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Sickness: The First Time and Beyond
I still remember the first time our baby got sick. The panic was overwhelming — every cry felt urgent, every sleepless hour stretched endlessly. Even now, I sometimes feel anxious depending on the scale of the issue. Does that worry ever go away? Maybe it’s just part of being a parent.
The First Scare
That first illness hit us in India, and it was terrifying. It was the middle of the night — because sickness always seems to strike at night — and our baby woke up crying every half hour. We debated rushing to the hospital, but the car would take 15–20 minutes to arrive. At 3 a.m., that felt like forever. While waiting, we decided to give it one more try at home. Miraculously, he slept until morning, and we went to the GP as soon as we could.
The Koala Cuddles
Most recently, after a fun daycare adventure, he came home lethargic, clinging to me like a little koala. Normally he fights sleep, but this time he melted into my arms. I knew instantly: sickness. It started mild — a runny nose — but by day three he had pink eye and a barking cough. We cleaned his eyes with cooled boiled water and went to the doctor. My husband is cautious about antibiotics, but the doctor explained recovery could take much longer without them. We agreed.
When You’re Sick Too
And then there’s the part no one warns you about: when you’re sick too. You’re exhausted, lethargic, and still expected to entertain a clingy toddler who doesn’t get screen time. On rainy days, even a quick trip to the shop feels like a mountain. Parenting doesn’t pause when you’re unwell.
Work and Sick Days
What about work? Do you take time off, or try to juggle both? For me, juggling isn’t an option. My little one needs full attention — even in sleep, he wants to be held, cuddled, reassured. Working from home with him is impossible. So I take the day off, because he needs me, and honestly, I need that space too.
Daycare Reality
Before daycare started, people warned me: “He’ll be in and out constantly. That’s how they build their immune system.” And they were right. It feels like a revolving door of sniffles, coughs, and fevers. It’s exhausting, but I remind myself this is part of the process — his body learning, adapting, and growing stronger.
Sometimes I Am the Cure
When he’s sick, it feels like only I can soothe him. He wants to be held only by me, and cries if anyone else tries to help. His appetite fades, but breastfeeding becomes his comfort, his medicine, his safe place. In those moments, I realize that sometimes I am the cure — not in the medical sense, but in the way only a parent can be. My arms, my presence, my closeness are what he needs most.
It’s exhausting, yes, but it’s also humbling. To be someone’s entire world when they’re unwell is both a heavy responsibility and a reminder of the incredible bond we share.
Closing Reflection
The first time your child gets sick is the hardest, but every illness teaches you something: patience, resilience, and the art of balancing worry with calm. Some parents rush to the GP, others wait it out with paracetamol, and sometimes you just trust your instincts. There’s no perfect way — only the way that gets you and your child through the night.
💬 What about you? How do you handle it when your child gets sick? Do you panic, stay calm, or find yourself somewhere in between? Sharing your story might help another parent feel less alone.
Photo byJacob Lund via Canva
