Hey mama,
When you become a parent, people warn you about sleepless nights, tantrums, teething, messy meals… but no one really prepares you for the mental load of caring for a sick toddler. It’s a mix of love, fear, exhaustion, and responsibility that hits you all at once — especially when your little one can’t tell you exactly what’s wrong.
And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself doing everything at the same time: Googling symptoms, checking temperatures, preparing snacks, washing bottles, administering medication, worrying about the next nap, and trying to function like a normal human being. All with a toddler glued to your chest.
The Mental Load No One Sees
When our kids get sick, our brains go into overdrive. It’s not just the physical care — it’s the constant thinking:
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Is this fever too high?
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Is this cough normal or getting worse?
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Should I call the GP?
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How long has it been since the last dose of medicine?
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Did he drink enough water today?
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How will I manage work tomorrow if he’s still unwell?
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Why is he extra clingy today?
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Is this the same virus I have?
You end up carrying all of it quietly. And sometimes, you’re sick too — which makes everything ten times harder.
Sleep? What Sleep?
Having a sick toddler means your sleep becomes completely unpredictable.
One night they cling to you like a koala, the next they wake up every hour, and sometimes they’ll only sleep upright on your chest… while coughing directly into your mouth.
By the time morning comes, you’re not sure if you woke up, or if you simply transitioned from “lying down caregiving” to “standing caregiving.”
And Then There’s the Emotional Side
Seeing your little one uncomfortable is heartbreaking. You’d trade places with them in a second.
But you also feel:
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Frustrated
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Exhausted
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Mentally drained
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Guilty for feeling frustrated and exhausted
It’s a rollercoaster. A very long one. With no seatbelts.
But You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Even when you feel like you’re just surviving, you’re doing amazing:
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You’re paying attention
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You’re comforting them
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You’re keeping track of medicine, symptoms, and routines
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You’re adapting on the go
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You’re showing up — even when you’re sick, tired, and overwhelmed
That’s what good parents do. And you’re a really good parent.
My Personal Reminder to You
If your toddler is sick right now, I want you to hear this:
You’re not failing. You’re not weak. You’re human. And you’re doing your absolute best.
Take shortcuts. Use frozen meals. Leave the laundry for tomorrow. Watch TV together. Order groceries online. Do anything that makes these days easier — because caring for a sick toddler is already a full-time job on its own.
And when the fever finally goes away for good?
Go celebrate. You deserve it more than anyone.
With love,
Renata — founder of Baby Ollie Store, mama to Ollie, and always learning on the go 🤍