Sick Baby Season: How to Help Your Little One When They're Not Feeling Their Best

As a mom of three and an RN, I know firsthand how hard it is when your little one isn’t feeling their best, especially during fall and winter. With school back in session, holiday gatherings approaching, and babies still developing their immune systems, germs are inevitable.

So, how can you help your baby through sick season? Let’s dive into it!

Prevention:

Outings & Family Gatherings:

Venturing out with your baby can feel stressful during this season. If you need to go out, hand sanitizer is a must! I also highly recommend babywearing—keeping your baby close to you is a great way to avoid germs and curious hands.

As an RN, I always remind parents: if you're using a stroller or carrier, it’s okay to set boundaries with people.

For family gatherings, it’s tempting to let everyone hold your baby, but with young newborns, it’s okay to limit this!

Wearing your baby can give you control while keeping your little one safe. I’ve always found babywearing to be a lifesaver at events—it’s practical, and it helps keep my baby cozy and close.

Daycare Germs:

Older siblings in daycare or school? Welcome to germ city! As a mom of three, I know how challenging it can be to keep older kids from being in the baby’s face constantly. While babywearing at home helps, I also try to redirect my toddlers’ attention to toys or activities.

It’s all about balancing their natural love for the baby while trying to limit exposure. Sometimes I move the baby’s swing into the kitchen while I cook to keep them close but out of the toddler’s reach—small changes can make a difference.

Congestion Relief:

As a nurse, I know how uncomfortable congestion can be for babies, especially because they are nose breathers. Here are a few tried and tested ways to make them more comfortable:

• Saline Mist & Suction: A gentle saline mist can help break up mucus, and then you can use a suction tool like a NoseFrida or a bulb syringe. This combo works great before feedings or bedtime, making it easier for your baby to breathe. also great for keeping baby breastfeeding longer.

• DIY Steam Room: Turning your bathroom into a steamy sauna can work wonders. Let the hot water run, close the door, and sit with your baby in the steam to help loosen congestion.

• Humidifier: Cold mist humidifiers are amazing for overnight congestion relief. As an RN, I always suggest getting one that’s easy to clean, like a dishwasher-safe version! This is super important cause the water can get contaminated.

• Feed Frequently: Frequent feeding keeps your baby hydrated, which is essential when they’re sick. Breastfeeding moms, did you know your breastmilk can actually change to help your baby fight off illness? It's amazing how our bodies respond to our babies! Remember that it's normal for the baby be a little bit upset on the breast during those episodes cause it's harder to breath. So keep offering the breast more frequent than usual.

Medications:

Baby-Safe Meds:

Babies under six months can’t take much medication, but acetaminophen can be used under your pediatrician’s guidance for fevers or pain. For babies 6+ months, you can introduce ibuprofen. Always check with your pediatrician before administering any medication and use tools like syringes or pacifier medicine dispensers (Dr. Brown's is a favorite of mine!).

Lock It Up:

As a mom of three, I know how chaotic things can get with multiple kids, so I keep all medications locked up and stored out of reach. Also, don't keep them in the bathroom - find a dry and non-humid area to keep those, I keep everything in a cupboard in the kitchen out of kid's reach. It’s so important for safety, especially with older siblings around.

Comfort Care:

When babies are sick, comfort and symptom management are key. Things like baby-safe chest rubs, warm baths, and plenty of snuggles can go a long way. And don’t forget to stay in touch with your pediatrician for guidance, especially with young babies.

I hope these tips from my experience as both an RN and a mom help you navigate sick season! Stay prepared, and take comfort in knowing you're doing everything you can to support your little one.