It’s that time of year – school holidays are almost over, and it won’t be long before you’re prepping for the new term.
Preparing your child for school is a big deal - there is a lot to consider! Fortunately, we’re here to help ensure your baby, child, or teen has a smooth start to the new school year and is well prepared for any ailment.
School life has its stressors at times, with colds, flu, anxiety, and accidents on the playground. With proper preparation and stocking up on the essentials, your child can be happy and healthy all year round.
As the new school term approaches, ensuring that your child is well-prepared for both academic and physical challenges is key to a successful year. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help your child transition smoothly back to school while being ready for any potential health issues:
Health & Hygiene
- Hand Sanitizer: A must-have to reduce the spread of germs.
- Tissues: Essential for runny noses and quick clean-ups.
- Face Masks: If required, ensure your child has a few comfortable, breathable masks.
- First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication.
Immune Support
- Vitamins: Daily multivitamins to support immune health.
- Cough Drops: Keep these on hand to soothe sore throats.
- Cold/Flu Relief: Stock up on child-safe cold and flu medicine.
Head Lice Treatment
Head lice are often linked with schools, as this is where children are most likely to contract them. These tiny insects, which are almost invisible to the naked eye, feed on blood from the human scalp and are spread through close head-to-head contact. They can be quite troublesome, causing intense itching of the scalp. Contrary to popular belief, head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene.
While it’s impossible to completely prevent head lice, regular checks and prompt treatment can stop them from becoming a larger problem. Other parasites to be mindful of, commonly spread among children, are threadworms. These small worms live in the intestines and cause intense itching around the anus, particularly at night when they emerge. Threadworms can be spread by touching objects that an infected person has handled, including toys, surfaces, food, and even pets. If threadworms are present in your household, it's important to treat the entire family simultaneously with a single dose of Ovex.
PPE
While not currently a legal requirement in the UK, it may still be prudent to keep some personal protective equipment on hand, such as face coverings and hand sanitizer, to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 if cases begin to rise.
Regular hand washing remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of any virus. Encourage your children to clean their hands frequently—hand sanitizer may be a more convenient option for them to use during the school day.
Cold and Flu Remedies
Catching a cold or flu is sometimes unavoidable, and it can disrupt your child’s education. Make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand to help your child recover swiftly, so they can return to learning and enjoying themselves.
Whatever symptoms they may have—congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or fever—we offer medicines specifically designed to provide relief. Calpol is the trusted brand for children’s ailments; its pleasant taste makes it easier to give to children, helping them feel better faster.
Vitamins and Supplements
Help protect your child from colds and flu by boosting their immunity with essential nutrients that support the body in fighting off viruses and bacteria.
Vitamin D is particularly crucial for children's immunity and growth. While sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, it's important to limit direct exposure to UV rays. A supplement is an excellent way to ensure your child receives enough of this vital vitamin. It's recommended to give young children a supplement even if they get some sunlight, as vitamin D is essential for the healthy development of bones, muscles, and teeth, as well as for its significant benefits to the immune system.
Other vitamins and supplements that not only strengthen your child’s immunity during cold and flu season but also support their brain development and learning include:
- Vitamin C
- Omega-3
- Vitamin A
Children’s vitamins are available in various forms, including liquids and gummies, many of which taste great, making daily vitamin intake something they’ll enjoy!
Toiletries
No back-to-school preparation is complete without toiletries. These include skincare, dental care, sanitary products, deodorants, and shaving items for teens who choose to shave.
We offer everything you need to keep your child feeling healthy throughout the year and to simplify their school routine. Whether it’s helping them wind down with a soothing bedtime bath using their favourite bath products or making morning preparations easy with a fun character toothbrush, we’ve got you covered!
