It is Winter here in Nebraska (we're expecting 2-6 inches of snow today according to the radio), and like every other Winter, this one comes with its fair share of cold/flu viruses. Cate has caught another upper respiratory infection, which means no sleeping. Since Sunday, every time she falls asleep, she coughs until she wakes up and then she cries. She had been sleeping in 20-30 min increments (including during the night - NO SLEEP for mom & dad either!)
So, finally last night on the suggestion of her daycare teacher, I hauled her swing up from the basement. Yes, the baby swing that she loved (was in CONSTANTLY) when she was an infant, but hadn't used since she was about 4.5 or 5 months old (when she got too active to sit still). I wrapped her up, turned on her humidifier, and let her sleep in the swing. Now, I know babies are supposed to sleep in beds. I've never let her sleep in the swing before. But, we were desperate to stop the junk from pooling in her lungs so she could sleep. And, she SLEPT! She slept from 7:30pm to 7am, only waking three times (11pm, 2:30am, 6am). She only woke up at 6 because the batteries in the poor swing had died. Plus, when she woke, she was able to go back to sleep with only a little comforting (instead of being up for hours like the nights before). So, not a perfect night of sleep, but I actually feel like I got to shut my eyes last night.
So, to my aunts Mary Jo and Wendy, thank you for the swing - not only did she love it as a baby, it is still a lifesaver. Let's hope she kicks this sickness soon.
I was afraid you were going to say you drugged her. Putting her in a swing isn't bad. Sleep for her (and you) is important.
ReplyDeleteDad - Well, she did get Tylenol, but that's about all they'll let you give a kiddo her age. I know the swing isn't terrible, so, perhaps I won't feel too guilty after all.
ReplyDeleteFirst, don't feel quilty about either the swing or the Tylenol!! But if you want another suggestion (probably not but here it is anyway) when our boys are really congested like this, we put beach towels under one end of their mattress to elevate their head a little. We've also really loved the nightlights that you can put a menthol strip in (these can be a little strong if the room is small) and the menthol baby bath wash with a warm tub! They also make baby vicks that you can rub on their chests which helps a lot too and I think you can use it as young a six months.
ReplyDeleteHope Cate is feeling better soon and that you all get some sleep!!!
Pam
Pam - Thanks for the ideas. I'll have to go look for the menthol strips/baby bath wash. The good news is that it is just a bad cold - it could be much worse. I'm sure she'll kick this one soon.
ReplyDelete