Caring for a sick baby can be incredibly stressful. Not only are they uncomfortable, but their disrupted sleep can totally exacerbate their discomfort. By staying calm and helping to treat their illness and keeping them as comfortable as possible, you can help your baby return to their regular sleep patterns quickly.
On the blog, I’m going to dive into five must-know tips to help you navigate your baby’s sleep during times of sickness:
1. Understanding The Importance of Independent Sleep Skills
2. Offering Comfort When Needed
3. Managing Smaller vs. Bigger Illnesses
4. Adapting to Their Increased Sleep Needs
5. Getting Sleep Back on Track
Let’s jump right in!
1. Understanding The Importance of Independent Sleep Skills
Having a baby who can fall asleep independently can make a significant difference in identifying when something is wrong. If your baby typically sleeps well but wakes up crying, it signals that something is amiss.
Being in tune with your baby’s usual sleep patterns helps you recognize and respond appropriately when they experience a sleep regression due to illness. With a baby who has independent sleep skills, you can better understand and meet their needs during these if and when they aren’t feeling well.
If your baby has NOT learned how to initiate sleep independently our 4-24 Months Content Library is the place to start! In it, you’ll learn all about the four different approaches to sleep learning that can each be adapted to fit the individual needs of YOUR little one.
2. Offering Comfort When Needed
When your baby is feeling under the weather, it’s crucial to provide comfort and care. However, it’s essential to determine whether your presence is beneficial or disruptive. If your baby has a mild cold and is making soft noises while lying down, your presence might actually disturb their sleep.
On the other hand, if they are actively crying and trying to roll around, they likely need your attention. Giving your baby a few minutes to self-soothe can be beneficial, but always be ready to step in if they need you. Don’t stress too much about creating “bad habits.”
During those night wakings, don’t be afraid to do a quick assessment of their condition, offer an extra feed if they need it, and then let them get back to sleep. Check out my other blog post, “How to Help a Sick Baby Feel Better” for more tips for helping your baby feel better!
3. Managing Smaller vs. Bigger Illnesses
Minor illnesses, like a common cold, usually last a few days. During nighttime wake-ups, quickly assess your baby’s condition, offer a brief cuddle or feed if necessary, and then allow them to return to sleep. For more serious illnesses, trust your instincts to decide what your baby needs most.
Whether it’s holding them in a rocking chair, lying on the floor next to their crib, or even safely co-sleeping, find a balance between meeting their needs and maintaining good sleep habits. If you opt for co-sleeping, follow safety guidelines to minimize risks.
The La Leche League has provided 7 things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation if you choose to co-sleep:
- No smoking
- Sober parents
- Nursing day and night
- Full-term healthy baby
- Baby on back
- No swaddle
- Safe surface
Source: La Leche League https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/sleep-bedshare/
4. Adapting to Their Increased Sleep Needs
Babies often sleep more when they are sick. This increased sleep is normal and helps their bodies recover. If your baby takes longer naps, let them, but try to limit naps to about three hours.
Once your baby starts feeling better, gradually return to their regular sleep schedule to avoid long-term disruptions. Maintaining a consistent routine will help your baby bounce back from illness, teething, and other sleep disruptions more effectively.
5. Getting Sleep Back on Track
Most illnesses resolve within a few days. If your baby remains sick beyond this period or has a high fever, consult your pediatrician. As your baby starts to recover, you may need to re-establish their sleep routine with a modified approach.
Initially, check on them briefly and then leave the room. If they protest for a short time, that’s okay, but if they cry for an extended period, they might still need some comfort. Gradually reduce the time you spend in their room to help them return to their regular sleep habits. Just think of it as a gentle nudge back into their usual rhythm.
Recap of 5 Tips for Managing a Sick Baby’s Sleep
Caring for a sick baby is challenging, especially when their sleep is affected. By understanding the importance of independent sleep skills, providing appropriate comfort, managing different levels of illness, adapting to increased sleep needs, and adjusting sleep routines, you can support your baby’s recovery and return to normal sleep patterns.
If you need support with your baby’s specific sleep needs or have any other questions about navigating baby sleep and a potential tongue or lip tie, we would love to work with you. Hop on a call with one of our AMAZING Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultants!
Whether your little one is a newborn (0-4 Months Content Library), 4-24 months (4-24 Months Content Library), or a toddler (2-5 Years Content Library), we have the resources you need to get your family the sleep you all deserve!
Trust your instincts, stay calm, and remember that this phase will pass, leading to better nights for both you and your baby. Hang in there, mama—you’ve got this!
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