My Winter Survival Kit: For me and baby
Happy cold season—where the noses are runny, the air is dry, and the winter blues are practically a seasonal tradition! 😊 Sure, we can’t completely dodge the colds or the occasional case of “why-is-it-dark-at-4-PM” sadness, but we can stock up on a few tried-and-true goodies to make it all a little more bearable. Here’s my winter survival guide with some of my favorite products to keep things healthier, happier, and maybe even a little cozier this season!
1. Happy Light for Your Circadian Rhythm
Winter days can feel like you’re living in perpetual twilight, which can throw your sleep and energy levels out of whack. Enter the Happy Light, a game-changer for boosting your mood and keeping your circadian rhythm in check. Just 3-5 minutes in the morning can help you feel more awake, focused, and ready to tackle the hustle of the holidays. (even if you’re still in your fuzzy slippers). I will also use this in the afternoon if I need an energy lift, and we aren’t able to get outside!
Winter air can leave your skin looking tired and puffy—like it just woke up from a nap it wasn’t ready for. That’s where an ice roller comes in. It’s like a frosty little spa treatment for your face, helping reduce inflammation, tighten your skin, and wake you up faster than your morning coffee. Bonus: it’s incredibly satisfying after a sleepless night. I will 100% admit I spent the extra money on the Skinny Confidential ice roller. Here is something you need to know about me… I will WAIT and WAIT on any trend. I don’t want to buy something just because it is trendy. Well, I finally did pull the trigger on this one, and it is SO worth it. If you don’t want to spend the money on it, you can get an ice roller off amazon that will still have benefits.
3. Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Immune Support Spray
We all know the winter cold season is real. I swear by the Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Spray for keeping my immune system on point when I start to feel an itch in my throat. Propolis is a natural bee product loaded with antioxidants and has been my secret weapon for keeping sore throats and sniffles at bay. A couple of sprays a day, and a few before bed has worked best for me. Note: I do NOT give this to Finn (my son).
4. Paleo Valley Vitamin C Capsules
Vitamin C is the real MVP, but it needs to be the right source. These Paleo Valley Vitamin C capsules are made from real, organic superfoods (no synthetic junk here). They’re an easy way to give your immune system the extra boost it needs to fight off winter bugs. Most Vitamin C supplements use ascorbic acid which doesn’t have all the benefits.
Between dry winter air and Starbucks (V8 caffeine for me), staying hydrated can be a challenge. That’s why I’m obsessed with Cure Hydration Minerals. These little packets are packed with electrolytes and minerals that help you stay hydrated without any artificial junk. They taste amazing, too so it helps remind you to drink your water! P.S. Proper hydration immediately improves the look of skin.
6. Eucalyptus Salts
This is something my mom got me hooked on. Last winter when Finn and I both had major congestion at the same time, I would just hold him in a steam shower with these salts in a bowl to help break up the congestion. I know these salts aren’t as effective as a decongestion medicine (I take that when it’s bad), but for babies it’s so helpful. Plus, it smells good! We used actual salts, but I found these shower steamers that I will try this winter as well!
7. Cool Mist Humidifier for Babies
People have mixed feelings about these, but in my experience, I think it helps. The air is so dryyyyyy and a cool mist humidifier helps to add moisture back into the air, helping with dry skin, stuffy noses, and even better sleep. I also like this version because it doesn’t have a filter that I have to worry about molding. I can just clean the container. There are others that have more bells and whistles, but this basic model does a good job.
The Jarrow Baby Probiotic is a gentle way to support your baby’s digestion and immune system during cold and flu season. It’s easy to mix into a bottle or food, and it gives you peace of mind knowing their tummy is happy. This also helps when Finn is constipated. I don’t usually recommend supplements without testing, but babies are a little different. I did the Tiny Health test on Finn a few months after he was born, and this brand was recommended. While that test isn’t my favorite, this brand has worked great!
9. Zarbee's Soothing Chest Rub with Eucalyptus
This has been another go to when Finn has a cold. It’s made with eucalyptus, lavender, and beeswax—no harsh chemicals here—and helps calm coughs and stuffy noses. I put it on his chest and under his neck so he can’t lick it off (ha). Again, I know some people think this is pointless, but whether it helps calm him or decongestions him… hard to say... it helps regardless. Combining this with the cool mister, the bath salts, the probiotics and I’ll even put a little bit of the Vitamin C in his bottle, we only have a few rough nights when he is sick.
10. Magnolia Winter Magazine.
I know this may seem random, but this is something I look forward to every November. I love reading this curled up on the couch with the light glow of the tree. I think it’s important to incorporate the things we love with each season to decrease stress and keep up the spirits. I will always say that summer is my favorite, but it is only here for a season—and for a reason. We are meant to embrace the other aspects of the seasons and for me it’s the slower nights during the winter.
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