No matter how hard we try to prevent it, our children are going to get sick at some point. Dealing with a sick baby can be a stressful time, especially if your baby isn’t old enough to verbally express what they are feeling. We know you don’t ever want to see your children unhappy, so here are five tips to help make your sick baby a little happier.
“Baby” them
If you’ve had to deal with a sick child, then you know sometimes they may be a little more affectionate than usual. Let them be. Give them extra cuddles, rock them a little more than you usually would because even though it’s not a medicated way to make them feel better, it is definitely a way to lift their spirits while they’re feeling under the weather. Just make sure you’re taking extra precautions to make sure you don’t become sick, as well.
Allow Them to Indulge
A lot of times babies and younger children will not eat very much when they are sick. So if your child is asking for a popsicle during breakfast, it may be a good idea to let them have it if they’re not showing interest in anything else. If you have a sick baby who won’t nurse, consult with your pediatrician to find other options to make sure your baby is getting the nutrition they need.
Use a Humidifier
A stuffy baby in the house is no fun for anyone. They are upset that they can’t breathe properly and most likely they aren’t sleep well through the night. A humidifier is great for loosening congestion and it could possibly make your child’s throat feel better. The sooner breathing becomes easier for them, the happier they’ll be and the happier you will be too.
Give Them Warm Baths
As adults, sometimes all we need is a hot shower to turn a bad day into a good one, and it’s the same with our babies. The warmth of the water on the baby is soothing, and it can help take their minds off the sickness for a little while. Be sure to keep in mind that if your child has a fever the temperature of the bath should only be lukewarm.
Keep Them Entertained
If you have toys in your home that your child hasn’t played with just yet, get them out. Being entertained by something new is a good distraction from how they’re feeling in the moment. Sing to them, put on their favorite movie or show, or play their favorite song a few times. A little extra fun for those who are up for it will make for a happier baby.
Of course, if you have a sick child, it never hurts to have them checked out by their pediatrician. We are your pediatric consultants here in Augusta. Pediatric Partners has two locations to better serve our patients. Our Evans office is located at 411 Town Park Blvd., and our downtown Augusta office is located at 1303 d’Antignac Street, Suite 2600. If you’re a new parent with questions, please feel free to call us at 706-854-2500, visit our website pedpartners.com, or follow our Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.