Care for Sick Babies
It is heartbreaking to see your baby get sick. It can cause them pain and they start crying incessantly. And the worst part is that your baby cannot express their pain in words, leaving you guessing as to what might be wrong with them. You will have to give them your total and undivided attention throughout the day when they’re sick.
[lwptoc]
However, parental instincts are usually on point, and when the baby experiences even a slight sickness, the parents can tell from the baby’s behavior. Many illnesses like the common cold, flu, or diarrhea have clear symptoms.
But sometimes, it is unclear what your child might be suffering from. Therefore, it is always wise to consult a pediatrician. You’ll have to follow their instructions to a T, and practice patience as your child recovers strength slowly.
Caring for a sickly child is a full-time responsibility. However, finding the reasons as to why your baby feels ill repeatedly can help you do something to improve its immunity.
There can be many reasons that can contribute to a child’s poor immunity. Recent studies have shown that traumatic labor and birth injuries can cause long-term health problems in babies. It is always wise to discuss this history with your pediatrician so treatments can be tailored to the needs of your baby.
If you or someone you know has been through childbirth, and you suspect and blame negligence or malpractice on behalf of the medical staff at the labor facility for the defects at or after birth, then you should seek medico-legal help from the Birth Injury Justice Center, where you are going to find out about the right way to pursue your compensation claims process.
Here are some of the ways you can try to soothe your baby when it’s sick:
Keep them hydrated
Hydration is extremely important. Babies can become dehydrated quickly because they have a high urine output than adults. When the baby is sick, the causes could be dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Many children have trouble drinking water or other fluids when they have a sore throat or a stuffy nose. You can tell if your child is dehydrated if they’re drowsy and are cranky. They pee less or have fewer wet diapers.
Treatment of dehydration depends on how severe it is. Mild dehydration can be treated at home whereas severe dehydration requires a trip to the E.R. This is why it is important to keep your baby hydrated at all times, especially when they are sick.
Although it can be difficult to administer liquids to sick babies, but it is vital. It’s also important that you keep your baby on a steady diet of breastfeeding or formula feed.
Let them rest
Normally, babies sleep a lot. But when they have slept too much during the day, they don’t let the parents sleep even a wink at night. No matter what, your baby should be sleeping for about 14-16 hours daily.
Feeling sick, experiencing pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or flu can take a toll on a baby’s ability to get its required snoozes. Mild sleep-inducing syrups can be helpful in this regard.
Opt for easy-to-digest food
When your baby is ill, he/she can lose appetite. Usually, in diarrhea and vomiting, the loss of appetite is more pronounced. But even in common colds and flus, a baby can get fussy about food. Turn feeding time into playful time, so that the baby doesn’t miss on her feeds. If the baby is old enough to chew soft foods, then you can also give it cereals.
By focusing on the baby’s nutrient requirements when it’s sick, your baby will be able to regain strength faster.
Maintain an irritant-free atmosphere
Limit your cleaning activities during the time your baby is sick. Using wet wipes and cloth to clean the dust on surfaces can prevent congestion in babies when they inhale air. You must ban smoking, spraying strong perfumes, or air fresheners in the vicinity of the baby. Air humidifiers and air purifiers can be set up in your baby’s room to ensure the air they breathe is clean and safe.
Elevate their head
If your baby has flu or the common cold, you should elevate their head so that they can breathe easy. When they have trouble breathing, it can disturb their sleep. You can also elevate their head by placing a pillow under their head. This postural adjustment reduces congestion and makes breathing better.
Provide Emotional Support
Your baby needs all your love and attention it can get. Hold them, talk to them lovingly using a soothing voice. You can introduce some toys that can help your baby engage in activity. This will also let them focus on something else other than the pain they’re feeling due to the sickness. You should hold them close and feed regularly.
Conclusion
Babies are vulnerable to diseases as their immunity is developing. Patience and care are required to nurse a baby back to health. With the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that you are taking care of the baby the right way.