Colin Snow
Babies and toddlers tend to get sick a lot, with the average child under the age of 2 falling ill up to 6 times a year, and daycare children experiencing double that number. When sick, a child's sleep can be significantly disrupted, but this varies depending on the illness. It is normal for a sick child to sleep more, as their body needs rest to recover. However, if your child is less than 3 months old and exhibits excessive sleepiness, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of times a child gets sick in the first year of life | 6-8 times |
| Sleep when sick | More or less sleep |
| Sleep space | Dark, cool, and quiet |
| Congestion | Use a bulb syringe, saline drops, or a wet cotton swab to remove mucus |
| Hydration | Breast milk, formula, and water (if over 6 months) |
| Fever | Body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) |
| Serious illness signs | Hard to awaken, refuses food and liquids, decrease in saliva, tears, and urine |
| Sleep associations | Holding, rocking, nursing, or using a bottle |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for a sick baby to sleep more
It is normal for a baby to sleep more than usual when they are sick. Sickness and discomfort can make it more difficult for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep, even for those who are normally good sleepers. It is important to remember that rest is key to recovery, so do what you can to ensure your baby is getting the rest they need.
If your baby is struggling to sleep, you may need to give them some extra help. This could include rubbing their back, picking them up, or feeding/rocking them to sleep. It is also important to ensure your baby is staying hydrated and well-fed while they are under the weather. A baby monitor can help you keep an eye on your sick child while they sleep.
To help your baby sleep, you may want to make their sleep space dark, cool, and quiet to eliminate distractions. A cool-mist humidifier can also help clear congestion and allow your baby to sleep better. Make sure to place the humidifier close enough to your sleeping child that the mist will reach them, but always keep it out of their reach. If you don't have a humidifier, you can run hot water in the bathroom with the door closed before sleep time to create a steamy environment.
It can be stressful when your baby is sick and not sleeping well, but it is important to remember that this is normal and that your baby needs you to provide comfort and love. Try to focus on helping yourself and your baby relax. Go into a quiet room, turn off the lights, turn on a sound machine, and take some deep breaths. As you calm yourself, your baby will mirror your emotional energy, allowing sleep to eventually come.
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Sleep training should be paused when your baby is sick
It is common for babies to get sick and experience sleep disruptions. If your baby is unwell, they will need extra support and comfort to meet their physical and emotional needs. This means that sleep training should be paused until your baby has fully recovered.
When your baby is sick, they may need more sleep to recover. It is important to let their body decide how much sleep they need and not worry about maintaining a schedule. You can help your baby sleep by providing a dark, cool, and quiet environment, and using a vaporizer or
If your baby is struggling to sleep due to sickness and discomfort, you may need to give them extra help. This could include rubbing their back, picking them up, or feeding/rocking them to sleep. It is important to maintain their ability to fall asleep independently, so avoid reintroducing sleep props like pacifiers or extra bottles.
Before resuming sleep training after an illness, check with your doctor to ensure your baby has fully recovered. Having a good sleep foundation before an illness can make it easier to get your baby back on track with their sleep.
Remember, when your baby is sick, they need your comfort and support. Attend to their symptoms, provide a healthy environment, and ensure they are well-hydrated and getting enough rest.
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Signs of serious illness to look out for
While it is common for babies to get sick and experience sleep disruptions, certain signs may indicate a more serious illness. Here are some signs of serious illness to look out for if your one-year-old is sleeping a lot:
- Fever: A fever is a common sign of illness and can indicate a bacterial or viral infection. A temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher is considered a fever in babies. Seek immediate medical attention if your baby is under three months old and has a fever. For older babies, consult a doctor if the fever has lasted for more than four days.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can be a sign of illness and can occur if your baby is not feeding well or is vomiting frequently. Look out for reduced wet nappies, as this can indicate dehydration.
- Seizures: Seizures are short, sudden uncontrolled changes in your child's movement and behaviour. They can be triggered by fever (febrile seizures) and usually aren't serious. However, seek medical attention if your child experiences a seizure.
- Breathing difficulties: Difficulty breathing can be a sign of a serious condition such as pneumonia or asthma. Look out for your child breathing harder, grunting with each breath, or having shallow or unusual breathing. Cold hands or feet and pale, blotchy, or blue skin can also indicate poor blood circulation or low oxygen levels.
- Unresponsiveness: If your child is unresponsive, it could be a sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or a life-threatening brain infection such as meningitis. Seek immediate medical attention if your child is unresponsive.
- Stiff neck: A stiff neck could be an early sign of meningitis. Test your child's neck flexibility by laying them down and lifting their head until their chin touches their chest. If they fight this movement, it could indicate stiffness.
- Rash: A rash that does not fade when pressing on the skin could indicate a serious bloodstream infection. Seek medical attention if your child has a fever accompanied by purple or blood-red spots or dots on the skin.
Remember, you know your child best. If you suspect something more serious or notice any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
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How to help your baby sleep when they're sick
It is normal for a 1-year-old baby to sleep a lot when they are sick. Their body needs more sleep to fight off the illness. Here are some tips to help your baby sleep when they are unwell:
Keep the Room Dark, Cool, and Quiet
Use blackout curtains to block out any light and minimise distractions. Make sure the room is quiet and maintain a cool temperature.
Stick to Familiar Routines
Stick to your regular schedule or timing for naps and bedtime. Familiar routines help cue the brain that sleep is coming, setting your baby up for the best sleep possible.
Provide Comfort
Offer extra cuddles, back rubs, and reassurance. Your baby may need you to pick them up or feed and rock them to sleep. Respond to their tears and hold them if that's what calms them down. Remember that your baby can sense your anxiety, so try to stay calm yourself.
Keep Them Well-Hydrated
Breast milk or water can keep your baby hydrated, which is crucial for regulating body temperature and promoting sleep.
Clear Congestion
Use saline drops and a Nose Frida or NozeBot to suction out mucus. A humidifier or vaporizer can also help clear congestion and loosen mucus.
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When to call the doctor
It is common for babies to get sick a lot during their first year of life, with most babies experiencing 6–8 colds. Young children have undeveloped immune systems, making it easy for them to fall sick frequently. While it is normal for a sick child to sleep more than usual, there are certain instances where you should call the doctor.
Firstly, if your child has a chronic disease, such as asthma, cancer, or HIV, it is important to inform the doctor about their condition and be vigilant about recognizing any early signs of complications. If your child's illness is life-threatening, call emergency services immediately.
Secondly, watch out for emergency symptoms such as constant, nonstop crying, which could indicate severe pain. If your child suddenly stops walking or walks bent over while holding their stomach, it may signal appendicitis or another serious issue. Bright green vomiting is also a concern, as it could indicate a blockage in the intestines requiring immediate surgical attention.
Additionally, monitor your child's temperature, especially if they are dressed too warmly. Overheating can cause lethargy and impact their feeding habits. If your child has a fever, with a rectal or forehead temperature of 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher, consult a doctor. Bacterial infections associated with fevers can progress rapidly, especially in newborns and young babies.
Keep an eye out for other symptoms such as a stiff neck, which could indicate meningitis, or purple or blood-red spots on the skin, which, when accompanied by a fever, could signify a serious bloodstream infection.
If your child is experiencing congestion due to a cold, you can use saline drops and a bulb syringe to clear their nasal passages before sleep and eating. A cool-mist humidifier in their room may also help with congestion. For vomiting, diarrhea, or a high fever, consult your pediatrician for guidance on hydration and feeding. If your child is in pain or has a fever, the doctor may recommend medication for relief.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's completely normal for babies and toddlers to sleep more than usual when they're unwell. This is because their bodies are working hard to fight off the illness.
There are a few things you can try to help your little one sleep when they're unwell. These include:
- Using a cool-mist humidifier to clear congestion
- Removing mucus from their nose before sleep
- Ensuring they are well-hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water (if over 6 months)
- Adding extra cuddles to their sleep routine
- Keeping their sleep space dark, cool, and quiet
If your baby is less than 3 months old, it's important to call a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if they have a temperature higher than 100.4° F, are excessively sleepy, refuse to eat, or are coughing a lot. Other worrying signs include your child appearing sleepy with "dull" eyes and little expression, or not wanting to play.
Young children have undeveloped immune systems, so it's normal for them to get sick a lot—about 6-8 times a year on average. To prevent illness, make sure to wash everyone's hands frequently, as this is the number one way to stop the spread of illness. If your child is in daycare, they may get sick more often due to increased exposure to viruses.
