• A good thermometer - In my opinion, this is not the item to chance to generic brands found at the $1 type stores. An investment in a quality thermometer will last years.


• Chicken soup - I like to watch for the sales that usually run in the Fall and I will then combine the sale with coupons. I can stock up for the winter/ flu season very inexpensively.


• Applesauce - I do not see many coupons for applesauce, so we usually buy the Wal-Mart brand. My family likes it and it seems to be a fair price.


• Cans of ginger ale or Sierra Mist - We generally keep cans on hand because the cans allow us to only open what we need, rather than an entire 2-liter, thereby keeping a supply on hand for the next illness .


• Saltines or oyster crackers - I love the idea of oyster crackers because when my children are too sick to do much moving around, I can bring a bowl of oyster crackers to them on the couch and there will be alot less crumbs than with saltines.


• Medicine for stuffy nose - Several times throughout the year, stores will run a Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) Sale on the store brand medicines and this is when I stock up on the ones I'm certain we will use.


• Pain reliever/fever reducer medicine - see above

If you have these items on hand, you will not have major problems from children waking up sick unexpectedly. Being prepared and purchasing the items with frugality in mind, works for me.

Do you do anything differently to prepare for sick children? I'd love to hear what works for your family.

Labels: plan ahead, tips, Works for Me Wednesday

# posted by Heather@justdoingmybest @ Tuesday, March 03, 2009