From Sickness to Slumber: Tips for Supporting Your Baby's Health and Sleep Routine

I empathize with the struggle of having a sick little one – whether it's teething pains, ear infections, fevers, or those dreaded cold and flu symptoms. It's heart-wrenching when your baby is unwell, especially since they can't communicate their discomfort. As parents, we quickly assume the role of amateur doctors, trying to decipher the cause of their distress.

During such times, babies often become fussier and clingier, craving extra support, care, and cuddles to help them through their delicate state.

If you've been diligently working on your baby's sleep routine, it's understandable to worry that illness might undo all your hard work. But fear not! Your baby's newfound sleep skills won't simply vanish, and you won't regress to square one. Think of it as just another bump in the road of parenthood, one that you'll navigate successfully, time and again.

Here are some tips to help guide you through this challenging period:

Seek the right advice:

First and foremost, have your baby checked by a medical professional and follow their recommendations. Don't dismiss symptoms as merely teething – it could be something more serious like an ear infection.

If you're planning to start sleep training or work on your baby's sleep routine:

It's best to wait until your little one has fully recovered. Simply reach out to us, and we'll put your consultation or training on hold. If you've already had a consultation, we can schedule a refresher chat before resuming our sessions.

If your baby falls ill during sleep training:

Hit the pause button immediately and wait for a full recovery. Trying to teach new sleep habits when your baby is unwell is unfair and ineffective. Once your baby shows no symptoms for at least 24-48 hours, you can pick up where you left off.

In the meantime, allow your baby to sleep as much as they need without worrying about disrupting their bedtime. Remember, sleep is crucial for immune function and recovery.

If you've completed sleep training:

Congratulations! You're enjoying stress-free days and restful nights with your little one. But if illness strikes, rest assured that your baby's sleep skills won't disappear. Trust that your baby will recover faster with ample sleep.

During this time, prioritize your baby's comfort and well-being:

Allow them to sleep as much as they need. Be attentive to their needs and provide comfort as necessary. Avoid letting them cry for extended periods, especially if they have a fever. Offer extra night feeds as needed, but avoid creating new sleep associations. Support your baby with gentle touches and soothing words, but refrain from reverting to old habits like rocking or feeding them back to sleep.

Remember, new habits can be established in just three days, so trust in your ability to adapt and restore your baby's routine once they're feeling better.

And when your baby is back to their healthy self, gradually reintroduce your routine starting from 7am.

Together, we'll navigate this stormy period and emerge stronger on the other side.