Differentiating between a sick baby or a teething baby

[element2012]

I keep going back and forth here, one minute I am convinced DD is just teething, then I'm convinced she has a cold.  How can you tell??

Also, she has choked on mucus/saliva a few times today leading to vomiting, should I give her some Pedialyte?  I feel like she's a newborn and I'm a clueless new mom all over again!

[skycheattraffic]

The giveaway for us was: drool and clear mucus plus gnawing means teething. Sneezing green mucus is a cold.

I would just offer to nurse a lot. BM will keep her well hydrated if she is nursing well. Unless the situation turns more severe, I wouldn't bother with pedialyte.

[element2012]

Ok, the nose gook is clear, and she's happiest chewing, with a river of drool running out of her mouth, so I keep leaning back towards teething.  But when I feel her gums I don't feel anything...?? Does this mean we still have a ways to go? Please no... lol.

Edited by element2012 - 8/13/12 at 2:04pm

[katelove]

I wouldn't worry too much about differentiating. It doesn't really matter whether it's teething or a cold, you're still going to do the same things. You don't mention how old your LO is but a couple of vomits don't usually warrant adding anything to a breastfed baby's diet. As the PP said, just offer the breast a lot.

[Heather Lyn]

Have same issue with my son. When he has green mucus, feels warm and/or pulls on his ears in the middle of the night, he's sick and I take him for a check up. When he has a clear drippy nose and drools, it's either teething, allergies or a very minor common cold - but I still use the nasal aspirator to keep his ears clear and prevent an ear infection. It's hard to tell sometimes!

[skycheattraffic]

Hate to tell you but teething can go on weeks, even months without much change in baby's mouth. And sometimes a tooth that broke through recedes a bit then comes out more, etc. It's often a long, drawn out process. Hang in there and unless baby becomes too tired to nurse well, try not to worry too much.