NBR: STM help w/ sick toddler

katstirdivant · January 2014

My DD has a fever, cough and runny nose. She absolutely REFUSES any meds (cough or Tylenol) and when we just forced her to take Tylenol she threw it all up. She is 2.5 and over 30lbs.
Any tips or other recommendations? I am at a loss and scared the fever might get worse. She was up until 4am last night and had no nap today. She is just restless and I don't know how to help her.

jknigh8 · January 2014

Rubbing Vicks on her feet will stop coughing, put socks on so it doesn't get everywhere. You can do rectal Tylenol as well, not sure that would go over well though. Try to keep her as hydrated as possible

LexGator · January 2014

Humidifier or even just sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower on can help break up some of the congestion. Or a neti pot.

Can you mix the medicine in a sippy with some juice or her favorite drink to mask it? I've haven't given DD (same age) cough medicine yet, but I give her acetaminophen to help with a fever, and it does seem to make her sleep better, so it's definitely worth trying to get down if you can.

Poor thing -- hang in there.

bensmommy518 · January 2014

try giving the tylenol a bit at a time instead of all 5mls at once. Driving in the car sometimes help put DS to sleep when he cant otherwise. Also just holding him gives him some comfort. Usually when he is sick DH and I alternate holding him all night otherwise he doesnt sleep. If the cough is bad and you can get her to take it hylands makes a cold and cough med safe for under 4yo that you can combine with tylenol.

It really sucks when they are sick so here's hoping she gets some rest tonight (and you do too)and feels better soon.

If you starttoget worried about dehydration, I have used the medicine dropper to give water or pedialyte 1ml at a time

aessary03 · January 2014

You don't always necessarily have to treat a fever with a fever reducing medication. Running a fever is the body's natural defense of fighting off an infection. As long as you're keeping an eye on your daughter and watching for signs that she's getting lethargic, acting really funny, or it spikes to a scary high degree, she should be fine. Have you tried mixing it with a teaspoon of milk or something she likes to drink?

salsamommy · January 2014

DS does the same with Tylenol. So for a fever I put 2 drops of oregano oil on the bottom of the feet then some warm socks, right before bed. It works really well for him. Then the Vicks on the bottom of the feet once the fever is broken!

susieandmarty · January 2014

You can mix it in milk or juice

Dd has been on antibiotics for a week now - Dh holds her and u use the syringe. Having us both do it helps her

JuliaH21 · January 2014

Is she throwing up other things too? With DD, mixing pedialyte with gingerale helps keep her hydrated with something she is willing to drink and settles her tummy. I've also used gripe water to help settle her tummy, but DD likes medicine so a medicine dispenser is no problem with her.

I think as long as her fever isn't too high, hydration is the most important thing, it'll also keep any mucus thin and easier to get rid of.

Jackapatamus · January 2014

Can you get her to eat an icee or Popsicle? As pp said, watch the fever, and keep her hydrated. We use the white (white grape flavor I believe) of Advil- my ds won't take anything colored. We've also mixed it with milk or juice. My pediatrician told us no cold medicine under the age of 4, unless given to us by her. Hope she feels better!

katstirdivant · January 2014

Thanks all. She is taking a cool bath now (and thoroughly enjoying herself) which is good. Hoping this relaxes her enough to rest after. Temp in ear coming out around 101.8. Just praying for rest since I know that's one if the best things for her.
Also a little stressful since hubby returns to work and 13 hour days tomorrow. At least it's a short week...

joshsmandy · January 2014

I have had to use cool compresses with my son in the past and mix Tylenol in his juices when he was younger

WinsyWade · January 2014

I agree with aessary. As long as she is staying hydrated (we use coconut water) and the fever is not spiking (and she isn't prone to fever induced seisures) then you really don't need the meds.

I personally don't get worried about a temp until it is over 103 and night time (since I can't keep as close of an eye on my kids then). It's the body's way of killing the virus on its own. I read a study (last year?) that showed letting a fever ride out can boost your immune system too

Good luck! I hope the fever is gone quickly!

ababymaybe · January 2014

Have you tried Motrin? I find it more effective and longer lasting anyway. And maybe for some reason the taste would be more palatable to her.

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