To the Doctor or Not?

Updated on June 16, 2010
L.A. asks from Fallon, NV
20 answers

Ok I am just not sure if I should worry or not. For the last few days my 7 month old has been oddly fussy. He's normally a very happy baby, but he's not sleeping well, he's whiny, and he gets super upset and screams a few times duing the day. This isn't really like him at all, but he has no fever, doesn't seem to be in any pain and I can't find anything wrong. About half the time he acts normally and is fine. Should I take him to the doctor or is this just a bout of growing pains?? He already has 4 teeth and he was vaccinated over a month and a half ago.

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So What Happened?

He seems to be better and infant tylenol helped. I can't feel another tooth poking through,but I am pretty sure it's teething

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Teething (drooling, chewing, low grade fever) or ear infection (low fever, pain more lying down, worse at night, pulling at ears) spring to my mind.

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

Teething or an ear infection are shouting at me here. My 2 year old started getting ear infections at about that age and she NEVER has a fever with them. Matter of fact, I am taking her in today b/c she has been sooooooo cranky the last few days. Every time I take her b/c she's a little "off", they tell me that her ear/s are infected. You might take him in JUST in case.

2 moms found this helpful

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T.W.

answers from Milwaukee on

Sounds like teething to me. Is he constantly sticking things in his mouth and biting down? Is he drooling like crazy? Try some baby oragel on his yums and some frozen chewy things to naw on.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.B.

answers from Columbus on

It sounds to me like he's teething. My kids didn't have fevers and didn't act like they were in pain, they were just SUPER grouchy. Give him a bit of Tylenol or Motrin (I prefer Motrin for teething). He'll get through it. Save yourself a trip to the doctor. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Sounds like it could be teething. See if he wants to chew on a frozen waffle. The cold might help his gums feel better.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

sounds like someone might pop a tooth soon and to top it off the weather is icky. However, always check your doctor if your gut instincts tell you to.Or an ear infection might have reared it's ugly head.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

He could be teething. This is about the age babies will get their first tooth...or teeth and could be causing the fussiness and crying. My friend told me about teething tablets that dissolve easily in the mouth and are completely harmless to babies. I give some to my son before naps and before bed. It really seems to help. However, if you're concerned at all about his fussiness...go see your pediatrician. That's what they're there for...to take care of our children and soothe our nerves. You'll feel so much better even having someone to talk to about it...I promise!! :) arenz22

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M.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds like your little one may be getting teeth to me! You could call the doc just to make yourself feel better but my guess is without a fever or any other obvious symptoms they're just going to tell you to wait it out.

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B.G.

answers from Honolulu on

is he teething? is he fearful? does he have a tummy ache? allergies? you are obviously concerned and should be when it is about his behavior being out of his norm.... you should take him to see your pediatrician.

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D.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree with all, it may be teething. motrin/tylonal and my favorite teething tablets in the world. My family has used them for years. Humphrey's teething pallets.(Homopathic) You can order them through Target pharmacy.

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Has he had any vaccines in the past couple of weeks? If it is not teething, I would look into vaccine reactions which can cause gut pain, head pain, and too many other things to list here.

Also, get Dr. Robert Sears book, The Vaccine Book, and read up on it so you can be knowledgeable of your rights as well as the health of your baby and what is best for him.

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like teething to me! Give him something to soothe those gums, and grin/bear it. He'll work through it, just make take a week or two for those teeth to pop through.

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

Stick with your gut! I had posted something a few days ago about my son not 'looking well'... 3 days later he was diagnosed with pnemonia. Keep an eye on him and pinpoint exactly what seems off... and if it keeps up, take him to the doc in a day or so. I will never put off my maternal instinct again! Hope he feels better :)

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

my daughter would get bad ear infections and her only symptom would be excessive crankiness. I once called her doctor and said I need to come in, my baby's cranky and they were like "ma'am, babies get cranky" but as a mom, you know your baby, you know something might be wrong. I'd go in.

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D.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would lean toward a potential vaccination reaction, so be aware of this and consider slowing down other shots. Many have said their children changed after their shots. After determining if he is teething, you may have a better idea.

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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would not rush him off to the Dr. Give the pediatric nurse a call and see what they say. O

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S.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think its growing. My kids always got a little off and then suddenly some new developmental milestone happened. New tooth, crawling, walking, speech...vaccination...hmmm...I think that would effect him for 3 to 5 days..no my guess is something new is about to happen...enjoy the days with baby they grow up fast...

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V.B.

answers from Houston on

My guess would be teething. You can try a little Motrin (especially at bedtime) or something cold to chew on (some people swear by a frozen washcloth). I wouldn't bother with the doctor at this point. Some kids get ear infections without a fever, but it's rare. If he seems inconsolable, then I would call the doctor. Can you just call and ask to speak to the nurse and see what they think? Sometimes they can give you good advice as to whether they should be seen or not. Good luck! Hope he's back to normal soon.

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B.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hyland's Teething Tablets and your baby boy will be back to normal. :) Good luck!

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P.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi L.,

Maybe he is teething??? My little guy start acting like that when he start teething, last couple months and finally he got his first tooth at 10 months!

If he is eating , peeing and pooping normal, should be teething!
Good luck!!!

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