When to give paracetamol?

[sometimesyouwin]

Just wondering what other people do... DS2 is 8.5mths and suffering with a nasty cold and cough. Never had this this early with DS1. He hasn't got a temperature but literally won't be put down, snot everywhere, rubbing his ears and generally really really miserable. Would you give paracetamol or save for a temperature and ride it out? I'm always for avoiding if at all possible and let the body do it's thing but he's just so unhappy and suffering .

I'd save it for a temperature.

We are in the same boat, I have given it twice, once for temp and once when just inconsolably crying because she was so tired and could not stop snotting, coughing and generally working herself up to get to sleep. I was not sure if she might be in pain with a sore throat or ear pain.

Give it if you think they're in pain which his behaviour would suggest that he is. He won't get better any quicker if you don't give it, he'll just be more uncomfortable whilst he's getting better.

Took DD 20months to OOH G.P yesterday & was told to give Ibruprofen & Paracetamol reguarly for ear congestion/pain.

I would give it. When DS1 was poorly at 4 months old the GP told me to give him calpol as there is no way of telling what aches and pains he has and it will likely make him feel better. Just make sure you stick to the recommended dosage. FWIW, I find baby nurofen much better for bringing down a temp if one develops.

Of course I would give paracetamol - what would you not? It will help him!

If you think he's in pain, give him Calpol. There's no harm done if it turns out to be unnecessary.

I'd save it for a temperature.

Why?

I treat the DC in the same way that I treat myself. If I had a cold, then I'd take paracetamol whether or not I had a temperature and I'd feel better so why wouldn't I do the same with the DC? The change in the DC's behaviour within about 30 mins of the paracetamol being given is always remarkable and I often kick myself for not having given it to them earlier.

I treat my dc as I treat myself.
If I am miserable with a cough/cold I take paracetamol.
Why wouldn't you give it to your obv unwell child?

Thanks everyone! He's currently fallen asleep breastfeeding so I'll see how he is when he wakes up and give it to him if he's still miserable. I hate doubting myself as a parent!

Get used to it :)
Hope he feels better soon x

If paracetamol can help relive some of the symptoms I don't know why you wouldn't administer some , why leave your child to suffer? When my daughter had to go to dr's with tonsillitis the GP said that to keep her dosed up with pain killers while the antibiotics kicked in was the best thing to do as if you could make someone feel a bit better why would you not. No one is recommending routinely giving out paracetamol but when your child is ill that is surely the time to use them.

There is a lot of misinformation around about paracetamol and children. You give it for the same reasons you take it. It reduces discomfort/pain. You don't give it just to lower a temperature unless there is a specific medically advised reason.

I'd give it.
it's for when dc feel miserable, fever (at least if it's not very high) is a good thing, it helps fight the infection.

I'd give it - he could well be all achy, and the snot is probably making his ears and sinuses really hurt. What is the advantage in not giving it? I'm not the type to give Calpol willy nilly, but why withhold pain relief from a child in pain snd discomfort?

I give it when the DC are miserable with a cough and cold. I'd take it myself if I was feeling grim too.

I'd give it at the same point I'd take it, regardless of temperature. If I have a runny nose, headache etc I take it so I can carry on with the day and not feel rotten and I do the same for the dcs.

Hope the lo feels better soon!

If he's miserable and uncomfortable then yes.