Updated Apr 4th 2023
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4
min read
Medically Reviewed By
Board Certified Pediatrician & Lactation Consultant
As a parent, watching your little one suffer from illness can be heartbreaking, especially when it affects their sleep. When a baby is unwell, they often have trouble sleeping, leading to even more discomfort and frustration for both the baby and the caregiver. However, there are things you can do to help your sick baby sleep better. This article covers tips and support to help your baby sleep when they are sick.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
When your baby is unwell, getting them to sleep can be challenging. It is important to remember that this is temporary and as hard as it is in the moment, it will pass.
Here are some strategies that may help from Mandy Treeby , Pediatric Sleep Coach and Co-Founder of the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers, so you can support your sick baby to get the sleep they need to recover:
Your baby will need extra sleep to get back on the road to recovery. This means throwing out any sleep schedule you may have and instead, shortening wake windows. This is essential when your baby is unwell by limiting the time your baby is awake between naps and overnight sleep gives them more opportunity to rest but with ample time to feed and hydrate. Shorter wake windows can help prevent your baby from becoming overtired, which can make it more difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Keeping your baby comfortable is key to helping them sleep when they're sick. This means ensuring that they are dressed appropriately for the temperature, that their bedding is comfortable and clean, and that their sleeping environment is free from distractions or noise.
Dehydration can make your baby feel worse and disrupt their sleep, so it's important to keep them well hydrated when they're unwell. Signs of dehydration in babies include dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, sunken soft spot on their head and lethargy. Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids, whether it's breast milk, formula, or water if they are old enough.
Despite advice that elevating the crib can help with congestion, it is best to avoid this approach. Elevating the crib can be dangerous for babies, it is not supported by the AAP as it can increase the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Instead, consider using a humidifier or saline drops to help relieve congestion.
If your baby is struggling with congestion or just wants to be ‘with you’ it can help to use a sling or baby carrier and wear your baby for some of the day.
It’s always better to check – trust your instincts. If your baby hasn’t slept for 24 hours or has difficulty breathing put a call in to your pediatrician.
Once you've got your baby settled in bed, there are things you can do to help them fall asleep and stay asleep:
Follow your bedtime routine: Even if your baby is unwell, sticking to a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to their body that it's time to sleep.
Offer extra comfort: Comforting your baby with soothing words, gentle touches, and cuddles can help them feel secure and calm.
Use brown noise: Brown noise can help drown out other noises and create a peaceful environment for your baby to sleep in.
Be flexible: If your baby is having trouble sleeping, it's okay to adjust their routine or try something different to help them get the rest they need.
When your baby is sick, it's natural to worry, try to remember:
You are who they want: As tough as this time is, you are the right person for the job – Mom and/or Dad – you are who they need and your support is just the assurance they need!
To take care of yourself: Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them. A well-rested caregiver is better equipped to handle the challenges of caring for a sick baby.
To reach out for support: Don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or your pediatrician if you're feeling overwhelmed.
To focus on the bigger picture: While it's important to prioritize your baby's sleep, remember that their overall health is what's most important. If they're getting the care and treatment they need, their sleep patterns will improve in time.
It works best to keep them in their familiar sleep space and with the comforts they are used to – so if you feel the need to be nearby and to be able to listen to your baby, instead of bringing them to your room consider sleeping on a mattress in their room. This keeps you close, but doesn’t disrupt their safe sleep space!
Just like adults, it is common for your baby to need more sleep to help the body work hard to get well again. But if you’re concerned that your baby is too sleepy, be sure to reach out to your pediatrician.
If your baby is older than 3-months then it is fine to let them sleep with a fever, just be sure to check on them often (every hour, max two) to make sure they are comfortable and breathing normally.
If your baby is younger than 3-months and has a fever over 100.4°F, call your pediatrician immediately.
No, if you were sleep training and then your baby got sick or your just about to start sleep training, wait until your baby is fully recovered. And don’t forget if you need support with sleep training, or help to get sleep back on track after your baby has been sick, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app to help you!
Comfort measures such as a warm bath, gentle rocking, or a lullaby may help your baby feel more relaxed and comfortable. It may also be helpful to keep the baby's sleeping area cool, as high temperatures can exacerbate symptoms and make sleep more difficult. If these measures do not prove effective, it may be best to consult with your pediatrician for further guidance.
No, your baby is crying because they need you. Be sure to attend to your sick baby’s needs and comfort them as much as possible
Being sick usually means discomfort and your baby may struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s important to help them get the sleep they need to recover – so comfort and support them as much as they need!
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/getting-your-baby-to-sleep.aspx
https://www.babysleepscience.com/single-post/managing-sleep-when-your-baby-or-toddler-is-sick
