5 1/2 M/o Not Looking 'Well'

Updated on June 13, 2010
R.D. asks from Richmond, VA
14 answers

For the past 2 days my son hasn't looked like he's feeling so hot. I can't explain it other than a mother just knows when her baby isn't being their usualy self! His eyes are a little reddish and glassy (NOT like pink eye), and yesterday he slept a lot more than usual. He's teething, but has never had any symptoms like this before. He does not have a fever, nothing else seems to be wrong with him other than his eyes and the fact that he's been a bit lethargic... but nothing major. Overall, you really wouldn't be able to tell that anything is off, but *I* notice it. Any thoughts? Changing weather? Allergies? Teething? Oncoming cold? Thanks ladies!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i have no doubt that if you feel there's something off, there is. but honestly, if you can't diagnose him right there with him, there's no way we can do it long distance and with such elusive symptoms. take him to the doctor.
khairete
S.

More Answers

A.S.

answers from Bellingham on

My daughter was 8 months and started acting like that. It wasn't anything in particular but her mood had changed, her eyes looked different and I couldn't shake it that something was wrong. I held out for 5 days when a fever cropped up, turns out she had a bladder infection that I didn't know about. Due to some dr issues and medicine not working it landed her in the hospital for 10 days. I'm not at all saying your sons is that sick, however I am saying that Mom gut is the best guide. I'll never put mine off again! When I did finally follow it the doctor I spoke to told me that had I not followed my instinct my daughter would have perminant kidney damage today, because I did follow it she's fine!

Good luck and let us know. Just remember that your doctor's job is to check out your kiddo even if he doesn't seem super sick, they get paid to make sure all is right!

3 moms found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

My kids both got that not well look when they were teething. Their skin would look pale and they had a slightly sick look about them. Then it would go away when that bout of teething was done. I hope your little guy feels better soon.

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Yeah, it could be all of the above. With the teething, ear problems can turn up, but an infection will usually be indicated by a fever. A growth spurt can be pretty exhausting, and a big one usually happens around 6 months. If he wants to sleep a little more - let him. It's good for growth and for fighting off any cold which might be oncoming. If he's eating and drinking well, it's a good sign. With no specific symptoms, there's no reason to see a doctor at this point. But you can keep a close eye on him in case anything turns up.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.D.

answers from Albany on

Trust your gut. If you think something is off, take him to the pediatrician and tell him the reasons you are concerned.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Houston on

My son always looked very tired when he had growth spurts because he didn't sleep good. Keep and eye on him and if it gets to where you are nervous then call your doctor. I am a nervous parent and when it would get to me that I didn't feel like I was doing enough my little guy I would call and talk to my doctor.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Dallas on

I dont think anything is wrong with him but it will put your mind at ease if you put a call in to the doctor and see what they think. We know our kids best and know when something just isnt right.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

One thing I've learned is that it's OK to call the pediatrician's office, speak to a nurse, and let them decide if you have a need to bring them in.

2 years ago today, I was diagnosed with cancer - had to trust my instincts that something was wrong when my doctor, a CBC (complete blood count) and ultrasound didn't show any real abnormalities. I'm glad I pressed because I'd be in a much different place if I hadn't.

Always trust your instincts - the worst thing that can happen is that you lose a few dollars in copay and gain peace of mind.

Because I was a few weeks postpartum when my diagnosis came, our pediatrician was well aware of what was going on and has been really good about seeing us for things they'd probably not normally make appointments for. Recently, what appeared to be a pimple on our 2 year-old's back ended up being MRSA (a kind of staph infection). We'd not have done anything about it, but a call to the pediatrician got us an appointment the same day because of how serious it can be.

Good luck. I hope he is OK, but don't second guess your instincts!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

Yes, you definately know. I do the same thing. It could be a little cold or allergies. If it doesn't clear up, I'd take him to the doctor. At least he can put your mind at ease. =)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I agree with the ladies that say trust your gut and take your baby to the doctor. A mom's intuition is a powerful thing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

I try to always follow my gut instinct....I check most of what the other posters mentioned here, but if things don't improve within a couple of days, I bring them in to the doctor....sometimes, to find out that I have caught an illness early which leads to a lesser recovery time and less medication......trust your instinct....that's what it's there for!
~sahmatwork

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from Washington DC on

It could be something as simple as needing more sleep - my DD gets glassy-eyed when she takes too-short naps...his schedule could be changing as he is getting older...but you might want to just take him in to get checked out - better safe than sorry!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Tampa on

I'd take him to the doctor only because every time I've *known* that there's something up with my kid I've been right. Not that the doctor has always been able to *do* something about it - a virus is a virus after all and there's nothing to be done about that but wait it out - but I always like to check in.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.T.

answers from San Diego on

Could be all of the above! :)

If he's eating enough and has enough wet diapers and isn't crying inconsolably, there's not much else you can do.

Sorry, that's not much help I know, but it's sort of the checklist I go through when I think something's up.

He's a baby.....they act goofy sometimes just because they are growing too.

Good luck.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions