Caring Through Cold Season
Winter has arrived in all its glory: chilly mornings, cozy blankets… and sniffles of all varieties. When you’re caring for littles, sick season can feel impossible to navigate.
But here’s the good news: with a few gentle, baby-safe systems, you can make this season calmer and less stressful.
1. A Simple “Sick Season Station”
Think of this as your winter command center.
A small basket or tray (kept up high) stocked with essentials:
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Saline drops
Bulb syringe or nasal aspirator
Thermometer
Quick-clean wipes
Safety note: Medications belong in a locked or high, latched cabinet. Fatigue makes even the most organized parent accidentally leave things out.
2. Humidifiers: Helpful Heroes
Humidifiers are a must in winter—they soothe dry air, ease congestion, and are a medication-free way to treat your sick kiddo.
But they do need a little babyproofing attention:
Place the humidifier 3 feet from the crib on a stable surface
Keep cords secured and out of reach
Empty + clean the tank daily (mold loves warm moist environments)
Wipe condensation promptly to avoid slippery floors
3. Hot Drink Hazards
Whether it’s cocoa, coffee, or cider, a hot drink is one of the best parts of winter.
Make your hot drink routine safer by:
Using travel mugs or mugs with lids
Keeping drinks away from edges and grabby hands
Setting a house rule: no hot drinks while holding the baby
Choosing a designated counter for “adult-only” drinks
4. Keep Toy + Surface Cleaning Easy
Winter means lots of indoor time… and lots of toys migrating into tiny mouths.
To make cleaning smoother:
Rotate toys so fewer are out at once
Keep an “easy-wash” toy basket
Toss soft toys in the dryer for 10–15 minutes
Use a small “needs a wash” bin to collect items throughout the day
5. Medication + ‘Sick Stuff’ Safety
Winter can scatter cold remedies everywhere if you’re not careful.
Prioritize safety by:
Storing all medications in a locked or high cabinet
Using a separate container for baby medications
Asking visitors to keep purses and bags with meds up high
6. Kind Boundaries for Visitors
People love to visit new babies. Germs… also love to visit new babies. You’re allowed to set boundaries that protect your family.
A few simple scripts:
“We’d love to see you! If you’re feeling under the weather at all, let’s plan for another day.”
“Come on in! Handwashing is our winter welcome ritual.”
“We’re keeping visits shorter this season so we can rest.”
A Final Word for the Season
You’re doing beautifully—even on the days when everything feels messy or slow. Sick season doesn’t have to be perfect to be manageable. A handful of thoughtful, realistic habits can make all the difference for your baby’s safety and your own well-being.
Here’s to a winter that feels gentler, safer, and supported—one small step at a time.