Colin Snow
Sleep is an essential part of a toddler's development, and when they fall sick, it is natural for parents to worry about their sleep patterns. While illnesses can disrupt sleep, it is important to remember that sleep gives a toddler's immune system the opportunity to fight the illness and recover. Here are some tips to help your toddler sleep when they are unwell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep | Toddlers may sleep more when sick. Their bodies need rest to recover. |
| Sleep Environment | It is recommended to keep them in their own beds if possible, as it can be hard to remove the habit of bed-sharing once the toddler is healthy. |
| Sleep Schedule | It is okay to let them sleep longer, but it is recommended to wake them up after 2.5-3 hours to ensure they are staying hydrated and getting enough awake time for a restful night's sleep. |
| Comfort | Comfort your toddler as much as needed. Cuddles, soft singing, and holding them can help soothe them. |
| Fluids | Ensure they are staying hydrated. Offer breast milk, formula, or milk if they are older than one year. |
| Medication | Consult a doctor about medication such as Tylenol, Motrin, or ibuprofen. Cough medicines are not safe for children under 6. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep and sickness: Do toddlers need more sleep when sick?
It is common for toddlers to sleep more when they are unwell. Sleep gives their immune system the opportunity to fight the illness, and their body the time to recover. However, it is important to ensure they are still getting enough fluids and nutrients. If your toddler is sleeping all day and their nap doubles their typical nap time, it may be time to wake them up to ensure they stay hydrated and well-nourished.
Do's and Don'ts
- Do follow your instincts and go to them if they need comforting. Cuddle them, hold them, and help them.
- Do allow them to sleep as much as they like (within reason). A sick toddler will likely want to sleep more, and their body needs sleep to recover.
- Do go right back to your regular sleep schedule once they are feeling better.
- Do limit naps if your toddler is sleeping too much during the day and it's affecting their night sleep.
- Do go with your gut. If your toddler has a sniffle but doesn't seem uncomfortable, maybe just watch them from a monitor instead of jumping in.
- Don't take them out of their sleep environment if it's not necessary. We all sleep better in our own beds, and this is also true for babies and toddlers.
- Don't stress – it's just temporary and what your toddler needs is your hugs, patience, and calm energy.
Other ways to help your toddler when they are unwell
- A nightly warm bath. If your child has a fever, a lukewarm bath would be ideal.
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer for congestion or a cough.
- A massage before bedtime to help with any body aches.
- A nasal aspirator to help with congestion.
- Offering medication as needed, especially 30 minutes before bedtime. For example, Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) for inflammation or Tylenol (acetaminophen) for stomach pain/upset. Always make sure you are using the correct dosage and consult your pediatrician with any questions or concerns.
- Keeping your child hydrated is also important, especially if they are losing liquid by throwing up or experiencing diarrhea. If you are breastfeeding, you may offer more frequent sessions. If not, make sure to constantly offer liquids, which can be in the form of popsicles (depending on the age of your child), juices, and fruits.
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How to help sick toddlers sleep
When your toddler is sick, it can be challenging for both you and your child. While good sleep is critical for your toddler to get better, symptoms like fever and coughing can make it difficult for them to rest comfortably. Here are some tips to help your sick toddler sleep:
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
Keep your toddler's bedtime routine as consistent as possible, even when they are sick. Familiar activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or singing lullabies can provide comfort and signal that it's time for sleep. A consistent bedtime routine can help your toddler learn that sleep comes after these activities and can even stimulate melatonin production, which is helpful when they are feeling unwell.
Be flexible with the sleep schedule
While it's important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, you should also be flexible with the sleep schedule. Toddlers need more sleep when they are sick, as their bodies need rest to fight illness and recover. However, symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and fever can make it difficult for them to sleep, leading to overtiredness. Be prepared to adjust their bedtime, allowing for earlier bedtimes or additional naps during the day.
Use a humidifier
Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help alleviate congestion and make it easier for your toddler to breathe. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the build-up of mould. Alternatively, you can sit in a steamy bathroom with your toddler to help clear congestion.
Elevate their head
Coughing and congestion can be worse when lying flat. Slightly elevate your toddler's head while they sleep by using an extra pillow or placing a folded towel under the mattress. This can make breathing easier and promote better sleep.
Keep them hydrated
Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. This will help keep their throat moist and prevent dehydration, especially if they have a fever. Offer water or electrolyte-rich drinks, and avoid sugary drinks and caffeine before bed.
Offer extra comfort and reassurance
Sleep can be challenging when your toddler is unwell. Cough, congestion, and fever can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your toddler usually falls asleep alone but wants you to stay with them when they are sick, it's okay to provide extra comfort and reassurance. You can sit with them, rub their back, or stay until they calm down, but try to avoid starting any bad habits that may be difficult to break once they recover.
Remember, every child is unique, so pay close attention to your toddler's specific needs during this time. Consult your pediatrician if your toddler is struggling to sleep due to pain or discomfort.
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Should you sleep train a sick toddler?
When your toddler is sick, they will need extra support and comfort to meet their physical and emotional needs. This means that it is not the best time to sleep train them. If your toddler becomes sick while you are in the middle of sleep training, you should take a break. It is important to make sure your sick toddler gets the fluids and nutrients they need to feel better.
If your toddler is struggling to fall asleep, you can try the following:
- Maintain your normal bedtime and naptime routines. Familiar routines help cue the brain that sleep is coming.
- Provide sleep support. Sickness can make it more difficult for toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep, so you may need to give them extra help. This could mean rubbing their back, picking them up, or feeding/rocking them to sleep.
- Consider comfort measures. If sleep support isn't enough, try ways to increase comfort. This could mean suctioning their nose if congestion is making it difficult to breathe, adding a humidifier to the room to help loosen congestion, or giving medication for fever and body aches.
- Take the pressure off. Try to focus on helping yourself and your toddler relax. Go into a quiet room, turn off the lights, turn on a sound machine, and take some deep breaths.
- Remember that you are the person your toddler needs to feel at ease and relax when they are sick or scared.
If your toddler is sleeping for much longer than usual, you may want to wake them to ensure they are eating and drinking enough fluids. While toddlers need to sleep when they are sick, you don't want them to replace night sleep with naps.
Once your toddler is feeling better, you can go right back to your regular sleep schedule.
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How to help a sick toddler sleep: Comfort techniques
When your toddler is unwell, a good night's rest is crucial for their recovery. However, congestion, coughing, and discomfort can get in the way of their sleep. Here are some comfort techniques to help your toddler sleep better and start feeling like themselves again:
Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
- Maintain a Cool, Quiet, and Dark Room: Keep the room cool, around 65°F (18°C), which can help reduce congestion and make breathing easier. Use blackout curtains to block out any light, and a white noise machine to drown out background noise.
- Use a Humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier can keep the air moist, reducing coughing and congestion. Be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
- Choose Comfortable Bedding: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics for your toddler's sheets and pajamas. Ensure the bedding is clean and free from allergens.
Bedtime Routine Adjustments
- Calming Pre-Bedtime Activities: Engage your toddler in quiet, soothing activities before bed, such as reading a favorite story, listening to gentle music, or doing light stretching. Avoid screen time, which can interfere with their ability to fall asleep.
- Warm Bath Before Bed: A warm bath can help reduce congestion and open up your toddler's airways. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the bath for added soothing effects, but avoid direct contact with their skin.
Managing Symptoms
- Medication: Consult your pediatrician about medication to alleviate symptoms. For example, Mucinex Children's Cold & Flu can relieve congestion, coughing, and sore throats.
- Prop Up Their Head: Elevate your toddler's head by placing pillows under the mattress or using a folded towel to angle their head up slightly. This helps with drainage and can prevent coughing fits.
- Offer Plenty of Fluids: Keep your toddler well-hydrated throughout the day and before bedtime. Warm liquids like broth or herbal tea can soothe sore throats.
Provide Comfort and Reassurance
- Be Close and Accessible: Let your toddler know that you are nearby and available if they need you. This provides a sense of security and can make them feel more relaxed.
- Gentle Back Rubs or Massage: Gentle physical touch can be incredibly soothing for your toddler. Focus on areas where they might feel tension or discomfort, using gentle, slow movements.
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How to help a sick toddler sleep: Medication
When your toddler is sick, it's only natural that you want to do everything you can to help them get better. Here are some tips on how to help a sick toddler sleep, focusing on medication:
Fever-Reducing Medication
If your toddler has a fever, you can give them fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) or ibuprofen. These medications can help lower your toddler's temperature and make them more comfortable. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the label and give the medication based on your child's weight, not their age. For toddlers younger than two years old, it is recommended to consult a doctor before administering any medication. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid giving aspirin to children due to its association with Reye's syndrome, a rare but dangerous disorder.
Saline Drops and Nasal Aspirators
If your toddler is congested, saline drops or sprays can help clear their nasal passages and improve their breathing. Using a nasal aspirator, suction bulb, or "snot sucker" can also aid in removing mucus from their nose. This can be especially helpful before bedtime to improve their comfort and breathing while sleeping.
Humidifier
Investing in a good humidifier can moisten the air in your toddler's room, making it easier for them to breathe. It helps thin out mucus and soothe irritated nasal passages. Using a cool-mist humidifier is generally recommended. Be sure to follow the cleaning and usage instructions on the humidifier label.
Cough Syrup
For toddlers who are one year old or above, honey-based non-medicated cough syrups can help soothe their throat and reduce coughing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mixing two tablespoons of honey with warm water or tea can help relieve a sore throat and calm a cough. For older children, you can increase the honey dosage as recommended by a pediatrician. However, it is important to note that honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
Nebulizer
If you have a nebulizer at home, you can consult your pediatrician about using it for your toddler. While you should not use the same medications prescribed for adults, you may be able to use a non-medicated nasal saline solution in the nebulizer to help your toddler breathe easier.
Menthol-Scented Solutions
For toddlers over 12 months of age, adding a few drops of a menthol-scented solution or oil to the humidifier water can provide additional relief. However, menthol-based lotions and balms are not recommended for younger children due to the risk of inhalation injury and skin irritation.
It is always important to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your toddler's health and the appropriate medications. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your toddler's specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for toddlers to need more sleep when they are sick. Their bodies are working hard to recover, so it is beneficial to let them sleep. However, it is important to ensure they are still getting enough fluids and nutrients.
Here are some tips to help your toddler sleep when they are unwell:
- Swaddle them to make them feel warm and safe (only for babies up to 2 months old).
- Give them a warm bath.
- Cuddle them.
- Sing to them softly.
- Use white noise or other calming sounds.
- Hold them or wear them in a baby carrier.
- Put them to sleep on their back.
- Ensure they are dressed appropriately and use a humidifier to keep their room comfortable.
- Give them plenty of fluids such as breast milk, formula, or milk if they are over one year old.
It is recommended to let your sick toddler sleep as much as they want within reason. If they are sleeping past three hours for any given nap or their nap starts to blend into bedtime, you may want to wake them up to ensure they are getting enough fluids and staying hydrated.
