There are few things that tug at your heart more than a sick baby or toddler. It just feels wrong, doesn’t it? The sniffles, the congestion, the glassy eyes – Ugh. If I could wave a magic wand and take all the germs away, I would. Until that wand gets delivered by Amazon Prime (hopefully same-day, please!), we have to focus on comfort, sleep, and doing what we can to help our littles ride it out.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help both of you through the not-so-dreamy days of illness:

Comfort First: Pain Relief and Breathing Help

Do what you need to do to keep your child comfortable — whether that’s baby Motrin, Tylenol, homeopathic remedies, or whatever your trusted pediatrician recommends. If congestion is the issue, a cool-mist humidifier can work wonders in the bedroom. Just make sure it’s not set too high. 

For bath time, you can turn your bathroom into your own mini spa: run the shower with the door closed for a few minutes to steam it up, then bring your little one in for a steam session. This helps clear those tiny noses and chests, or at the very least helps to keep mucus flowing. And take comfort in this — humans come with a backup system. If your kiddo is congested in the nose, they’ll breathe through the mouth. The body is pretty amazing like that.

Sleep While Sick: Follow Their Lead

Your child may need more sleep than usual while under the weather — let them have it! If naps are earlier or bedtime creeps up before sunset, that’s okay. Their bodies are healing and need the extra sleep.

That said, do your best to keep them sleeping in their crib or bed instead of starting new habits that could stick around after the sickness is gone. Rocking to sleep, holding all night, or moving them into your bed might feel like the only way, but it can confuse them later when you try to go back to your normal routine.

If you need to be close, it’s often easier to bring a mattress into their room and camp out there for a night or two, rather than moving them into yours. Think of it as a sleepover — minus the popcorn and movies and fun gossip.

Handling Night Wakes

When sick, your little one may wake more often. Normally, you might wait a few minutes to see if they resettle, but when they’re sick, you can shorten that wait time. Try waiting five minutes if you can, but if they sound miserable, just go. Administer medicine if needed, change diapers, suction noses, then back into the crib awake if possible. That way, their routine stays familiar, even while sick.

Stomach bugs are a different ballgame, however. If your child vomits at night, there’s no waiting — swoop in right away. Change sheets, rinse them off, keep things calm and reassuring, and then finish with whatever step you usually end your bedtime routine with (a lullaby, prayer, cuddle with Lovey). The goal is to keep the routine recognizable.

What If You Have an “Oops” Night?

Here’s the truth: sometimes you’ll break your own sleep rules. I certainly have! You’ll pick them up in the night, rock them back to sleep, or even reintroduce a night feed when they haven’t fed in the night in months. We’ve all had “oops nights.” Or several.

Does this cause some confusion for your little one? Yes.
Can you fix it? Also, yes.

It just means you’ll have to be extra consistent once they’re well again. Go back to your normal sleep game plan – meaning routines and methods being used prior to the illness are resumed. Unfortunately, all this change for your little one can cause confusion. And confusion equals crying, which is so tough, so hang in there. Your consistency is what resets everything.

The Silver Lining

Once your child is a consistent sleeper, sickness often doesn’t rock the boat too much. Many kids actually want more sleep when they don’t feel well and are happy to get cozy in their own beds. My own child has even asked to go to bed early while sick. (That’s right — dreams do come true!)

Final Thoughts

Caring for a sick baby or toddler is hard — on them and on you. Remember, comfort comes first. Do what you need to do to help them feel safe and loved, keep as much of the routine intact as possible, and give yourself grace if things don’t go perfectly. You’re doing your best, and that’s exactly what your little one needs.

But if you’re finding it difficult to get sleep back on track after your little one is feeling better, please reach out. I can help get you back to dreamy sleep once again. 

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