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Toddlers & The Common Cold
Keeping Little Ones Happy & Healthy With a Berry Boost!
Let’s face it; caregivers dread the arrival of the common cold season. And the reality is, particularly for babies and toddlers, a cold isn’t limited to a certain time of year. It’s an unwelcome guest that seems to visit little ones so often, especially when they’re exploring the world and sharing everything (including those pesky germs!).
If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’ll know that toddlers are little germ magnets, often catching up to twelve colds in their first two years. While these sniffles and coughs are usually just a minor inconvenience, it’s never fun seeing your tiny adventurer feeling under the weather.
Because the common cold is viral, antibiotics aren’t the answer for a cure. This means our role as caregivers shifts to providing comfort and helping manage those uncomfortable symptoms. And guess what? Your favourite berries can be a delicious secret weapon in your comfort-kit!
Trust Your Instincts!
Before we dive into the comforting power of berries, it’s super important to remember when to chat with a doctor. While most colds are mild, keep an eye out for these signs and always seek medical advice if:
- Your child is under 3 months old and has a fever.
- They’re not drinking fluids or are showing signs of dehydration.
- They have frequent vomiting or diarrhoea.
- They’re experiencing intense headaches or ear pain.
- They have difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing.
- The cold doesn’t improve after a few days, or their symptoms worsen.
- You’re simply worried: it’s always best to get peace of mind!
Comforting Your Little One
Once you’ve ruled out anything serious, here’s how to bring smiles back to those little faces:
- Plenty of Rest: Sleep is a superhero when it comes to recovery! Encourage naps and early bedtimes. A quiet, cozy environment can make all the difference, so get that blanket fort built, sit back, and relax.
- Humidity Helpers: A humidifier in their room can work wonders for stuffy noses and sore throats, keeping the air moist and making breathing a little easier. Just remember to keep it clean!
- Gentle Nasal Sprays: A saline nasal spray can help clear out tiny blocked noses, making feeding and sleeping more comfortable. Always follow the directions on the package.
How Berries Can Boost Comfort & Recovery!
When toddlers are feeling under the weather, getting them to eat and drink enough can be a challenge. That’s where the delicious power of Driscoll’s berries comes in. They’re not just tasty, they’re packed with goodness to help your little one feel better!
Hydration Heroes
Keeping your toddler well-hydrated is key when they’re sick, especially with fevers or runny noses. Sometimes plain water can be a tough sell, but that’s where our vibrant berry recipes shine!
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are bursting with natural water content, making them a super delicious way to top up those fluid levels. Plus, their natural sweetness means no added sugars needed!
Add sliced strawberries or a handful of raspberries to water bottles for a naturally flavoured, enticing drink. It’s like magic for tiny taste buds.
Blend fresh or frozen Driscoll’s berries with a little water, milk, or plain yoghurt for a cool, creamy, and nutritious drink. It’s easy to swallow for sore throats and packed with goodness.
Feeling creative? Puree berries with a splash of water or a little fruit juice, then freeze them in popsicle molds. These are incredibly soothing for a sore throat and a fun way to sneak in extra hydration and vitamins.
Nutritional Champions for Tiny Tummies
While a sick toddler’s appetite might be a bit finicky, offering easily digestible, nutrient-rich berries and foods is important. This is where berries truly become nutritional champions.
- Vitamin C Powerhouse: Driscoll’s Strawberries and Raspberries are packed with Vitamin C, a fantastic antioxidant that helps support a healthy immune system. While it won’t magically cure a cold, it certainly helps the body’s natural defenses.
- Antioxidant Superstars: The beautiful colours of blueberries and blackberries come from anthocyanins. These are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells and support overall health during illness, like tiny defenders for the body!
- Gentle on Tummies: Berries are naturally soft and easy for little ones to munch on, even when they’re not feeling 100%. A handful of fresh berries can be a comforting, easy-to-eat snack.
- Fibre for Happy Tummies: Berries also offer dietary fibre, which is important for healthy digestion, something that can sometimes go a bit awry when kids are feeling poorly.
A Natural Resource
Remember, every little berry packs a big punch of goodness! By embracing these simple comforts and adding the delicious benefits of Driscoll’s berries to your little one’s routine, you’ll be helping them feel better, faster. Here’s to happy, healthy, berry-loving toddlers!
