There are a lot of tough decisions to make when it comes to raising a child, but one of the most difficult may be deciding whether or not to let your sick baby sleep with you. On the one hand, sleeping close to your child can provide comfort and promote healing. But on the other hand, there is the risk of passing on your illness to your child or exacerbating their condition. So what’s the right thing to do? Here are some factors to consider.
Do Babies Feel Lonely When Sick?
When a baby is sick, they often have decreased energy and appetite and may be unable to do the activities they love. This can be incredibly frustrating for babies and make them feel lonely. Health professionals suggest that parents offer comfort and reassurance whenever possible to help combat these feelings of loneliness. It’s also important to stay positive to keep the flow of positive energy in the house stable.
Encourage your baby to stay actively engaged with a favorite activity, like playing or reading books, taking walks, or even having animated conversations about their feelings or creative projects. Doing things together while the baby is restricted by illness can help keep the sense of companionship alive that has been so strong throughout your time together.
Read more: Should I Let My Sick Baby Sleep With Me?
Should I Let My Sick Baby Sleep With Me?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as circumstances may vary depending on the situation. Ultimately, you should make a decision based on your evaluation of the risks and benefits of sleeping together while your baby is ill.
For instance, if your child is exhibiting signs of a contagious illness, it’s probably best not to sleep together until they have recovered. If you decide to let, them sleep in bed with you, keep their head elevated, so they don’t breathe in any of your germs. Additionally, avoid letting them snuggle too close for extended periods and take extra caution when getting up during the night. This is why sleep training is important.
Consider getting extra-cozy blankets, giving them extra spoonfuls of soup, or cuddling in a rocking chair together while they rest. No matter how you choose to care for your child during their illness, it’s essential not to forget the importance of taking good care of yourself.
Self-care is essential when it comes to being a parent and providing practical support for your baby. Ultimately, follow both your heart and your head when making this decision. Making sure you and your child are healthy should always be the priority.
Read more: How To Help A Baby With Reflux Sleep At Night
How to Help Your Sick Baby Sleep Better?
Helping your sick child catch some much-needed rest can be a daunting task. These tips can make it a little easier:
Keep Their Room Dark, Quiet, and Cool
If your baby is feeling under the weather, providing them a good night’s sleep can help their bodies heal faster. To create a calming environment conducive to sleep, keep their room dark, quiet and calm. Dimming the lights will reduce visual stimulation and induce comfort and relaxation. If possible, eliminate background noise by turning off the TV or playing soothing music at a low volume. Lastly, setting the thermostat to a temperature between 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit will help keep your little one comfortable throughout their slumber. If things persist get in touch with a certified pediatric sleep consultant.
Give Your Baby a Warm Bath Before Bedtime
Nothing soothes a baby like a warm, cozy bath! Giving your sick baby a warm bath before bedtime helps to relax their little body and mind, allowing them to drift off to sleep. You can use an infant thermometer to ensure the water is not too hot.
After their bath, massage their back or feet with calming lavender-infused lotion to help lull them into child sleep. It’s essential to keep the room dark and quiet when they are ready to fall asleep; this will help your precious little one drift off sooner and get the rest they need for recovery. This will also help during a cold and flu season.
Offer Them a Soothing Massage Before Bed
Putting a sick baby to sleep is not easy. Massaging your baby can help to reduce their stress, soothe them and provide crucial sensory stimulation before you lay your kid in her bassinet. But before your baby goes to bed, a massage can also be a great way to calm them and help them drift off into dreamland.
Just a few gentle strokes of your baby’s arms and legs, combined with gentle rocking and some quiet shushing sounds, will have the routine nighttime feeling like a cloud-nine spa night – for both mommy and baby! Before long, you’ll have lowered the lights, turned off the sound machine, and helped tuck your little one in for a good night’s sleep.
Provide Plenty of Liquids Throughout the Day
Providing your sick baby with plenty of fluids is vital to helping them sleep better. Not only does adequate hydration help fight off whatever is ailing them, but it can also help your baby sleep more soundly and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings. During the daytime, make sure that you encourage your little one to drink up regularly.
Offer plenty of small portions throughout the day; warm liquids are best for soothing an irritated throat and if possible, introduce electrolyte-rich fluids like diluted juice or sports drinks for babies suffering from vomiting or diarrhea. Be prepared – having ready-to-go sippy cups within easy reach will make it much easier to get those fluids in!
Read more: How To Get Your Baby To Sleep Without A Pacifier
Use Humidifier
Creating a cozy sleep environment for your little one is essential to helping them get the rest they need to recover from their illness. A humidifier can be beneficial, as it adds moisture to the air and helps to soothe any congestion. This can make breathing more comfortable and help them fall asleep more leisurely.
It is essential to keep an eye on the humidity levels in the room and avoid overdoing it – too much humidity can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites which could further aggravate your baby’s condition or even cause sudden infant death syndrome.
Read more: Why Do Babies Sleep With Their Mouths Open?
Conclusion
Getting enough rest can be challenging when your baby is sick, but it’s essential for their recovery. The tips above will help you provide a calming sleep environment and encourage healthy sleep patterns. Just remember that some days will be better than others – so don’t get discouraged if your little one has difficulty settling down at night or waking up during the day. With just a few simple changes to their routine, keeping the baby hydrated and a consistent sleep schedule, your baby should soon be on the path to wellness!
