Should Sick Toddlers Sleep All Day?

When your toddler is sick, it's only natural to worry about their sleep patterns and overall health. The first thing to remember is that your child's body is working hard to fight off illness, and sleep can be a great healer. So, if they want to sleep all day, it's generally best to let them, as long as they are still getting fluids and nourishment. However, it's important to keep an eye on them and make sure they are not sleeping too long, maintaining some normal routines, and getting the medical attention they need.

Let them sleep as much as they need

When your toddler is sick, it's important to remember that their body is working hard to fight off the illness. Sleep is an essential part of the recovery process, so if your toddler wants to sleep all day, let them! Here are some reasons why this is a good idea:

Their body needs rest to heal

During sleep, your toddler's body can focus on healing without the added task of trying to stay awake and function. Getting plenty of rest will help them recover faster and boost their immune system.

It's what they would want

Think about how you feel when you're sick. All you want to do is curl up in bed and sleep. The same is true for toddlers. If they're asking to take a nap or go to bed early, it's because their body is telling them they need the rest.

It won't cause any long-term sleep issues

You might be worried that letting your toddler sleep all day will mess up their sleep schedule or cause bad habits. However, this is not the case. Once they're feeling better, they'll go back to their normal sleep schedule. It might take a few days for their sleep to get back to normal, but that's okay.

• Make sure they're staying hydrated. Offer them fluids regularly, especially if they're dealing with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Keep an eye on their fever. If it's high, consider giving them medication to bring it down and help them sleep more comfortably.
• Stick to their normal bedtime routine as much as possible. This will help cue their brain that sleep is coming and set them up for a good night's rest.
• Don't be afraid to offer extra comfort. Sickness can be scary for toddlers, so let them know you're there for them. Offer plenty of cuddles and reassurance.
• If you're concerned about their sleep or their illness, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for advice.

Offer extra fluids and medicine

When your toddler is sick, it is important to offer extra fluids and medicine to help them on their road to recovery. Firstly, keeping your child hydrated is crucial, especially if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea. If you are breastfeeding, you can offer more frequent sessions. If not, ensure that you are constantly offering liquids, which can be in the form of popsicles (depending on the age of your child), juices, and fruits.

If your child is vomiting or has diarrhoea, consult your paediatrician about the best way to keep them hydrated. Your doctor may suggest small, more frequent feedings, adding in night feedings, or offering an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte. It is important to wake your child periodically throughout the day to ensure they are getting enough fluids.

If your child has a fever or pain that is affecting their sleep, speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol/acetaminophen. These medications can help reduce fever and relieve body aches, making it easier for your toddler to rest. Be sure to follow the correct dosage and consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

Additionally, consider using a humidifier in your child's room to help with congestion and cough. A lukewarm bath can also provide comfort and help regulate body temperature if your child has a fever.

Remember, offering extra fluids and medication will support your toddler's recovery and make it easier for them to get the rest they need.

Maintain normal sleep environment

Maintaining a normal sleep environment for your sick toddler is important. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Maintain Normal Sleep Location

It is best to let your toddler sleep in their own bed or crib. While it may be tempting to bring them into your bed for comfort, this can disrupt their sleep and create a difficult association to break post-recovery. If you want to be close by for monitoring, consider making a bed on the floor of their room or setting up a mattress next to their crib or bed. This way, you can provide comfort and supervision while maintaining their independent sleep habits.

Stick to Sleep Routines

Try to stick to your toddler's normal bedtime and naptime routines as much as possible. These familiar routines help cue their brain that sleep is approaching, promoting better sleep. However, be prepared for some flexibility, as sickness can cause disruptions to their sleep patterns.

Provide a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Maintain a dark room and use a sound machine to create a soothing atmosphere for sleep. If your toddler is congested, consider using a cool-mist humidifier in their room to help loosen congestion and improve their breathing.

Manage Sleep Duration

While it is important to let your sick toddler get the rest they need, be mindful of their sleep duration. Aim to wake them periodically, especially if they have been sleeping for more than 2-3 hours. This will ensure they stay hydrated, eat enough calories, and maintain some level of activity during the day, all of which are crucial for their recovery.

Avoid Creating New Sleep Associations

When comforting your sick toddler, try to avoid introducing new sleep associations that may be challenging to break once they recover. For example, if you start rocking or holding them to sleep every time, they may come to expect this even after they are no longer ill. Instead, offer comfort in their crib or bed first, and only resort to extra measures like picking them up if necessary.

Provide comfort and support

When your toddler is sick, it's important to remember that their psychological needs need to be met. They need to know that you will be there to help them through it. Here are some ways to provide comfort and support:

• Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. This can be in the form of popsicles (depending on the age of your child), juices, fruits, or breast milk.
• Provide comfort and love. Respond to their tears and hold them if that's the only thing that calms them down.
• Let them sleep more if that's what they need. Their body is trying to fight off the illness, and rest is key in doing so. However, make sure they are still getting fluids and feedings to stay hydrated and nourished.
• Manage their symptoms. For congestion, use saline drops and a nasal aspirator to suction out the mucus. For coughing, run a cool-mist humidifier in their room or sit with them in a steamy bathroom. For vomiting, diarrhea, or a high fever, consult your pediatrician about the best way to keep them hydrated.
• Wash everyone's hands frequently to prevent the spread of illness.
• Consider giving them a massage before bedtime to help with any body aches.
• Offer medication as needed, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but always consult your pediatrician first.
• Maintain your normal bedtime and naptime routines, as these familiar routines can help cue their brain that sleep is coming.
• If your child sleeps in a crib or their own bed, try to keep this consistent. If you want to monitor them more closely, consider making a bed on the floor of their room for yourself.
• Don't worry too much about creating bad habits. It's more important to do what you need to do to help your child feel better.

Manage symptoms

When your toddler is unwell, it's important to remember that their psychological needs need to be met as well as their physical ones. They need to know that you are there to help them through it.

• Congestion/stuffiness: Use saline drops and a Nose Frida or NozeBot to suction out the mucus.
• Coughing: Run a cool-mist humidifier in their room or sit with them in a steamy bathroom.
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever: Consult your paediatrician about the best way to keep your toddler hydrated. They may suggest offering small, more frequent feedings, adding in night feedings, or giving them Pedialyte.
• Pain relief or fever reduction: Speak to your doctor about medication such as Tylenol or Motrin.
• Fever: If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever over 100.4°F, call your doctor right away. For babies or toddlers over 3 months, it is safe to let them sleep, but check on them regularly to ensure they are sleeping comfortably and breathing normally.
• Nasal congestion: Use a nasal aspirator to help them breathe more easily.
• Medications: Offer medication as needed, especially 30 minutes before bedtime. Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) is an anti-inflammatory that will help with illnesses that have inflammation, such as croup and teething. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a better option for stomach pain/upset and can be used for babies under 6 months. Always use the correct dosage and consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Aches and pains: A nightly warm bath can help with body aches, especially if you run a hot shower first to steam up the room. A massage before bedtime can also help.

Frequently asked questions