C.D. asks from Maysville, KY on April 15, 2008
Only 1 Wet Diaper
My daycare just called and said that my 4 month old hasn't had a wet diaper all day. She had a bowel movement this morning & has eaten normal. I pump for her and she usually takes 4 5oz bottles a day. Her diaper at 5:30 am was wet but not as wet as usual. She started amoxicillin (sp)last night for a viral infection for what the dr. said was a head cold. I called the doc and the nurse said as long as she has 2 wet diapers in a 24 hr period she is ok. So if by 5:30 am tomorrow if she hasn't had another we diaper, there may be problems? Does anyone ever experienced anything like this? Any advice?
So What Happened?™
Thank you for all your great advice and quick responses. She had two wet diapers last night and a full diaper this morning. She continued to blow bubbles and had tears. I apologize I left out that she had an ear infection as well as the virus.
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J.B. answers from Lafayette on April 16, 2008
My son had that problem when he was sick. He was dehydrated. I could tell by his head being sunken in. Try and get as many fluids in him as possible. It takes more when they have a cold.
M.R. answers from Columbus on April 16, 2008
C.,
I agree with the last post, antibiotics are only perscribed for bactieral infections, and I have never heard of a pediatrician doing so for a "head cold". Unless you have a history of missunderstanding what the doctor says, I would suggest that you get a second opinion from another pediatrician and consider finding a new one who does not prescribe antibiotics "just in case" because that is bad medicine and you want anti biotics to work when she REALLY needs them!
Be on the look out for dehydration, sunken eyes, a depression in the soft spot in her head, crying without tears and dry ashy skin.
M.
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D.S. answers from Toledo on April 16, 2008
I have the same experience everytime either of my kids are on an antibiotic. The first day or so they go less often and then it returns to normal but their urine always smells a bit odd. As long as her appetite is normal and she continues to drink I would not worry.
V.C. answers from Cleveland on April 16, 2008
If she doesn't wet by then, give the doc another call. If she has a viral infection,why an antibiotic? A virus does not respond to that, at least that is what I was taught in Nursing.
V.
M.R. answers from Columbus on April 16, 2008
C.,
I agree with the last post, antibiotics are only perscribed for bactieral infections, and I have never heard of a pediatrician doing so for a "head cold". Unless you have a history of missunderstanding what the doctor says, I would suggest that you get a second opinion from another pediatrician and consider finding a new one who does not prescribe antibiotics "just in case" because that is bad medicine and you want anti biotics to work when she REALLY needs them!
Be on the look out for dehydration, sunken eyes, a depression in the soft spot in her head, crying without tears and dry ashy skin.
M.
H.M. answers from Cincinnati on April 16, 2008
First of all I think I would get a second opinion if your Dr prescribed an antibiotic for a viral infection. Otherwise I wouldn't panic just yet. Keep in mind how incredibly absorbant diapers are - maybe put a tissue in her diaper to help you tell whether or not she's wetting. Maybe try increasing her fluids if you're really concerned. Follow your gut on this - if you see other signs of dehydration, like a sunken in soft spot, get her to the dr. Having a cold usually means you need more fluids so I would try an extra feeding while she's fighting this thing off.
G.D. answers from Indianapolis on April 16, 2008
I wouldn't even let it go that long. From what I have read and experienced, an infant should have a wet diaper for at least every bottle they have. I would be concerned about dehydration and would contact my pediatrician immediately, and if you don't feel reassured by your pediatrician, take your child to the ER.
P.M. answers from Cleveland on April 16, 2008
D.I. answers from South Bend on April 16, 2008
For starters antibiotics are used for bacterial infections and not viral infections. I would question the doctor about that one right off the back. Also, keep an eye on the diapers and see if she has another one before tomorrow morning. Sometimes antibiotics can do things that can mess with your system. Try pushing other fluids as well. Get her some pedialyte and give her one to two ounces at a time to hydrate her. Just keep a close eye on her.
D.
I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 wonderful boys ages 10,7 and 4.
B.T. answers from Cleveland on April 16, 2008
Sorry, this isn't really related to the wet diapers but I would be questioning if your baby really needs amoxicillin for a virus/head cold? A head cold needs to run it's course and viruses tend not to respond to antibiotics.
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