Mom Tip Monday: The Stomach Bug, Kids and Emesis Bags

It’s that time of year again….. the temps are falling, as are the beautifully colored leaves. Blankets are piled on couches and mailboxes are filling with toy catalogues. Boots, vests, leggings and cardigans have graced every woman’s wardrobe, and pumpkin spice everything fills the air.

Fall…..I love you!

But with all this fall time goodness comes the dreaded stomach bug. You see it all around, but if you’re like me, you don’t want to even utter the words….as if getting even that close will welcome the unwanted guest into your home! Here’s the reality….if you have kids, you are bound to get some version of this crud at some point through this season. It’s just physics. Ok, maybe it’s not physics, but face it, the chances are pretty good, and the odds go up with each additional kid!

As a mom who just got through one of the nastiest rounds I’ve ever gone with the bug vs my kids, I’m here to tell you the best thing I’ve ever purchaced during these trying times. The number one thing you need to guard your furniture, beds, floors, maybe even yourself, from the inevitable emissions that follow that gagging sound. You know the one, it can rip you from the deepest slumber, pull you from the most gripping book (or show), the one where you throw down the dinner you’re preparing as you race to find the source and get a can, or bag, or toilet bowl….anything, to catch the nasty that’s about to spew forth from your sweet, albeit, sick cherub.

Full disclosure: I am the WORST in these moments. All sensitivity goes out the window as I holler “At least get OFF the couch!!!!” Or carpet, or bed, as it may be. Try to find an easier to clean location if you can’t make it to the bathroom, you know!?

But now, I have found the answer. It’s been staring at you ever since you walked into the doctors office with a puking kid and the receptionist hands you one before making eye contact. She knows. She’s seen that look and smelled that smell far too many times. She can whip these babies out left-handed while still typing with her right.

I’m talking about the Emesis bag. This vomit catching devise is genius! It’s compact for easy bag or van storage. With one swift move of the hand it’s open and ready to fulfill it’s purpose. The opening is just right to cover the mouth, and nose if you are a nose puker, or not if the smell is your kryptonite. Once puking has ceased, one twist of the bag and you’re ready to dispose of the vile, putrid, mess and issue a clean one in it’s place. Because, let’s be honest…..that kid’s gonna puke again! And if you have 5 kids, as I do, you issue every one a bag, even if they insist they are well. Why, because….stomach bug. It hits with little, to no warning and is relentless on its victims.

Be prepared. Buy the bags, I even attached a link for you. You’ll thank me when the puking strikes.

And , as always, wash your hands and keep your kids home when they’re sick. No one wants all that nasty!

Peace,

~Jules