How to Give Babies Medicine. Giving medicine to a baby can be tricky, especially if your baby is refusing it. When feeding your baby, you have an easier time determining the right dose. But when it’s medicine, things can get tricky. You need to strike the right balance between making sure your baby gets the required medicine and not overdoing it. This blog will help you get started in giving medicine to your baby and understanding how to measure doses for it.
How Do You Give Medicine to Your Baby?
Preparing medicine for your baby can be an easy and convenient task, but it is important to follow the correct steps for giving medicine to your baby. One of the most common ways of giving medicine to a baby is by drawing up the correct amount of medicine into an oral syringe without a needle. You can let your baby suck the medicine out of the syringe with drool or bib. Another way is to squirt small amounts of medicine into the baby’s mouth and allow them to swallow all the medicine.
Another way is to wrap your baby in a blanket and hold their chin closed while they swallowed the medicine. If your baby resists taking the medicine, you can hold your baby upright and stroke their throat to help them swallow the medicine. Always follow the prescribed dosage guidelines given by your doctor and ensure that you are providing the right amount of medication for your baby.
How Should You Measure the Dose?
- When giving babies medicine, the oral syringe is the most accurate way to measure the dose.
- The syringe should have markings on the side to ensure accurate measurements.
- Pharmacists can provide a free syringe for oral medicine, or you can use a kitchen spoon or serving cup as a guide for correct dosing. Dosing spoons or cups are also available in baby medicine packaging.
- Regular kitchen spoons should not be used as they come in different sizes. Instead, use an oral syringe to accurately measure the dose of medicine for infants and young children.
- Older children and adults should be given the correct dose of medicine regardless of the age of the child’s scleroderma-like condition. The pharmacist can help you determine the correct dose of medicine based on your child’s medical history, age, and medical condition.
What if Your Baby Won’t Take the Medicine?
If your baby won’t take the medicine, check the medicine’s taste with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to get you medicine with a flavor your baby will like. Or you can try using over-the-counter medicine techniques, such as mixing it with a little juice or sweetened water and giving the mixture in a syringe.
This may help your baby to take the medicine more easily and be able to enjoy it. Never force your baby to take medicine, even if he or she seems to need it. Instead, call your doctor if the baby continues to refuse medication for more than 24 hours or becomes sick with a fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you give a baby liquid medicine?
There are a few easy steps to administering liquid medicine to your baby:
1. Hold your baby upright, such as in a high chair or Exersaucer, or propped up on a Boppy and distract them with a toy.
2. Use a syringe or pacifier medicine dispenser to give the medicine.
3. Squirt small amounts of medicine into the side of your baby’s mouth and allow them to swallow before continuing.
4. Give your baby their usual milk or a little water afterward to wash down the medicine.
5. Take the syringe apart and wash it in warm, soapy water and give it a thorough rinse in hot water.
How can I get my child to swallow medicine?
There are a few things you can do to help make getting the medicine down your child’s throat easier.
1. Try wrapping your baby in a blanket to keep his flailing hands from batting the medicine away. This way, the medicine will have a better chance of making it down his throat.
2. Give your baby medicine with a cheerful delivery and act like it’s yummy. By making it look like medicine is something your baby wants and enjoys, it will be more likely for him to take it.
3. Give your baby medicine in half the dose at a time. This will help to spread the medication evenly throughout his stomach and reduce the risk of adverse effects.
4. Try filling a bottle nipple with medicine and having your baby suck it like a pacifier. This way, he will get the medicine directly into his mouth where it will be easier for him to swallow.
5. Use an oral syringe and place the tip into your baby’s mouth and release a small amount of medicine at a time. This way, you can control the dosage and ensure that the medicine gets absorbed by your baby’s system properly.
Can I put my baby’s medicine in her milk?
It is not recommended to put your baby’s medicine in milk, as this may interfere with the medicine’s effects. Instead, you can try using a dropper, swaddle, and a cheery delivery to ensure your baby swallows the medicine. If your baby resists medicine, try holding them in an upright position and squirting medicine into their inner cheek. Always read the medicine’s instructions carefully and check its use-by date before administering. Ensure that medicines are stored in their original packaging, out of sight, and within reach children.
Professionals can help you find the right medicine
There are several medicines that you can use to treat a baby. But the most effective medicine is the one your baby takes. It is best if you consult a doctor or an elder member of your family for further guidance as every baby is different. Pharmacists and healthcare professionals can help you find the right medicine for your baby. It is also important to keep in mind that if your baby shows any signs of an allergic reaction, contact a doctor immediately. You can read more about the dos and don’ts of giving medicine to babies here.