Sick Sleep
Flu season. Let’s be real. Whether you’re a newborn care specialist, postpartum doula, or parent, it’s an exhausting time when it feels like your child is sick every 5 seconds. It can feel like a cycle of needing to recover, but not getting good quality rest while they’re congested and not feeling well. These tips will help everyone get some rest, easing the crankiness and discomfort.
Comfort Measures
1. Cool – mist humidifier in your child’s room. This Frida 3-in-1 Humidifier is our favorite
2. Saline drops and something to suction the snot
3. Prioritizing hydration
4. Consult your pediatrician. The pediatrician can recommend fever reducers, hydration products, or possibly prescribe antibiotics you may need
5. TLC and sleep support. See more below!
Sleep Support
1. Maintain a similar routine. You may have to adjust wake windows, but we advise giving them their usual routine to help cue for naps/bedtime.
2. Provide all comfort measures before naps and bedtime. Give your baby the best chance to set up success with sleep
3. Don’t stress adding in sleep support. Your baby is likely having a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. Even if your child is an amazing independent sleeper, you may need to rub their back, pick them up, or even feed/rock to sleep. Sometimes parents want to bring their child in their room, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Just like us, babies that have a strong sleep foundation sleep best in their own bed. Instead, opt to bring a mattress and sleep on the floor in their room.
Getting back on track after an illness
The best overall advice is to make sure to establish healthy sleep habits before an illness strikes. If your baby is struggling with reacclimating after being sick, feel free to reach out to Harmony Baby Concierge’s sleep experts to get back on track.
