My one year old son (almost 13 months) has had a cold for the past 16 days. This is his fourth cold in less than four months and it is also his worst (at least two of the four colds he picked up at the pediatrician's office). He has now had a cough for the last five days. I called his pediatrician's office a couple of days ago and they told me to wait a little longer before bringing him in because it is probably just a cold. He was breastfed - aren't breastfed babies supposed to get less colds?!? He had a small cold when he went in for his one-year wellness check-up, but the doctor said it wasn't bad enough to not give him his shots. Now I'm wondering if getting the shots was a bad idea. The day after his appointment, he stopped wanting to take naps. He was on a perfect schedule before that, taking two naps and sleeping 1 to 2 hours for each of them. He also started refusing a bottle, which was fine since I wanted to wean him to a cup anyway. The only problem: he hates milk and will hardly drink any water if it's straight. I usually have to put a tiny bit of juice in it to make him drink larger amounts. In general, I can usually get less than 2 cups of liquid in him on any given day. The only resemblance to milk that I can get down him is soy milk, but even then I have to mix it in his mixed grain cereal or some other food. He won't drink it from a cup.
In any case, should I wait longer to take him to the doctor or does it sound like it's turning into something else? It is really affecting his sleep. He wakes often at night, but luckily will usually cry/cough for just a few minutes and then fall back asleep. He REFUSES to nap and is also starting to refuse to eat. He just seems extremely overtired and cranky and I've been trying to let him cry it out for his naps but he usually just gets extremely worked up. After an hour I will pick him up and try again later, usually with little success - maybe 25-30 minutes, tops. We're both going insane!
Advice? Please!
Thank you all for your help. It turns out that he does have an ear infection, at least the doctor thinks so. She said it was really hard to see in his narrow ear canals but it looked like there was fluid built up. Hopefully he'll start feeling better within the next couple of days after taking the antibiotic. I forgot about asking about the possibility of allergies. Once I heard ear infection everything else just went out of my head. I'll keep a close watch on him though and once this clears up if it seems like he's still getting those little 3-4 day colds I'll have to inquire.
Also, if you find that he is not allergic to milk you can change it so he'll drink it. There are flavorings, like chocolate but on the more healthy side. Generally in the coffee inhale in a supermarket there is syrupy (Vanilla, raspberry, etc.) that you can add a little bit to the milk. If he won’t try it because it 'looks like milk,' get some food coloring and dye it a different color. Most kids don't realize it’s the same thing.
I would try alkalizing my body so the breast feedings are less acidic which can contribute to colds and illnesses. I also believe in loading up with more nutrients as a nursing Mom, not with sythetic vitamins, but rather with whole food & food sourced supplementation.
As for your son's protest to soy & other milks, have you tried goat milk. I've had relatives that only would/could digest goat milk.
Be informed about 'shots' - you might check out a web site: www.childhoodshots.com
J. K
Have his ears been checked? That's the first thing I thought of when you said he wouldn't take a bottle...something is hurting when he's sucking...I would take him in and have his ears checked to make sure they're not infected...colds happen, but babies shouldn't completely become other people...I think that means something's wrong.
Hi E., after reading your letter I'm worried about your boy too, he's probably got alot of internal stuff going on. I'd consult a nutritionist or a specialist or get him a physical after you talk with your doctor about his health and eating and drinking habits. It sounds like you will have to dig deeper for the real answers to his health. I know the WIC office has a nutritionist on staff. also there's health info on line if you research it. but he might have a glandular problem or an organ malfunction. Maybe I'm overexaggerating but something is up. sorry can't offer better advice. but don't stop yoursearch at the pediatricians pat advice. let them know his dehydration, attitudes and fatigue. could be another problem than just the colds. i wish you luck
E., Your child might need a long-term antiobiotic to get rid of the infection. Also, I never have either of my children get their shots if they are sick. It's like having one two many things for them to fight off. Use your mommy instincts. If you need to change your Dr. then do so. It's very important for you two to be on the same page regarding your childs care.
Hi E.,
My baby is just getting over his cold now. Take him to the doctor for a check up as soon as possible. Let him sleep elevated so that his breathing is a little better.
My son didn't want to take the bottle or drink or drink either. I ended up having to spoon feed my son his milk. He'll take in about 4 or 5 ounces (usually drinks 7 or 8 and he's now 7 months), but at least it's better than nothing. When he's done with that, I'll feed him a few spoonfuls of cereal or mashed up fruit. I have also tried to feed him cereal with lots of milk - it's like a really watered down cereal mix but he takes it.
I make sure I do that every 3 hours or so just to make up for not eating or drinking much. At least it's better than nothing.
Good luck and hope your son gets better soon!
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It sounds like your son has an ear infection which is common when they get colds. My son has had four ear infections since he was 6 months old. He use to get sick a lot too. Our doctor told us to put a vaporizer in his room to help with the colds. Since we put one in his room he has only had one ear infection in about 10 months. When he starts to get a cough and runny nose we get some medicated stuff at the store that goes in the vaporizer.
It might be an ear infection. Sometimes after having a cold for a prolonged period of time, the ears get infected. Signs of ear infections are not wanting to sleep, not wanting to eat or suck out of a bottle, being fussy, and poking or pulling on the ears. I would definitey have him seen as soon as you can. My little guy had croup last month and the runny nose and cough didn't go away so I took him to the doctor and he had ear infections in both ears. It sounds like you think he should be seen by his doctor anyways, so I would just follow your instincts. Good luck with everything, this cold season sucks!!
PLEASE see www.westonaprice.org to learn about the dangers of soy milk. Some countries are banning it from use as a food for infants. SOY MILK IS VERY DANGEROUS!
Your son may be allergic to dairy and is staying away from it for that reason. Try to find raw milk - this form is the most digestible and healthy way to consume milk otherwise try coconut or nut milk. Your son's immune system is compromised. To boost his immune system - be sure he is eating whole organic foods and NO SUGAR. Cod liver oil each day in a little juice will prevent the colds and boost his immune system.
Hi - My little guy went through this same thing just a short time ago - also a breastfed baby and still nursing at 14 months. Our pediatrician decided to treat for allergies after the continuous runny nose, conjestion and cough for more than 14 days and as it kept returning. He was given Baby Zyrtec and it has been a wonder for us! It took a few days in his system to really kick in, but it has been a godsend :-) He's back to sleeping and eating normally since he can finally breathe which is what kept waking him up and since he didn't sleep well at night and got more conjested lying down, he wasn't napping either - I spent weeks driving him around so he could sleep sitting up in his car seat, not fun, but necessary! it's worth a try I guess - Good Luck and I hope things turn around for you soon!
S. - mom of a 3 year old girl and 14 month old boy
Hi E. -
I'm sorry to hear your little one has been so sick! Sick babies are never fun. I have been through this with my oldest (22 months) and asked the same questions you did. I was advised by my mother, as well as the nurse at my pediatricians office, that I know my child best - and if something doesn't seem to be right, it's not going to hurt to have them checked out. With colds, there may not be a whole lot they can do other than let it runs it's course, but if you've been having so much troublt, he won't eat, nap, etc....don't feel bad about taking him to the doctor.
As for the shots making him sick...it's possible that if he was fighting a bug, his immune system was low and therefore contracted something through the shots. My sister actually had that happen with one of her kids. He had a very mild fever and the nurse said it wouldn't be an issue...a week later he had chicken poxs which he had just been vaccinated for! So I think from experience my sister had, I thought I would make sure that my boys are fully healthy when it's shot time or I'll just a wait until they are.
Good luck with the next steps you take...don't worry too much about the food/milk issue right now. When I'm sick, I don't always want to eat like normal. Also, if he gets hungry and thirsty enought he will eat and drink. Hope the little one is all better soon!
get him in to the doctor. you know your child best of all and if they refuse to give him medicine "because it hasnt been long enough" ask for a second opinion. that should get there attention, letting them know you arent fooling around. i can agree with you about the shots, we were behind and hes caught up now, but it seems like he gets really cranky, and irritable for a few weeks after having them. i just brought my son in for a bad cough, this would be his second visit, and they decided we waited long enough and gave him an antibiotic. mine, like yours, gets woken up from coughing. he doesnt nap very well. still has an appetite though. just call the doctor and see about a same day appt. if you are military call as soon as they open, otherwise, you could be waiting around for the triage burse to call you back, which can take all day. i called tuesday about 20 minutes after they opened and the same days were booked, and waiting til about 3 for the triage nurse to call, then she wanted to speak to the one who saw him the week before,a nd called back. so just get him in as soon as possible. this can get worse, and lead to ear infections, and worse, if he already doesnt have them. good luck.
i have a 2 year old son..still breast feeding..he also has caught every cold! i give him Cold Calm by Bioron...it's natural..just 1/2 dose..so i basically only give him 1 pill 3 times in a day. Also i give him "Chestal" it's a natural cough syrup..really helps also by Bioron..you can get them at Whole Foods.
Shots also ruined my son's nap schedule for up to 2 weeks each time..i decided to skip his shots starting at 15 months.
and today on another site a mom posted this link... about the government admitting that shots cause autism
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/government-conc...
so i'm going to wait and not have him get any more shots for awhile.
ALSO you should get this nasal spray "Xlear" you can get it at Whole Foods ..they can't sleep well if their noses are stuffed up..you can tell if he'll need the spray if when he's nursing he has to keep stopping b/c he can't breath...unless you're not nursing anymore. My son ALSO does not like milk..some people mix liquid yogurt in w/ milk ..a flavored one..what i do is i give my son formula instead of milk..Good Start Supreme comfort proteins..i feel good about this b/c you have to mix it w/ water so they also get water.
More on the spray..before you spray it..and it's totally safe for babes..spray it once out into the air to make sure it's ready to go...my son fights it so i make a joke and play like i'm chasing him w/ it and we laugh..and sometimes he'll pick it up and try to put it in his own nose..but you might have to hold your son's arms down to spray it b/c he might fight it.
ALSO give him vitamin C by Hylands and i also give my son multivitamins to help fight colds.
you will see if you use the spray and the Cold Calm and Chestal that your son will sleep. you can also run a hot shower and steam ..California baby makes a nice bubble bath for flu and colds but i don't know if it really works...when you have your son in the bathtub take a warm cloth and gently rub downwards on his nose to help get the snot out to clear his nasal passages...and lets see oh yes..Bioron also makes "Sinusalia" if his nose is really stuffed up give him one pill.
these are all natural and work. I feel like the "cold pro" now! Your son sounds like mine! try the formula..soy isn't the best thing for babes..hard to digest too.
also they can get their calcium from cheese and other dairy ..doesn't have to be milk. good luck!
E.,
My son is 4 and for most of his life from 2 1/2 until just before he turned 4 he was on some type of allergy medicine, including two prescriptions and one that had steriods in it. I am not a big medicine proponent and believe in natural medicine if it can help. I went the traditional route for a long time and wish I had done what I did sooner.
My son's symptoms weren't always colds, but he was constantly stuffy, didn't eat well and had difficulties sleeping - in the end he was developing sleep apnea.
I finally took him to a doctor who looked at him from a homeopathic standpoint because I didn't know what else to do. They did some allergy testing and then I followed up with an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor). I REALLY wish I would have seen the ENT much sooner - my son's adenoids and tonsils were so huge! When he would get colds our regular doctor kept telling me that kids have bigger tonsils anyway, so I just kept on with the medication.
The tonsils were removed on 12/31 and what a different kid I have - he eats better, sleeps better, etc.
You son may be too young for this type of problem but could have some allergy issues and if you aren't happy with what your doctor is telling you maybe you need another opinion from an ENT or someone else...
Trust your instincts to get him help - when he's miserable so are you...
D.
Maybe try getting him allergy tested. They can do it with blood work. The have a pretty standard list which they can test for but they can add additional specifics. It could be allergy/asthma related.
