Here are some Joy parent tips for getting through it:

Plan shifts with your partner, when possible.Even if you wake up more easily than your partner, it doesn’t mean you have to take each waking yourself. It’s important to share nighttime parenting when you start to feel overwhelmed. Advocate for taking turns if you operate in a two-parent household.

Use a cool-mist humidifier.There’s a reason these are popular on baby registries! Your baby has tiny, sensitive airways, and dry air can make things worse at night. A humidifier counters the dry air, which can help your baby breathe a little easier – especially handy when they have a cold or other respiratory illness!

Feed on demand.Your baby may want to nurse, or bottle feed more when they are sick. You will not spoil them by responding to this uptick in demand, and if anything, it can help them fight the illness by keeping them hydrated. For breastfeeding mothers, baby’s latch informs your breasts to produce more antibodies – ramping up your breastmilk to generate a “new recipe” that better fights the germs. Cool, right?!