Parent essentials
What to have at home, and what to do next, based on the season and what is going around near you.
Where most parents start
Based on the time of year. Follow your school to make this specific to your family.
- Cold and flu season kitRespiratory season is under wayOpen the checklist
Why this matters
Flu season: most healthy kids just need rest and fluids, but antivirals are sometimes prescribed for children under 2 or with asthma or other conditions, and only work within 48 hours. Worth asking your pediatrician if that is your child.
Seasonal calendar
What is worth doing next
Timely, practical preparation for the next three months, with the full year whenever you need it.
November
NowOften peaking now
December
Often peaking now
January
Often peaking now
Preparedness kits
Five practical places to start
Tick off what you already have. We keep the rest on your list.
- Daycare illness kitThe first daycare year is a run of back-to-back bugs. None of this shortens an illness, but having it in the cupboard at 2am means one less trip out with a miserable toddler.12 items
- Cold and flu season kitFever season arrives on a school night, not on a Saturday morning. This is the short list worth having before it does.10 items
- Head lice checklistSimple, parent-friendly guidance for checking, treating, and preventing the spread of head lice, plus a focused set of supplies you can order when you need them.9 items
- Stomach bug kitStomach bugs move through a house in days. Hydration and laundry are the whole game.8 items
- Back-to-school kitThe practical, unglamorous list: the things that quietly cut down on sick days and forgotten forms in September.10 items
Resource library
Guidance for the whole sick day
Ickly guides, trusted public-health sources, and practical notes you can copy when your hands are full.
- Ickly guides
Childhood illness guides
Plain-language signs, spread, school guidance, and when to seek care.
Open resource - Ickly guides
Symptom guides
Start with what you see, from fever and cough to rash and stomach symptoms.
Open resource - Ickly guides
Fever guide for parents
Temperature thresholds by age, when to call the doctor, and home care steps.
Open resource - Ickly guides
School health profiles
Find sick policies, nurse information, illness activity, and available public records.
Open resource - Ickly guides
Parent health stories and explainers
Timely context from Ickly parents, contributors, and the editorial team.
Open resource - Official sources
AAP: Symptom Checker
American Academy of Pediatrics guidance for deciding what to do next.
Open resource - Parent templates
School absence message
A short note you can adapt for school or daycare.
Hi, [child’s first name] will be absent today because they are not feeling well. We will follow the school’s return policy and let you know when they are ready to return. Thank you, [your name]
- Parent templates
Sick-day caregiver handoff
A quick summary for a partner, grandparent, or backup caregiver.
Sick-day handoff for [child]: Last temperature/time: Symptoms we are watching: Fluids/food today: Medication name, dose, and time (from our clinician or label): Pediatrician guidance: Next check-in time: Emergency contacts:
- Parent templates
Family backup-care plan
Agree on pickup, care, and work coverage before the next sick day.
Our backup-care plan: School/daycare pickup contact: First day at home: Second day at home: Pediatrician after-hours number: Nearest urgent care: Work contacts to notify:
These are everyday supplies parents tell us they like to have on hand, not medical advice. Nothing here diagnoses or treats anything. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance, and check labels for your child's age and weight.
As an Amazon Associate Ickly earns from qualifying purchases.
Know before it reaches your house
Follow your child's school on Ickly and get a heads-up when something starts going around.
Follow your school