Frustrated - how to tell if it's teething vs something else

GuitaristsGirl

I really feel clueless. EVERYTHING is or may be a sign of teething. Right now, all signs point to DS's first ear infection - but I read that even tugging of ears is or can be a sign of teething, not an ear infection, before age 1 because babies that young cant localize pain. Grr. . . What a long night . (ps sorry no para breaks on iPad)

muppet.fan

For us, teething seems to hit at night, but motrin takes care of it. With each ear infection (she's had three), she had a fever and wasn't herself during the day. And at night, she screamed anytime her head hit the mattress.

But when I'm not sure, I usually shell out the $20 copay and take her in. We've been several times just to find out her ears are clear, but I'd rather be sure.

I hope he feels better soon and you get some sleep.

PeachyKate

I am sorry you guys were up all night. ((Hugs))  I feel totally clueless right now also if it makes you feel any better!  I was up all night like you and while we were steaming in the bathroom I was reading Baby 411 and it said goopy eyes plus congestion usually equals an ear infection.  I felt like such an idiot, if I just read that part sooner I would have had him at urgent care and then maybe he wouldn't have been up all night.

Here's another how do you know question...my MIL was over yesterday and asked me if he has a sore throat also.  It doesn't look red and he is eating with no issue so I am guessing it isn't sore but I don't know for sure.

lnle

wouldn't it be nice if they could just tell us what's wrong?? all 3 of mine are snotty and I'm debating whether to take them in.

mrsolsenk12

I thought Hayden was teething forever before he finally started. Our pedi told us not to rely on ear pulling as a sign of an infection. Hayden hasn't had an infection yet but has pulled on his ears a lot. I wish I had more answers. He is just now getting to the age that he will say "Ow" and put his hand on what hurts which makes it a little easier to understand.

ESTH2000

muppet.fan:

For us, teething seems to hit at night, but motrin takes care of it. With each ear infection (she's had three), she had a fever and wasn't herself during the day. And at night, she screamed anytime her head hit the mattress.

But when I'm not sure, I usually shell out the $20 copay and take her in. We've been several times just to find out her ears are clear, but I'd rather be sure.

I hope he feels better soon and you get some sleep.

ditto this..and see post above...hope its nothing..hugs!

tapgirl

I feel for you!  We had a rough teething weekend, too.  DS hasn't had an ear infection yet, but I did take him in once when I wasn't sure - turns out it was teething - but it put my mind at ease.  I hope sleep returns to both of our houses soon!