If you’re a mom and your little one just came down with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), take a deep breath—you’re not alone, and it won’t last forever. As moms, we’re built to handle scraped knees, midnight fevers, and every sticky situation in between; however, this one definitely caught me off guard.
What Is HFMD?
HFMD is a common (and super contagious) viral illness that mainly affects kids under five. The name says it all: painful mouth sores, plus a rash or blisters on hands and feet. It spreads quickly through coughs, sneezes, and even diaper changes. Do not listen to anyone who says that adults do not get it cause trust me, my husband definitely got it. We got a notice from school that our child might have been exposed to HFMD but we did not see any symptoms for a couple days and that is what got to us! We found out later that the time before the sores/rashes come up is the time where it is most contagious. By the time a parent realizes what the child has, it is often too late.
What to Expect
For us, it started with a fever and crankiness, followed by mouth sores and red spots or blisters. We did not even notice the mouth sore because my baby is a terrible eater and already has eczema. This time though eating and drinking had been tough for a few days, which meant extra cuddles and a lot of mess.
How to Cope (and Stay Sane)
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Cold drinks and popsicles can help. We used a lot of fruit in teethers and froze them .
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Stick to Soft Foods: Think yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal. Ice cream is totally allowed for older kids of course.
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Clean Like a Pro: Disinfect toys, doorknobs, remotes—anything your child touches which is literally EVERYTHING if your child is crawling like mine is right now.
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Give Yourself Grace: Cancel plans, let go of screen time limits, and ask for help if you need it. We kept her out of school and took some days off.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your pediatrician if your child stops drinking, has a fever longer than three days, or seems really out of it. Our daughter was all of these things and we had to take her and figure out how to help her quickly.
Final Thoughts
HFMD is rough, but it passes. It seems like we are out of it now but now have double ear infections! I swear it never gets easier. I don’t stress over the mess, the missed naps, or the extra TV time anymore. For me right now, if I survive each day: I feel like I have succeeded.
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