How to Administer Medicines to Your Baby Without a Big Fight

It is not clear whether it is good management or good luck that makes some children take medicines like lambs and others fight it all the way. But we are all aware that many parents go through real nightmare convincing their two year old toddlers to take a syrup or tablet whenever they are not well.

The following ways could help you reduce the scale of your struggles to administer medicines to your toddler;

For under 6 months babies: Use a sterilized injection syringe

For babies a little too young, you could use a clean eye dropper or a spoon, however,  a sterilized/ unused injection syringe without a needle is handy because it will deliver the medicine fast and without a spill, but you must make a line on the syringe indicating dosages with a nail polish. Crush the tablets between bowls of two spoons and add a little water, then suck the mixture with a syringe before directing it towards the back of her mouth from the side and squirting slowly so that she has time to swallow. This will save you the trouble of having to force open the mouth of a little baby yourself while struggling with the spills at the same time.

 For toddlers :Administer the medicines casually

It is a always a wise policy to administer medicines casually and without talking too much about how good the medicine is for her or how nice it is or anything that places unnecessary emphasis on it. Toddlers are very intelligent although some parents think they are naïve. Once a toddler realizes you are doing some hype about the medicine, and that in fact, you seem to be anxious about the medicine you want to give her, she could easily become uncooperative and a fight will ensue.  In this case don’t  waste time trying to bribe, cajole or threaten her because it seldom has the desired effect.

Tell her firmly that she has to have the medicine and if necessary, you will give her by force. Warn her that if she vomits, she will have to have another dose which will mean double trouble. Of course, it is better not to force a child to do anything, but here you have no choice because it is a matter of her health and well-being.

Hold her by to your lap with the left arm around her, squeeze open her mouth gently, and put the medicine in using your right hand. Some medicines taste dreadful, so using sugar coated alternative of the same medicines could be helpful.

If she vomits her medicine within 45 minutes of taking, give her another dose. All medicines must be given on prescription-ask your doctor whether the medicine is given after or before a meal. This is important because some medicines take before a meal cause stomach upsets. Note that certain antibiotics are not recommended for infant, for example tetracycline given to babies before the age of six could stain permanent teeth yellow or brown so talk to your doctor before you administer it.