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Tips for Giving Medication to your Baby or Toddler
by Dr Maud Meates-Dennis
Occasionally, babies and toddlers need medication. This can be a challenge for some parents. The following tips may help:
- If you blow gently on a babys face, he or she will blink and swallow
- Try using a straw so your toddler can sip up the medicine
- Give an ice block to your toddler before giving the medicine - it will numb the taste buds
- Have something to give your child after the medicine that he or she likes - a reward
- Get your toddler to hold his or her nose - it will reduce the sensation of taste
- If you use a syringe, syringe the medicine onto the inside of the cheek - there arent any bitter taste buds there
- Remember to shake the bottle well before you give the medicine
Of course, when giving medication it is always important to remember safety as well.
- Only give medication to the child its prescribed to
- Never mix medicine with milk in a bottle - your child may not finish the bottle
- Always finish the course of antibiotics - it reduces the emergence of resistant bugs
- Always replace the cap and make sure its tightly screwed on
- Dont refer to medicine as a 'sweet', a 'candy' or a 'lolly' - if you do, your child may try and get some when youre not looking
- Never store medicines in drink or food containers
- Keep medicines out of reach of children - remember toddlers are exploring their world and can climb
- Have the number of your local poisons center handy, so if your child does take some medicine he or she shouldnt, you can phone for advice. Here are a few numbers:
- United States: 1-800-222-1222
- New Zealand: 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766
- Canada: (800) 567-8911
- Australia: 131 126
- United Kingdom: 0870 600 6266 From outside the UK:+44 870 600 6266
Dr Maud, a pediatrician, provides up-to-date health information and practical medical advice for parents of infants and toddlers on her site Baby Medical Questions and Answers
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