How to Care for a Sick Child at Night

It never fails. Illness often attacks children at night after doctors' offices close and you want to sleep. It's practically a guarantee that you must throw out your schedule for at least the next 24 hours. Stomach viruses, ear pain and sore throats all enjoy making nighttime appearances. So here's how to make the best of it by caring for a sick child at night.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand that lying down increases ear pain, congestion and many kinds of cough. See if you can prop older children so that their upper body is higher. For younger children or when propping doesn't work, use a couch. Lay big pillows against the arm and lean into it. Then allow your sick child to use you as a pillow by leaning against your chest.

• 2

  Treat fevers of 100 or higher with acetaminophen. Cool compresses to the face and neck help bring fevers down as well. Change children into light cotton clothing. T-shirts with underwear or diapers work best. Children may sweat through clothes, so be prepared for clothing changes. When high fevers result in seizures, put her on her side on the ground and clear the area. Contact her pediatrician, but don't leave her alone.

• 3

  Give children with fevers lots of fluids like water and juices at night. Even if they don't want it, encourage sips every 15 minutes until fever comes down.

• 4

  Watch for signs of dehydration in children sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Sunken eyes, listlessness and a very dry mouth signal dehydration. With stomach viruses, children tend to vomit often for a couple of hours until they are "empty." Offer sips of liquids once vomiting slows down. Sometimes a clear carbonated soft drink stays down better. Once he keeps down liquid, try some crackers or toast.

• 5

  Place a baby in her car seat and drive around if she continues to scream from ear pain. Being upright relieves ear pressure and the rumble of the car often calms babies. Distract older sick children with a favorite DVD or video.

• 6

  Offer moist air from a humidifier or a steamy bathroom if your child suffers from a croupy cough. If outside temperature is OK, night air sometimes helps to also break up mucus in the chest. Watch for breathing trouble in colds. Chest colds can trigger an asthma attack, which warrants immediate medical attention.

• 7

  Contact your doctor immediately for the following: high fevers or fevers that don't respond to medication; babies who are listless or suffering from frequent vomiting or diarrhea; blood in vomit or diarrhea; dehydration or trouble breathing.