To be worried about my toddler DS

[changedname34]

18mo DS was admitted to hospital yesterday after a temp of 39.5, very drowsy and hard to wake. We were there all day and he had times where he was very up and down. They struggled to get his fever down, only Ibuprofen worked. turns out it was an ear infection with a mix of a viral infection that was making him so ill.

They sent us home last night with antibiotics, with overnight access to the ward if we needed. He had milk and slept through the night. Woke up this morning and he was feverish again and slept most of the morning. The ibuprofen has controlled his temperature. But he's still not himself.

He's eating but won't touch a drop of fluid. I'm worried he will get dehydrated. I've tried different cups, water, his favourite juice, anything and he just won't entertain it.

What do I do?

I'd phone the ward for advice.
As for fluids, what about ice lollies, jelly, ice cubes, would he suck on orange segments?
Poor little fella, hope he's feeling better very soon.

Watermelon and cucumber also!

Apple sauce
Fruit juice
Put water in his bottle
Make sure the foods are high water content
Give him pouches too, if he'll still have them

If it's just a fever and he's OK with taking Ibuprofen I would give it 48 hours to see if he will develop other symptoms.Little children very often react to infection with just a fever.
If you are really concerned call the ward.
My DC was never keen on drinking a lot when unwell,just a bit enough to quench their thirst.If he is weeing ok and urine is not very dark I would not worry.
I do second the idea of watery fruit and veg if he likes it.
Hope he will get better soon .

I'm worried as he hasn't had a wet nappy so far today. He just won't entertain anything. It's unusual for him because he normally drinks quite a lot

High liquid fruits/veg/ Ice lollies/ yoghurt/ fruit pouches/ choc milk/ hot choc cooled?

If he's eating then try giving him wet food - fruit, cereal with milk, yoghurt, ice lollies. If you have a medicine syringe then try syringing a few ml of water into his mouth whenever you can.

If he hasn’t had a wet nappy def call the ward as they may decide to IV some fluids. Poor little guy, get well soon!

When my ds was like this I was told to use a Calpol syringe to give him 5ml of water every ten minutes. Plus some dioralyte.

For fluids, when we've been to A&E with my toddler they have a cup with 100ml and you syringe 10ml water into their mouth every 10 mins. Sometimes only way to get liquid in them. Very stressful for you 💐

Don’t try when he’s hot, once his temp has come down and he’s a bit brighter offer fluids
If he refuses try ice poles or similar
If you have any syringes sugary juice in a cup 5ml every 5 mins to see how he goes, we use this instead of dioralyte at work as it’s nicer kids hate that stuff and you don’t want to put him off further. Sugar helps give them energy/keeps blood sugar up, more so if they aren’t eating really.

However, because of his age you should have access to the ward he was on. Call back and let them know this, they’ll give advice over the phone and maybe get him back up for review. Don’t leave it, and don’t worry you’re bothering them that’s why they are there. Could be his throat is sore?...try any fluid you think he’ll take. My boys love a smoothie. Keep a good eye and call if you’re at all concerned, now if you’re worried don’t wait till tonight. He’s only little hopefully meds will kick in and he’ll be feeling brighter and more himself soon though.

He is most likely very dry but if hes not passing urine head right back up to hospital.

Are you giving calpol as well? Maybe ibuprofen helps his temperature more but the calpol will help any pain he has. What about yoghurts, jelly, ice lollies. Also try syringing in water small amounts at a time.

@changedname34 how is he?

Poor baby. He could be dehydrated. I think take him back. Hopefully he feels much better.