As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are gearing up to ensure their children are prepared for the new academic year. Amidst shopping for school supplies and new clothes, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is shopping for our medicine cabinets. Are we adequately stocked for cold and flu season? How about bandages, vitamins, and supplements?
Being a pediatrician, I’m frequently asked about the best vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines for kids. To make it easy, I’ve compiled my top recommendations to keep your children healthy and thriving throughout the school year, no matter their age.
Essential Vitamins & Supplements
TruBiotics: Probiotics for Digestive and Immune Health
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining gut health, which is directly linked to our immune system. TruBiotics offers a range of probiotic products designed for the whole family. I recommend TruBiotics Kids Probiotic Gummies and Kids Chewables because they are sugar-free, making them a healthy choice, and they taste great. Incorporating TruBiotics into your child’s daily routine can help support their digestive health and boost their immune system, keeping them healthy and resilient against common school-year illnesses.
Life’s First Naturals: Colostrum for Immune Support
Colostrum, the first form of milk produced by mammals immediately following delivery, is packed with antibodies and essential nutrients. Life’s First Naturals offers Kids Chewable Colostrum Tablets, which were recently named the top pick for kids by Eating Well Magazine. These berry-flavored chewables are delicious and highly effective in supporting your child’s immune system. Like probiotics, colostrum has been shown to help enhance children’s natural defense mechanisms, making them better equipped to handle the influx of germs they encounter at school.
Multivitamin
Giving a multivitamin to your child is a great way to ensure they receive the essential nutrients needed for their overall health and development. Multivitamins can help fill dietary gaps, supporting immune function, bone health, and cognitive development, especially for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. When choosing a multivitamin for your child, look for one that includes key vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, D, and E and B-complex vitamins, calcium, zinc, and iron, if needed. It’s also essential to choose an age-appropriate product free from artificial colors and flavors and has a form and taste that your child will enjoy.
Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
As the weather changes and kids are back in close contact with their peers, the risk of colds and flu increases, along with diarrhea often caused by stomach viruses. It’s important to keep your house ready with products that can provide relief. Pain relievers, fever reducers, nasal decongestants, and hydration products can help manage symptoms and make your child more comfortable.
Hydration
Wildchild Supercharged Water for Kids is the ultimate hydration solution for our young adventurers. Packed with essential vitamins and infused with organic natural flavors, Wildchild ensures that kids stay refreshed and energized throughout their busy days. It quenches thirst and supports optimal hydration levels, making it perfect for active play, sports, and learning. Plus, with no added sugars or artificial ingredients, parents can feel confident that they provide a healthy choice for their children throughout the day.
DiaResQ: Quick Relief for Digestive Upsets
Kids are bound to experience occasional digestive upsets, no matter how careful we are. DiaResQ is an excellent option for quick relief when a child experiences loose stools or diarrhea. Unlike traditional medications, DiaResQ addresses the underlying causes of digestive distress, helping restore balance in your child’s digestive system. Having DiaResQ on hand can give you peace of mind, knowing you have an effective solution ready when needed.
Pain Relief, Fever Reducers and Cough Suppressants
Stocking up on key medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and soothing cough medicine is essential to ensure you’re prepared for any sudden illnesses. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are vital for managing fever, alleviating pain, and keeping children comfortable when they are under the weather. A trusted cough suppressant helps to relieve persistent coughs, especially at night, allowing kids to rest and recover more effectively. These medications can provide immediate relief and prevent the need for last-minute trips to the pharmacy, ensuring that parents can swiftly address their children’s symptoms and promote a quicker recovery.
Creating a Healthy Routine is Key
Consistency is vital when it comes to maintaining your child’s health. Establish a daily routine with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and proper hygiene practices. Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouth with their elbow when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing personal items with classmates. These simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of infections and contribute to overall well-being.
The back-to-school season is exciting, but families can easily be thrown off schedule when sicknesses occur. By prioritizing your child’s health with the right vitamins and supplements, you can help them stay healthy and focused throughout the school year. So, now is a great time to think ahead and give your medicine cabinet a makeover. Throw out expired or outdated vitamins, supplements, medicines, ointments, etc., and replace those old items with new ones. As we think of changing the batteries in our smoke alarms during Daylight Savings, think of back-to-school time to makeover the medicine cabinet.
And don’t forget, always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your child.