Sick Baby Not Eating

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Sick Baby Not Eating

My son is 4 months old and has been sick for the past 5 days. Today he didn't really drink any milk and when he did I could tell it was bothering his throat.

I did make sure I gave him some pedialyte but I'm still worried. He has been sleep all day and when he is up one minute he's smiling then the next he crying and it's back to sleep for him.

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Sick Baby Not Eating

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Mar 07, 2009

How To Help Sick Baby Not Eating
by: Baby Help Line

It sounds like your baby is having a bad cold or other virus infection. If he has a cold, it will last about 7-14 days.

If he has a stuffy nose and/or a fever, he will not eat much.

To help your baby with his stopped up nose, you can use saline nose drops. You make these by adding 0.5 teaspoon of table salt to 1 cup of boiled water. After the solution has come to room temperature, put one drop in each nostril then suck with the 1 ounce rubber syringe (suction bulb). Do this before each feeding and at bed time to make it easier for the child to breathe.

Just keep offering him fluids as much as possible. It is very important that he doesn't get dehydrated. If he continues to refuse to drink and starts showing signs of dehydration (specified below), you need to take him to a doctor immediately.

To help his sore throat and fever, you can give him Baby Tylenol and see if it helps.

If it seems to you like your baby is getting worse, not better, you should also take him to a doctor. If for example the fever is getting higher, it might mean that he has a bacterial infection and needs antibiotics. With a cold that has already lasted for 5 days, he should soon be getting better.

How can I tell if my baby is dehydrated?

More than six hours without a wet diaper.

Urine that looks darker in his diaper and smells stronger than usual.

Lethargy

A dry, parched mouth and lips

No tears while crying, and your baby usually does produce tears - not all babies do.

Signs that your baby may be seriously dehydrated

Sunken eyes

Hands and feet that feel cold and look splotchy

Excessive sleepiness or fussiness

Sunken fontanels (the soft spots on your baby's head)

Hope your little one feels better soon.

Paula

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