3 month old DD hysterical today without Calpol

[jasperc163]

DD2 had a slight cold earlier in the week (bit congested and a cough) obviously caught from DD1 (who has had it for nearly 2 weeks now and had temperature initially). Yesterday she was very unsettled (normally a very chilled happy baby) and had a slight temperature so she had a small dose of calpol which made an immediate difference (she had been due to have her 2nd jabs yesterday so i cancelled that)

Today no sign of temperature, no congestion and very occasional cough but extremely unsettled unless on breast literally all the time and screaming if removed from it. I just gave her a bottle of ebm to see if it was hunger as my supply isnt that great - she drank it but then carried on screaming. I gave in and gave her some calpol and within 10 mins - calm happy baby playing in her chair.

Do you think that it is likely she has some symtom of the cold that we can't see eg sore throat? Would the calpol act so fast on this? Dont want to keep medicating her without symptoms or temp ...

help?
thanks

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

Calpol's crap, it takes at least an hour to work. Maybe she likes the taste?

[MildredRoper]

Yes she could well have a sore throat couldn't she?

I think it's so hard when they're that age to know whether to medicate or not.

Don't beat yourself up about it. She could have been in pain so you've dont the right thing.

[jasperc163]

No way its taking long to work - its been 3x now (twice yesterday and once today) and each time she has settled in 10 -15 mins). Question is if it is just sedating her or treating some discomfort i can't see (given that i know she has had a cold virus)? Never known her like this - only thing that makes her cry is hunger and i dont think it can be that if a bottle of ebm makes no difference?

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

Really, it takes ages. Ibuprofen's quicker. I trained as a peads nurse, it does take about an hour. Maybe it's just faster working on your dd?

I'd be tempted to pop her to the GP if you can, it sounds like there's something wrong so it's best to check.

[acebaby]

jasperc - definitely go to the gp if you can. You don't want to be stuck in some grotty out of hours place at the weekend! If she has had a cold, it is possible she has a secondary throat or ear infection.

Is it possible that it's the sugar (if you have sugary calpol), or the fact it is cold (if you keep it in the fridge) that is settling your DD? If she has a sore throat or sore teeth, the act of taking the calpol may be soothing. It might be worth offering a syringe of chilled, boiled water as an experiment...