#ProTips: Infant care when mommy is sick

Feeling stressed about how to care for your little one while you're feeling sick??

Sadly, not all of us have the option of handing our little ones over to a partner or family member, and in these moments need to go beyond our capabilities to keep our little ones happy whilst taking proper care of ourselves.

Here are some #ProTips for getting through those tough days.

* Please remember that it is always advised that your child is supervised and safe, so if you are really under the weather, it is preferable that someone you trust assists you. These tips should only be used if you will still be able to care for your child properly. 

1. Create a baby-safe bedroom

This can include bedrails, a playpen/cot that has toys for baby to keep busy. Make sure your baby's favorite toys are on-hand for those particularly tough hours when you want to relax - else you'll be running around instead of recovering. Keep any and all medicines, power points etc out of reach from little hands. 

2.  Make sure both yours and your baby's food is ready and easily accessible

If your child is already eating solids, try to prepare the meals upfront. Wash your hands thoroughly before making the food and use ingredients that will stay fresh once cut-up or cooked. Double points for eating the same, as there's less prep work. Just make sure the food is packed with nutrients so that you will recover faster!

3. Make the room mom-friendly

Use a diaper caddy to be extra prepared for those changes! If you use a bottle warmer, have it rigged up in a safe spot. Any formula/milk feeding supplies such as pumps, bottles or water should be prepped and ready to go - out of reach of the little on. This is to make the physical aspect of caring for baby as seamless as possible despite mom feeling rough! 

4.  Keep the room recovery focused

In the safest way manageable, keep any medical supplies you may need, vitamins and of course water within reach. Ideally the room should be a "recovery room" as far as possible considering the little explorer that's sharing the area. 

5. Take it easy

This is NOT the time to catch up on washing, cleaning the house, projects etc. If you're a mum battling through parenthood alone, it's imperative that your health is a priority. Our kids depend on us to be there and if we're not taking our own health seriously, we could be jeopardizing the kind of care our kids deserve to get from us. In other words, CHILL OUT! Put baby in a swing while you enjoy your tea or medlemon....read a book and put your feet up....take a steamy shower or bath while the little is in a safe space nearby. Do what you gotta do!

The most important thing when recovering is getting adequate rest, fluids, using your medication and in this case keeping baby safe while you do so. The quality time and special treatment can take a backseat for a few days, it will Not make you a bad parent. 

I have a routine of doing a Spa night most nights for my little girl which includes a body massage, lavender bath, healing music etc BUT I make sure I take days off from doing that when I'm running low on the health bar.

Healthy, happy parent = Good parent!

Happy healing, momma!