Sick Child Room

Basics to Have on Hand When Caring for a Sick Child

It's a good idea to have the following supplies on hand so you are prepared when illness strikes:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Decongestant
• Antihistamine
• Anti-itch Ointment
• A first aid kit
• Thermometer
• A medical guide

Sick Child Room: Child's Room or Another Part of the House

Where your child will stay when he or she is sick will depend the layout of your home and whether he or she is contagious. It may make more sense for you to care for the child in a different room of the house, as opposed to having to go up and down stairs several times a day.

A young child may feel more secure if he is not too isolated from other family members. It gets a bit lonely if he isn't able to have at least some interaction with other people throughout the day.

Wherever you decide to care for your child, make sure that the area is free from clutter. Lots of light will help, too, unless the youngster's doctor advises otherwise. (Some eye conditions mean that bright light is more of an irritant than a help.)

Keep Supplies Close

Rather than have to leave the room every time your child needs something, keep extra items close by. Save steps by having these things in a different part of the room where you are caring for your child:

• Extra sheets, pillowcases and blankets
• Towels
• A bowl in case the child needs to vomit
• A jug of water and a cup
• Any medication your child is taking

Activities for Your Child

When your child is not well enough to resume normal activities yet but feeling well enough to be alert for part of the day, you can provide the following:

Books Music tapes or CDs Markers or crayons and paper or a coloring book Puzzles Travel-sized games A deck of cards

Ask your doctor if there is any reason why your child shouldn't be allowed to watch television. If there are no objections, he or she may enjoy watching a favorite show or movie.

Dietary Restrictions

Do ask the child's doctor whether your child needs to follow a restricted or special diet while he or she is recovering, and follow the instructions you are given carefully. If the child is able to have fruit or snacks, you may want to keep them within easy reach so the child can eat when he or she feels like it.

Special Equipment

Depending on the illness, you may need to bring some special equipment into your home. Be sure that you understand how to use it properly before you are left alone to use it yourself. Ask any questions you need to and make sure you have the name and number of a contact person if you need to get some clarification later on.

Long Term Illness

When you are dealing with a child with a long-term illness at home, you will need to implement routines that may be needed for some time. A good starting point is to learn all you can about your child's illness. This will be a stressful time for the whole family, but you may be able to reduce the disruption to the household by taking this step.

Let other members of the household help out in the sick child room, if appropriate. That way, all the caregiving duties won't be placed firmly on one person's shoulders. That is a recipe for burnout, which should be avoided if possible.