A leading paediatrician has shared a vital checklist for parents, detailing four essential items to keep at home during the winter months to help care for unwell children.
The Paediatrician's Winter Wellness Kit
Dr. Michael Milobsky, a paediatrician and father to seven children, posted the advice in a video on TikTok. He regularly uses his social media platforms and his podcast, Your Kids Will Be Fine, to offer medical guidance to families.
With flu and colds surging in the colder season, Dr. Milobsky urged parents to ensure they have four key products readily available to manage common childhood illnesses effectively and safely.
1. Fever and Pain Relief: Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
The first recommendation is to have both acetaminophen (known as Tylenol) and ibuprofen (found in Advil or Motrin) on hand. Dr. Milobsky stressed these are different medicines that work in distinct ways.
"Tylenol works centrally in the brain to decrease fever and pain, while ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory which directly reduces inflammation," he explained.
He issued a crucial warning: ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under six months old. Acetaminophen, however, is suitable for all ages. For children over six months, both can be used.
"They are eliminated from the body differently; Tylenol through the liver and ibuprofen through the kidneys. This is why you can alternate them safely, as they don't interact," the doctor added.
2. Rehydration Solutions: A Balance of Salts and Sugars
The second must-have item is an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte. Dr. Milobsky explained that when children are dehydrated, they need a balanced solution to rehydrate quickly and effectively.
"That balance has to do with the correct ratio of sodium and a glucose or sugar source," he said. For children who dislike the taste of standard solutions, he suggested alternatives like Cure Hydration—electrolyte packets that can be mixed into water.
3. Combating Tummy Bugs: Zinc and Probiotics
To help manage viral diarrhoeal illnesses, Dr. Milobsky advised keeping zinc and probiotics in the medicine cabinet.
"Both have been shown to safely reduce the duration of a diarrhoeal illness," he stated. He recommends a daily zinc supplement of 10 to 20mg from a child-safe product, alongside probiotics focusing on lactobacillus species.
"Together, these can decrease the time your child suffers from viral diarrhea," he confirmed.
4. The Top Recommendation: Nasal Saline Solution
Finally, and most importantly, Dr. Milobsky's number one product is a concentrated nasal saline rinse.
He noted that over-the-counter cough, cold, decongestant medicines, and antihistamines often provide limited relief for viral upper respiratory infections.
"One thing that has been shown consistently to shorten the duration of viral respiratory symptoms and decrease the symptoms altogether is a nasal saline rinse," he urged. "It decreases inflammation and mucus buildup in the nasal space and is the most important thing you should have for cough and cold season."
Parental Reaction and Additional Tips
In the comments section of his post, many parents endorsed his advice and shared their own experiences. One person wrote they use sugar-free electrolyte packets daily to ensure their children drink enough water.
Another parent mentioned keeping Pedialyte popsicles on hand, which are appealing even to very sick children. A third commenter praised Cure Hydration for helping their daughter recover from norovirus and influenza A.
Dr. Milobsky's straightforward, evidence-based tips provide a practical toolkit for UK parents navigating the challenging winter illness season, empowering them to offer effective comfort and care at home.
