It may be difficult to give medicine to your child. Some liquid medicines have an unpleasant taste or odor. Or they may have a strange structure. When a child is not feeling well, he may show more anger or stubbornness than usual. But there are steps you can take to avoid power struggles, give your child a sense of control and make medication a little easier on everyone.
Be creative. You will need a syringe or a clean plastic cup to measure the correct dose, but this does not mean that the child should be removed from place. Sometimes they prefer to have it from a cup of tea, a spoon, or their favorite small cup. You may also want to have your child play with his favorite toy or stuffed animal.
Mixing it with chocolate syrup, pancake syrup, pudding, applesauce or yogurt can help mask the taste of the medicine. Some medicines cannot be taken with certain foods, so ask your pharmacist or pediatrician if there are any restrictions on some medicines.
Before you get a prescription for your child from the pharmacy, make sure the pharmacist can add flavorings such as cherry, grape or watermelon to the medication. This is known as compounding pharmacy. If possible, let the child choose his favorite flavor. This also contributes to the control problem.
When your child learns to swallow the tablet, it may be helpful to place the tablet on the back of the tongue and give your child water right away. Some children find it helpful to use a pacifier, so they focus on swallowing rather than taking medication.
Ask your pharmacist what to do if your child vomits less than an hour after taking this medicine. If you vomit for an hour or more after taking the medicine, you will not need to take another dose to make up for the missed dose. If your child has trouble swallowing a pill, ask your pharmacist if the medication is available in liquid form, or if the pill can be crushed or opened and mixed with a small amount of food. Do not crush or open pills without first talking to your pharmacist.
Think about your child’s ability to swallow right away to prevent choking. Sometimes it is necessary to divide the dose into smaller portions. For infants and young children, always keep the medicine on the cheek and not behind the throat to prevent choking. Allow the child to swallow before spraying more. Always place it in an upright or seated position to prevent suffocation.
Put the medicine in your mouth and it will take it right away or after a few minutes. If this happens, talk to your child’s doctor before giving or repeating the dose. Some medicines can be used multiple times without side effects, but some others can be harmful if your child takes too much.
When it’s time for a dose of medication, keep these tips in mind to make the experience easier and less stressful for you and your baby.