Sadie recently spiked a 101° fever virtually overnight. As we navigated the challenges of routine sickness and teething, I thought it would be helpful to share our experiences and some practical tips with you. Remember, always consult your pediatrician before trying new remedies.
Recognizing Teething vs. Sickness
Teething can be mistaken for illness because several symptoms overlap, such as:
- Slight fever
- Stuffy nose
- Irritability
For us, teething was particularly intense around 10 and 14 months. Sadie would cry for 20–30 minutes before bed—a heart-wrenching time for any parent. Rather than immediately reaching for over-the-counter medications, we found that using:
- Cold teething rings
- Frozen washcloths
- Teething toys
often provided gentle relief. On days when the discomfort was overwhelming, we did administer baby Tylenol or Motrin based on guidance from our pediatrician. I also discovered a homeopathic remedy called Camilla, which my friend recommended; it worked nicely for Sadie and other children.
Telltale Signs: Is It Teething or Sickness?
It’s important to know when to suspect your baby is actually sick rather than simply teething. Here are some pointers:
Teething Indicators:
- Mild or Temporary Fever: Slight elevation in temperature (often below 100.4°F) that is short-lived.
- Gum Discomfort: Increased drooling, swollen or tender gums.
- Irritability: Fussiness and mild crankiness, especially around the time a new tooth is emerging.
- Normal Activity Levels: Despite some discomfort, many babies remain relatively active, playful, and continue to feed well.
- Expected Timing: Teething usually starts around 6 months and can continue intermittently until about 2 years of age.
Signs of Sickness:
- High or Persistent Fever: A fever that spikes above 101°F and doesn’t subside, or any fever over 103°F as seen during other illnesses.
- Lethargy: Noticeable decrease in energy or activity levels; your baby might seem unusually sleepy or hard to wake.
- Additional Symptoms: Significant cough, congestion beyond nasal stuffiness, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
- Poor Feeding or Hydration: Refusal to eat or drink, which is uncommon with simple teething discomfort.
- Duration of Symptoms: Symptoms that persist or worsen over several days warrant a closer look from your pediatrician.
If any of these signs of sickness are observed, especially if multiple symptoms are present, it’s important to reach out to your doctor for proper evaluation.
Managing Symptoms: Our Go-To Remedies
Whether dealing with teething or sickness, these remedies have been our lifesavers:
Nasal Spray and Boogie Suckers:
We use nasal spray to relieve congestion, complemented by Frida boogie suckers and traditional bulb aspirators. Although Sadie isn’t always thrilled with the latter, they help clear her nasal passages.
Boogie Wipes and Gel:
These are especially useful during chilly seasons when extra snot becomes an issue, keeping her nose gently clean without irritation.
Steam Therapy:
A hot shower together provides steam that loosens mucus, making it easier for her to breathe when she’s congested.
Hydration:
Keeping a baby hydrated is crucial. We breastfed or used a sippy cup once she was around six months old. Adequate fluids can alleviate many symptoms.
Vicks and Sleep Positioning:
When Sadie shows signs of coming down with something, I apply baby Vicks to her feet, chest, and back. Additionally, I use nasal spray as part of our bedtime routine, making sure she’s safely propped up during sleep, especially when we co-sleep.
Temperature and Fever Management
Accurate temperature monitoring is essential during any bout of illness. We’ve found that rectal thermometers are the most reliable. For example, during a pink eye episode, Sadie’s fever reached 103°. Our pediatrician advised:
- Administering Tylenol or Motrin to manage the fever
- Using wet cloths on her forehead to keep her comforted
- Ensuring plenty of hydration through nursing and fluids
Introducing Cough Remedies
At 11 months, we added Zarbee’s cough syrup—again, only after consulting with our pediatrician. This gentle, nighttime remedy has helped Sadie rest better when she has a cough. I made sure to avoid honey products at her age.
Dealing with Constipation
Constipation can be challenging, particularly during the introduction of solid foods. Once Sadie began eating a variety of foods, we turned to:
- Pedia-lax: This remedy provided much-needed relief.
A Note on Communication
The most important tip of all: stay in close contact with your pediatrician. Whether you’re a new or seasoned mom, the guidance from your doctor is invaluable—especially when it comes to managing sickness and teething symptoms.
Your Turn to Share!
I’d love to hear from all the moms out there! What teething or sickness remedies have worked for you? Let’s share our experiences in the comments below so we can all learn and support each other.
From Bump 2 Balance 