benadryl for sleep?

somethingchangd

We've been out of town for the past 10 days and pretty much as soon as we got home Ollie came down with the worst cold/virus he's ever had.  Went to the doctor today and she ran bloodwork that confirmed a virus, but she still seemed fairly concerned.  He is so clearly absolutely miserable - it's the most upset I've ever seen him, poor guy.

Anyway, he cannot seem to sleep at all - not for more than 20 minutes at a time.  Even if he falls asleep while nursing he'll wake up screaming, boob still in his mouth, within half an hour.  He is exhausted (did I mention he was only sleeping ~6 hours a night the entire time we were OOT?) and I know it's just making him feel more miserable.

I'm tempted to give him (generic) Benadryl so he might finally get some rest, but I'm nervous.  My doc has given me dosing info in the past (bug bites), but the bottle says not to use in children under 4.  Do you use Benadryl in your toddler?  And am I evil if I give it to him simply to help him sleep?

Ugh - I'm so conflicted.

BTW - missed you guys!  Hopefully the poor kiddo will give me a chance to catch up with the board soon.

InACitySoNice

We've used it.  About 2 to 3 ml (she's 16 months).  You're not evil.

hannah&ben

Awww... you're not evil mama.

That being said, I wouldn't personally.  But, that's because of our little heart situation.  It's on the list of drugs we are to avoid because of their increased likelihood of interrupting normal heart rhythms.

Truth be told I don't think I would even if it were 'safe' for my kiddos (because it says specifically not to use for this purpose on the bottle.. or at least it used to). 

I'm just not a chance taker.

I'm sorry I'm no help whatsoever.

hannah&ben

Forgot to add that I missed you!  And I hope O feels better really really soon.  Sick little ones are no fun at all... Poor little bug.

h

RoxBride

When you gave it to him before did it make him sleepy?  In a lot of kids, it does the exact opposite.

kittylove

Our Dr recominds it for when a cold is getting in the way of sleep, and on the bottle it says it can be used for a cold so I see nothing wrong with it. I don't think I would give it at night for the first time, but since you have givin it for bug bites that doesn't apply.

And you are not evil! Sleep is important for you and DS, anyone who doesn't understand that must have a good sleeper!

hannah&ben:

Truth be told I don't think I would even if it were 'safe' for my kiddos (because it says specifically not to use for this purpose on the bottle.. or at least it used to). 

I'm just not a chance taker.

I'm sorry I'm no help whatsoever.

hannah&ben

kittylove:

Our Dr recominds it for when a cold is getting in the way of sleep, and on the bottle it says it can be used for a cold so I see nothing wrong with it. I don't think I would give it at night for the first time, but since you have givin it for bug bites that doesn't apply.

And you are not evil! Sleep is important for you and DS, anyone who doesn't understand that must have a good sleeper!

hannah&ben:

Truth be told I don't think I would even if it were 'safe' for my kiddos (because it says specifically not to use for this purpose on the bottle.. or at least it used to). 

I'm just not a chance taker.

I'm sorry I'm no help whatsoever.

I was speaking specifically for inducing sleep/sleepiness.  Which it does specifically say not to do. Not trying to be argumentative.  Just saying.

skoorbnibor

I wouldn't for several reasons. Hannah covered my feelings and also, in some kids, it makes them hyper.

Poor little guy! I hope he feels better soon

dundasgirl

I find Tylenol works wonders if my kids are sick to help them get a better sleep...but that is usually when there is a fever involved.  I have no experience with benadryl.

Poor guy...Hope he feels better soon and you can get some sleep!

dtwmco

kittylove:

Our Dr recominds it for when a cold is getting in the way of sleep, and on the bottle it says it can be used for a cold so I see nothing wrong with it. I don't think I would give it at night for the first time, but since you have givin it for bug bites that doesn't apply.

And you are not evil! Sleep is important for you and DS, anyone who doesn't understand that must have a good sleeper!

Ditto.  Pedi has suggested it when coughing is keeping up either of the girls and they aren't finding much relief from the humidifier.  They (pedi's office) have a special dosing sheet for infants.

I use it very rarely, but every once in a great while their (dry) coughs can get out of hand at night and I feel so bad for their little lungs and the fact that they are unable to sleep.

groovygrl

we've given it to both our kids when they've had prolonged runny noses/coughs & i will say that in DD, it did the wake up thing & she was up at 10 or 11 pm every time, but that DS sleeps awesome with it.  hard to know what will happen though.

manda429

dundasgirl:

I find Tylenol works wonders if my kids are sick to help them get a better sleep...but that is usually when there is a fever involved.  I have no experience with benadryl.

Poor guy...Hope he feels better soon and you can get some sleep!

I will use Motrin in a similar manner, when Jake doesn't feel good and needs to sleep.

I'm surprised your doc didn't prescribe an antibiotic.  While he has a virus, the sinus infection that is keeping him up is most likely bacterial in nature.  My friend just went through this and an antibiotic was the solution.

MayDayGirl

Bright gets benedryl all the time because of his allergies.. he gets 5ml at 20.5 months.  However it never makes him sleepy, it never worked on S either (we tried for a car ride).