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Sick Kid Protocol

  • Writer: Alex Kelly
    Alex Kelly
  • Feb 6
  • 8 min read

Updated: Apr 2



Click here for my FULL categorized HOLISTIC MEDICINE CABINET


~this is not medical advice~


a note on dosing and specified age ranges


Most child specific supplements will give an age range. These age ranges are based on the serving size. Most times you can use for any age you just might have to do some calculations to get the right dose, and the same goes for a supplement without any age range specified. 


Let's look at examples for Vitamin D, Vitamin D, Probiotics, and Briar Rose.


I AM NOT A DOCTOR. These recommendations are based off our own experience, research, and personal provider advice. I always encourage people to do their own research, and find an open-minded provider they know and trust. 


Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital for the immune system because it helps regulate both the innate and adaptive immunity systems. It helps build immunity and fight infection by regulating immune cells, which are what prompt antiviral responses. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection. 


Dosing recommendations vary from doctor to doctor and institution to institution. Some believe the lower end doses are fine, while others believe higher doses are needed to be effective. This is why I always recommend finding a provider you know and trust. 


CDC minimum

newborn-12 mo: 400 IU daily

1yr-adult: 600 IU daily


CHOP maximum

newborn-12 mo: 1,500 IU daily

1-8yr: 3,000 IU daily

9yr and older: 4,000 IU daily


Most child specific supplements will give an age range. These age ranges are based on the serving size, so most times you can use for any age you just might have to do some calculations to get the right dose.

this bottle is marked 6mo-3yr.

5 drops = 400 IU

8 drops = 668 IU 

so I would be fine using 5 drops for a newborn, and 6 drops for 1yr and up


Other bottles won’t give an age range at all, so you just have to look at the serving sizes and calculate.

this bottle doesn’t give an age range, but...

serving size 2 drops = 4,000 IU

that would make 1 drop 1,2000 IU

so I would be fine using 1 drop for a newborn. this is a great option for babies who don’t take a bottle, because it’s a thicker liquid and can be placed on your finger and swiped into baby’s mouth. 


Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body produce immune cells, strengthens T cells, and helps healthy cells stay alive and active. Vitamin C is also essential for the growth and repair of tissue throughout the body. It can help heal wounds and fight free radicals in the body to prevent against cancers and heart disease. There is evidence showing that Vitamin C may help decrease the length and severity off cold symptoms, making it a great supplement to for the winter months.


0-6mo: 40mg daily

7-12mo: 50mg daily

1-3yr: 15mg daily

4-8yr: 25mg daily

9-13yr: 45mg daily

14-18yr male: 75mg

14-18yr female: 65 mg

*infants typically need higher vitamin C because their bodies are still developing and they have a higher need for growth support, immune function, and collagen production


Most child specific supplements will give an age range. These age ranges are based on the serving size, so most times you can use for any age you just might have to do some calculations to get the right dose.

this bottle is marked 6-12mo

2mL = 50mg

I wold personally be ok using 50mg for 0-6mo, but if you wanted to be “by the book” you could use 1.5 mL for 37.5mg.


this bottle’s serving size is...

4mL = 90mg

that would make 2mL = 45 mg

so if you wanted to be “by the book” you could do 1ml for a newborn; 1/4mL 1-3yr; 1/2 mL 4-8yr, etc..


Probiotics

Probiotics help the immune system by preventing pathogens from sticking to the intestinal surface, promoting the growth of T cells which help inflammatory responses, fighting against harmful bacteria, restoring gut balance, reducing inflammation, and improving oxygen saturation.


Probiotic dosing is a little different than normal vitamins. If an age range isn’t specified, a good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 the recommended adult dosage for children up to 6 years; half for children 6-12 years, and the full dose for 13 years and up. 


A few of our favs:


Briar Rose

Briar Rose is a natural form of medicine called gemmotherapy, and is made from plant buds. It supports a healthy sinus passage, eyes, and throat, therefore useful against: runny nose and congestion, ear aches and infections, sore throat, sinus infections, headaches caused by allergies.


It can be used as a preventative 2-3x a week, or 2-3x times a day when battling active sickness. 


infants: 5-8 drops

3-8yrs: 15-20 drops

older kids-adults: 25-50 drops

Source: Dr. Lauren Feder (MD)



extra sleep & hydration

Your body heals when it sleeps, so if you follow a strict sleep schedule don’t hesitate to throw it out. Let your kiddo nap longer than usual, go to bed earlier if needed, sleep in, etc.


It is normal for kiddos to eat and drink less while sick. Keep an eye on their hydration, especially if dealing with a stomach bug. You can add extra electrolytes to their water, or a pinch of a high quality mineral salt. You can also make hydration-electrolyte popsicles with coconut water and watermelon. 


humidifiers

One study suggests that “maintaining relative humidity of 40-60% can significantly reduce transmission for a number of pathogens (1). The “least toxic” humidifier would be stainless steel, but they can get extremely pricey. For a more budget friendly option, I would just go for a cool mist humidifier. They aren’t exposed to hot water, minimizing the risk of microplastics.


fevers

A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness. It is a good sign, because it means that your body is fighting off the infection. The heat of fevers increases the performance of immune cells and induces stress on pathogens and infected cells, providing a strong immune defense (2). 


Since fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting off illnesses, reducing a fever can actually prolong the illness or infection. Fevers also make immune cells better at recruiting and activating T-cells, which coordinate long-term “adaptive” immune responses such as antibody production. By letting a fever run its course, you are also providing better protection for future illnesses (3). 


If you notice a fever rising at night, take a deep breath. You don’t need to immediately rush to the ER.  Fevers typically spike at night because there is less cortisol in the blood, which means the white blood cells are on “high alert” and detect infection more easily (3). You should typically see a dip come morning. 


When You Should Go to the Doctor

  • A child under 3 months has a fever over 100.4 or exhibits any serious symptoms

  • A fever over 104

  • Fever for more than two consecutive days

  • Other symptoms like stiff neck, restlessness, or sensitivity to light

  • The person is unable to hold down food for more than a few hours or shows any signs of dehydration

  • Refusal to drink water

  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or any sign of respiratory distress (seek immediate help)

  • The person has been exposed to toxins or poisons that may have caused the fever

  • Mother’s intuition says there is something more serious going on, even if the child appears fine


NATURAL COMFORT MEASURES FOR FEVERS

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can be used as a fever suppressant. Dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2-1 tsp coconut oil and apply to soles of feet and spine.


It can also be used for headaches. Apply directly to temples, forehead, behind hears, back of neck whenever you have a headache (if using on child dilute; or if adult has sensitive skin)


Homeopathic


Wet Sock Trick

At night, placing feet in wet, cold socks signals your body to dilate the blood vessels in your feet, resulting in blood being moved to, and warming, the feet. This increases circulation throughout the entire body. This cycle should continue throughout the night and helps boost the immune system and reduce body temperature - making it great for fevers.


Lukewarm Bath

A cold bath can cause shivering which can increase core body temperature. Instead, take a lukewarm bath. You can also add in epsom salt in order to help sooth aching muscles. 


Genexa Acetaminophen

If a fever suppressant becomes absolutely necessary, Genexa's Acetaminophen is free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, parabens, and common allergies. They make acetaminophen for infants, kids, and adults.


You can purchase my full holistic medicine cabinet with over 100 categorized holistic remedies, homeopathic products, and more for both babies, children, and adults. It is an ever evolving document. You will receive a direct link, and any time I add new products, treatments, categories, etc., you will have direct access to the updates. 

Homeopathics

Oscillococcinum: for flu like symptoms

Pryogenium: for nasal congestion

Spongia: for croupy cough

Stannum Metallicum or Gallicum Acidum: for wet cough

Camphora: for the onset of the common cold

hyland's tiny cold tablets

forces of nature cold & flu

boiron cold calm

genexa kid's cold crush


thieves on bottom of feet

Thieves is an oil blend typically consisting of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. It’s an oil inspired by the legend of four 15th century French thieves who would steal from the dead. They formulated the blend to protect against sickness when they stole from plague victims. Dilute with coconut oil if using on children, or sensitive skin. 


nebulizing H2O2

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic with antimicrobial properties. While it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities or high concentrations, there is tons of emerging research showing it’s effectiveness treating respiratory infections when nebulized at low concentrations. Mix 2tsp of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide with 8pz saline water (1/2 tsp for 12%). You can keep in the fridge in a glass jar for a lonnnnnnng time. Start nebulizing as soon as you start to feel sick 5-15 min every hour until you start to feel better. And then every 4-6 hours until a few days after you feel completely better. It is best to start right when you feel early symptoms, as nebulizing hydrogen peroxide loses effectiveness as the infection gets worse.


This is what we personally due via guidance through our trusted providers. I am not a medical provider, and this is not medical advice. Always consult with your trusted provider. 


If you don't feel comfortable with H2O2, we often will also nebulize just saline and no hydrogen peroxide. This still does WONDERS for coughs, congestions, and overall sickness!

Ear Support

  • dr green mom ear relief & resolve

  • herb pharm garlic oil drops


When using garlic oil for ear infections it is important to make sure you are not applying if there is a burst ear drum. I personally like to use it as a preventative if I start to see them messing with their ear or if congestion starts to pop up. 


Salt Sock for Pain

  • Heat up 1 c of coarse sea salt in microwave or skillet (warm but not too hot)

  • Pour into a clean, white sock (not colored; colored thread can melt if heated)

  • Tie a knot at the end of the sock

  • Press warm salt sock against the ear for 10-15 min

  • Repeat for relief as needed


If an antibiotic is needed, taking Florastor along with it can heavily support the gut. 


vomiting / diarrhea

Activated charcoal is a great treatment for vomiting and diarrhea. It is extremely porous, and adsorbs toxins, chemicals, and bacteria in its millions of tiny pores. In fact, many emergency rooms use it to treat poisoning and drug overdoses! 


constipation

Magnesium is great for constipation, as well as canned coconut milk. However, our “constipation magic juice” that has never failed us is: prune or pear juice with 1/2 tsp flaxseed oil - or if not yet drinking juice you can mix In formula or breastmilk.


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