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:
How to Get a Sick Baby to Sleep
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:
1.Keep Wake Windows Short – Offer More Sleep :
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.
2.Keep Your Baby
Comfortable:
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.
3.Keep Your Baby Hydrated:
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.
4.Do Not Elevate the Crib:
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.
5.Baby wear
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.
6.Visit the Doctor if Needed
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.
Helping Your Sick Baby Sleep
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.
How to Cope with Sleep when Your Baby is Sick
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.
Should my sick baby sleep in my room so I can be nearby?
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!
Will by baby sleep more then they are sick?
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.
Should I let my baby sleep if they have a fever?
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.
Can I sleep train my baby when they are sick?
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!
FAQS
What to do with a sick baby that
won't sleep?
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.
How do you help baby sleep when
they have a cold?
- 1.Keep the baby's nasal passages clear. You can
do this by using a bulb syringe or a nasal aspirator to suction out excess
mucus.
- 2.Run a cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room
can help keep the air moist and ease congestion.
- 3.Provide extra comfort measures such as
snuggles, soft music, or a bedtime story can also help soothe the baby and
promote sleep.
- 4.Monitor your baby's symptoms and consult with
your pediatrician if they worsen or persist.
Can you let a sick baby cry it
out?
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
Can sick babies not sleep?
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!
Sources
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