Only 1 Wet Diaper

Updated on April 23, 2008
C.D. asks from Maysville, KY
23 answers

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?

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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

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.

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

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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K.C.

answers from Columbus on

First,I would question why she is on an antibiotic for a Viral infection first of all. Antibiotics are to treat bacterial infections.

Secondly, I really wouldn't worry if you see her eating normally. Did the daycare notice any change in her appetite? Could it be possible that the daycare staff forgot to write a diaper change on her daily report? Wait until tomorrow. Don't worry.

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I agree with the other moms, your daughter should not be on any antibiotics for a viral infection. It sounds like your dr. prescribed a medicine for no reason. It's actually good for kids to get colds. It helps to build their immune system.
A few other signs of dehydration are; sticky inside of cheek, dry mouth, and crying and no tears.
Try some Pedialyte or just plain old water in her bottle. Daycare can give her water while she's there. You need to make sure she's hydrated. It's ok to give her water in her bottle. If it were me, I'd take her off the medicine immedately and call the dr and have them clarify why your infant is on medicine for a cold. It just doesn't make any sense.

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C.B.

answers from Lafayette on

your kids doc is a quack! take that baby to the ER! it's 4 diapers in a 24 hour period, not 2. you can run your fingers along the top side of the baby's soft spot, if it's indented the slightlest it means dehydration. i wouldn't take any chances when it comes to my kids.

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L.G.

answers from Indianapolis on

The problem will be dehydration, also check your child's eyes and mouth for the usual wetness. Dehyrdation can set in quickly and if needed your baby can be given IV's to help!

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A.H.

answers from Toledo on

I'm not a doctor, but a viral infection can not be "fixed" with an antibiotic...........and I wouldn't suggest any meds for a baby so young unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, head colds have to run their course, and usually make us moms miserable, too!
And yes, I have had the "not enough wet diapers" concern. Give it another day and see if it improves. If there have been wet diapers in the 24 hour period it is probably ok. If your baby is taking all the bottles that are needed per day and getting adequate hydration it should work it self out real soon. good luck!

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M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

The amoxicillin won't work if she has a virus. Anti biotics only work for a bacterial infection. I wouldn't give it to her anymore. Is she making tears when she cries, or is her mouth wet and drooly? I wouldn't worry until the next morning, if her diapers weren't wet all night long. It sounds like she's getting enough to drink. My kids, for whatever reason, made more snot that pee when they were sick (gross, I know), but maybe increase the amount of milk in her bottles by an ounce or two if she'll drink it. Try not to stress too much.

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M.L.

answers from Columbus on

My mother is a pediatric nurse and I had a similar issue recently with my 16 month old. If your daughter is taking in fluid & has 2 wet diapers it is probably OK because (as my mom explained it) when a child has a lot of congestion and a very runny nose they tend to lose most of their fluids that way rather than urinating. But I would call the doc if she isn't wet at all again OR she stops taking fluid. Hope that helps.

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M.W.

answers from Cleveland on

I wouldn't worry about it too much. If she has a fever and/or is mouth breathing because of the cold, they lose moisture that way. This is not to say she is dehydrated, just that it is normal to have less wet diapers with cold/illness. Sometimes they even eat less, causing less wet diapers. My 17month old is just getting over a cold. The day he had a fever he only had one wet diaper. Just be sure to watch for a dry mouth/tongue, this would be an indicator of dehydration, along with the dry diapers. All of this info I have received from my pediatrician, NNP friends and I am also a nurse, just so you know it's legit! Good luck!

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J.S.

answers from Columbus on

my six month old has had some days lately where she only wets once or twice, too. but she is eating and acting normally, so i haven't been concerned. a seriously dehydrated baby will look and act really sick. you are right to be concerned and watch it, but as long as she is drinking and acting normally, there is no big danger at this point.

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R.T.

answers from Cincinnati on

C.,
Count those diapers, esp. when she's sick. Why ATB for viral cold?? Just try to give her plenty of fluids-mommymilk, juice, water. Keeping her hydrated will help. If you don't see an improvement, get her to the doctor.
Good Luck-Stay calm,
R.

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J.E.

answers from Cleveland on

Also make sure you're drinking plenty of water. If you're dehydrated, she's dehydrated. Best of luck!

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A.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Not having a wet diaper is a sign of dehydration. She may just need fluids! I would not freak out about this especially if she has been sick. But i would definately let your doctor know if she is not having a wet diaper by the morning!

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S.E.

answers from Indianapolis on

You should ask your doctor why he is giving her an antibiotic for a viral infection. From my understanding, antibiotics should only be given for bacterial infections. There is even a poster up at my doctors that says no antibiotics are given for colds. I don't know that that has anything to do with her not wetting but 4 months seems awfully young to be given antibiotics to without a serious reason. Does she have a high fever? Maybe increase fluids.

Good luck

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A.N.

answers from Cleveland on

when my 3 month old got his viral infection which he just ecently got over.he wasnt wetting as he normally does either so my doctor told me to make sure he is eating 8-12 times a day which is the normal rate but try to offer less breastmilk (i pump too for my son) more often like 2 ounces every hour. but your daughter should definately have at least 2 wet diapers in 24 hrs. the norm is 6-8 in 24hs but as long as there is two she should be fine.

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B.T.

answers from Cleveland on

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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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

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.

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P.M.

answers from Cleveland on

While I have never experence this, I would be concerned. It sounds like the day-care center is concerned also. Try calling Akron Childrens hospital, they have a health question line 1-800-358-5437. It is run by nurses and they can also answer your question.

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G.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

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.

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H.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

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.

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V.C.

answers from Cleveland on

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.

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D.S.

answers from Toledo on

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.

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