Caring for a child with cold

Rest is one of the most important ways we help our bodies recover when we are sick. This is also important for kids, and they are much better at listening to their bodies than we adults are. Children usually won't play if they don't feel like it. While it's important to make sure your child has adequate rest time when he is sick, you don't have to force him to stay in bed. Keeping him home from school or activities if he has a fever or is contagious is usually enough.

Staying hydrated is always important, but even more so when you (or your child) are sick. Make sure your child drinks plenty, but avoid offering sodas. The best choices are water, juice or electrolyte-rich drinks, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. If your child doesn't feel like eating when she is sick, don't worry about it. Unless she is an infant, it won't hurt her to not eat for a day or two as long as she is still drinking and stays hydrated.