What do you do when 1 child is sick?

My 12 month old has a high fever. Been up with him most of the night. I also have a 3 yr old. Right now he's busy at school, but he comes home at 1.
How do you keep the kids away from each other? How do you take care of two little ones when one is really sick and needs lots of attention and the other is sometimes ok independent, but still a toddler and gets needy.
Hate having to keep my toddler in all day, bug I have to b.c I'm not taking the baby out.
At least he gets outside time at school on their playground.

Re: What do you do when 1 child is sick?

Do you have anyone you can call and ask for help? I try to have my mother or if I need to my MIL to come over and my mom will take the non sick child out - or my MIL will stay with the sick child and I will take the non sick one out. We have a futon in our play room so that is the for whoever is sick (if one is well). The other is instructed to try and stay at least 3-5 feet away from the sick one (doesn't always work but sometimes it does if I keep reminding the other that they might get sick if they don't listen). It is NOT easy but we work around it. I put on movies, we stay in the playroom and usually the non sick one will play while the sick one watches the movies. Not perfect but it works. Unfortunately I don't usually have more than 1-2 days where one is healthy while the other is sick - my girls are always hugging or kissing so when one gets something they both usually do.

Etd to add - that I have noticed (wouldn't personally do this) but I have seen multiple times where one child is staying in the stroller (often a 1 or 2 year old) while their siblings play. Turns out the mom didn't want to sit home so she keeps the sick one in the stroller in the shade while her other children play. I don't think I would do it - but I see it all the time so many other people must.

Message edited 8/1/2012 11:27:19 AM.

Re: What do you do when 1 child is sick?

Lots of movies! It will keep them somewhat apart while letting the sick one rest. The non sick one can play with you if he doesn't feel like watching.