Real Talk: Taking Care of a Baby While You’re Sick

Being sick while taking care of a baby is a whole different level of hard. I’m talking about that full-body ache, sore throat, foggy head kind of sick… and yet, the baby still needs to be fed, changed, loved, entertained, and held. There’s no pause button on motherhood.

Today, I’ve been sick. Yesterday? Still sick. The night before that? Yup— sick. I’ve been trying to rest and recover, but with a baby in the mix and my husband working in the office three days a week, it’s been mostly me at home handling everything on maternity leave.

And honestly? Today hit different. I felt it in my body that I needed to slow down. But babies don’t exactly wait for you to feel better.

So I adapted. And I wanted to share a few things that helped me get through the day.

Keep Everything in One Room

I stayed in the bedroom all day. No back and forth, no dragging myself downstairs. I set everything up so the baby and I could be comfortable right where we were. Tummy time? Right on the bed. Naps? In the bassinet next to the bed (or cuddled next to me while I rested). Playtime? I kept a small box of toys nearby that I could easily reach.

Convenience is Key

As far as feeding goes, I brought the Baby Brezza upstairs and kept bottles and formula handy in the room. That alone saved me so much energy. No extra trips to the kitchen, no added stress.

Rest When You Can

The baby’s nap times were my quiet times. I didn’t do any cleaning. I didn’t pick up my phone to scroll too much. I just rested because even a little bit of stillness helps your body bounce back.

Take Breaks

This part is important. You’re not failing just because you didn’t “do it all” today. You’re human, and being a mom while you’re under the weather is an act of strength, not weakness.

So if you’re a momma out there dealing with a cold, the flu, or just one of those “I need a break” kind of days, know this: It’s okay to not be your usual superwoman self for a day or two.

The goal isn’t to be perfect.. it’s just to get through the day. And you will.