If you\u2019re a parent of young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is probably up there on your radar of things to be concerned about this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost all children<\/a> will get RSV at some point by the time they turn 2. [6, 10] <\/sup>It spreads easily, and you can blame daycare and other places where children gather. [10] <\/sup> But it can make it tough for the whole family to get a good night\u2019s sleep<\/a> when your baby is sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will explore what RSV is, how it affects a baby\u2019s sleep, and what parents need to know to keep their babies safe during sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While RSV is a common respiratory virus that often shows up like a cold, it could potentially be serious in babies, especially for babies who<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common symptoms you should be on the lookout for include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In young babies, however, their only signs of RSV might be fussiness, not wanting to eat, and having low activity levels. [13]<\/sup> In most cases, these symptoms usually go away in one to two weeks<\/a> without any treatment. [2] <\/sup>But if your baby seems like they\u2019re struggling to breathe, seems dehydrated, or is getting worse, it\u2019s time to call their provider. [4,13]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n A sick baby\u2019s symptoms might, unfortunately, get worse at night\u2014especially their cough, warns Ashanti Woods<\/a>, MD, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany babies will have disturbed sleep, especially in the first few days of an RSV infection,\u201d he explains. \u201cThe days that are often the most challenging are days three through five.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may notice your baby\u2019s energy level is low, especially with a fever. They might sleep more than usual, but more often than not, sleep might be more interrupted. If your baby has several RSV symptoms at the same time, their sleep\u2014and yours\u2014might not be so great because their little bodies are fighting an infection, says Woods. [7]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to sleeping positions for your baby, there isn\u2019t an ideal one, says Woods. As RSV continues to affect the youngest children, including many younger than 12 months,\u201d he explains. \u201cBabies under 1 year of age should always be placed on their back [for] safe sleep. [1]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter how old your baby is, if they\u2019ve had their nose suctioned before bed, they\u2019ll likely sleep better than if they were laid down congested. This can be achieved often by using a nasal aspirator and nasal saline solution, suggests Woods. [2, 9]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/a> (CSPS), if your baby is inclined \u201c10 degrees or less, with flat and rigid surfaces\u201d they\u2019re likely to be safe while sleeping. [11]<\/sup> To put it in perspective, inclined sleepers such as the recalled<\/a> Fisher-Price Rock \u2018n Play, have an incline of 30 degrees. (Here\u2019s how to help a sick child sleep better<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n So how can you help your baby with RSV sleep better? Woods gives some tips for maximizing sleep during those tough nights of sickness:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is RSV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How should a baby with RSV sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to help a baby with RSV sleep better<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does RSV affect sleep?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n