It can be overwhelming when your child falls ill after your pediatrician’s normal office hours. Being prepared will empower you to keep your cool during these stressful times. Follow these 5 simple steps to provide the best care possible when your child isn’t feeling their best.
1) Keep a Sick-Day Kit Handy. Preparation is key when illness strikes. Stock a small kit with essentials like a thermometer, pediatric acetaminophen or ibuprofen, a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator, saline spray, electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte, and age-appropriate measuring tools for medications. Having these items ready can save you from scrambling to the store when your child isn’t feeling well.
2) Utilize Online Pediatric Guidelines. What online resources can you trust when you’re searching for answers? Many options exist, but Parent Care Advice by PediaClinic is a database of pediatric-specific, evidence-based guidelines for various illnesses trusted by pediatricians across the country. Bookmark this link to help you look up home care recommendations for your child’s specific symptoms: www.pediaclinic.net/advice.
3) Use Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications with a Single Ingredient. It can be tempting to take the ‘adult approach’ and use a cold medication that treats many symptoms at once. However, kids and teens metabolize medications differently than adults, and many cold medications are not approved for children under 6 years of age. Stick to single-ingredient medications to target specific symptoms safely.
4) Use a Pediatric Urgent Care. Kids are not little adults! They deserve a pediatric urgent care. When your child’s pediatric office is closed, take your kiddos and teens to the only pediatric-specific urgent care in metro Denver, PediaClinic. Locally owned and operated by over 20 local pediatricians, PediaClinic provides pediatric-trained practitioners at a more affordable cost than local hospitals and most adult-oriented urgent cares clinics. PediaClinic is open when your pediatrician’s office is closed: evenings, weekends, and holidays! While walk-ins are welcome, you can skip the line and schedule at www.pediaclinic.net/book-an-appointment. Add this link to your phone’s Home Screen for quick and easy access.
5) Teach Your Child Prevention Basics. The best way to combat illness is to avoid it altogether when possible. Teach your children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid sharing utensils or cups, and cover their mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. These habits can significantly reduce the spread of germs.
By following these tips, you can navigate your child’s next illness with confidence and care.
Not sure if Urgent Care is the right choice?
Click here to see whether you should go to urgent care or the emergency room.
Locations
| Highlands Ranch
9555 S. University Blvd. Unit 102 Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 (303) 302-3879 |
Central Park
7505 E. 35th Ave. Unit 360 Denver, CO 80238 (303) 406-9454 |
Visit Us Online
www.PediaClinic.net
[email protected]
Telehealth is also available through our website!
In partnership with Mile High Mamas.
Author: Mile High Mamas
