Baby unwell - how worried should I be?

[areandare]

I feel sick with worry and know I won’t sleep tonight. My 8 month old little boy is usually the happiest, busiest little boy.

Today I’ve noticed that he’s got a yellowish / green gunk in the inner corner of both eyes which keeps coming back after wiping away with a damp lukewarm cotton pad.

He has had more naps than usual, is very grizzly and unsettled and just isn’t happy at all. He usually doesn’t stop all day, but this evening he has been sitting on my lap quietly with the saddest little face.

I took his temp at 4pm and it was normal, took it again at 6pm and it was 38.8 😢 I gave him some calpol and now it’s back to 36 something but he still feels hot.

He's drinking his milk and plenty of wet nappy’s. He’s in bed now asleep but only pjs, no vest or sleeping bag.

I called 111 and am waiting for a clinician to call back but I am beside myself with worry. Does anyone have any advice?

If the doctor is worried they’ll get you an OOH appointment. Try not to worry. Just follow their advice.

Sounds like conjunctivitis and you are doing all the right things. Calpol plenty of drinks ans waiting for the call back.

Keep an eye on the temperature

I wouldn't be worried. He's got a cold and a slight temp that comes down with Calpol. I'd get some nurofen in the house as it's better for temps so you can alternate doses if needed. As long as he's having plenty of wet nappies and drinking a roughly normal amount I'd not be concerned.

He just like he's got a virus, nothing you've said sounds anything to be concerned about. Not sure what 111 can do, his temp is coming down, he's alert, taking fluids, urinating and its day 1.

If you are genuinely beside yourself with worry then you need to calm down and not pass on health anxiety to your son.

Hope he feels better soon.

The immunity of both my sons went down when they were teething or just before. You have done all the right things.
Try not to worry too much. It’s ok if routine goes out the window a bit when your baby is poorly.

did you boil the water and let it cool as thats how I was taught to do it, and a single wipe outwards.
Speak to 111 but he just sounds like one of those things, he is responding to calpol which is good. These are the days you are just sat holding them all day whilst they are unwell.

What are you concerned about @areandare ? It sounds like he has a slight temperature and possibly conjunctivitis. Unless anything changes, that doesn’t sound like something to worry about. Are you ordinarily anxious?

He sounds fine - Ill but not bad. It's difficult when they're so small but if he's drinking and weeing plus temp coming down with calpol, you have to ride it out 💐

Thanks everyone. It’s awful seeing him unwell, he’s been hysterically screaming for the past 10 mins but just fallen back to sleep.

Ive spoken to 2 different people from 111 and am waiting for a call back to give me final advice.

Ive always been a chilled person and have absolutely zero anxiety in all aspects of life, apart from my son. I think when it comes to babies and illnesses you can’t be too careful.

He's poorly but nothing you've written here indicates anything serious. Most probably a cold/virus and conjunctivitis. As others have said, use cooled boiled water and wipe once from the inner corner of they eye outwards. Give calpol and baby nurofen at regular intervals and plenty of drinks. You've done the right thing calling 111 for advice, it's worrying and upsetting when your little one is ill. I hope you both get some rest and he'll be on the mend in a day or two 💐

I am exactly the same, have never experienced anxiety until my baby was born 18 months ago, so i understand how youre feeling. It sounds like he is okay, i hope 111 can reassure you

It may help to reassure you to pop him in bed with you/sleep next to his cot (if it isnt in your room) and set a couple of alarms so you wake up and take his temperature x

Regarding the gunk in his eyes. The tear ducts drain into the nose . When the nose gets congested the snot gets forced up the tear ducts and exits in the corner of the eye.
If he’s congested and distressed take him into the bathroom and run a hot shower so he can inhale the steam. It’s been a hot dry day today and his nose may be really dry.

The first nasty virus they have will send you into a bit of a spiral. It’s so frustrating when they are suffering and you feel helpless. But remember how it feels when you have a cold and you take paracetamol. It does give you a couple of hours of feeling normal. I agree about alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen so he’s more comfortable.

If he’s really bunged up and 111 send you to out of hours they may suggest saline nasal spray or drops to help.

Like others nothing in your post sounds worrying at all and I wouldn’t have even thought to have called 111.

He’s in good hands and you are doing the right things. Kids get sick. It isn’t worth getting worried or thinking it’s something more sinister.

I am more worried about your worrying.

Thanks for those who have left lovely comments it means a lot 💐

Its so awful when they’re unwell isn’t it, I feel so sad for him and am desperate to have my happy smiley baby back!

He’s still not right today. His temp has been normal all day until this evening where it jumped back up to 38.7. Calpol is bringing it down and he is still having periods of climbing / playing etc so I’m not too worried. I think it could be a sore throat as he seems to be uncomfortable while swallowing