Did you know that it is common for children to have up to twelve viruses per year in the first few years of life? Illness is inevitable but fortunately these bouts of illnesses usually decrease as they grow older.   It can feel overwhelming when it seems like your little one is perpetually sick, especially when one virus follows another shortly after recovery.   In this blog post we are going to address the common questions about how to help a sick baby sleep including,, do humidifiers work, sleep environments, how to dress them and much more.   Does a sick baby sleep more?   When babies and young children are unwell with a virus, it’s normal for them to sleep more. Their immune system is working hard to fight off the virus, leading to increased fatigue. Sleep promotes rest, recovery and healing as well as conserving energy.  However, it’s worth noting that their sleep patterns may vary; some children may sleep more, while others may experience disrupted or restless sleep due to discomfort, congestion, coughing or fever. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep or overall health it is recommended to seek advice and assessment from a healthcare professional.  If your child is difficult to wake or has severe lethargy you should seek urgent medical attention.   How to help my sick baby sleep?  It’s common that your little one might be clinging to you like a koala, (hello contact naps), they will only sleep when they are being held. This is very common and normal for them to be more needy and clingy than usual. Make yourself comfortable and take advantage of these beautiful cuddles. I love settling my baby on my iL Tutto Frankie Electric Recliner Glider Chair as it gently glides and swivels in a super smooth motion that bubs loves. The Frankie chair is electric and you can seamlessly recline with a push of a button. It also has USB charging points so I can charge my phone and my kindle whilst we are super cozy with the tall backrest. The side pockets are a winner too, they are great for storing books and my kindle.  Just like us, when babies are unwell, they might be feeling a little more restless or unsettled.   Lots of cuddles and tender loving care can help support them to sleep. Decreasing noise and light, bouncing, rocking, calm lullaby, soft toy comforter, the shh-pat methods can all work well. Trying different positions and environments such as gently rocking in the Cozee Bassinet,  the pram or gently bouncing on a fit ball can be helpful too. Patience is key- it's normal for sick babies to take longer to settle. The CoZee Breeze Plus Co-Sleeping Bassinet is fantastic for settling bubs as it has transparent mesh sides and this makes it easy to keep an extra close eye on bubs and allows for excellent ventilation. It has six different heights so you can adjust the bassinet depending on your bed height. All very relevant features as when your baby is sick you want them close to you.  If your little one is displaying signs of pain or discomfort, try administering some simple over the counter, age-appropriate pain relief such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. This may alleviate a sore throat, headache or an ear ache etc. Your pharmacist or GP will be able to help guide you with the best medication to administer.   ‘Does using a humidifier help? ’ The effectiveness of humidifiers in improving your baby’s sleep environment when they're sick is still debated. If you’re interested, you can delve deeper into this topic in our blog on humidification here: Humidification for Sick Kids. While there’s no significant harm in trying a humidifier, it’s important to choose what works best for your specific situation.  How can I help my child's nighttime cough?  Avoid giving cough medicine to children under six years old. For children older than 12 months, there is some evidence that demonstrates that honey may help reduce the severity and duration of a cough. The Royal Children’s Hospital suggests one to two teaspoons of honey before bedtime as a short-term remedy. However, honey should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.  How to clear a baby’s blocked nose?  The use of normal saline drops or nasal sprays into the nostrils can help loosen and clear out mucus in the nose. Helping your baby loosen and clear the mucus not only increases comfort levels and makes it easier for them to breathe, but it also increases the chance of a baby feeding more effectively from the breast or bottle If the nose is filled with mucous you might like to try a nasal aspirator such as the Dreambaby Nasal Aspirator or the Snotty Boss Nasal Aspirator for effective solutions.  How to dress my baby when they have a fever?   The aim when dressing your baby when they are unwell or have a fever, is for them to be as comfortable as possible.   Room temperature and clothing is the same for both day and night sleep.   Babies cannot regulate their temperature as well as we can, so the layers are important. Think singlet, zippee / onesie and sleeping bag.   When babies are unwell, dress them the same as when they are well.  Ensure that you are dressing your little one in breathable and natural fabrics. Try to avoid synthetic materials as they aren’t as breathable.   Placing your hand on their chest or back is the best indicator of how warm your child is.   Remember to avoid touching their hands and feet as a warmth as this is not an accurate assessment of how warm they are.  Try your best to let go of all expectations and be led by your little one’s cues.   If possible, seek out additional support to help take the pressure off.   Remember this is just a phase and soak up those additional cuddles

Sleep deprivation is torturous. And there’s nothing that can deprive sleep quite like a newborn not sleeping at night. And often, sleep regressions are the cause.  While you can’t prevent sleep regressions, there are some things you can do to help you all get through the phase – and remember, it is only a phase.  We share our top sleep regression tips for when it feels like you’ll never have a good night’s sleep ever again.  What are sleep regressions?  Sleep regressions are normal – but challenging nonetheless – phases when a baby’s sleep patterns are temporarily disrupted. One day they’re sleeping through the night – or at least sleeping for longer stretches – and then they’re not.   Sleep regressions typically coincide with significant developmental milestones – like learning to walk, crawl or roll over. They usually happen at particular ages, often around 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. But every baby is different and they may have sleep regressions at other times also.   During a sleep regression, your baby’s sleep patterns are disrupted while their brain and body are working overtime. That can result in waking up more frequently, having trouble falling asleep or taking shorter naps.   As frustrating and exhausting as they are, sleep regressions are a sign of progress and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.  Check their temperature  If your baby is too hot or too cold, this discomfort can exacerbate the sleep disturbances that come with a regression.   You can do a simple temperature check by placing your hand on the back of their neck. If they’re too warm, they might be sweating or have flushed skin. If they’re too cold, their skin might feel cool to the touch and they could be more restless.  To keep your baby comfortable – sleep regression or otherwise – ensure they’re dressed appropriately for the room temperature. This might mean adjusting their sleepwear or switching to a different tog-rating for your sleeping bag. This won’t solve the sleep regression, but it will ensure your baby is comfortable. And every little bit helps when your newborn is not sleeping enough.   Move to a cot  There are a couple of reasons why moving from a bassinet to a cot may help with sleep regressions. The first is that your baby has simply outgrown their bassinet. If they’re too big for the bassinet, they’re not going to sleep comfortably.  The other reason to move to a cot is if your baby has started rolling or moving around the bassinet. This will often coincide with a regression due to the nature of what sleep regressions are, that is, linked with developmental milestones.  If your baby’s sleep is already disrupted, making another change won’t hurt, will it? In reality, it can be a double-edged sword and exacerbate the problem – at least in the short term. It’s just something to be mindful of. You might start by doing some naps in the cot before transitioning all of their sleeps. It’s also good to keep things as familiar as you can. That might mean placing the cot in your bedroom, if you have the space, or keeping your sleeping bag and bedding as consistent as possible.   Sleep in their room  Sometimes as a parent, you have to do what you have to do to get some sleep. And if that means sleeping in your baby’s room to give them extra comfort while they sleep, we’re all for it. You may be able to slip out once they’ve fallen asleep or you may have to stay all night. Either way, at least you’re both getting some sleep.  When we suggest sleeping in your baby’s room, we’re not suggesting sleeping on the floor. Our iL Tutto recliner chairs are comfortable enough for sleeping on and we get feedback from many parents who do just that.  Our nursery chairs are designed by parents for parents so we’ve considered all those features that will make a difference. There’s ample room for you to recline the chair to sleep in comfort. Plus, the luxe fabrics are soft on your skin, like the stunning Teddy fabric of our Trend Collection.  This isn’t a long-term solution but the good thing about sleep regressions is that they’re generally short term anyway.  Create the optimal sleep environment   When you’re seeking infant sleep help, the first thing many people will tell you is to ensure you’ve got the optimal environment for your baby to sleep in. There's a good reason for that. By creating the optimal environment, you’re helping to control for many factors that can disrupt baby sleep – such as noise, light and temperature.  White noise can be particularly beneficial during sleep regressions by helping to mask background noises. The consistent sound of white noise mimics the environment of the womb, making your baby feel more secure and helping to induce sleep.  If there is too much light filtering into your baby’s room, consider blackout shades or curtains to keep the room consistently dark. You can also use a temporary light-blocking solution, such as covering windows with aluminium foil or cardboard.   Finally, while you don’t need to monitor the exact temperature of your baby’s room, keep in mind that 18-22°C is the ideal for a comfortable environment. If it’s too hot or cold in your baby’s room, it can lead to restlessness and wake-ups. Not ideal when you’re already dealing with sleep regression.  Look after yourself  While you’re worrying about how to get your newborn to sleep at night, don’t forget to look after yourself.   During sleep regressions, the whole household is thrown into chaos. They’re tough for the baby but for you as well. The exhaustion can quickly add up, making life much harder for that period of time.  Prioritising your own rest and self care is essential. If you can, nap when your baby naps. It might not be much but that little bit of sleep can help you get through the night. Drink plenty of water and eat as nutritious as possible to keep your energy levels up – you’ll need it! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept it when it’s offered.  Be kind to yourself. Sleep regressions are challenging and it’s okay to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. But as tough as they are, they’re also temporary.  Navigate sleep with the right essentials  When you have the right baby essentials, it can make navigating things like sleep regressions that much easier. At iL Tutto, we combine functionality with style to offer a range of practical and luxe baby essentials.  Our CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinets, cots and nursery chairs will help you to create a beautiful sleep environment for your baby. Explore the range of Australian-designed, award-winning products designed with your needs in mind. 

The countdown is on until my favourite time of the year. The nights become shorter, and the sun is setting later. While we technically lose an hour of sleep, we gain a later start if we have early rising babies.   When we move the clock forward by an hour, it can disrupt our circadian rhythm (the pattern your body follows based on a 24-hour day) and cause our little ones to fight sleep and stay up later than usual. Newborns and babies under 4 months old aren’t going to be affected by this as their circadian rhythm isn’t set just yet so you have a bit more time to enjoy the flexibility.   It's very common to be concerned about the time change however there is no need to panic as there are many things you can do to make the transition into spring as disruptive as possible…    Why does a baby’s sleep get affected when we move into new seasons, and what is unique about spring? Babies' daily biological clocks or rhythms are regulated by when they eat, sleep, and are exposed to light and darkness. Therefore, with consistency, their nap times will become predictable. With daylight saving time, we lose an hour of the day, and as a result, a baby's sleep becomes disrupted due to shifts in sleep times and light exposure.   What are the biggest pitfalls parents make when finding a new sleeping rhythm for their little one moving into spring? In most cases, the concept of daylight-saving time scares parents, so they start to second-guess their routines and settling. It is important to approach it with a strong plan. By doing this, everyone is on the same page and can take over if you need a break. Avoid multiple changes and back and forth with different routines as this will only drag out the alignment of the new routine.   Can parents do any preparation work in the lead-up to spring? When is the perfect time to start making changes? Whether you're a planner or an adjuster there are steps you can take to help your little one adjust to daylight savings. In my training, I offer two preparations to choose from.  The proactive plan takes place a week before when you shift your child’s routine 15 mins earlier every 2 days. This will include naps, feeds and bedtime 15 minutes earlier than usual. By the end of the week, their routine will have shifted to daylight savings time.  The reactive plan is implemented on the first morning of daylight savings. Wake your baby at the new time of 7:00 am. Structure their naps, feeds and bedtime around the new time. This is likely to take a few days for them to adapt to the new times but remain as consistent as possible.    How does the room environment, such as having the right cot, bedding, furniture and general ambience make a difference to the quality of sleep for little ones as we change seasons?  A baby’s sleep environment is one of the most vital components when it comes to your baby sleeping. This is a place you and your baby will be spending a lot of time. Ideally, you want this space to be tranquil and relaxing. Avoid too much clutter and stimulation in the room.    I often explain to families when choosing cot sheets, using natural fibres for your baby’s bedding is the best choice. It's important to avoid synthetic materials as these do not breathe, increasing the risk of overheating for your baby.   Instead of using blankets, consider investing in high-quality sleeping bags with TOG ratings. This will not only better regulate your temperature but also improve your chances of sleeping well. For our babies who are not rolling yet, an arms in swaddle is ideal as this will reduce the startle reflex.    Investing in a high-quality cot is another necessity I suggest my families get as it will provide them with comfort, peace of mind and where their baby will spend most of the day. Ensure the materials are free from harmful chemicals and meet Australian standards.  When it comes to a nursing chair aim for comfort. You want one that is going to support your back, neck and shoulders as this is where you are likely to be doing most of your feeding. This will not only help you to relax but will also ensure your baby has a good feed before they go to sleep.     What is the most common issue or concern parents usually come to you with ahead of spring? In many cases, the main concerns from families are that their little ones will become overtired. Their previously awesome little sleeper is now resisting naps and bedtime, so they have tried everything to get them to sleep without realising they have created an association for their little one to fall asleep. I often explain that babies’ sleep is like a puzzle in that you it is important to have all the right pieces for the full picture. These include routine, environment, consistency and contingency plan.    What is the biggest tip you could give to a parent as they move into spring with their baby’s sleep? Ensure you have a plan and stick to it whether that be to plan or adjust on the day. Avoid introducing new ways of falling asleep as this will cause more issues down the track. Have a contingency plan if your little one doesn’t fall asleep for their day sleeps on time and aim for a 6:00 pm bedtime if little sleep is had to reduce over tiredness.  Alongside this, there are a whole load of considerations. Here are the key ones to stay on top of:   Preparation is key  It's important to prepare ahead of spring. Decide a few weeks beforehand whether you want to start the process a week prior for a smooth transition, or if you want to wait until daylight savings begins, which will only take a few days to align their circadian rhythm.  Blackout blinds are essential  During the first 12 months, it's optimal for babies to sleep in a pitch-dark room, and then slowly transition to an environment with reduced light to encourage the production of melatonin and minimise stimulation.  Consistency is crucial  Stick to your usual wind down and settling technique as your child adjusts to their new sleep time. Avoid changing the way they go to sleep during this adjustment period as this can lead to new associations of getting to sleep.   White noise  Creating a layer of white noise can create a calming effect and reduce external noises like birds, TV sounds, and traffic. Aim to have the volume around 60-65 decibels. You can use an app on your phone to measure the decibel level of your white noise machine  Routine is best  Avoid fixating on awake times, especially if your little one is taking short naps. This can lead to overtiredness and more nighttime waking or early rising. Focus on an age-appropriate routine. Doing this will provide the correct amount of sleep for your little one to make it through the day without being over-tired.     Bianca is a trusted midwife and certified sleep consultant through her business Plan B Sleep Consulting (www.planbsleepconsulting.com.au) Bianca prides herself on supporting and empowering parents to achieve restorative night sleep. With well-researched science at the core of her sleep and sleep deprivation support, Bianca has helped over 3,000 little ones get a better sleep to date.