Sick one year old won't sleep or eat

Just let him rest and don't worry about it too much. He's just fighting off the cold. Not eating won't hurt him for a day or two and he probably just doesn't feel well enough to eat right now. I'm the same way and so is my 1 year old. If we even feel a little sick we'll quit eating until we're sure we're better. And the not sleeping is understandable. He feels cruddy and probably has some aches and pains that are preventing sleep from coming easily. I'd honestly start to worry only if he doesn't begin eating and sleeping after he's done with his cold.

What are you doing for him now?

A few days of not eating much or too little sleep will not harm him in the long run. He will catch up when he starts feeling well again, so he might eat extra food when that time comes. Is he getting some fluids at least? That's more important than solid food when dealing with colds and fevers and the like.

A small dose of Tylenol with his doctor's permission might help too. I don't usually medicate my kids if they are able to sleep reasonably well. But if they aren't able to then I'll give them a little something to take off the edge of discomfort so that they can get the rest that they need to heal up.

As long as they are taking in fluids, it's usually ok for a day or so. Dehydration is usually a more immediate concern than lack of solid nutrition.

If they won't take their medicine by mouth, you can also give them Tylenol suppositories. It will help with the fever as well as the body aches so that they can possibly rest a little better. For cold symptoms, you might also think about running a humidifier as it might help a little with the breathing.

Good luck! Hope your little one feels better soon.

stacii said:

chava! My kid is wearing that sleeper from your picture right now! The one with the stegasaurus! It is so so cute!

THanks for the advice and responses everyone. I just hate when my child is sick.

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Awww cute.

Will he take Ice chips? I remember my mom would chip ice for us and we'd "snack" on that when we couldn't keep things like pretzels or saltines down...