What to Pack in a Sick Day Kit for Kids

No parent wants to wake up to the sound of a coughing, feverish, or nauseous child—especially if you’re scrambling to find medicine, a thermometer, or another set of sheets after the ones in their bed were just ruined. That’s why having a sick day kit ready to go can make all the difference. A well-stocked kit saves time, reduces stress, and helps you focus on comforting your little one instead of searching for supplies. If it's too much to gather this all into a kit - just do a mental list and make sure you have it all on hand. You'll be glad to have it all when the need presents itself.

Here's a pretty exhaustive list of everything you might need to handle common childhood illnesses.

1. Essentials for Fever and Pain Relief

✔️ Thermometer – A digital thermometer for quick and accurate temperature checks.
✔️ Infant/children’s fever reducer – Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). Make sure you dose appropriately for their age and weight!
✔️ Medicine syringe or dosing spoon – To ensure accurate medicine measurements.
✔️ Cool washcloth or cooling gel pads – To help bring down the discomfort of a fever.

2. Stomach Bug & Vomiting Survival Supplies

✔️ Vommat disposable sheets – Protects couches, beds, and carpets from vomit or other messes.
✔️ Small bucket or lined trash can – Keep one nearby to contain messes fast (though you can also just let them vom directly onto a Vommat).
✔️ Electrolyte drinks or powders – Pedialyte, Liquid IV, or Gatorade to prevent dehydration.
✔️ Saltine crackers or dry cereal – Gentle on the stomach when reintroducing food.

3. Cold, Cough & Congestion Remedies

✔️ Saline spray or drops – Helps clear stuffy noses.
✔️ Nasal aspirator (like a NoseFrida) – For babies and toddlers who can’t blow their noses yet.
✔️ Vapor rub (baby/kid-safe) – Helps relieve congestion when applied to the chest and feet.
✔️ Cool-mist humidifier – Adds moisture to the air to soothe sore throats and dry coughs.
✔️ Honey packets (for kids over 1 year old) – Natural cough suppressant.
✔️ Chamomile or peppermint tea – Can help with congestion and sore throats.

4. Comfort Items

✔️ Soft blanket – Something cozy to snuggle up with on the couch.
✔️ Favorite stuffed animal – Comfort can go a long way on sick days.
✔️ Cozy socks or pajamas – Keeping warm helps kids rest better.
✔️ Nightlight or dim lamp – Helps sick kids rest in a calm, soothing environment.

5. Entertainment for Sick Days

✔️ Children’s books – Something easy to flip through.
✔️ Tablet or fav shows on DVR– Unlimited screen time in our house on sick days.
✔️ Coloring books and crayons – Low-energy activities to keep little ones entertained.
✔️ Sticker books or activity pads – Mess-free fun that doesn’t require a lot of energy.

6. Hydration & Easy-to-Digest Foods

✔️ Water bottles or sippy cups – Encourages hydration throughout the day.
✔️ Plain toast or rice cakes – Simple and easy on upset stomachs.
✔️ Applesauce or bananas – Gentle foods for recovery.
✔️ Broth-based soups – Warm and hydrating for sick little ones.

7. Cleaning & Disinfecting Supplies

✔️ Disinfecting wipes or spray – To clean high-touch surfaces.
✔️ Hand sanitizer – For quick germ control.
✔️ Laundry detergent with odor control – For washing sick-day bedding and clothes.
✔️ Plastic grocery bags – For storing soiled clothes or used tissues.
✔️ Disposable gloves – Useful for handling big messes.

8. Miscellaneous but Helpful Extras

✔️ Notepad and pen – To track medicine doses and symptoms.
✔️ Tissues (lots of them!) – Soft and gentle on little noses.
✔️ Lip balm – Helps with dry lips from fever or dehydration.
✔️ Heating pad or warm rice sock – Great for aches and chills.
✔️ Essential oils (kid-safe ones like lavender or chamomile) – Can help with relaxation.

A sick day kit ensures you have everything on hand when illness strikes, saving you from last-minute pharmacy runs or searching for missing supplies in the middle of the night. Store everything in a bin or tote and keep it in a convenient spot, like the bathroom or a closet.

Want to make sick days even easier? Stock up on Vommat now so you’ll be ready to handle stomach bugs with zero stress!

Featured image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash