Child Sick and Won't Sleep - Tips On What To Do

So you have worked with me and your baby is sleeping well, you are spending quality time together everyday, parenthood is as you imagined it.......but then out of the blue a sick baby and what do to?

​You’re not going to rock her back to sleep. You’re not going to feed her to sleep. You’re not going to do any of the things that you’ve worked so hard to stop doing (because for your child these didn't help long term in the sleep situation) 

The only time you would ever go back to a nighttime feed, obviously, is if your doctor or paediatrician suggests it. If she’s had a high fever for several days, she might need some extra fluids through the night.

You want to make sure that those only happen for a few nights. Three is kind of my rule of thumb. If anything happens for more than three nights, then there is the danger that the baby is going to now expect this and start waking up looking for feeds even once the sickness is gone.

Another big mistake people make is that they bring their baby into bed with them. Again, I understand it. I had a son who has food allergies and ear infection were common place in his first year.  I understand where that desire comes from. Again, you want to comfort your sick child. If you’re really concerned about your child through the night, it is much better for you to go to him than to bring him to you.

Throw down an air mattress. Spend a night or two in his room to keep an eye on him. Again, remembering my rule of threes, try not to do it for any longer than three nights or you might find yourself six months later still sleeping beside his bed.

If everything falls apart, cut yourself a bit of slack. Sometimes it happens. Know that as soon as your baby is well again, just get right back on track with The Coorie Doon Method.  Just start again. You know that she can do this. It’s just a matter of proving to her that she needs to use her own skills once again.

​What is your top tips for helping a sick baby sleep well? leave a comment 

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