Do you ever give baby calpol just “in case”?

[Elisemum]

Hi mums, my 12 weeks old was always fussing for about 10-15 mins but then was falling asleep. Since yesterday he’s been crying on and off for over an hour every before he falls asleep. No fever, happy and smiley during the day. I have a toddler with a mild stomache bug at home. The baby might just be crying becouse he’s overtired, but he might have a sore stomache, how am I supposed to know? Do you ever give calpol just “in case” baby has a pain that you obviously don’t know about?

Hmm yes I suppose. Particularly with teething. I can’t be 100% sure my baby/toddler is fussing cos they are cutting teeth but I take a punt that they are!

In your scenario & such a young age, probably not.. newborns fuss for all kinds of reasons. And change routine at the drop of a hat!

If you've tried everything else (fed/winded/clean nappy/no hair ties and so on) then a dose can't hurt.

Yes. If they seem a bit off I assume it might be pain related and see if calpol helps them.

Yes I do.

She might just be having the dreaded sleep regression though..

Before 12 months I only really used calpol when she had a fever and after vaccinations.

Since then oh my goodness she has cut so many teeth and had so many illnesses that she has had a lot of calpol. It’s so hard to know isn’t it when they are truly in pain and when they are just moody and having an off day!?

At 12 weeks I’d probably be more cautious as still so young and sometimes just fussy at that age.

You know your baby best though and as other poster has said a dose can’t hurt x x

I probably wouldn't with a 12w old but do with the toddler because of the teeth.

Sounds like baby is probably a bit overtired or 'the witching hour'

I don't think i would for the 12 week old but as they got older yes if nothing else worked i would put some calpol in and see if it helped.

You know your baby best, I always tried other things first (wind/change etc) but then would give calpol. I know grumpy I am if I’m in a bit of pain/leg ache etc. so yes I gave my baby calpol ‘just in case’ it’s not like they can tell you what the problem is!

Nelson's teething granules. I'd try those before calpol!

I would baby maybe teething or anything. X

But only half a teaspoon, also maybe some teething powders, have you looked at the baby's gums? X

No, I think I gave her a calpol 3/4 times in 2 years. If it was teething, I put some teething gel on only. She’s only been sick mildly twice and I gave it to her then.

I feel like calpol is seriously overused!!!!

It's a very useful drug but not one to just thrown around. Maybe if we referred to it as paracetamol we wouldn't give it so much.

If I've tried all other things and he still appears to be uncomfortable then yes. I don't like to jump to calpol straight away but equally don't want him to be in pain.

It’s paracetamol not baby calpol, I think it should be given if there is a need so if you feel baby needs it then yes try it, as others have said you can try other things first if you’re not keen.

Give the recommended dose for age do not under dose as suboptimal dosing is a waste as it doesn’t work effectively and don’t give over the recommended dose unless prescribed- drs base their prescription on weight and age so might be different to the bottle.

If you’ve tried everything else give a dose and see how your baby is? Often babies can be ill but quite happy and smiley, same with kids they put up with a lot more than adults do sometimes.

Sounds like a wonder week 12 thing. Or maybe even a growth spurt.

How do you usually get him to sleep?