Cold and flu season seems to get longer and grosser every year. If you have kids in school, members of your household who work in a communal setting, or let's face it, if you exist, a variety pack of yuck is looking to live rent-free in you and your kids’ bodies. The bigger your family, the longer the cold or flu stays.
The stomach flu is the worst 4 a.m. meeting of illnesses: you think you’re done, but it just keeps going. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the stomach flu, aka viral gastroenteritis, is an intestinal infection “that typically causes watery diarrhea, pain or cramping in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.”
The most common cause of viral gastroenteritis is norovirus, which affects 19 to 21 million Americans annually. Older adults, infants, and young children, along with immunocompromised people, are “more likely to have severe symptoms.” Bowls, buckets, and laundry, oh my! The cleanup is awful.
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If you've got pukers, this parenting hack is for you.
TikTok content creators @LovedThisHatedThat, are four friends who share what works and doesn't work for them from food to fashion, and now the stomach flu. Their hack isn’t for preventing the stomach bug, but sanity saving for making the cleanup fast and easy. It's still gross, but just a little easier.
“If your kids have caught every single illness stomach bug known to man this month this is for you,” the video begins. The camera falls on an inflatable travel mattress, it low-key resembles a baby tub and it’s made up for bedtime. They indicate that while it was purchased for travel, it’s never been used that way.
It's 'worth its weight in gold.'
This is the bed that’s used for illness and sickness. It can be moved from room to room. But the biggest point they make is that no matter what room the bed is in, the cleanup is easier. “It saves us from cleaning the beds all night long,” they explain. “We call it the puke bed.”
They elaborate that they’ve gotten more use out of the puke bed than they ever thought they would, calling it “worth its weight in gold.” The puke bed has gotten so much use they contemplated just leaving it set up. Their comments section is awash in questions and additional hacks to survive the sick season.
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Cleaning up doesn't have to be a massive task.
One commenter inquired whether to start her kids in the inflatable bed or their own beds, moving them when they vomit. “If they get sick during the day or we know they might get sick — yes, start in it,” the TikTokers advised. Another commenter wondered “How do you clean it up?” They replied that the mattress comes apart to clean what needs it.
A mom shared these gems: “Favorite stuffed animals in a ziplock bag so easy clean up. Tablet also in a ziplock bag. Glow stick in the puke bowl for easy finding at night.”
A mom who already has the bed set up shared how she made the clean up even easier. “Pro tip, put a waterproof picnic blanket under it to protect the rug!” she suggested.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
