to drink, as can special straws or cups. Illnesses that involve diarrhea and vomiting pose extra risk of dehydration, so give your child an age-appropriate electrolyte drink such as Pedialyte to keep the child from becoming sicker.

• 2

  Encourage your child to keep eating. Sick kids, just like sick adults, often lose their appetite, so offer her small meals throughout the day to keep her energy up. Offer her comforting and easy to eat foods, especially if she has a sore throat or stomachache, like applesauce, noodles, and soup if she's old enough. Fruit smoothies might go over well, and offering dips like hummus might make food more appealing.

• 3

  Provide comfort and low-key activities. Children need extra tenderness and understanding when they are sick. Make sure your sick child has her favorite blanket, stuffed animals, books and toys nearby. While she needs a lot of sleep, your child may become bored and cranky from all the rest, so give her toys, puzzles, crayons or anything else she likes that she will play with quietly.

• 4

  Know when to call the doctor. If your child has persistent diarrhea or vomiting, or has blood in her stool, call your doctor. According to familydoctor.org, many doctors consider children to have a fever if they have an oral temperature higher than 99.5 degrees F (37.5 degrees C) or a rectal temperature higher than 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C). If your infant has a fever it's best to call your doctor immediately; for children 6 months and older, call your doctor if your child's temperature reaches 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C). Even if your child seems fine other than having a fever, call her doctor for advice. If you want to administer medication or homeopathic remedies to your child, check with your doctor first to be sure you are giving the correct dosage. Also contact your doctor if your child seems to have an earache, headache, rash, breathing problems, stomach pain, no appetite, or has a high-pitched crying or exhibits any other unusual symptoms or behaviors.

• 5

  Stay calm. Do your best not to show your child your worry or fear when she is sick. Caring for a sick child isn't easy, and it's hard to see your child miserable, so lean on your doctor, family and friends for support rather than expressing to your child that you are worried or stressed by her illness.