What to Do When Your Baby is Sick at Night
When your baby is sick at night, it can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to think of ways to make them feel better. But don’t worry because you can use a few methods to help ease the situation. This way, you can get some sleep as well as care for your sick child.
Every child is different. What may work to make your child feel better, may not work for another. So it’s important to keep that in mind when you’re trying to think of ways to make your child more comfortable during these trying times.
If you’re still clueless as to what you can do, here are some suggestions to help you out:
Method #1 Go to a dark room
If your baby is awake and crying at night even after a few attempts of getting them to sleep, try putting them in a dark room – sans the light of any screens – with some soothing music playing in the background. If they seem more comfortable this way, then leave them be.
You can also try to adjust the temperature of the room, as cold temperatures tend to make babies feel worse. Try putting your baby in a less crowded and more private room, like their bedroom or a nursery. This way, they can get more comfortable without anyone interrupting their sleep.
Method #2 Try feeding
If your baby wakes up due to hunger, try giving them a bottle of milk or a snack. If they refuse the food you offer them, then try to feed them some cereal. This will give your baby the nutrients they need until morning.
But if it doesn’t work, then just hold your baby and give them some love. Try to get them back to sleep as soon as you can by rocking or bouncing them gently, or if they are old enough, try songs or tell them a story.
Method #3 Clean them up
If your baby’s diaper is dirty, then change their diaper. When babies are sick and having trouble breathing, it can be harder for them to sleep. A dirty diaper can be uncomfortable, so try to help your baby feel better by cleaning up their messes.
Afterward, try to bathe them, as it can help calm your baby and make them feel better. Make sure the water isn’t too hot or cold, and be gentle when washing their hair. Once you are finished, put some clothes on your baby that are comfortable to sleep in.
Babies are more likely to sleep when they are dressed in clothes that are not constricting on their bodies. After this, make sure your baby is safe and comfortable. Try to soothe your baby back to sleep if they wake up again.
Method #4 Practice patience
If your baby has a fever, then there is nothing you can do to lower it. When they feel warm and uncomfortable, it will be hard for them to get to sleep. Doing these things can help, but you need to have patience and just wait it out. It’s common for babies to have fevers or be sick once in a while, so don’t fret.
The best thing you can do is stay calm and keep your baby comfortable. You can take care of yourself as well by showering, eating, and resting so that you are ready to help your baby through the night.
The Last Resort
If you find that the first few efforts don’t work, then don’t be afraid to go to the nearest urgent care clinic for your baby. People are much more understanding of babies than adults, so you won’t be in a rush and forced out within a few minutes.
Besides, this way, you can get seen quickly but also have the time to take care of yourself and your baby. People will be able to help you figure out what might be wrong with your sick child, and how they might be able to feel better.
Seeking medical attention for your baby can help ease the situation and give you that much-needed break. Just take care of yourself and make sure you stay healthy. Try to get back to sleep once your baby is taken care of. And keep in mind that your baby will be in good hands until you can go back to them.
Remember that even when you’re exhausted, there are ways to take care of your baby. By following these tips and knowing that you’re not alone in this situation, you will know what to do when your baby is sick at night.