Giving medicine to your babies: Do’s & Don’ts

Be whatever the age of your child is, giving her medicine is always a herculean task. In this process, we may use dangerous techniques which may lead to choking, vomiting and thus increased resistance from the child for ingesting medicines. This article would guide you through various techniques. The most suitable one for your child can be followed.

Newborns and infants till 9 months (Those who do not sit)

It is relatively easy to administer medicines to this age group. Generally, medicines are given in the smaller amount in the form of drops.

• Wash the dropper, syringe or the cap thoroughly with warm water before use
• Place the baby propped up either on the pillow or supporting the baby in the arms with head higher than the rest of the body
• Take the measured amount of medicine
• Release the medicine inside of the cheek slowly
• If baby wants to suck on the dropper or syringe, let her be

Better time to give medicines is just before feeds, unless mentioned otherwise by the doctor. When baby is hungry, the chances of retaining medicines are better.

Babies who can sit

Giving medicine in these babies can be a real task as once babies start sitting and crawling, they are like little wanderers, who love to explore things around. The method would be same as mentioned above. Additional tips are as follows.

• Give small amount of medicine at a time. Finish giving medicine in over 5-10 mins.
• Play around with medicines and caps. By this babies would get over their phobia.
• If vomits within half an hour of giving medicine, please repeat the complete dose.
• If refusing medicines irrespectively, mix with small amount of food / juices, unless specified by the doctor to be taken on empty stomach.

Don’ts

• Avoid putting medicine at the back of the throat; this may lead to choking or gagging.
• Avoid restraining the baby and feeding her medicine. This would lead to further resistance.