Having a sick baby or toddler is HARD, especially when they seem to catch every bug going around. If you’re feeling on empty, keep reading. Though we can’t make it stop, we can offer solidarity and maybe a tip or two to help you pull through.
Before baby gets sick (skip this section if it’s too late for that now!)
Be prepared for sick days with these practical tips:
- Keep some dinners (especially soups) in the freezer for when you probably won’t be up to cooking but will need some nourishing food.
- Stock up on over-the-counter meds that baby might need, so you don’t need to run out with a sick baby. (Check with your doctor about which meds and dosages are safe for baby.)
- Have a spare sheet set or two for middle-of-the-night changes.
- Prep phone numbers of your doctors and local pharmacy (great if you can find one that delivers), so you don’t need to scramble when you need them.
Getting through the day(s)
No amount of preparation can mentally and emotionally get you through the day when your kid is sick, fussy and needs your constant attention. For that, you’ll need some SOS strategies:
Know that it’s normal – No, you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s normal for kids to get sick a lot. On the bright side, they’re building immunity for the future. The reason you (hopefully) don’t get sick as often as your kid is because you already had a lot of these stuff as a kid—and someone had to take care of you (I know, makes you want to thank your mom).
Share the load if you can – If your spouse, relative or friend can take a shift, take advantage. Even if they can only take a few minutes, use the time to take care of yourself, instead of throwing in a load. You need the break so you’ll be able to continue caring for your child. Take a shower, catch some sleep, get out of the house or just space out and chill.
Don’t try to get anything else done – If all you do is take care of your baby, that is more than enough. Here’s your official permission to let the laundry pile up, order takeout and skip non-essential commitments. If you have other kids who need you, think about bending screen time rules if that will help.
Tell yourself what you need to hear – Or get a friend to, if you can’t tell yourself. Here are a few ideas, but you know what you find helpful, so listen to that and tune out everything else.
- This too shall pass
- It’s normal to be overwhelmed
- It’s okay to ask for help
You might not feel like you’re handling this well, but keeping your baby safe, loved and cared for IS handling it well.