11 Products Every Parent Should Have Around for Sick Season

Maybe you can’t help cringing when you hear the word “snotsucker.” We don’t blame you. But there will likely come a time when you’ll do just about anything to clear your kid’s nose, and this is one of the only products that can help. If you really can’t stomach the original version (which, to be clear, never actually involves snot going into your mouth), there’s an electric one, too. ($26.49, Target)

Grab a three-pack — or even two — because you’ll want everyone to have their own bottle. Safe for newborns, this drug-free formula for clearing congestion can be used either as drops (for babies) or a spray (for older kids and adults). ($8.65/pack of 3, Amazon)

Sometimes when you’re having trouble keeping sick kids hydrated, you need all the help you can get. These popsicles are made with 100% juice and no added sugar, and they ship in juice form, so you can put them in the freezer when needed without taking up a ton of space. ($50/48 popsicles, GoodPop)

If you struggled to find Tylenol during the shortage last winter, chances are you’re not letting that happen again this year. You shouldn’t hoard, of course, but be sure you have at least a bottle in case of midnight teething pains or fevers. Psst…Some kids ages 2 and up might prefer this chewable version. ($10.27, Amazon)

It’s not a bad idea to have a bottle of Tylenol and a bottle of Motrin, in case your doctor recommends alternating them to treat a fever. (Of course, consult your pediatrician with any specific questions.) For infants 6 months and up, grab these concentrated drops. ($6.57, Amazon)

Never underestimate the power of a cute bandage. We’ve used these things even when there wasn’t an obvious visible injury — sometimes it’s really just the thought (and attention) that counts. Sloths, jellyfish, or sprinkles, anyone? ($7.99+, Welly)

When your baby gets their first fever, the last thing you want to worry about is scrambling to find the thermometer. Keep this right with your diaper supplies so it’s easy to grab when necessary. It’ll give you a temperature reading in 10 seconds. ($14.95, Amazon)

When you’re ready to graduate to ear and forehead temperature readings, keep this around for quick checks. There’s even a “touchless” feature that lets you check the temperature of a warmed-up bottle. ($49.99, Amazon)

Until we find a cure for the common cold…honey is what many pediatricians recommend for calming your kid’s cough (just remember, no honey under age 1). Fortunately, it shouldn’t be too hard convincing them to eat some. ($5.39, Target)

This quiet humidifier is both simple to clean and easy to move around the house. Get it going now so when runny noses or coughs arrive, you’ll have a line of defense. ($49.99, Amazon)

You don’t need to use these all the time, but if your household is recovering from certain tough-to-kill bugs, you’ll want to take the clean-up to the next level. These wipes go beyond your typical disinfectant wipes, killing everything from MRSA to norovirus. ($10.26, Amazon)