Caring for a baby is a delightful but sometimes also exhausting challenge, and never more so than when you or your baby is feeling less than 100 per cent. There will inevitably be some days like this, but with some preparation and the right mental attitude, you will be able to power through and soon be back on top form. Here are some useful pointers to help you.
Understand the common symptoms of sickness in babies
Babies are not able to tell us when something is wrong, so it’s important to be vigilant for signs of anything that appears to be unusual for your child. It’s common for babies to get colds, with symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing and sneezing, and a mild temperature.
Keep your baby well hydrated and make sure they have a comfortable, well ventilated place to rest. If they have a temperature of over 38°C, seek medical advice. However in the majority of cases, the infant will make a good recovery within a few days.
Another common baby illness is stomach and digestive issues that may cause constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, and tummy ache. Encourage your child to take in small amounts of fluid and keep an eye on their temperature. If vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours, seek medical advice because they may be at risk of dehydration.
Stock up on essentials
Prepare in advance so that you have everything to hand and do not need to make a trip to the pharmacist with a fretful baby. Useful items to have in your store cupboard include a thermometer, a medicine dropper, infant-safe medications such as mild painkillers, hand sanitizer, cold compresses, and alcohol free cleansing wipes.
If you dislike giving your baby medications such as painkillers, then you may like to consider alternatives such as an amber teething necklace. These are made from raw Baltic amber, which contains a substance called succinic acid that has natural analgesic properties.
When the necklace is warmed next to the baby’s skin, small amounts of this substance are absorbed into their bloodstream. This may potentially soothe a baby that is suffering the discomfort of teething or any other minor ailment.
However, the necklace is not intended to be used as a toy or an ornament, and the baby must be supervised at all times and never left to sleep while they are wearing the necklace.
Cultivate a positive mindset
Dealing with a sick day can be a downer, but it’s helpful to your baby if you are able to stay calm and positive. Your little one will pick up on your emotions, and if you are anxious and overwhelmed, it can make them more fractious and less likely to settle down.
If you find it difficult to manage your emotions under pressure, try some mindful breathing exercises that help to anchor you back to the present moment and calm a racing mind.
Reach out to your partner or friends or family members if you are feeling overwhelmed or not feeling well yourself. If it is not possible to get help, focus on essential tasks only such as feeding and washing your child, and leave other tasks for when you are feeling better. However, take care to follow basic hygiene practices to avoid spreading viruses.
When to contact a doctor
You don’t want to call the doctor at the first sign of a minor illness that will probably resolve itself in a day or two, but on the other hand there are some red flags that need urgent medical attention or guidance. These include a high temperature but cold feet or hands; a very high or low temperature; or skin that feels hot or cold to the touch.
Other signs of serious illness include rapid breathing, or an infant finding it difficult to get their breath, or making throaty noises while breathing.
If your infant has discoloured skin- for example, a blue, grey, or blotchy tone, is hard to wake up, produces green vomit, will not stop crying, will not feed, or has a spotty purple or red rash on their body, they require urgent medical care. These symptoms may be signs of meningitis, sepsis, or a urinary tract infection, and they can be potentially very serious.
