Top Mom Picks for Dealing with Cough and Colds

We’ve been having bipolar weather lately as the seasons shift from the relatively cool weather of the holidays, to the approach of summer. Been hearing my boys perennially clearing their throats, then progressing to full-blown coughing. Zach even ran a fever for 2 days and got sent home from school. Reese was sniffling at one point, then she would even have nosebleeds in school. I myself succumbed to the bug which started with an itchy, scratchy throat, progressed to a cough then a slight fever too.It really is no fun to be sick, moreso to have sick kids! So I, like most moms, have my own arsenal of cough and cold “defence mechanisms”, first aid, relief and arsenal. When my throat or that of the kids just starts getting itchy, the type that feels like you're coming down to something, I immediately use one of these throat sprays:Ilog maria (from Echostore) and Kamillosan spray (from leading drugstores) in photo. I also start taking Berocca (vitamin C++ effervescent tablets that dissolve in water) to give my immune system a big boost.If the condition progresses to a sore throat and cough/ cold, I start using these, especially in the evenings.Vicks Vaporub or its more natural version, Vapor Soove or the Euky bear rub. These are all effective and super soothing.Then I do water therapy by gargling warm water with salt or swich a few pumps of this Gargoyle oil around my mouth, an "oil pulling" technique that Denise of IndigoBaby taught me.Then if I have to be out, and especially when I have to meet people it is essential to keep a scratchy throad soothed, these also come in handy:Vicks cough drops and the best Manuka honey sucklesThen I'd like to share with you the latest in my sickness prevention + sickness management arsenal: tadaah..the Crane Humidifier.I first came across this product when I went to the NY baby show two years ago. I noticed the uber cool designs- a definite stand out in the humidifier scene, much less the appliance industry. But honestly didn’t pay much attention because, I guess I didn’t fully understand its need nor use, or I thought I didn’t really need it because my kids did not really have any respiratory conditions that needed “air conditioning” apart from our usual room cooling functions. But when I read up on the uses of the humidifiers, I realize it may be just what i need especially because I really shy away from taking or giving cold medicine unless it is really, really necessary. Humidifiers add moisture to the air in rooms and it does not only help a person with cough and colds breathe easier, it also helps prevent illnesses because it cleans 99.9 percent . In fact, Crane is bold enough to say that its humidifiers could be recommended non-medicinal alternative to cough and cold medicines- that certainly resonates with me!The units are wrapped in plastic when you first open the boxCrane USA is a relatively new brand, having been founded in 2015 and I love that they have taken initiative to adding fun and character to otherwise ordinary looking, even boring, home appliances.. What i like about it is that it does not require a filter, taking away the expensive consumables nah tis normal with air filters.

Humidifiers and air purifiers:- are the best ways to control indoor air pollutants and improve air quality.- Eases breathing problems during illness because it moistens nasal passages and soothe dry cough- Promotes better sleep because it relaxes the senses- The added moisture in the room hydrates the skin, especially good for those with eczema or psoriasisFor babies:- Babies are nasal breathers in the first 4-6 months so the extra moisture in the air is soothing for them - It also helps soothe their dry skin, chapped lips and other skin irritations.- Cool mist helps ease symptoms of croup, a viral infection that affects young children. It causes swelling in vocal cords resulting in a barking cough.

The gallon tank in my Crane humifier can run 24 hours, and it has an auto shit off system so you don’t have to worry about it drying up. While I wish I didn’t have to clean and refill the tank every day (if i leave it running the whole day), the effort spent is nothing compared to being able to prevent any illnesses in our family. It is actually quite simple to use and instructions are easy to comprehend and clear:Plus they really look sleek and modern and blends in with anything, even these cuckoo characters:That's not all! The design of my Crane humidifier does not even properly represent the whole collection. There are so many other cute designs, check this out:The Adorables and the HorriblesSpecifications:- Ultrasonic Cool Mist increases air moisture for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep
- Relieves cough, cold, and flu symptoms, nasal congestion, dry cough, sinus irritation, nose bleeds, and dry skin and hair- Clean Control Antimicrobial Material in the Base is proven to help reduce mold and bacteria growth up to 99.96%*- Removable 1 gallon tank easily fits under most bathroom sinks
- Runs whisper quiet up to 24 hours- Auto-Off function activates when water tank is empty- More energy efficient than a household light bulb – up to 45W- Does not require a filter
- 1 year manufacturer’s warrantyThere's a really cool Choo Choo train design too, and of course the mist goes up on top!This black humidifier looks like serious stuff compared to the others, and that's because it is. This particular model can be used for warm and cold air treatmentsSpecifications:- Clean Control Antimicrobial Material is proven to help reduce mold and bacteria growth up to 99.96%*- Removable 1.3 gallon tank easily fits under most bathroom sinks- Runs whisper quiet up to 24 hours- Sensor-Touch LCD Display with Output Settings, Timer and Air Ionizing Functions- Variable mist output dial with 360° mist nozzle mists 2.8 gallons of moisture per fill- More energy efficient than a household light bulb – less than 30W Cool Mist, up to 130W Warm Mist- Effectively humidifies small and medium rooms- FDA Registered, BPA Free- 1 year manufacturer’s warrantyThen there's the travel humidifier that gives relief on the go, at home, or at the office.-Includes carrying bag, portable tank, and power adapter that works with power outlets or USB ports*Photos taken at the Crane USA Launch held at L'Indochine store in Mega Fashion hallI'm thankful that we have these products to help prevent or manage illnesses within our families. Try them out and let me know if they also work for you and your own children.If you'd like to know more about Crane USA Humidifiers for your own home, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CranePhilippines. It is available at S&R, Rustans, Toys R Us, Babyland, Lazada,and at Keywestinternationale.comCrane USA is distributed in the Philippines by Keywest Internationale.—