Baby not sleeping after illness

[crayon]

Grrrr . Sleep had been going so well, but DS3 had a bug last week and is now waking in the night and being very difficult to settle.

He won't settle if we stay in the room, so we resorted to going out of the room, which makes no difference. He seems to be really unhappy unless he is being cuddled, but with two other children to look after, I really can't stand and cuddle him for hours in the night (he wakes as soon as you put him down).

How does everyone else get back into good habits after illness? (we used to be fine at self settling).

Many thanks.

I think you just have to wait it out. It normally takes three days IME. Would he sleep better with a favourite toy next to him? Or could you try tucking him in tightly so he feels cuddled in his bed?

We have had this a few times with DD (2.2) after illness, holidays etc. I was staying in her room patting her for up to 45 minutes most nights and it just seemed to stop her settling, although she would cry and protest if I tried to leave. In the end we bit the bullet and did 2-3 nights of controlled crying - but properly comforting her each time we went in, cuddling etc. Took about 20 - 30 mins each night. She is now back happily dropping off by herself after a lovely calm bedtime.