Ep. 9 | Tips to Get Your Baby to Sleep When They’re Sick
May 29, 2024
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When your baby gets sick, it disrupts more than just daytime routines; it also severely affects night-time slumber for both you and your little one. As I shared in the latest episode of Cozy Little Convos, dealing with a sick baby involves more than just addressing their immediate health needs—it's also about ensuring they sleep as peacefully as they can. Here are some practical tips derived from the podcast to help your baby get to sleep easier during those tough sick days and nights.
Understanding Baby’s Sleep Needs
Firstly, it's crucial to understand a baby's heightened need for rest when they're ill. Like adults, sleep can significantly expedite babies' recovery. Newborns, babies, and toddlers often get more colds per year than adults do due to their developing immune systems. This frequent illness means parents need to be adept at managing sleep during these periods.
Tip 1: Maintain Familiar Routines
Maintain your baby’s familiar sleep routines as much as possible. Adjust wake and sleep times based on your baby's cues but try to keep to the schedule. This consistency helps ensure that the baby does not become overly tired, which can worsen their sleep problems. A good nap can be incredibly restorative. So if you notice them getting drowsy earlier than usual, don't hesitate to put them down for a nap.
Tip 2: Offer Comfort and Hydration
During illness, babies might revert to needing night feedings or extra comfort from parents. This step is not just okay; it's recommended. Ensuring that your baby stays hydrated is crucial, and sometimes extra night feedings are the best way to achieve this. Comfort them as needed during wake-ups; there is no harm in extra cuddles when they are feeling unwell.
Tip 3: Sleep Environment Adjustments
Make small adjustments to the sleep environment to help ease your baby's discomfort. A cool mist humidifier in the nursery can help keep the air moist and ease your baby’s breathing, especially if they are congested. Creating a gentle, steamy bathroom 'sauna' before bedtime can also assist in loosening mucus, making night-time breathing easier and more comfortable.
Tip 4: Clever Use of Tools
Don't shy away from using tools designed for baby wellness. For congested babies, nasal aspirators like the Frida Baby Snot sucker or saline drops can be lifesavers. They're instrumental in clearing nasal passages just before bedtime, ensuring your baby has a better chance of sleeping uninterrupted.
Tip 5: Early Bedtimes and Responsive Care
On especially tough days, an earlier bedtime could be beneficial. Overtiredness can significantly hinder the sleeping process, so putting them down earlier than usual might prevent a cycle of overtired fussiness. Also, continue to respond to nighttime wake-ups with patience and sympathy. Your baby may need more help falling back to sleep or may need reassurance—offer this gently and consistently.
Trust Your Instincts and Seek Balance
Navigating your baby's sleep while they're sick can be challenging, but trust your instincts and prioritize balance. It’s okay if the routine shifts temporarily. What’s important is that your baby feels comforted and supported. Once they’re feeling better, gently guide them back to their regular sleep patterns. Remember, this phase is temporary, and you're doing a great job giving your baby the care they need.
Remember, these tips are meant to complement the advice and treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider. Always consult with them if your baby's symptoms persist or worsen. With care, love, and a little bit of strategy, your baby—and you—will be back to enjoying uninterrupted nights of rest in no time.
Connect with Alice:
- Instagram - @cozybabysleep
- Facebook - @cozybabysleep
- TikTok - @cozybabysleep
- Cozy Baby Sleep Links
- Website - www.cozybabysleep.com
Sickness product links:
(these links are affiliate links, but not sponsored)
Resources:
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WELCOME TO COZY LITTLE CONVOS
Have you ever stressed out over your baby or toddler's sleep? Are you tired of feeling like you are doing everything wrong?
Well you're in the right place. In this podcast you will not only learn tangible tips and tricks to help your little one sleep better, but also how to do it with balance and confidence in yourself as the parent.
Hi! I'm Alice, Mum of 2 and certified sleep consultant. My sleep philosophy revolves around safe, loving, and research based sleep techniques while also holding space for real life.
This is a zero judgment community of moms who want to get the best sleep for the whole family, in a way that makes them feel good!
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