I don't think it's dehydration. What do you think?

My 8 month-old Ds has suddenly become real sleepy. Until 2-3 days ago, he used to sleep pretty well at night, usually waking up once for a quick 5- minute feeding. Then he'd take a pretty long nap in the morning and a short one in the afternoon. That was all the sleep he got. 2-3 days ago through today, suddenly, as soon as he woke up from his morning nap, I nurse him and he falls right back asleep. It happens a few times. He's tired as soon as he wakes up, even from a long nap. But, in the afternoon when he's awake, he's not lethargic at all.

When he wakes up, he used to kvetch a drop unless I left him in for 2 minutes, then he'd start crying. Now, he wakes up SCREAMING!

He's also much much kvetchier than usual.

Also, he used to love solids. Now he eats only 2 little spoonfuls and refuses any more, but he LOVES nursing, and he can do that all day long if I'd let him.

He is having wet diapers, and no diarrhea, though he did spit up a drop 2-3 days ago, when this all started. (he NEVER spits up). That's why I don't think it's dehydration, though it sounds like it may be because he's
so tired.

Know what it can be? Some things just sound like he's changing, and nothing to worry about, but all this started together, and that's what's worrying me... Tia
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Maybe he's teething? (Would explain the waking up screaming.)

Maybe he's having a growth spurt or about to conquer some new developmental milestone? (Would explain sleeping more than usual - and if teething is waking him up, he could be still tired/fussy when he wakes up from a nap.)

Diamond Member Joined: Jun 29 2011 Posts: 3153

Maybe it's teething, sure. But these are three behavior changes: the spitup, the screaming wakeup, the refusing solid food. It wouldn't hurt to ask the doctor about them, so yes, ask.

I see what you're saying. It's been SO hot lately... is it hot inside your home? I know you think it's not dehydration, but it could be he needs much more fluid than you realize in this heat, or the heat itself is making him tired even if it's not a matter of dehydration. I do think you should talk to your doctor, but also make sure you're keeping your baby cool & hydrated - maybe more than you thought was necessary?

I'm keeping my house at 69 degrees now. It's nice and cool. I hardly took him out over these last few days, and I'm giving him to drink plenty. He's not great with bottles though, so it could take him all day to finish 6 oz of apple juice...
But as I'm talking about him sleeping nonstop, my little cutie has been up all night! Now I'm hoping he'll sleep all morning, so I could!!
But I think I will bring him to the dr. Thanks!!

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 20 2005 Posts: 5321

Hey my 8 month old is doing the same thing. I did not even want to think it may be a problem because I am so grateful to have extra time while he sleeps!

He is a full time nurser and he just got two teeth at the end of last week. My hubby said that is why is sleeping more so is probably it.
I do not think it will last so I am enjoying now. I think your baby is probably teething and is fine heat wise.

Diamond Member Joined: Jun 29 2011 Posts: 3153

Apple juice all day - that sugar right in the mouth for such a long time is not good for those teeth. Water would be better. But you know best.

Posted: Mon, Jul 25 2011, 12:45 pm Post subject:

I just came back from the dr. hes been up SCREAMING the whole night. (he just fell asleep, I should probably sleep now while he is...)
he has an ear infection. the dr said the rash on his face is probably just a heat rash.\so thats his problem. im glad in a way that now I can do something to make him feel better-give him antibiotics.
thanks all!

Refuah sheleimah! It's a relief to know what's going on, isn't it? Hope everyone sleeps well soon.