It’s completely normal for babies to get sick from time to time. If your child attends daycare, it may feel more frequent than just “time to time,” When my oldest was 4 and my youngest was 6 months old, I clearly remember having some type of illness pass through our household on a biweekly basis from September until March. While it can be worrying for parents, it’s a part of how babies build their immune system and develop the antibodies that will help protect them in the future. However, when your baby is sick, their discomfort can make it challenging for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. In today’s post, we’ll focus on the issue of a sick baby who won’t sleep and provide you with practical tips on how to help your unwell infant rest better.
Understanding Sleep Disruption
When a baby is sick, sleep can be significantly disrupted. This can happen for various reasons, including congestion, fever, or general discomfort. Since sleep is crucial for a baby’s recovery, it’s important to address the factors causing sleep disruption and find ways to help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep is vital for a sick baby as it aids in their recovery and helps strengthen their immune system. However, sickness can make it harder for babies to get the rest they need. Whether it’s a stuffy nose, a sore throat, or any other symptoms, your baby might struggle with falling asleep and maintaining uninterrupted night sleep.
There is a true divide between how infants and kids seem to handle sleep when they are sick: some really need that extra sleep, and they take it. Others really struggle to sleep, seeking out comfort instead. Not to say they don’t need sleep, because they do, but they struggle to fall into a deep sleep when they are sick. As a parent with one of each: a child who sleeps more when sick and a child who seeks out comfort when sick, it is best to understand what your child needs so you can help them in whatever way best fits their needs.
It takes time to figure out where your child lies on that spectrum of needs. If you have a child who needs comfort when they are sick, you are not going to “ruin all your progress” if you are currently sleep training or if you have in the past. You have built a dependable sleep foundation, and you can go back to that foundation when your child is ready.
How to Get a Sick Baby to Sleep?
When your child is sick and having trouble sleeping, there are several strategies you can use to help them rest better. Here are some tips that can aid in getting your baby to sleep more soundly despite their illness:
Tip #1: Offer Extra Sleep
When a baby is sick, they often need more sleep than usual. If you notice your baby is unusually sleepy, it’s important to offer extra nap times and longer naps. You may notice that your child can’t stay up as long, so you may have to adjust wake windows. You also may want to consider allowing your child to sleep more than they typically do during the day to help their recovery. Maximizing naps and allowing them to nap longer could help boost their immune system and accelerate recovery. Allow your baby to sleep more than normal during the day to help them catch up on lost sleep and combat the illness more effectively.
Tip #2: Give Plenty of Snuggles
Extra comfort can make a world of difference for a sick baby. Offering more snuggles and comfort can help soothe them and provide a sense of security, which can be especially important during illness. Holding your baby can help them feel more relaxed and potentially ease their discomfort. While your child is sick, if you have the time and are able, contact napping is a great way to get those snuggles in and provide extra comfort for your child while they are sick. It can also ease your mind as you watch them sleep peacefully.
Tip #3: Use a Cool-Mist Humidifier
A cool-mist humidifier can be incredibly beneficial for a congested baby. Adding moisture to the air can help alleviate stuffy noses and ease breathing difficulties. This, in turn, can make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Make sure to keep the humidifier clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it is used safely and effectively.
Tip #4: Keep Baby Hydrated
Keeping your baby hydrated is crucial, especially when they are sick. Ensure your baby has access to plenty of fluids throughout the day. Hydration helps thin mucus, making it easier for your baby to breathe and sleep. Depending on their age, you might offer water, breast milk, or formula. If your baby is struggling with frequent night feedings, try to help them stay hydrated during the day to reduce the need for nighttime feeds if they are atypical.
Tip #5: Address Discomfort Promptly
If your baby is experiencing discomfort due to symptoms such as fever or sore throat, addressing these issues promptly can help improve their sleep. Use a fever-reducing medication recommended by your pediatrician and follow their advice on how to manage your baby’s symptoms. Ensuring your baby is as comfortable as possible will help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Tip #6: Establish a Calming Bedtime Routine
Even when your baby is sick, maintaining a calming bedtime routine can be helpful. A consistent routine provides comfort and signals that it’s time for sleep. This routine can include a warm bath, gentle rocking, or a lullaby. Consistency in bedtime habits helps create a sense of security and can assist your baby in falling asleep and staying asleep.
Dealing with a sick baby who won’t sleep can be challenging, exhausting, and overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can help your little one get the rest they need to recover quickly. By offering extra sleep, providing comfort, using a cool-mist humidifier, ensuring hydration, and addressing discomfort promptly, you can improve your baby’s chances of falling asleep and staying asleep through their illness. Remember, patience and extra care go a long way in supporting your baby’s recovery and maintaining their safe sleep habits.
Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting
If you find that sleep issues persist or worsen, it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician for further advice tailored to your baby’s specific needs. After your infant, toddler, or young child has recovered, you may find that disrupted sleep continues to be a problem. Is your baby falling asleep but struggling to stay asleep? Does your baby have those foundational independent sleep skills to rely and depend on? If you have tried these tips and are still struggling recovering after your baby was sick, we are here to help!
Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts and Michigan area. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too!
See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below:
“Molly knows BABIES! She is gentle, kind and practical with her advice. As a mom of two who NEEDS her sleep, Molly was able to teach me easy to implement tips to help my children sleep better. I know she is a lifesaver to so many mamas and new parents. TRUST Molly to help you and YOUR BABY get better sleep!”