Staying Calm While Caring for a Sick Baby
As a new mother, a sick baby is one of the scariest things you can experience. You might feel overwhelmed and anxious or don’t know what to do. But don’t worry; here are some tips.
1) Keep An Eye On Them
If you think your baby is sick, you’ll want to watch them closely to observe behavior and symptoms. First, check for symptoms, such as fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual changes in your baby’s mood or feeding habits.
2) Check For Fever
Next, you should check for a fever. A baby’s temperature typically ranges from 97°F to 100.4°F. Remember that factors like environment and activity levels can cause temperature fluctuations.
A temperature over 100.4°F indicates a fever. Seeking care from a healthcare professional is advised, especially for babies three months or younger.
3) Soothe And Comfort
When your baby is sick, it’s natural for them to be fussy and irritable. As a parent, it’s essential to do what you can to comfort them:
Create A Calm Environment – Try to create a calm and comfortable environment for your baby. For example, keep the room quiet, dimly lit, and at a comfortable temperature.
Keep The Dressed Comfortably – Make sure your baby is comfortable by dressing them in loose, comfortable clothing and changing their diaper as needed. Give your baby a warm bath or use a warm compress on their forehead or tummy to help soothe them.
Give Them Extra Attention – Unless your baby is resting (an excellent time for you to relax, too), offer plenty of love, comfort, and attention to your baby. Some approaches:
- Hold, cuddle, or rock them
- Provide a pacifier for comfort
- Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment away from loud noises or bright lights.
- Use a white noise machine or soft music to help the baby relax.
- Sing or whisper to the baby in a soothing voice.
- Bathe them
- Massage them
Other things you can do to aid recovery and prevent the spread of illness include:
- Make sure the baby gets plenty of rest and sleep. Sick babies need more sleep than usual to help their bodies recover.
- Offer age-appropriate, healthy foods and plenty of fluids to help the baby stay hydrated and nourished.
- Follow any instructions or medication recommendations a healthcare provider provides, and give any prescribed medication on time and in the correct dosage.
- Keep the baby’s environment clean and germ-free by regularly washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, and washing the baby’s clothes and bedding frequently.
Watch for changes in the baby’s symptoms or behavior, and seek medical attention if their condition worsens or does not improve.
4) Stay Calm and Be Patient
Most babies recover from the illness within a few days with proper care and attention. And while caring for a sick baby can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to your healthcare provider or trusted friends, a free women’s health center, such as Heartbeat of Toledo, and family for support. And always remember, asking for help is a sign of strength.
In conclusion, as a new mother, it can be challenging to handle a sick baby. However, you can aid in their recovery by keeping a watchful eye on your baby’s symptoms and behavior, checking for fever, and providing a calm and comforting environment. It’s also crucial to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions, keep the baby hydrated and nourished, and maintain a clean environment. Finally, remember to stay calm, seek necessary help, and trust your instincts. Doing so can help your baby recover and feel more at ease during this challenging time.
