thread: Dehydration or something else?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    Brisbane, QLD
    5,171

    Exclamation Dehydration or something else?

    Tried doing a search but my phone's being stupid.

    DS has been a bit unsettled since midday yesterday, he wont drink much water (just spits most of it) and when I breastfeed him he either gets cranky and chucks a tanty or feeds for 10mins after much carry on then falls asleep. (I know 5 mins is more than enough for most bubs to get all they need but it's not normal for him, he normally has 20mins or so)

    His lips are a bit dry, his mouth seems a bit pastey and dry too. The last 2 naps he been very hard to get to feed or sleep and just cries. Last night we co-slept because he was very restless but even in bed with me he wasn't any better. He just wanted to play but was whingy and tired.

    This morning (now) during his nap he keeps waking up crying. It seems like he's in pain- arches his back, cries- when he wakes up but he's not windy and if I sing to him he quickly re-settles and has a bit more milk until he falls right back to sleep.

    He has tears when he cries, skin springs back when pinched, fontanelle seems normal.

    He's been fluctuating between slightly constipated and almost diarrhea the last week or so.

    And I'm almost certain he's teething, which could be causing the poo issues.

    My first thought was dehydration, but what else could it be?

    What are the symptoms of dehydration in a 1 year old?

    What should I look out for and at what point do I need to get him to a doctor?

    He's due for his 12 month check up this week anyway so I'll talk to the doctor then but I wanted to make sure it wasn't something that needed more serious attention.

    Sorry if this is a bit confusing or hard to read I'm really tired and cant think straight

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    Brisbane, QLD
    5,171

    Anyone?

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    Near the Snowies!
    2,975

    I have no idea hun...just bumping for you again, hopefully someone has a clue! He wouldn't have an ear infection or sore throat or anything?

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Member

    Feb 2007
    3,734

    sometimes when they are teething they will go off their food and be a bit funny even with BF...
    is he having a lot of wet nappies? i think at 12 months at least 1 damp every 6 hrs is what you would be looking for...
    maybe call nurse online and just double check... though i dont think it sounds overly serious but i am no expert and you sound a bit worried...

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    Melbourne
    4,031

    Was going to reply earlier...my and I think the whole of Melbourne's internet went down!

    I was going to suggest get him checked for an ear infection too. Alot of ear infections don't necessarily have fever associated with it. Just grumpy mostly when you lie down.
    How many wet nappies is he having?
    If you have an appt for later this week for his 12mth check with a GP I would try and move it up to either today or tomorrow while he is still presenting with the symptons you are describing.
    Nurse on call is 1300 60 60 24 if you want to ring them a go through all the symptoms. I have rang before and they have been great!
    HTH and your little man is feeling better soon.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    Brisbane, QLD
    5,171

    Is that all he's meant to have in the way of nappies? He's definately ok in that respect then.
    I was a bit worried, it's just so out of character for him. the main thing that was bothering me was his dry lips and mouth. It's alot better now but still a little bit dry. I've been trying to pump as much water into him as I can and he seems a bit better, happier etc. So I'll just keep going with that and keep an eye on him I guess.
    He's cutting back on his sleeping too, dropped his midday sleep and the afternoon sleep was a battle so maybe he's just unsettled because he's changing his routine and getting used to less sleep.

  7. #7
    BellyBelly Member

    Feb 2007
    3,734

    dont take my word for it hon - but i do remember when DS1 had gastro at about 10 months the GP told me at least 1 damp nappy every 6 hrs. obv when they are well and healthy they have more but this is what i had to watch for...
    hope he is doing better now...

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    Brisbane, QLD
    5,171

    Mamapan- Ok that makes sense.

    He was better this arvo, though he didn't have an afternoon sleep for the 3rd day in a row hopefully he sleeps ok tonight.
    The earliest I could get him into the doctors was Thursday, so I'll get him to check his ears out along with all the normal stuff.
    Must remember to mention his lack of weight gain too. I'm hoping writing it down might help me remember lol.