If you have a fussy or high need baby who is suffering with a cold or congestion, you are likely ALL suffering. Fussy babies have enough trouble coping with life, so a stuffy nose or cough can make life almost unbearable for them (and for you!). Being in the middle of flu season here in B.C., I thought it would be helpful to look at a few ‘not-so-fun facts’ about Canadians and sick kids; I’m sure these findings are similar among Americans. Did you know that: Nearly half (43%) of Canadians suffer from airborne allergies, and in almost a quarter (22%) of homes at least two people are allergy-sufferers. The majority of Canadians (69%) estimate that having a sick child costs over C$20 a day, and 18% estimate that it costs over C$100! Most respondents (64%) indicated that fever scares them, and 70% of parents call the Healthline or doctor at least sometimes when their child is sick. One way that you can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with colds and flus is to use a humidifier.

I was asked recently to take a look at the Vic’s Starry Night Cool Mist Humidifier…and honestly, this is NOT like the humidifiers we had when we were little! Does anyone else remember those big, brown boxes that smelled faintly medicinal, and certainly were no fun to use? The Vic’s Starry Night Humidifier  releases cool mist into the air, helping to relieve nasal and chest congestion. But the coolest part, is your kids will actually LIKE using it! With a built-in projector, it displays a starry night sky onto your child’s ceiling; and, you can use the projector anytime, not just when the humidifier is on. According to Dr. Dave Greenberg, when homes are kept at the optimal 40-60% indoor humidity level, flu virus survival in the air can be dramatically decreased – by up to 30%.  Homes with radiant heat see a bigger decrease in flu virus survival when using a humidifier compared to homes with forced air heat. Kaz Canada is holding a contest right now, giving away:

1 Starry Night Humidifier 1 Honeywell True HEPA Air Purifier 1 Braun ThermScan eat thermometer To enter, visit this link: Mommy’s Knows Best Sweepstakes *Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers.Airfree P1000 Filterless Silent Air Purifier (450 Sq. Ft.) There’s never been an air purifier like the Airfree P1000 Filterless Silent Air Purifier. Recommended for rooms up to 450 sq. ft.Meg's Classic Glamor Apartment (Image credit: Kim Lucian) Would it shock you to know that the air you're breathing indoors can be up to 5 times worse than the air outside? Neglecting the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis can result in illness, allergies, asthma, frequent headaches and it can even be harmful to your digestive system!

But you don't have to settle for poor air quality. Here are five simple, natural ways for you to purify the air in your home without purchasing an expensive air purifier. Before we begin, what should you already be putting into practice to improve your home's air quality? At the top of the list should be using low-VOC or no-VOC paints, testing your home for radon and avoiding harsh chemical-laden household cleaners. sharp plasmacluster air purifier fp a80uNow that we have that covered, what can you bring into your home to help clean the air?lg whisen air purifier (Image credit: Kimber Watson)airfree p2000 air purifier A Himalayan Salt Lamp: When the 200-million-year-old crystalized salt is heated by the small bulb inside, it releases negative ions which are known to neutralize pollutants in the air.

They are sold in many different sizes and shapes, so it's wise to find a lamp with a weight that is appropriate for the size of the room it will be used in. This was the only thing I asked for on my Christmas wish list this year, and I got it! Even if the lamp didn't do a darn thing, the warm glow emitted is quite beautiful to look at and could also serve as a nightlight in a child's room. Bamboo Charcoal: Charcoal has long been used in our filters to purify water, and it's also popping up in beauty products everywhere. And charcoal can have the same toxin-removing effects on air. Moso air purifying bags are bags made of linen and filled with high-density bamboo charcoal. The porous structure of the charcoal helps remove bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from the air and absorbs moisture, preventing mold and mildew by trapping the impurities inside each pore. Rejuvenate the bamboo charcoal by simply placing the bag in the sun once a month. Amazon carries a variety of Moso bags.

Beeswax Candles: Unlike regular paraffin candles that are derived from petroleum, pure beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke or scent. Like the salt lamp, they also release negative ions in the air and may be beneficial to those with asthma or allergies by eliminating common allergens like dust and dander. While they may cost more than traditional candles, beeswax burns much slower so they will last much longer. Scott & Kristan's Inspiring Arts District Loft (Image credit: Bethany Nauert) Houseplants: We've known for ages that plants literally help you breath better by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing clean oxygen. But, according to a study by NASA, certain plants are better at eliminating significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene than others. According to the study, the top workhorse plants for air purification are Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Dracaena, Bamboo Palm, Dragon Tree, Lady Palm and Spider Plant.