Air Quality Control for Kids at Bedtime

Coughs, colds, nosebleeds and dry mouth. Don’t you just love winter? With the perks of central heating come the downfalls of stale, dry air. Some kids even find it difficult to get through the night. Here are some tips for adults and kids alike to get through the next couple of months.

Invest in a humidifier. There are several different kinds (cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic, uv, etc.), so do some research about what product addresses your concerns best.

Clean your humidifier every night before use. Bacteria and mold can build up really quickly in these machines, which is especially troublesome for kids with asthma.

Unless your equipment warns against it, try adding some drops of essential oil to the water. Lavender is a great sleep aid and eucalyptus is good for purifying the air.

Keep some supplies on the child’s bedside table like a glass of water, lip balm and tissues. Eventually they will learn to self regulate with these items and won’t need to call you every time they need assistance.

To keep the throat moist and soothed, drink a cup of warm water, lemon and honey before bed. The ratios may need adjusting to the child’s taste.

If your child’s bedroom is carpeted, be sure to vacuum regularly. This will decrease any dust allergens.

If you feel comfortable, try leaving the window open a crack to get some fresh breeze circulating through the room.