An unexpected visitor!
Here’s every household’s arch-enemy. You’re driving my little ones up the wall. Who likes seeing their child struggle to breathe? Or cough until they’re choking? Actually, who likes seeing their child sick, right? Even for us, when we’re congested, it’s no picnic. I figure in their tiny little noses, it must be even worse.
To make them feel better, here are a few “torture devices” we use. First up, homemade saline solution* that we squirt in with a syringe. I want to make it clear that this one has no needle!
Next, the baby nasal aspirator—or nasal suction device—which, once kids reach a certain age, becomes enjoyable again. At least, that’s what my two-year-old shows me. He brings it to me so I can suction his nose. What a delightful sound it is to hear all those secretions being sucked up by my vacuum! Ideally, I’d leave this to Dad, but when he’s not around, I don’t really have a choice but to practice this “sport”—because that’s exactly what it is with a baby. Let’s just say my little one isn’t exactly thrilled by this “special bonding moment”!
Finally, swaddling the stubborn little one who struggles a bit. I tried without restraining her, but I also ended up with my glasses covered in salty water because she’d moved during the process, and I was the one who got splashed—though not in the nose. The dressers have taken a few hits too. Anyway, I swaddle her in a blanket so I can get the job done.
Unfortunately, around here, a cold all too often comes with an ear infection. So the kids don’t sleep well. They’re more fussy and eat less. When evening rolls around, we’re not exactly sad to go to bed!
So, off with winter and all its germs… Spring, I’m waiting for you!
* Here’s a very complicated recipe for making your own saline solution: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup (250 ml) of cooled boiled water.