Sick and sleep

"Sick" and "babies" are a duo nobody likes, but the reality is babies are kind of little magnets to anything that makes them feel under the weather.

When your baby isn’t feeling well, it’s okay to hit pause on sleep training or any routine you’ve been following. Right now, they need extra comfort, and that’s your top priority. Don’t stress about slipping into “bad habits” because once they’re better, you can get back on track.

A little break won’t undo all your progress. If your baby was already a solid sleeper before getting sick, they’ll bounce back once they’re feeling well again. And if sleep was a struggle even before? We can work on that when they’re feeling better.

What to expect when they're sick and how we can help them

Sometimes, they'll sleep more

It’s normal for sick babies to sleep more; it's their body's way of recovering, and they need to rest. Just be sure they’re staying hydrated and getting regular feeds. Just keep an eye on hydration and make sure they’re still getting enough feeds. If naps stretch longer than three hours, gently wake them for sips of water and offer small feeds if they don't have much of an appetite.

That said, some babies sleep worse when sick, waking frequently due to discomfort. Both are normal.

Keep bedtime routine consistent

Even if everything feels off, try to keep the bedtime routine intact. Familiar steps can help your baby feel secure, which can make it easier for them to settle despite feeling unwell.

If you usually do bath, book, and cuddles, keep those same steps but adjust as needed. Maybe they’re too tired for a shower; perhaps offer a bath, or a quick wipe-down. If they’re fussy, shorten storytime to a few pages instead of a whole book. The goal is to maintain the rhythm of bedtime without adding extra stress.

Keep their sleep environment the same

Instead of taking them out of their sleep space, go into theirs. I know this may seem difficult for you to shift yourself to another room, but what's important is that you're still near them and their sleep environment remains the same. Even for us, when we feel unwell, our bed is the only place we want to be - that's the same with your baby.

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If they somehow make their way into your bed, and you're worried about co-sleeping habits, don’t be. You can always get back on track once they’re feeling better. If you need guidance or support, I’m here to help if you need.

Night-waking may occur

Sick babies might wake more often, especially if they haven’t had enough fluids or feeds during the day. Calorie intake is spread out over a 24-hour period, so if they haven't consumed enough during the day, they may require extra feeds during the night. It might not always be a feed they need, it could just be a sip of water they’re after.

When your baby has been vomiting or experiencing increased bowel movements, it can result in a loss of fluids and nutrients. In such cases, you may need to take the initiative to offer night feeds to ensure they stay hydrated and receive the necessary nutrition.

Bring bedtime earlier

If your baby has not had enough sleep during the day or if naps are all over the place, it is okay to adjust their bedtime earlier to compensate for the lack of sleep. Bringing bedtime forward by 30 to 60 minutes (as early as 6:00-6:30 pm) can help them catch up on lost sleep.

Comfort them to sleep

Even babies who usually settle well might struggle when they’re sick. It’s okay to offer extra cuddles, pat their bum, or stroke their face if it helps them drift off. This won’t create long-term sleep problems - it’s just meeting their needs in the moment. It is temporary, and you’re their safe space.

My baby isn't sick anymore, how do I get their sleep on track again?

I had a solid sleeper before they were sick

Once they’re feeling better, dive back into your usual routine. Most babies adjust within a few nights. But if they are struggling to find their rhythm again, I can help you. If you have been following my 4 - 24 month sleep plan, you can simply return to the steps outlined in the plan's "Process" section.

Re-establishing consistency and sticking to the routine that was working well for your baby before their sickness can help them readjust and get back on track with their sleep patterns.

I never had a good sleeper before they were sick

If sleep has never been great, sickness can throw things even more off track. My one-on-one support plans can offer you the guidance and assistance necessary to help your baby achieve solid naps and nights. By implementing these plans and establishing a strong sleep foundation, you can minimise disruptions even when your baby is unwell in the future.

Written by Alexandra Selekos I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant and a mum of three. My approach is based on studies, training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, successful outcomes experienced by those who have used my methods and the instincts of a mother. My approach will help your baby achieve their best sleep, whilst always feeling reassured, loved and never neglected.