Baby's first cold, 11m, refusing liquid

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Since bedtime last night DS gas had high temp (39 at highest using ear thermometer, 38.2 underarm). I gave him paracetamol around 10pm then again 4am. He has a runny nose and a bit of a cough. His sleep was broken but aside from being a big groggy when awake (he looks so tired) he has been in an OK mood.

He had his porridge this morning but just refused his milk. Aside from taking some water around 4am has refused that too. Now I'm getting worried about dehydration. He's asleep on me just now.

First time dealing with sick baby, is this all quite normal? Should I contact GP if he won't take on any liquids?

There was presumably milk in the porridge. If he doesn't want to drink, can you offer it via food e.g. more porridge, fruit. Has he had wet nappies?

I’m impressed you’ve got to 11 months with no colds, my 10 month old has one every other week! He does have two older siblings at school though who bring home all the germs going, plus we spend a lot of time at baby groups.
Try his milk again when he wakes up. Give him ‘wet’ foods such as satsumas, cucumber etc to keep his fluids up. Keep offering water from a sippy cup too.

Sounds normal for a poorly baby. My 14m old daughter didn't drink water not milk for 3 days straight when she had a horrendous tummy bug. I was quite upset about it but after 2 days I also caught her tummy bug and I'd vomit every time I had a sip of water so I actually understood how she felt and didn't worry about it. She had ok wet nappies, too. You should still check with a GP in case your baby needs prescription medications such as antibiotics (chest infections, bronchitis, ear infection, etc) or steroids for croup etc .

Can you get a medicine syringe and squirt milk into his mouth,

I gave him some veg mashed with water when he woke up, took a few spoonfuls then threw it all up. Reluctantly took few sips of juice and now just lying on me. Temp seems to have gone down.

I've been spoiled for 11m!

He's had wet and dirty nappies as normal, 3 dirty, just hope we aren't in for diahorrea 😳

Is he still using a bottle or breastfeeding? If so, he may not want to suck if he has a blocked nose. Saline drops or spray from a pharmacy that you put in the nose can help clear it so he can suck.

He's bottle fed. I'm going out to buy a Snufflebabe Nasal Aspirator once DP home, have the saline drops but only tend to use if nose stuffy, it's been runny all morning. Will try once awake though.

Best things for colds is baby vapour rub you can stick it on at night to help him breathe as that's when colds tend to usual suck the most when your trying to sleep that's what I've used on my two and as pp have said first babies have the luxury of not picking up many colds but with my DD she's had loads since my DS has started pre school nursery the joys colds every other week.

In terms of feeding have you tried dream feeding when your DS is snoozing just to sneak some milk in? If he's eating plenty I wouldn't worry too much just keep offering fluids as and when even giving him yoghurts purées fruits etc they will help

You can also use vapour oils to stick in bedroom to help with breathing just stick it in a bowl or cup with warm water or the calpol plugins are another good one very strong smelling mind and the light can be bright from the plug itself.

a couple of tips if not already mentioned done - leave the window a little bit open for a few minutes at a time if you have central heating or use a jug of boiling water ( somewhere safe and bring kettle to it so you dont have to carry ) will your baby take a bit of cold purreed fruit or even a bit of melted ice cream - dont worry about sugar just see what gets taken use your fingers if it helps they like to suck .Dont know what to say about the nasal aspirator except good luck because more will arrive Are they expensive? Awful when they arent well :)

Thanks everyone, so nice to get tips!

I couldn't face going out as I was so hungry by time DP came home... Was stuck on couch with sleeping baby so all I ate this afternoon was sweeties within reach on table!

I've put some snuffle balm on his chest, hopefully that'll help.

My boy has refused another bottle but has drank about 100ml of juice. Will try him with fruit puree soon. He's such a drowsy wee soul, can't wait till he's back to normal!

@happyhealthvisitor I've always thought the snot suckers were disgusting, but can't stand how runny his nose is. It's on offer in few places from £5-8 so figure worth a try.

Keep an eye on his nappies, and just see if he will take anything at all. Re snot suckers babies are great for marketing. Hope he's OK tonight

Aren't they just! He took about 150g of fruit puree and his nose seems better after a bath. Hopefully we'll get some sleep tonight!