19 Ways to Make Your Baby Feel Better When They Are Sick

Kids get sick. That’s what they do. And while older kids have the ability to tell us what hurts and what is wrong, babies and toddlers are unable to communicate this to us making our job just that little bit harder. But we’re up for the challenge. We’ve come up with 19 ways to make your baby feel better when sick.

These tips are tried and tested from the Stay at Home Mum team. Have any more to add? Please share at the bottom – the more tips we share, the better for our babies!

Declare a Pajama Day

Keep your baby or toddler comfortable by leaving her in PJ’s all day. Get older siblings to join in too. And if everyone else is PJing it, then there really isn’t any need for you to get dressed either… Grab a dressing gown and enjoy the day!

Sing to Her

Sure, you may sound like a dying cat, but your little one won’t care. Even just whispering poems or song lyrics or reciting anything really, can help sooth her. Something about the sound of your voice….

Find the Boo Boo and Fix It

Colourful Band-Aids can work wonders, even if the sickness is internal. Another thing I do is draw a little smiley face or heart on bub’s tummy when she is feeling sick. This little image seems to have magic healing powers, in the eyes of my toddler.

Know Your Nursery Rhymes

Brush up on your body rhymes, such as This Little Piggy, Open Shut Them and Teddy Bear Teddy Bear. All three of these rhymes offer gentle touches and a great way to interact with a bub that is under the weather and not ready for more strenuous activities.

Naturally Unblock their Tiny Noses

I swear by FESS Little Noses for thinning out nasal mucus and moisturizing my toddler’s dry nose. It’s suitable from birth and available in a spray or drops. We use the spray in our house and the product takes effect almost immediately, helping to clear the nasal passage and making it easier for bub to breathe through the nose, especially at night and during feeds. As the product is completely natural and non-medicated you can use it as often as you need.

7. Give Them a Straw – sick babies and toddlers need to keep up with their fluids. You have probably been told to offer more breast or bottle feeds but sometimes they are just not interested. Try using a straw if baby or toddler is old enough.

8. Wear Her – dust off the baby wrap, sling or carrier and strap bub in. This can give your arms a bit of a break and still offers baby the closeness they crave when sick.

9. Give Yourself a Break – because taking care of a sick baby can be frustrating and this is the last thing you want to feel. But it’s completely natural to feel mad, especially after days of sleepless nights. When these feelings start rearing their ugly head, take a breather. Ask hubby to step in for ten minutes. And don’t feel bad – we all need a break, even Supermums fighting villainous illnesses.

10. Cancel Plans and Prepare for a Day of Cuddles– give her your undivided attention, even if this means sitting in a rocking chair, rocking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, for three hours. Yes, you may get motion sick. Yes, you may need to do the shopping tomorrow. And, yes, you will feel stressed and a little inconvenienced but when a baby is sick, they rarely sleep for longer than a few minutes at a time and they usually require cuddles more than anything else. Avoid the extra stress of trying to get things done and just call it a ‘sick day.’ Keep your phone handy to online shop or make a quick phone call while cradling a stuffed up baby on the lounge.

11. Books. Books and More Books – books are a soothing and quiet way to entertain active toddlers and babies when they are sick. So grab a bucket full of books, find a comfy place on the lounge and get reading.

12. Prop the Mattress Up – place a couple of pillows underneath bub’s mattress and sheet. This can help her sleep without constantly getting congested.

13. Keep on Top of Medication – if you have been prescribed or advised to give medication by a doctor, then set a timer so you don’t forget a dose.

14. Stock Up on the Right Foods – every sickness is different. If your baby has diarrhea or an upset tummy, for example, then experts recommend things like rice, crackers, apples and bananas. For colds and flus, your baby may prefer soups or icy poles for a sore throat. If your baby hasn’t moved to solids yet, then stick to plenty of extra milk feeds and lots of water for babies over six months.

15. Offer a Teddy – if your baby has a special teddy, then make sure it’s close by at all times. Or, if you have an older child who is being extra nice, suggest that he lends his special teddy to his baby sister until she feels better. My toddler just adores her brother’s toys, especially the ones that means the most to him.

16. Use a Warm (or Cold) Compress – a cold compress on bub’s head or tummy can help reduce the pain associated with fever. A warm compress on the face (just don’t leave it there) can relieve sinus and congestion pain.

17. Hang Out in the Washroom – run a steaming hot bath or leave the shower running. Shut the door, set up a comfortable spot and sit down, letting the steam from the shower fill up the room. Hot steam is a great way to clear congestion.

18. Dance – whenever my little one is sick I always put on gentle music and slow dance with her in my arms in the living room. The soothing sounds, the gentle movement and the closeness always settles her down. My Soundtrack to Sickness? The Lumineers, Bob Marley, Passenger and John Hiatt.

19. Skin to Skin Contact – nothing beats the closeness of Mum or Dad when sick. So take off your shirt and let bub lay on your chest, listening to your heartbeat and hopefully drifting off into a soothing sleep.

Kids seem to get sick at the most inconvenient times. The day before your family photo shoot, your little one may come down with a case of green snot streaming from her nose (been there). The day before a school interview your son may come down with school sores (done that). And while it is hard on us to cancel plans, change our routine and tend to their every request, it’s harder on them. And as a parent we strive to make their sickness as pain free as possible. The next time you are faced with a house full of illness, try these tricks and let us know if they help!

And don’t forget to share your own tips below. We would love to hear them!

This Post is Sponsored by FESS Little Noses