Shannon Glenn is the owner and founder of Sleep Well Children Consulting and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist. She is dedicated to helping parents assist their children and babies in developing healthy sleep habits. With a B.A. in Psychology, Shannon has worked extensively with children and their families for over 15 years in a variety of settings. She has been offering sleep solutions for over six years.
When the baby gets sick...
Unfortunately, it is that time of the year again and the season for sickness is upon us! Every year once the tree leaves start to turn color, I know that means an increase of illness is coming.
If your baby is anything like mine were, you know that sickness can create some disruptions in your usual routine. Even the healthiest baby, in the most sterile environment, is going to get sick. What does that mean for you, as their parent? Does that mean you need to change their whole sleep routine? The short answer- NO. The longer answer-Maybe a little adjustment might be needed.
Now, you may be thinking,... “How do I keep my baby sleeping through the night when they are sick?” I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but more than likely this is not going to be possible. You should prepare for nighttime wake-ups and possibly shorter or longer naps as your child is fighting off whatever sickness ales them. Respond to your children right away when they wake up, treat the illness with whatever it needs. Offer some more comfort and cuddles. You may need to provide some fluids throughout the night.
Rule of thumb is to let baby sleep as much as baby wants when sick during the day or night, meaning don't worry too much about the sleep schedule, just do the best you can.
Illness can disrupt sleep for babies just like it does for us. The best thing you can do is treat their illness before sleep time but keep their nap and bedtime routines the same. Try not to change their sleep environment. If you are worried about them, move to their room as opposed to moving them into yours.
If you do happen to lose part of the sleep routine throughout your child's sickness, don't worry! Start over with the encouragement of independent sleep habits and self-soothing. If your baby already knows how to fall asleep independently, they may just need a little reminder. If they don't know how to fall asleep interdependently and you would like them to, we can help! Click on the contact us button and let's set up a time to talk!
Why didn’t we try this sooner?! As we speak he is sound asleep in his crib – and has been since 7:15 pm.
Karianne Wanggaard
Sleep Well Sleep Specialists
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Working with Shannon, I went from 2-3 wake ups every night to 1 or 0. She aligned the plan with my preferred sleep cycle. She was always coaching, never judging. Shannon was great, I have referred MANY people to her! That's the best testament to her work that I can give.
Laura