How to Comfort a Sick Baby

Soothing a sick baby is often a challenge because she is unable to tell you what's wrong with her. However, there are several things you can do to comfort your sick baby so she can relax, and that means you can, too. Read on to learn how to comfort a sick baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Play her a soft and comforting lullaby. Music often relaxes babies and soothes them to sleep, especially if you placed music for her when she was still inside the womb.

2. Strap your baby to your chest in an infant carrier. Being close to you will comfort her, and moving along with you as you go about your activities may allow her to get some much-needed sleep.

3. Bathe your baby. This is a great way to bring down a baby's fever, while at the same time providing a comfort to a fussy or crying infant.

4. Sing to your baby, or read her a story. Babies love the sounds of a familiar person's voice.

5. Take your baby for a ride in the car. The constant motion, coupled with some soothing tunes on the radio, may lull your sick baby to sleep, or at the least stop her from crying.

6. Run the vacuum cleaner to comfort your baby. Babies respond to white noise because it reminds them of the sounds of your blood flow and amniotic fluid when they were in the uterus.

7. Tuck her into bed with a favorite stuffed animal. The familiarity of the object will lend your sick little one some comfort during her naptime and night time hours when you are not with her.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're breastfeeding, continue to do so while your baby is sick. Nursing is not only a source of comfort for your sick baby, but it can also provide her with the antibodies need to fight off her illness.
• Contact your baby's pediatrician if she has a high fever, diarrhea or is vomiting, as these can be signs of a serious illness.