It's that time again, cold and flu season. Just this morning I was up to my elbows in puke and diarrhea diapers. Sometime during the night Craig woke up and vomited all over his bed, Elmo doll, carpet and toys. Jay's been under the weather himself as well.

The washer, dryer and carpet cleaner are getting a workout this morning.

If you're a first time parent, knowing how to take care of your little ones when sick might be new territory.

If you're an adoptive parent in an open adoption relationship - it would be good to talk to your child's birth family to see if there are any patterns to be aware of.

For example in my genetic family, ear infections are very serious. My father and brother almost died from them as infants. By the time my dad was nine, he had as many surgeries on his ears and had one ear drum removed. I have progressive hearing loss and am expected to go deaf due to the damage from middle ear infections as a child. Most of my family has some form of hearing loss or another.

When my nieces and nephews get ear infections more than once, their parents take them to the specialist. Many times, with new doctors, they have to share the family history and be adamant to get the referral.

For everyone else, it's good to get a cold and flu refresher now and then. Below is some helpful information from various sites.

Adoption specific information

Why you need your adopted child's medical history. Read it here.

It's the law: Why your health insurance company must cover your adopted child. Find out why.


General wellness information

Taking your baby's temperature. Find out how here.

What Is Considered a Fever? Learn more here.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger. Take them to the pediatrician or not? Find out here.

Symptoms: Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger. Find out what to do here.

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting -- the Basics. Read article.

Fact Sheet: Flu and Colds in Children. Find out more here.

Many Parents Don't Know Cold Facts. Learn more about when to take them to the docs here.

Home Remedies for Kids' Winter Ills. Read more here.

Have some tips or things that work well in your family? Tell us about it in the comment section below.