Sick Babies & Sleep Training: Finding the Right Balance

Parenting is full of unexpected challenges, and one of the more common ones is dealing with a sick baby. But what happens when you are in the middle of your sleep training journey, and your little one gets sick?

I see this often. Your baby is just getting the hang of things, and then suddenly they fall ill. It’s a delicate time, requiring a blend of empathy, patience, and practicality. Here are my top tips to handle it with ease.

Recognizing the Signs and Pausing

Your baby might get more irritable, lose their appetite, or show other signs of being unwell. When this happens, it's perfectly okay, and sometimes necessary, to take a break from sleep training.

Comforting Your Baby & Adjusting Your Approach

1. Comfort Without Creating New Habits: While it's tempting to bring your baby into your bed for comfort, this might create habits that are hard to break later. I understand you want to be close to your little one during this time, I get it - I do too! A great alternative is to sleep on a mattress in their room instead. This keeps you close for comfort and monitoring, without disrupting the sleep training environment you've worked hard to establish.

2. Maintaining Bedtime and Naptime Routines: Even though your baby is sick, try to stick to their normal bedtime and naptime routines as much as possible. This consistency helps maintain a sense of normalcy and can make it easier to resume sleep training once they're feeling better.

3. Adjusting Sleep Expectations: A sick baby often sleeps more. Trust your instincts and watch their cues to understand their needs. If they seem more tired, let them rest. It’s their body’s way of healing. On the flip side, their sleep might be more disrupted than usual, leading to more night wakings and shorter naps - this is all normal.

4. Nighttime Care: Don’t be afraid to go into your baby's room to administer medicine if needed. It's often better to gently wake them for medication rather than waiting for them to wake up uncomfortable or in pain. A calm, soothing approach can make these night wakings less disruptive.

On the Road to Recovery: Resuming Sleep Training

1. Monitoring Recovery: Once your baby starts showing signs of getting better – like more consistent eating and fewer symptoms – you can think about getting back to sleep training.

2. Ease Back into Sleep Training: The foundations that you have started to lay during sleep training will be beneficial now. Gradually reintroduce sleep training practices, but don’t rush. Your consistency in maintaining bedtime and naptime routines, even during illness, will stand to you here.

3. The Importance of Consistency: When you feel it’s right to resume sleep training, consistency is key. Stick to your usual methods and routines as much as possible. This helps reinforce the sleep training and provides your baby with a sense of normalcy.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

1. Stay Calm and Consistent: Your demeanor greatly influences your baby. Maintain a calm and reassuring presence to help your baby transition back to regular sleep patterns.

2. Record and Adjust: Keep a sleep diary during this period. Noting sleep times, wake times, and any interventions can help you track progress and adjust your strategy.

3. Seek Support if Needed: If you find it challenging to get back on track, don't hesitate to reach out! A quick call might be all you need to get back on track.

Patience and Persistence

Dealing with a sick baby during sleep training is a challenge, but with patience, love, and a strategic approach, you can manage it effectively. Understand that it's okay to take a step back from sleep training when your baby is unwell. Once they're back to their usual self, you can gradually and consistently work back into your sleep training routine. Remember, the effort you've put into establishing a routine hasn't been wasted. With a bit of time and consistency, you and your baby will be back to peaceful nights.