Here in the Northeast we are in the middle of Winter madness, which means if you or your little ones are healthy, you are in the minority.

You know the deal-your kid is sick and you’re on limited sleep. You’ve been stuck inside for what feels like an eternity. No one is happy. The other side of the coin isn’t that much better because you are living in a state of complete anxiety that the slight sneeze or cough means your healthy one is on the brink of an epic stomach bug or flu so you probably aren’t sleeping either. You’ve checked with all your friends to make sure everyone is healthy before a playdate but then get word someone has thrown up RIGHT AFTER said playdate (in my case, that was my kid!) NOWHERE IS SAFE anymore!

I’m no expert in health and wellness but I do pride myself on doing as much research and trying to find alternatives to popping pills at the first sign of sickness. So, here are some tried and true Mom hacks that have helped keep us healthy or help us ease those aches and pains when we are sick.

Essential Oils

I am diffusing essential oils in my house almost constantly. Depending on the time of day, the location of the room, etc…I diffuse different oils. There are a ton of options to choose from and I don’t think the most expensive ones are necessarily the best. I think spending $30 is totally enough for a good diffuser. I like this one.

I have also recently started using plug-in diffusers, which allow me to move them into the kids rooms or up into the guest room when needed. These are the plug-ins I use. You can buy the little replacement pads and put several drops of oil onto them and slip them right in. SO easy!

But, you can also use the oils in other ways. I love adding them to a carrier oil and rubbing them along my kids bodies. Specifically the spine and feet where sometimes viruses like to hang out.

We use the Beautycounter Baby Oil for everything and it’s a great option to put the drops of oil.

I really love combining oils (any brand, really, I don’t sell them so I just get them as needed at Whole Foods, etc…) This blog spells out a lot of awesome recipes for combining them for Flu symptoms.

I’m always looking for ways to get my kids extra vitamins and nutrients during these months too. I find they’re bored more…stuck inside…and looking for snacks more often. So, arming ourselves will healthy options is so important. Adding healthy fruits and veggies to their smoothies, making healthy soups, etc…to have on hand is key.

Elderberry

I’m always trying to add more and I love this article on Elderberry. This is something that can not only help boost our immune systems but can help when you or your kids are sick.

Toothbrushes

It might seem so simple and easy but it’s another thing to add to the list that just gets lost. I truly think changing toothbrushes often is key to keeping germs at bay. I know you can wash them with peroxide but I think just investing in extras to replace is just safer to ensure you are getting rid of those germs. Especially if anyone has been sick!

Aren’t these ones adorable!?

This is just the tip of the iceberg but a good start…stay strong out there!