Prioritizing Sleep When Baby is Sick, 10 Simple Tips

Knowing what to do while our littles are sick is so tough. And with healthy children getting as many as 6-8 colds a year, it impacts every household!

There's nothing worse than finding yourself in a consistent routine, with great sleep, only to be interrupted by illness. So, how much can you really control a routine when they just aren't feeling well?

Realistically, we really cannot control much when our littles are sick. Our job is to help them through it!

Prioritizing sleep is most important! 

After consulting with your pediatrician and returning home, it's natural to wonder about the next steps in caring for your little one. During this time, it's essential to focus on providing comfort and support to help your baby through their illness. Keep reading for our 10 simple tips to help your household through to the other side.

From prioritizing rest, to embracing snuggles and using helpful tools like humidifiers and nasal aspirators, we aim to support you in ensuring your baby's comfort and well-being during times of sickness. Let's dive right into our 10 simple tips, so you and baby can rest easy.

Moms on Calls 10 simple tips to help get your household through to the other side:

1. Rest!

• This is a huge piece to fighting an illness.

2. Do not change or move up in routines or begin “sleep training” when sick.

3. Rockstar Moms on Call sleeper?

• You may find yourself in unfamiliar territory. And it will be OKAY!
• With illness, you may find they sleep multiple times throughout the day, may have multiple night wakings, and seem not to want to be out of your arms.
• This is normal, and we will return to those great sleep habits once they are feeling better.

4. It is okay to allow them to sleep more throughout the day.

• Prioritizing sleep is key! 

5. Increase fluids.

• Hydration plays a crucial role in helping the body fight off illness and promoting recovery.

6. Lots and lots of snuggles.

• Indulge in plenty of snuggles with your little one to create a warm and reassuring environment that can contribute to their healing process.

7. Try and keep what we can consistent.

• Bedtime routine
• Sleep environment

8. Run a humidifier.

9. Use Saline Nasal Spray (non-medicated)

• Nasal suctioning can be intimidating!
• Check out our post on what you need with a quick and simple how-to video!

10. Nasal Aspirator to help relieve congestion.

• We recommend the NozeBot !

Remember, it's normal for them to require more sleep and extra care during this time. By following expert advice and gradually reintroducing healthy sleep habits post-recovery, you can help your family navigate through the challenges of illness with reassurance and practical guidance.

Once they are feeling better, you can jump right back into the Moms on Call Sleep Guidelines and schedule according to your littles' age. Within 3-5 nights, everyone will be sleeping well again.

You've Got This!

For more tips to survive cold and flu season, check out Baby’s First Cold: A Parent’s Survival Guide written by Dr. Steven Goudy, Pediatric ENT.