As a parent, it’s inevitable: your little one is going to catch a cold or come down with a bug at some point. Maintaining their sleep habits during this time can be challenging, especially when you’re concerned about their comfort and well-being. While you might be tempted to throw your regular sleep routines out the window, staying as consistent as possible is important. In Proverbs 3:24, we are reminded: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” This scripture encourages us to trust in peaceful rest, even when our children are under the weather.
Here’s how you can help your child rest well while they’re under the weather, without losing all the progress you’ve made with their sleep habits.
Should You Change the Sleep Routine During Sickness?
The short answer is no. Even when your child is sick, sticking to their usual sleep schedule can help them recover more quickly. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Children thrive on routines, and sleep is a crucial part of their healing process. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make a few adjustments to accommodate their discomfort and provide a little extra care.
Adjust Without Major Disruption
If your child is feeling really unwell and you don’t feel comfortable leaving them alone at night, consider staying in their room rather than bringing them into yours. This allows you to be close by if they need comfort, without disrupting their sleep environment too much. Psalm 4:8 reminds us, “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Moving your child into your bed may provide temporary comfort, but it could also create a habit that’s hard to break once they’re feeling better. Staying in their room helps keep their sleep environment consistent, which can make it easier to transition back to regular sleep routines once they recover.
Expect Nighttime Wake-Ups
It’s perfectly normal for sick children to wake up more frequently during the night. They may need help with congestion, fever, or just some extra snuggles. When these wake-ups happen, try to keep interactions calm and brief. The goal is to provide comfort while encouraging them to return to sleep on their own.
Isaiah 40:29 offers comfort: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
If your little one needs fluids during the night, opt for water instead of starting up nighttime feedings again. Resuming night feedings could quickly become a habit that’s hard to break, as your baby may start associating feeding with falling back asleep. (If your doctor has advised you to feed your child during the night due to their illness, then follow that recommendation, but try to keep it to a minimum and return to regular sleep patterns as soon as possible.)
Let’s Get Your Child Sleeping Through The Night
Just think, in as little as 1 to 3 days, you may ALL be sleeping better through the night!
Self-Soothing Skills Are still important
Even if you do end up deviating from your regular sleep schedule or routine for a few nights, don’t worry. Once your child is feeling better, you can gently remind them of their self-soothing skills. If they’ve already learned to fall asleep independently, they’ll remember how to do it again. Philippians 4:9 encourages us: “Whatever you have learned or received…put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
It might take a few nights to get back on track, but consistent encouragement will help reinforce those good sleep habits.
Handling demands for Extra Comfort
When kids are sick, they may push boundaries a bit more than usual. Some requests will be for comfort and will be reasonable, like asking for a sip of water or some extra cuddles. But be mindful that some demands may be a way of testing limits. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” It’s important to provide comfort without giving in to every request. Keeping the bedtime routine as close to normal as possible will help your child understand that, while they might be feeling a little different, bedtime still means sleep time.
Recognizing the signs of fatigue
Kids who have developed strong sleep skills may actually resist changes to their routine when they’re sick. If your child starts to push away from you or reach for their crib, it’s likely a sign that they’re ready to go back to sleep. Psalm 127:2 tells us, “He grants sleep to those he loves.” Trust their cues and allow them to return to their sleep space if they indicate that they’re tired. This shows that they are still capable of recognizing when they need sleep, even if they’re not feeling well.
Be prepared to start over
If your child’s sleep routine takes a hit during their illness, don’t stress. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us: “His mercies are new every morning.” You may need to re-establish some habits once they’re better, but the good news is that your child already knows how to sleep independently. They just need some gentle reminders. With a consistent approach, you’ll get back to your regular sleep routine in no time.
Tips to Keep in Mind:
1. Stay close, but not too close: Sleep in their room if needed, but avoid bringing them into your bed.
2. Keep night feeds minimal: If they need fluids, stick to water unless your doctor says otherwise.
3. Comfort, but don’t indulge: Offer comfort without giving in to every demand.
4. Trust their sleep skills: Let them show you when they’re ready to go back to sleep.
Illness is a temporary disruption in the grand scheme of things. With patience, consistency,and a little extra love, you can help your child maintain their sleep habits even during these challenging time
Need Help?
If you’re tired of all the searching, tried other methods that have failed, and you’re looking for someone to hold your hand through the sleep training process, consider booking a call with one of our sleep consultants. We use a more gentle approach versus leaving your little one to cry and typically get results in as little as the first 1-3 days!
I get it, sometimes we need more evidence and that’s ok! Check out our testimonials from other families that we’ve worked with on our testimonials page.
Author Katie Kuncho is a pediatric sleep consultant with Fabulous Sleep Solutions, serving families in Jacksonville, Florida, and surrounding communities. Inspired by her own journey through infant sleep challenges with twins, Katie provides gentle, personalized sleep training to help babies, toddlers, and young children develop healthy, independent sleep habits. Learn more at: fabuloussleepsolutions.com