Is Something Seriously Wrong With My 11 Month Old Baby?

Is Something Seriously Wrong With My 11 Month Old Baby?

by JAY
(SOUTH AFRICA)

He had chicken pox 2 months ago which wasn't too bad. Two weeks later had the flu and recently diagnosed with Bronchiliis. He hasn't been to daycare since he had chicken pox. He loved going to dayscare every day but he still cries after being back for 2 weeks. His daymother says that he wants to be on her arm all day.

Since he had the flu, he's not been the same. He doesn't sleep right through. He wakes up about every half an hour to an hour and tosses around, sits up in his sleep and falls over.

My husband and have to keep on eye on his so that he doesn't end up falling off the bed. When he wakes up, he cries and moans in his sleep. He'll only fall asleep while drinking breast and refuses to take a bottle. He no longer plays independently. He's appetite has changed. He usually loves his food. He's constipated and he's winds are very smelly. When changing his diaper and clothes, he cries and shouts as if I'm hurting him.

Please help!

Comments for
Is Something Seriously Wrong With My 11 Month Old Baby?

Click here to add your own comments

May 17, 2009

Sick baby
by: Baby Help Line - Paula

Hi Jay,

Your baby has had quite a rough time. In my experience it can take a while before they go back to normal after being sick.

From his reactions it sounds to me as if he hasn't really caught up yet. He still doesn't have his regular appetite, and wants to be held cuddled and not left alone. Those are completely normal reactions from a sick little child.

Try to respond as much as you can to his needs. Cuddle him, give him foods that he likes, tell his daymother that he is still weak and really needs to be held. If you can, consider staying at home with him a bit more.

If he was home for a long time, it is also normal to need some time to get back into the routines of not being at home.

Since he had Bronchiolitis (I assume it was a virus?), you might want to check him for a ear infection if you think he still might be sick, since that is quite a common complication for young babies. Also don't hesitate to take him back to the Dr to make sure he doesn't have some other complication from his previous illnesses.

It is of course impossible for me to say if your son is sick or not, but the behavior you describe sounds very familiar to me from my own babies when they have been ill. It takes a while before they are their normal selves. And they need up parents badly to support them before they are up and crawling or running again, exploring the world. It is tough to be ill for a small child!

I don't know how many times I've been so worried about a baby not eating after being ill, only to see a week later that they eat more than ever, compensating the losses naturally!

So, take your son back to the doctor one final time to check his health and ears and to stop your own worrying. Then just give him all the love and support he needs and he'll be back on track soon again.

Wish you good luck,

Paula

X Close Editor

May 17, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Baby Help Line - Paula

Title

Comment
Hi Jay, Your baby has had quite a rough time. In my experience it can take a while before they go back to normal after being sick. From his reactions it sounds to me as if he hasn't really caught up yet. He still doesn't have his regular appetite, and wants to be held cuddled and not left alone. Those are completely normal reactions from a sick little child. Try to respond as much as you can to his needs. Cuddle him, give him foods that he likes, tell his daymother that he is still weak and really needs to be held. If you can, consider staying at home with him a bit more. If he was home for a long time, it is also normal to need some time to get back into the routines of not being at home. Since he had Bronchiolitis (I assume it was a virus?), you might want to check him for a ear infection if you think he still might be sick, since that is quite a common complication for young babies. Also don't hesitate to take him back to the Dr to make sure he doesn't have some other complication from his previous illnesses. It is of course impossible for me to say if your son is sick or not, but the behavior you describe sounds very familiar to me from my own babies when they have been ill. It takes a while before they are their normal selves. And they need up parents badly to support them before they are up and crawling or running again, exploring the world. It is tough to be ill for a small child! I don't know how many times I've been so worried about a baby not eating after being ill, only to see a week later that they eat more than ever, compensating the losses naturally! So, take your son back to the doctor one final time to check his health and ears and to stop your own worrying. Then just give him all the love and support he needs and he'll be back on track soon again. Wish you good luck, Paula

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Click here to add your own comments

What baby info are you looking for?

Did you like what you just read? Share your love:

Return from Care Tips to Easy Baby Life Home

The Baby Tips Blog - Great tips from other mothergreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Want more baby tips?

baby care newsletter Right now, when you subscribe to our newsletter, you get a free baby safety checklist.
So don't wait!

FREE Baby Care Ezine

Your Email

Your Name

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.

For more information about the ezine, click here.