This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Braun Thermometers. The opinions and text are all mine.
Not sure how to entertain your sick toddler? Check out these easy toddler activities to brighten up their day! You’ll both be glad you did.
Sick toddlers are heartbreaking to watch, knowing that they can’t express to you what aches and have yet to fully comprehend what is going on. It’s tough on everyone, trying to figure out the best food or beverage or treatment when they’re aching so much.
We’ve been really, really lucky with Lily so far. She’s been sick less than a handful of times and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
I hate having to guess at what she needs since she’s unable to express herself yet. I’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out her babble or gestures, but I’m not always right. That uncertainty kills me every time because I just want to take away her pain.
I am grateful for the fact that we don’t have to be uncertain when it comes to her fever though. We’ve been using the Braun ThermoScan®5 and the Braun No touch + forehead thermometers. These thermometers give me SO much peace of mind, especially since Braun is the #1 brand recommended by pediatricians.*
The Braun ThermoScan®5 is proven more accurate than forehead or rectal measurement.** The nerd in me wanted to know why so I looked into it some. The ear canal provides the most accurate reflection of the body’s core temperature because of it’s close proximity to the eardrum. The eardrum shares a blood supply with the brain’s temperature control center so you’re super close to the source. Pretty cool, right?
The Braun ThermoScan®5 takes a fast reading in just seconds which is great for squirmy, sick toddlers. The thermometer uses a light and beep to confirm the proper positioning, too. With the Braun ThermoScan®5, you won’t have to second guess this aspect of taking care of your little ones.
The Braun No touch + forehead thermometer is the first thermometer to take accurate temperatures with a gentle touch of the forehead or from two inches away. With two-second readings and the ability to get an accurate temperature without touching, it’s perfect for when your sick toddler is sleeping and you don’t want to wake them. With it’s color coded temperature guidance, it gives me even more peace of mind.
And knowing whether they have a fever or not just feels like half the battle. Once toddlers are sick, it’s time to find ways to take their mind off of it – even just a little bit. Luckily, we’ve found some super fun toddler activities to make those sick days seem not so bad.
Sick Day Toddler Activities
Build a blanket fort: Blanket forts are such a fun way to spend a lazy day. Gather everything you need, from blankets to pillows, and make sure the fort is cozy for everyone to hang out in. Add some fun snacks and toys and your sick toddler might even forget their ailments for while.
Look at pictures of loved ones: Sick or not, this is one of my favorite toddler activities. Not only is it fun for toddlers, but it also helps teach them who their family members or friends are. It’s great for those that they can’t see on a regular basis.
Play doctor: One of the Daniel Tiger episodes that I remember the best is when Daniel had to go in for a checkup and he wanted Tigey to get everything done on him first. Show your little one everything you need to check on them on their stuffed animals first (tongue depressor, thermometer, tissues, etc.) This is a great way to help them get more comfortable with the Braun ThermoScan®5 thermometer if they’re hesitant, too. Let them help so they can feel more confident when they need something checked.
Spa day: This is a two-for-one because I can tell you from experience, I feel like I need a little me time after tending to a sick toddler. Hang out in the bathroom for awhile and let the shower run. You don’t even have to be in the bathtub. The steam will be soothing for both of you and will hopefully help clear up some stuffiness.
Make popsicles: If a sore throat is the main source of pain for your toddler, consider making popsicles with them. Here’s a list of fifteen healthy popsicle recipes for toddlers.
Bake or cook with them: Depending on their age, they may not be able to help with much. But they can usually do something small to help. Lily has been helping us in the kitchen since she was probably 13-14 months, sprinkling nuts or whisking with our help. Be safe and don’t let them near anything hot or sharp, but let them get involved if possible. They’ll love knowing they could do a grown up thing. And if you can make their favorite dish with them, that’s even better!
Save toys for sick days: Either save a few of their current toys or get some new ones that are dedicated to sick days. Make sure they’re engaging and would feel special to your toddler. Pull them out whenever your toddler is sick so they have something different to play with to keep their mind off of their aches and pains.
Scavenger hunt: By far one of my favorite toddler activities, simply because it can be so much fun. If your little one is up for it, come up with a list of items that they can find around the house. If they’re better off resting in bed or on the couch, you can play I Spy with them instead.
Screen time: We try to limit the screen time in our house, but when it comes to sick day activities for toddlers – this one is our saving grace. When I’m beat (especially if I’m sick as well) and need just a few minutes to be, this is my go to. Nature documentaries and PBS tend to be our go-tos since Lily loves watching animals of any kind. Disney movies are also a favorite, too.
Song and dance: If your toddler is feeling up to moving around, singing and dancing can be a great way to have some fun. We go back and forth between kids songs (Old McDonald, Bingo, Wheels on the Bus, etc), pop music, Disney songs and more. It’s fun to shake up the mix!
Sick Day Toddler Crafts
Make a sensory bin: Making a sensory bin is a super simple toddler activity that’s also really versatile. We use dry beans and rice in ours along with small, plastic toys (spoons, balls, cookie cutters, etc.) and put it in a large container that snaps shut. It can provide hours of fun if you have different toys to swap out from time to time.
A small note on dry beans: Be extra careful to make sure your little one doesn’t eat them. They could be very dangerous.
Make shampoo paint: If you try the spa day or even if they just want to soak in a bath, shampoo paint is great for sick toddlers and healthy toddlers. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Mix equal parts corn starch and shampoo or soap (I usually go with 1/4 cup of each), a tbsp of water and a few drops of food coloring. Mix together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s a paint like consistency. Add a little bit more water if the consistency isn’t as desired, but don’t add too much or you won’t be able to “paint” with it.
Make cloud dough: Cloud dough, or moon sand, is super fun for kids and adults. This formable “sand” is great for building castles or other shapes with molds and can be made in just a few minutes with flour and oil (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.) Just mix 1 cup flour and 2 tbsps of oil together. Thoroughly combine and you’re all set!
Ready to get your house set for your toddler’s next sick day or try some new toddler activities? Enter the giveaway below or head to Walgreens! You can use this Ibotta offer for $5 off the Braun ThermoScan® 5 Ear thermometer, too.
*Based on a survey reporting that of the surveyed pediatricians (1) who recommend a brand of thermometers, Braun is the most recommended; and (2) who use a branded thermometer, Braun is the most frequently used.
**Measurements in detecting temperature changes. Nimah, Marianne M., et al. “Infrared tympanic thermometry in comparison with other temperature measurement techniques in febrile children.” Pediatr Crit Care Med 7.1 (2006): 48-55.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Braun Thermometers. The opinions and text are all mine.
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