Calpol in a 9 week old when unwell

[BessieBye]

I’ll start by saying I have saw 3 doctors since Thursday. First Dr said nothing can be given, just have to ride it out

Dr today at urgent care told me he can have calpol. I asked how much due to his age and he told me to ‘follow instructions on the box’. The box states do not give more than 2 doses - but doesn’t say within what time period?

this poor boy I believe is so uncomfortable because of a chesty cough, he screams every time he coughs. He does not and has not had a fever - cough has lasted 2 weeks. I feel so bad for him that he is in pain but I can’t give him anymore calpol for 12 hours if it is only 2 doses per 24 hours. Would a good pharmacy take any notice of me with a baby this small? If I have one more trip to hospital I might crack!! 😭

I doubt Calpol will do much for a cough anyway. Lots of milk and cuddles and take him in again if he's still coughing badly. Did you have the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy?

Calpol will help him feel more comfortable. The pharmacy won’t help with a baby that young, they’d send you to 111 or A&E.

I know it won’t do much for a cough, but I think his chest/throat is sore from coughing so much. He screams every time he coughs.. we gave calpol 6pm & midnight and he slept really peacefully so it has helped somehow. I just feel bad he would have to wait another 12 hours for another dose :(

I did have the vaccine and he has had his first set of immunisations which includes WC. A child in my daughter’s class at school has been told she has WC so I am on edge about her catching it. Her cough is coming to an end though

I thought as much.. the dosage instructions on the box are a bit vague for 2-3 months. He is only 9wks and onto his second cold which both lasted 2 weeks each! That’s nearly half of his time on this earth being poorly 😭

This is from the BNFC which is the UK bible for children's medicines and dosing:

Child 1–2 months
30–60 mg every 8 hours as required, maximum daily dose to be given in divided doses; maximum 60 mg/kg per day

How much does your little one weigh?

i’m not sure right now at 9 weeks but 6 weeks he weighed 11lb 2oz. He’s a good size

Ok, you can certainly give 60mg every 8 hours then, so 2.5mL of the Calpol Infant 120mg/5mL strength.

There would be scope to increase further but this would be hospital-guided so if you are still struggling, the GP would need to refer you.