The Essential Beginners Guide to Surviving the Night with a Sick Kid

How to get puke out of your top at 3 a.m. and other survival techniques to rely on with sick kids 

We’ve all been there, - or you haven’t but you will…. Your baby is out of sorts and is clamping onto you, seemingly trying to crawl into your chest where they hope to find some relief. Next thing you know: you’re holding your baby horizontally under your boobs as a barrier, to keep the vomit – he has kindly deposited in your top – from falling on the sofa, carpet, … help! 

Pukey disposition 

After two – how shall I put this – puke pronebabies, I have learned a thing or two about damage control when it comes to being covered in throw-up. The best thing to do is head to the bathroom and just both get in the shower, take off and rinse off your clothes in there. Yes this sucks. Yes you’re doing this holding a slippery and upset baby,… and yes your husband is still blissfully asleep while your core stability is being put to the test. But take it from someone on the other side, you’ll get through this. 

Avoid endless laundry

Once you’re both fresh and clean again, there’s a serious chance of Murphy handing you a second round. If not, praise yourself lucky and quickly head to the baby room and prep the bed for other episodes to come: strip away any sheets, stuffed animals, music toys hanging from the side, extra blankets and crib bumper pads. Cover the mattress with some towels and make a mental note of getting one of those waterproof molton covers for next time (disheartening but there will be a next time). Then make sure you make the bed with an easy to wash blanket. 

Rinse! 

Pop the rinsed clothes and linens in the washing machine. Skip the rinsing part, only if you feel like reliving that lasagna again when you’re unloading the laundry the morning after.

Ready to grab

Put some new covers, towels ready so you don't have to run down in the middle of the night next time. Also have a glass/bottle of water ready for your little patient. 

Now that you’ve spared yourself some midnight cursing at least, prepare for war and get some sleep if possible.