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Between back-to-school, cooler weather, and indoor activities, it feels like someone in our house is always coming down with something. Cold and flu season with kids can be exhausting, but over the years, I’ve found a few simple habits that help prevent illness and keep our family healthy, without losing all the fun.
Note: This is not medical advice, just what I’ve seen work for our family.
Year-Round Nonnegotiables for Kids’ Health
Before diving into my three main hacks, here are some things we do year-round to support our family’s wellness:
- Daily vitamins: My kids take vitamins every day. We love these ones from Hiya, made with real fruits and vegetables and no added sugar. My link will get you 20% off.
- Fresh air and sunlight: Even in winter, we try to get outside or open the windows for a few minutes each day. Fresh air helps circulation and immunity.
- Whole foods, minimal added sugar: We focus on nutrient-rich, real foods most of the time. Treats? Absolutely, I love to bake, but they’re not daily staples.
- Hydration: Plenty of water keeps their bodies functioning well and helps flush out germs.
- Handwashing habits: Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals, helps reduce the spread of germs.
My Top 3 Hacks for Cold & Flu Season
1. Hand Sanitizer After Outings
Inevitably, my kids are touching all sorts of surfaces when we’re out, the store, an indoor playground, or a friend’s house. Before they get back in the car, I spray their hands with sanitizer.
Why it works: Germs transfer easily from hands to faces and mouths, so sanitizing immediately after outings can drastically reduce what gets into their systems.
Favorite product: I love the Honest Spray Sanitizer, gentle, effective, and kid-friendly.
Mini tip: Keep a bottle in your diaper bag or car for quick access.
2. Bath When We Get Home
Bath time is more than just cleaning, I think of it as another activity in our day. We always add bubbles and toys to make it fun, so it’s a win-win: germs get washed off, and kids enjoy playtime.
Why it works: Bathing after outings removes germs before they spread, especially if kids have touched lots of surfaces.
Keeping skin happy: I know baths can dry out delicate skin, but our Canopy Bath Filter has been a game-changer. It filters out chlorine and other contaminants that can irritate or dry skin. You can grab 15% off with my link. For extra dry patches, we also love Tubby Todd lotion (10% off with my link).
Mini tip: If you’re in a rush and can’t get everyone in the bath or shower, at the very least, change their clothes. Germs cling to fabrics, so fresh clothes reduce exposure.
3. Humidifiers in Every Room
Dry air can make colds worse, irritate throats and noses, and dry out skin. I run humidifiers in every bedroom every night, and during the day if anyone shows early signs of a cold.
Why moisture matters: Humid air helps prevent dry nasal passages, reduces congestion, and keeps skin hydrated — all of which make colds more manageable.
Favorite product: My go-to is the Canopy Humidifier 2.0. It’s easy to clean, uses a filter so tap water is safe, and doubles as an essential oil diffuser. 15% off with my link.
Placement tip: For best results, place humidifiers near bedrooms, playrooms, or wherever kids spend the most time. This ensures the air they breathe is comfortable and moisture-rich throughout the day.
Did you know?
Many Canopy products are also HSA/FSA eligible, which means you can use pre-tax health funds instead of paying out of pocket. Since it’s a skin-supporting product (especially for kids with sensitivities, eczema, or dry winter skin), it qualifies as a health-related purchase. Just keep your receipt or order confirmation in case your provider needs it.
How to check out with your HSA/FSA funds:
- Add the bath filter (and any other eligible items) to your cart
Be sure everything is set to “one-time”—HSA/FSA cards can’t be used on subscription purchases right now. - Check for Shop Pay
Make sure you’re not signed into Shop Pay and avoid any accelerated checkout options like Shop Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. - Select Truemed at checkout
Choose TrueMed as your payment option when you’re ready to check out. - Complete payment
If you use your HSA/FSA card, you’re done! If you pay with a personal card, TrueMed will send you reimbursement instructions.
15% off Canopy orders $50+ with my exclusive discount link.
Bonus Tips for Winter Wellness
Here are a few extra low-effort ways we try to stay healthy during cold and flu season:
- Swap extra sugary snacks for fruits to support immunity.
- Encourage daily outdoor time — even 10–15 minutes helps.
- Keep commonly touched surfaces clean — door handles, tabletops, and toys.
- Prioritize consistent sleep and early bedtimes.
- Cozy up with warm fluids like herbal teas or broths to soothe throats.
Cold and flu season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These simple routines, along with a few trusted products like our Canopy Bath Filter and Humidifier, help keep our family healthy, happy, and ready for winter adventures. Small habits make a big difference and a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping the sniffles at bay.
You got this, mama.
xx, Ciara
