My little 10.5 month old is running his first fever. He's had a very loose cough for 3 days and runny (but clear) nose for 2. The fever is just around 100 so I'm not too concerned yet...just wondering if there's any advice anyone has for making him comfortable. Do I need to give him something to bring it down? Is Tylenol or Motrin better? Any home/natural remedies anyone would recommend?
i would say baby tylenol..i heard that motrin isnt good to give... but just to be safer i would go with the tylenol
Hi Holly,
To help reduce the fever, you can alternate between Tylenol and Motrin.
-Char
Our 9.5 mo old was just sick recently also with the exact same symptoms. Our ped said no Tylenol was necessary unless it got to 101. We used a cool mist humidifier in his room during the night. We had to suck the snot out with a nasal aspirator several times throughout the day, & he hated it. When using it, what we found worked the very best for him was sitting him in the bathroom in front of mirror when we would do it, & he wasn't nearly as upset when we had to use it. We also used Baby Vapo Rub on his chest & back at night to aid as a decongestant. Hope your lil one is feeling better really soon. Take care.
There are 2 ways to handle a fever.
(1) I usually do not give anything for fever right away...unless it is over 101.5-102 or per the age of my child.
The reason is, a fever is the body's way of fighting infection...For me, I keep a VERY close eye on my kids, taking their temp every hour, and during the night when they are sleeping... but I let the fever burn out on it's own. I am up all night doing this & monitoring them.
(2) IF, the fever gets too high...then I give them cold water, a tepid bath, a cold pack on their head etc. OR... if they are also having chills and are in pain, I give them Motrin.
Tylenol is best for fever. Motrin is best for pain.
Keep in mind, that Tylenol or Motrin does NOT "cure" a fever or illness...it just brings down the fever, and making the child more comfortable.
I would not give him any "herbal" stuff because he is still a baby. You need to go by standard preventatives, AND ask your Pediatrician. Don't just try something willy-nilly. Not with a sick baby.
Just because you give Tylenol or Motrin...this does not mean the Fever or the illness will go away... often, the fever will return. Still.
You need to take him to the doctor if (1) symptoms do not improve (2) get worse (3) if 'new' symptoms develop (4) if the fever does not improve and keeps recurring...
All the best, hope this helps,
Susan
its probably just a cold. you can give tylenol for the fever if you think its needed. if it last more then 5 days take him to see his pedi. but before you go ask yourself these questions - does his cough worsen at night, does right below his ribs sink in when he breathes, does he have difficulty breathing? (these could be signs of asthma). things you can do to make him more comfy is to clear his nose thru out the day with the asperaitor, run the cool mist humidafire (like you already do), raise the head of his bed so hes not laying totally flat, if he deosnt want to eat a lot then make sure hes taking in a lot of fluids. good luck i hope hes better soon.
