I'm probably being PFBish but could this be an ear infection?

[IAteRosemaryConleyForBreakfast]

DS is 9 months old and hasn't been very well for the last 24 hours. Although he's always been a crappy sleeper, he's been worse. I've got one of those forehead temperature strips but I don't think it reads right because it says his temp is normal yet he feels roasty. On and off for the last couple of months, and very much so for the last 2 nights, he's been waking up in the night and thrashing around, writhing and groaning and not settling. Sometimes he's fussy at the breast. He used to do this with trapped wind but recently there's been an absence of farts so I don't think that's the problem.

There's no discharge or anything but he does seems really twitchy and extra-uncomfortable when trying to get to sleep, and I just wondered if an ear infection might be behind all of it. There's never been any discharge at all but his ears are really waxy. He's getting Calpol but to be honest it didn't make any difference last night and he's been a bit grotty all day apparently (I was working).

Why do I always have these brainwaves on Friday nights?! I'm sure if needs be we could see a GP over the weekend but I don't want to waste their time.

Teething?

I wouldn't like to say what is up with him (sounds like he is ill or in pain) but I would recommend you get a proper digital thermometer. Those forehead strips are worse than useless, and regretably, you will be needing a good thermometer over the next few years!

DD1 has had a few ear infections

Always has a high temp, but has never c/o pain

Always gets a 'popped' drum, which oozes a green or brown discharge

Am sure out-of-hrs Drs won't mind seeing a poorly 9m old... it's what they're there for. Hope he's better soon

He might be teething but I'm never very sure. He never gets red cheeks, and although he dribbles more some days there's no association with grizzling. He seems to cut them without too much trouble.

We do need a better thermometer. I've got a few glass ones in the car but they've been up animals' bums ...

Fortunately he's asleep now, but he's pretty unsettled. I'm possibly just depressed at the prospect of another long and sleepless night. We'll see how he goes overnight I think, poor mite. Thanks.

FWIW a good going ear infection will melt the wax in the ear, so if there is wax in there then there probably isn't an infection behind it.

We don't own a thermometer. I would trust your instincts there - if he feels roasty to you then it is likely he has a temperature.

And I am always happy to see poorly babies/toddlers. Never a prob at all.

Hope he feels better soon.

Oh - and if i was my mil the answer would be "teething" because my DCs could have their arm hanging off and she would say "oh - I think he's teething!"

Thanks very much ... spoke too soon, the little brute's stirring!

Our GPs don't treat ear infections (unless they go beyond 5 days) so I wouldn't worry if you can't get to a GP.