Manage Care of Your Sick Baby – You Can!

Thank you to Helen Anderson, RN, CLE and creator of Milkies for our guest blog post.

As a pediatric ER nurse, I care for many sick babies and teach parents how to comfort and support their baby through short illnesses. As the mother of 2 small boys, 3 and 5 years old, I know how unnerving it is to listen to your normally happy child cry and fuss through the night. We have a few interventions we use in the ER that can help the fussy baby or exhausted toddler through their illness and you can both get the sleep you need!

1. Check all clothing for pinching or scratchy points, sick children (and adults) are more sensitive to irritants. Take all clothes off and look for any red, irritated areas on the skin. A sick baby may have diarrhea which is more acidic than normal stool and can cause a nasty, painful rash. Treat the rash with an ointment like A&D, which helps heal and creates a barrier on baby’s skin.
2. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medicines are pain relievers and fever reducers, if your child is fussy or uncomfortable give the proper dose. Make sure you have eliminated all other possible causes of fussiness before medicating. Is your baby cold, hot, needs to burp, hungry or wants to be held? Consider all these possibilities first but don’t be afraid to medicate your baby.
3. If your baby/child is vomiting try to give small amounts of fluid (5-10mls) every 15 minutes. Watch for wet diapers and make sure you count at least 6 per day. If your child is urinating that is a good sign he is staying hydrated.
4. If your baby has a fever, strip clothes off down to the diaper to not contribute to a higher temperature. A light sheet is fine to cover him. A fever is the immune system trying to fight off the pathogen; you don’t want to give a fever reducer (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) unless the fever is greater than 101.0 or your baby is uncomfortable.

As a parent you know when your child isn’t feeling well. If your baby is vomiting/has diarrhea or has a fever for more than 24 hours, see your doctor. Your child may need more treatment than you can provide at home.
Minor illnesses are part of a normal childhood, with a little comfort and support from you, your child will be back to their smiling self in no time!