When a child is sick, parents naturally want their child to recover quickly and return to their activities. Proper home care plays a crucial role in aiding the healing process.
Here are some tips for caring for sick children that parents can do at home:
1. Make sure your child gets enough rest.
Adequate rest helps a child's body fight infection. When sick, a child's need for sleep often increases. Parents are advised to provide a comfortable and quiet environment so their child can get optimal rest.
2. Maintain Fluid and Nutrition Intake
Sick children are susceptible to dehydration, especially if they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Pediatricians recommend:
- Give water, breast milk, or age-appropriate fluids
- Offer nutritious food in small portions but frequently
- Choose foods that are easy to digest
Good nutrition helps speed up the recovery of a child's immune system.
3. Monitor Symptoms and Body Temperature
Parents need to monitor their child's symptoms, including body temperature. Note if the fever persists, the child becomes increasingly lethargic, or new symptoms appear. This monitoring is important to determine whether the child can still be cared for at home or needs to be taken to the doctor.
4. Give medication according to doctor's recommendations.
Medication should be administered according to the dosage and instructions from a pediatrician. Avoid adding or stopping medications without consulting a pediatrician. Do not give adult medications or medications not prescribed for children.
5. Keep the Environment Clean
A clean environment helps prevent recurrent infections. Make sure:
- Children's and parents' hands are always clean
- Eating and drinking utensils are washed properly
- The room has sufficient air circulation
Cleanliness plays an important role in the healing process.
6. Provide Emotional Support
Sick children often feel uncomfortable, fussy, or anxious. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of emotional support from parents, such as staying with the child, providing a sense of security, and avoiding pressure that can cause stress.
When Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor?
Immediately consult a pediatrician if:
- The child's condition does not improve or gets worse
- High fever lasts a long time
- Child has difficulty drinking or eating
- Serious symptoms such as shortness of breath or seizures appear
Early screening helps prevent complications and ensures proper treatment.
Caring for a sick child requires attention, patience, and the right knowledge. With adequate rest, balanced nutrition, monitoring, and regular consultations with a pediatrician, your child's recovery can be faster and safer.
This article was written by Dr. Ackni Hartati, Sp.A, M.Kes (Pediatrician at EMC Pekayon Hospital).