antibiotics for babies?

Question

My 6 month old baby has an ear infection and cold. The doc has pescribed antibiotics for her. I'm really in 2 minds as to whether to give them to her. What are your opinions on antibiotics for babies?

Of course I will do whats best for my baby, regardless of what anyone says. I just wanted opinions

Answer 1

if your doc says he needs them are you really going to listen to people on here if they tell you not to?

They won't do him any harm

Answer 2

ear infections can be very painful. I'm not much into medicating my daughter for everything, and would not use one for a cold. but the ear thing... it's worth giving.

most pediatricians these days are not as quick to hand out antibiotics like they did 20-30 years ago... they know now that many things are better to let it run it's course and allow the body to fight it.

we don't use tylenol for a fever unless it goes above 101-102ish... I'd prefer for my daughter's body to become stronger by allowing it to fight off whatever it is that's making her sick. my pediatrician, my own personal physician, and a few other doctors have agreed that it's a good idea... that letting her take warmish baths and drink lots of fluids are the best first line of defense when it comes to illnesses with fevers... even when there is an infection.

But again, ear infections hurt... so the one time my daughter had one, I went right to the pharmacy to fill the antibiotic. That was the first time she ever had one, the 2nd time was a year later when she had a bladder infection... again very painful. In her 4 years, those are the only 2 we've had.

Answer 3

I understand about the antibiotic concerns you have, I am the same. I don't give them to my children unless it is absolutely necessary, my three children have only ever had antibiotics a handful of times during their lives, however an ear infection would be a necessity in my book. Ear infections are horrible for babies and children and need to be cleared up asap. Some doctors dish out antibiotics like sweeties and some parents want them for the slightest snuffle. It is not a good idea unless the child has a nasty infection and in those cases antibiotics are brilliant and do their job well. So my advice would be give them to your baby on this occasion.

Answer 4

You won't be able to cure her ear infection without giving her these antibiotics. They are perfectly safe. My daughter had an ear infection when she was 3 months and was put on a course of Amoxocillan and she was fine. An ear infection is really painful and it will affect her eating as it hurts when she swallows. You should really give her the antibiotics to take away the infection before it spreads. Obviously it is your choice but if there was an alternative to antibiotics your doctor would of prescribed it... Good luck and I hope she feels better soon X

Answer 5

Ear infections can be really painful for babies as they spend so much time lying down. It's all to do with the fluid in their ears and there is a medical explanation for it - but that's outside my scope i'm afraid.

I'd go with the antibiotics. Personally I'm all for children fighting off infections on their own, but my daughter had an ear infection at that age and the antibiotics really helped. I also found putting a blanket under her mattress so she was at a slight angle helped her too.

Answer 6

Left untreated, ear infections can lead to damage. By all means give the little one the antibiotics.

My daughter was born with a cleft lip/palate, has a huge history of ear infections and sinus infections because of it. Antibiotics are a necessity in these cases. For a simple cold, obviously, antibiotics are not prescribed.

As for natural remedies and such... no. Ear infections will cause serious damage, if left untreated, as I stated earlier. I am left partially deaf in my left ear due to an treated ear infection as a child.
When a child has an ear infection, the best course is antibiotics.

Answer 7

i think it is better to have a happy baby than one that is crying in pain because of a nasty ear infection.
The antibiotics will help eradicate the infection i know you are worried because you think maybe she is too young but you give calpol from 3 months upwards when they are not feeling well. antibiotics if they have an infection don't worry and look forward to have a smiling baby again.

Answer 8

Antibiotics are sooo over prescribed for ear infections- it generally ends up causing repeat infections and issues as time progresses.

Obviously there are time when they are really needed, you dont want to cause harm to the ear- but you dont want to wipe out her immune system in the beginning of flu season either. It just causes problems.

I would talk to your doctor about the concern you have, ask him if there is any other treatment that can be tried first. And then go get a second opinion, tell them about your concerns, and ask them if they know of anything else to try.

Its not worth it to be sick all the time at such a young age- it can cause bigger issues down the road.

Answer 9

It's better that u follow what the doctor prescribed for you to give to your baby. Normally infection, it's better to take antibiotic to prevent the infection from getting worse.

Answer 10

My son has the same thing right now...

My opinion is that I am not a doctor so I will follow the doctor's advice. So far she has not led me wrong.

His antibiotics are bubble gum flavored. He thinks it's a little treat! It's so cute.

We also have to remember to finish it all even if he looks better to prevent re-infection.

And if you even don't trust the doctor, get a second opinion.

Answer 11

If you don't give them to her, it is likely that her infection will get worse possibly causing intense pain, ruptured ear drums, permanent hearing loss, and a much more expensive trip to the hospital where she will get antibiotics anyways.