Tired, working parents face a range of challenges when it comes to their baby's sleep. Add childcare illnesses and suddenly, you have a whole other world to navigate.
Thankfully, Carmel Morabito, founder of Calm Babies has joined the Care for Kids expert panel to help steer us through.
Illness severity
When we talk about the severity of the illness, we might be talking about a simple cough and cold with flu-like symptoms, or we could be talking about a more severe illness like Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, where your child has the potential to be really unwell and their sleep routines severely disrupted. How we tackle our child's sleep when they become unwell will differ, as will their reaction to the illness itself.
Remember, a simple sniffle throughout one day can be treated like any other day. If there is no fever and no need for paracetamol, then there's no need for childcare exclusion or a change of routine. But, if there are more severe symptoms and your child is suffering through bedtime, there is no shame in changing your routine and certainly none in comforting them.
The routine
If your child has had sleep training, there's no question they will already know the drill. But when they are unwell, it's natural to want to cuddle them through it – and that's not an issue. The issue lies with getting them back on track. Carmel says that it takes three to five days to form a habit so breaking their routine is ok, you just have to remember the same thing applies when it comes to reverting back to their sleep training habits.
Keep what you can
Carmel suggests that you keep as much of the routine as you can, within reason. If your child does not have a high temp, is breathing well, and is happy to sleep in their cot let them. There are other ways to be attentive. Use a monitor, and keep doors open between you and your toddler to ensure you can hear them. If it's really worrying you, pop a mattress on their floor so you can be nearer them.
It's easier to remove yourself from their space than them from yours when they feel better.
When illness strikes
Firstly, don't be afraid to cuddle and help them through. They're feeling miserable and it would go against your instincts to let them suffer any more than they must. Don't put their sleep above that. Supporting your child when they're unwell helps maintain their emotional well-being and provides comfort during challenges to their immune system.
As mentioned, if you feel as though you're too worried to let them sleep alone, try sleeping in their space first. If they're in a cot, a mattress on the floor for you so they're in their safe sleep space is ideal.
Keep things as much the same as you can but if it all goes out the window, so be it - you will get back on track!
Read more about safe sleep practices on the Red Nose Safe Sleeping Advice Hub
When your child has become well
Whether you have had sleep training or not, you need to know your child has an element of routine to recall. The moment your baby is well, revert to exactly as things were. If you were doing an ‘eat, bath, sleep' routine, continue that. Keep consistent and despite how persistent our toddlers are, remain on task. They're wonderful mini manipulators, our babies, so remember, the night that you're about to lose it for good will be the last night you will have to do it so tough. It will get worse before it gets better but put trust in the process.
Providing time and space
When your child is retraining, remember to give them time and space to remember everything they already know. If you have been there as a constant support or additional sleep aide, slowly pare that back. Be present but not active. When they stir, give them time to recall self-settling and let them try.
Consistency is key.
Childcare children are at an advantage
Children who attend childcare know all about sleep! They are clever little things and they sleep on a mat on the floor with their friends.
Carmel says, “Children who go to childcare get my program and learn quickly. They are very easily sleep-trained. They're used to the educator being there and they're very resilient. They are amazing sleepers because they have to learn to sleep in noisy environments, they sleep in big groups and they're very used to a routine.”
If your child is sick
In a daycare setting, children are often exposed to shared environments where germs spread easily. Our children have a tendency to share very well with their friends so, if your child is unwell, it's best to keep them home. Respect childcare exclusion periods and remember that if you have had to administer paracetamol to your child the morning of drop off, they should not be in attendance.
Find out about the childcare exclusion periods for common communicable diseases
Strengthening Your Toddler's Immune System
A strong toddlers immune system can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of illnesses. Focusing on improving your child's immunity for daycare can be a proactive approach to reduce illnesses and ensure better well-being. Ensure your child has a healthy diet rich in nutrients, including foods that provide Vitamin C and Vitamin D, which are vital for your child's immune system. Limiting processed foods and encouraging whole, natural options also supports a healthy immune system and contributes to robust immune function.
During cold and flu season, it’s especially important to promote good hygiene practices and sleep habits, regular physical activity, and proper hygiene to support strong immune systems and bolster your toddler’s immune health.
Calm Babies, calm parents
If you need help to get back on track or need to do a full sleep audit, check out Carmel's sleep packages. Having been in the industry for over 28 years, she's a wealth of knowledge, offering solutions that not only address sleep but also support your child's health by ensuring adequate rest. Calm Babies also offers a FREE, no obligation, 15-minute phone consult.
Find out more about Carmel's services and keep up to date with her on Instagram.
